Vestax VCM-100 USB Midi Audio Controller Review

For the most part, I only found a few issues that need to be addressed. The first, probably the most important, is an issue under Mac OS X with the Maya44 Control Panel software included with the VCM-100. After initial installation and set-up of the VCM-100, there appears to be a problem instantiating saved preference settings when powering up the VCM-100. Even though the graphical interface window shows the saved preference settings, the actual audio levels reset to the default settings. I hate to use the 'B' word, but can someone please call pest control. The work around for this bug is to click the level faders using your mouse pointer and dragging them a bit. Being that I'm on Mac, I was unable to verify the bug on a PC. Nevertheless, I have reported it to Vestax's Tech Support department and hopefully in the near future this issue will be corrected.

The second issue I encountered involved the 4-way scroll button located in the center section. On several occasions when scrolling through my play list a slight shift to the left or right caused the highlighted track to load into the deck. Obviously this is an issue if there is already a track playing. Fortunately, under Traktor's LE Deck Preference pane there is an option to prevent loading while playing. I highly recommend this option when using the VCM-100.

The third and final concern I had is not necessarily an issue with the VCM-100, but with the included copy of Traktor LE. Remember when I stated earlier that the controls on the VCM-100 could be re-assigned via any MIDI compatible software application with MIDI output capability? Well, it turns out that Traktor LE does not support MIDI out. There is not a work around; so if you need this type of functionality you'll have to upgrade to Traktor 3.

Conclusion

Encased in an ultra-compact housing, the VCM-100 is a sturdy and stable device. The front panel layout is well thought-out and symmetrically balanced. The controls are mechanically sound and responsive. Overall, the VCM-100 appears to be a well-manufactured product. In fact, it's apparent that a lot of thought and time went into the design of the VCM-100.

If you are in the market for an entry-level all-in-one USB Midi/Audio system that's portable and reliable, than the VCM-100 from Vestax is a great solution.

What is it: an all-in-one USB MIDI/Audio system.

Who is it for: for the laptop-based DJ.

How long does it take to setup: about 10 minutes.

What is required for its use: a PC or Mac.

Difficulty level: 3/5 (1 is easy, 5 is difficult)

Are there any limitations of the included software: Traktor LE is a limited version of Traktor 3 and supports only 2 independent decks and 4 beat loops at a time and is not MIDI out compatible, so re-assigning MIDI control IDs is not supported.