A member of the Dj TechTools community has reverse engineered the VCI-100 firmware to produce a brand new 1.4 version that adds a number of new features and bug fixes including high resolution jog wheels and pitch faders. Just when you thought the VCI-100 might finally be on its way out- boom! Dj TechTools comes back with something cooler. Continue reading for a full list of improvements, and a video demonstrating a easter egg in 1.4- Disco mode!
THE SCOOP
- There is now a high resolution version 1.4 VCI-100 firmware available for free here.
- In order to update a VCI-100 firmware you must have a special chip sold in the store.
- There is a new cross compatible TSI file (1.2/1.3/1.4) available in the forum
WHAT DID WE FIX?
- Hi-Resolution Jog Wheels (4X resolution means way better scratching)
- Hi Resolution Pitch Faders (4X resolution means you can now beatmatch to a fine precision)
- The outer jog wheel area is now disabled in CD JOG mode. This means that vibrations in clubs will no longer turn SYNC off!
- LED outputs now let us light up the Play buttons
- Fixed the SYNC button toggle issue
- Filter knobs send both regular 0-127 CC message only (unlike 1.3 firmware)
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VCI-100
January 2007 ( V 1.1 )
The Vestax VCI-100 was first released. It marked the first truly serious dj controller on the market and paved the way for broader acceptance of controllers in djing. The Controller ships with firmware version 1.1.
March 2007 (V 1.2)
In my original Remix magazine review of the VCi-100, I pointed out some deficiencies with the unit including a scratching issue and at the same time SkratchWorx posted the video above demonstrating the jog wheel lag problem. Vestax responds by releasing firmware version 1.2 which fixed the “jog wheel ramp up issue”.
SEPTEMBER 2007
I created a arcade hack of my review unit (gasp!) to improve the button performance of the VCi-100. As a result of this video and my review of the unit I was not asked to pay for the controller (thank god) but instead got invited to meet with the president of Vestax in LA. During that meeting I demonstrated my “re-design” of the VCI and Toshi proposed a special Ean Golden version be released to the public.
Its important to note that the video above and the VCi-100 were largely the catalysts which formed the community that is Dj TechTools today.
FIRMWARE VERSION 1.3 (SE)
After many months of development and urging, I convinced Vestax to create a new firmware version 1.3 that enabled all of the performance features I envisioned for the controller. This firmware was the basis for 100 VCI-100 special edition controllers that sold out in just a few hours. The new firmware was equipped with:
- Bug fixes for some button issues
- super faders on the line faders
- double CC’s on each low EQ knob (for double filters which NI would later adopt)
- direct note values for selecting FX (before Traktor would support this)
- super knobs in the FX section
TODAY (1.4 HD!)
We tried in vain for the past year to get Vestax to produce a new 1.4 firmware and everyone basically assumed it was never going to happen until last month when we got a random email from Dj TechTool’s forum member DaveX saying:
“ummm.. no big deal but I just reverse engineered the VCI-100 firmware and added high resolution to support to the jog wheels and pitch faders”
Our response: “Holy shit! Can you fix a few other things too?” Lucky for everyone- he gladly said yes. For the past 2 months, the team at Dj TechTools has been working with Dave to fine tune the firmware and make it the ultimate touch up to every VCI-100. There is no question, this is the ultimate firmware and will possibly keep VCI-100’s around for years to come. All new VCI-100’s sold in our web store will come equipped with firmware version 1.4!
Big ups to DaveX for working very hard with our staff to produce the ultimate VCi-100 update- everyone cant thank you enough.
Ean, How do I gain access to firmware 1.4? the page seems to be down.
hi i was wondering if there was any way to incorporate numark total control with serato dj
hi! is that I can use the 1.4 firmware with traktor scratch duo 1.2.7???
thank you in advance
Hi, i got the 1.4 firmware. I have this mapping
Traktor Pro 2. I can do almost everything except the sampling. Is it necesary to activate something on the traktor? What am i doing bad? Thanks in advance
Hi guys, i´ve been looking around in quite a few sites including this one and haven´t figured out what is the firmware that comes with the VCI 100 Black Edition from Vestax. Is it 1.2 or 1.3?
