DJing Discussion

Forum
 DJing Discussion
Why the Vestax VCI 380 is still the best compact controller in 2024
This area is for discussion about DJing in general. Please remember the community rules when posting and try to be polite and inclusive.

Why the Vestax VCI 380 is still the best compact controller in 2024

Djkom 2:31 AM - 5 January, 2024
The dj market is soo poorly distributed nowadays that there is no serious mid/high end compact controller that beats the Vestax VCI 380 even more than 10 years after it was released !

Seriously this controller has still:
- the best compact size
- the best jowheel feeling and look !
- the best ins/outs count
- the best standalond mixer capabilities
- the best upgradable crossfader section

It was and it is still so fun to mix with ! I love scratching on it, I love the layout (pads on top and jogwheel below).

With a few updates, an MK2 could have such a best seller !
- Builtin innofader
- FX paddles
- Better broswe section
- Dedicated filter knob
- Dedicated Stems knob instead of the Pad Fx knob (on top)
- Usb powered + power supply modes

The only challenger is the Mixars Primo but I don't like the jogwheels and there are too much firmware issues.

I'm fed up of 2ch toys on one side and big ass 4ch controller on the other.
So anyone from the industry who is reading this forum, please make a serious successor for theVCi 380 🙏🏾
dj lashes 9:30 PM - 7 January, 2024
fully agree with you the VCI-380 is great, shame Vestax went bust...
DJ LIL M 7:54 PM - 10 January, 2024
still got my vci380 stored. only thing wrong with mines is the wires to the crossfader is snapped
Chino 8:52 PM - 10 January, 2024
The Roland DJ707M is a nice compact controller too.
Dj cuervo 8:25 PM - 15 January, 2024
Vci 380 still the best. It is the grandaddy of them all
mrdj5150 4:27 PM - 31 January, 2024
DJ Kom you are spot on! I think we might see more products in this space in the future. That recent drop by AlhpaTheta might get other companies thinking about making more serious compact controllers
DJ G-Rebel 12:18 PM - 20 February, 2024
I loved my 380 but recently swapped it with the Pioneer DDJ SB3, because it's a lot lighter and compatible with both, Serato DJ Pro and Algoriddim Djay Pro.
I changed the stock crossfader with an innofader mini plus.
After drilling a few holes and soldering cables my new hacked SB3 Controller is a beast now!
Dason.R 1:13 AM - 27 February, 2024
I still play out with my VCI 300 MK2. PPL are like what's that. I smile and press play. All the rest is history.
Micahroando 6:01 AM - 24 September, 2024
I still haven’t found a compact controller that compares. The jogwheel feel, the standalone mixer capabilities, and the overall layout (pads on top, jogwheels below) just make it such a perfect fit for me. I’ve been hoping for a successor, but nothing in the market seems to come close, and now I'm stuck between either underpowered 2-channel controllers or bulky 4-channel ones that don’t suit my style.

Thoughts?
Micahroando 5:00 AM - 30 September, 2024
The Vestax VCI-380 still stands out as the best compact controller in 2024 thanks to its durable build, responsive performance pads, and Serato DJ integration. Its touch-sensitive jog wheels, onboard sound card on stylo.pk, and precise effects control offer a level of versatility and reliability that newer models often struggle to match.