I´m about to buy a VCI 100 and not sure if it is worth buying the Black Edition instead of the Silver because of this doubt.
The Silver is 25€ cheaper but if the Black Edition comes with the 1.3 firmware i won´t have to upgrade it so ends up being worth it.
Hi guys, i´ve been looking around in quite a few sites including this one and haven´t figured out what is the firmware that comes with the VCI 100 Black Edition from Vestax. Is it 1.2 or 1.3?
I´m about to buy a VCI 100 and not sure if it is worth buying the Black Edition instead of the Silver because of this doubt.
The Silver is 25€ cheaper but if the Black Edition comes with the 1.3 firmware i won´t have to upgrade it so ends up being worth it.
Sweet! Thanx Zach
[quote comment=”39905″]Dear Ean, will upgrading from 1.1 straight to 1.4 fix the jog wheel issue? or do you have to upgrade to 1.2, 1.3 then 1.4?[/quote]
You can upgrade straight from 1.1 to 1.4.
Dear Ean, will upgrading from 1.1 straight to 1.4 fix the jog wheel issue? or do you have to upgrade to 1.2, 1.3 then 1.4?
Amazing, thanks DaveX!!!!! Precise pitch faders were the only thing missing really!!
Thank you so much from Germany as well! The vibration problem has often been a real bugger, and now BOOOOM! around comes another great firmware update just at the right time. After spending about four hours last time to get the update done it only took so much as twenty minutes. I imagine the next update enabling the VCI to be turned into a sonic hoverboard for that extra legendary appearance 🙂
Well done!!
Thank you DaveX and DJTT for making this upgrade available to me, my VCI-100 is now updated to 1.4 and I just love it even more 😉
[quote comment=”38014″]Hi, I update my VCI-100 to 1.4 firmware, all is great, but I can’t turn on DISCO MODE, ‘cos I change de LED of my VCI haha, Anybody can help me? when I connect my VCI, my LEDs on default mode is: Play: Yellow(->Blue), Cue/play: Blue (->Green), CUE: Blue (->Red), and set cue: Blue (->Green), all this sequence in the channel B also. in DISCO MODE I don’t understand the sequence, what would be the correct sequence? (I understand that will not seem Disco lol)[/quote]I also same thing happens DISCO mode does not work: S but everything else is perfect, because you are DjTechTools large
Since I got into DJTT I keep coming back to see and to update myself. And from time to time they throw a bomb like this one. I just need to find a windows around…
Hi, I update my VCI-100 to 1.4 firmware, all is great, but I can’t turn on DISCO MODE, ‘cos I change de LED of my VCI haha, Anybody can help me? when I connect my VCI, my LEDs on default mode is: Play: Yellow(->Blue), Cue/play: Blue (->Green), CUE: Blue (->Red), and set cue: Blue (->Green), all this sequence in the channel B also. in DISCO MODE I don’t understand the sequence, what would be the correct sequence? (I understand that will not seem Disco lol)
[quote comment=”37501″]If I buy the VCI-100 Black from Vestax, would I still need to buy the update kit? how can I update to 1.4?[/quote]
hi i update my vestax today to 1.4 you need to buy the upgrade kit, and follow the steps of the video but substituting renesas RENESAS 4.0.2 4.0.5 and also for the 1.4 Firmware
Hi I updated my vestax vci 100 to firmware 1.4, you need a new TSI? or simply by V 3.6.3 is enough? Greetings
upgrade kit sold out, just bought my vci a couple of months ago…. anyone in nyc or nj that can help me upgrade to 1.4?
guys can somebody help out?..i have upgraded my VCI 100 SE ARCADE to 1.4..i use Traktor 1.2.4 on MAC and i imported that latest TSI..and the JOGs and Pitch Faders are not working.it shows THE LITTLE LIGHT above the vci the CTRL light that it has life but its not working at all???..please help
guys can somebody hel out?..i have upgraded my VCI 100 SE ARCADE to 1.4..i use Traktor 1.2.4 on MAC and i imported that latest TSI..and the JOGs and Pitch Faders are not working.it shows li othe ligh above the VCI and the computer..but no effect?..please help
i notice a huge change in the pitch but the jog im still on the fence about…. it still doestn’t feel right… i think it might be better, but it might also be placebo. but basically I think it still sucks to scratch with.
[quote comment=”37665″]A video of someone actually scratching on this would be fantastic.[/quote]
1+
A video of someone actually scratching on this would be fantastic.
[quote comment=”37617″]I notice that the latest mapping slightly differs to version 3 overlay. Will there be a new overlay?
I’m still using version 2 on mine and about to purchase the new one but would happily wait if a new one is on route.[/quote]
The new mapping (v3.6) matches the existing v3 overlays. All of the functionality shown on the overlay remains intact. We are not planning on producing new overlays.
I notice that the latest mapping slightly differs to version 3 overlay. Will there be a new overlay?
I’m still using version 2 on mine and about to purchase the new one but would happily wait if a new one is on route.
Very nice! Just upgraded my vci to 1.4 and it works like a charm! Thank you djtt and davex!
Nice David vs Goliath Story.
Would be interested to hear the official comment from narrow minded VESTAX Product Management about this.
Absolutely brillaint upgrade. The improvement to the job wheels are vastly noticable as are the pitch adjusters!
Excellent work again guys!
Simply superb! Jogs now super sensitive. Thanks DaveX and thanks DJTT for the new TSI.
If I buy the VCI-100 Black from Vestax, would I still need to buy the update kit? how can I update to 1.4?
No one’s posted how the jog wheels are with the new update. Is it decent for scratching and even comparable to the Vci 300 jogs if not better?
THANKS SO MUCH GUYS I AM FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT! XD Legendary moment here at djtechtools. DaveX you are my hero!
think its about time I got my self a vci 100
I have Firmware 1.2, I downloaded the TSI and it’s exactly the same, except for one thing: now I’m not able to see the numbers in which the knobs are affecting effects, lows, mids, gain, etc…
Is that on purpose??? It’s just curiosity, I have the old TSI, I just wanted to know…
Nevermind, I didn’t read correctly!
Hey thats great news! But I was wondering, if I use Traktor Pro mappings 2.X for the previous layout, should I still do this upgrade? I mean, won’t the previous mappings still work on the 1.4 firmware?
Thanx guys!
Hi Guy’s,
I am going to perform the upgrade in a few hours.
I will let you know what I think of the new features.
Regards
De-Lloyd
Thanks Ean, you know what i mean
[quote comment=”37315″]Do i need a serial to serial cable? Using serial to USB but no success as yet.[/quote]
I ran into problems when I upgraded to 1.3 and I remember it had something to do with the COM ports. I found a solution in the VCI-100 forum, so you should go poke around there.
This upgrade kicks ass – thanks a lot Dave!!!
@D-KEM
The easiest path is to use a serial port, some USB to serial cables have given people problems.
Check the forum for any questions you have, well over 1000 people have upgraded their VCI’s now so there is a lot of trouble shooting info.
Do i need a serial to serial cable? Using serial to USB but no success as yet.
Not to get off topic but I’m interested to know what the DJ Tech Tools team feels about the Reloop Digital Jockey 2 line. They seem to rival the Vestax VCI series in build quality and features. I’d be interested in a review of them if possible.
[quote comment=”37299″]great work!
but if i have firmware 1.3 right now can i just “download” version 1.4 or do i have to send it to DJTT to get it?[/quote]
You can download the 1.4 firmware but you also need to own a firmware upgrade kit to be able to connect your pc to the VCI-100 to be able to upload it to the device.
[quote comment=”37311″]I have the 1.3 firmware chip right now. Do I have to get another chip for 1.4?[/quote]
You do not need to replace any chips for 1.4 firmware – if you already owned a VCI-100 update kit that you used to upgrade to v1.3 then you can use the same kit to upgrade to v1.4.
The kits just provides the means to get the firmware from your computer hard drive uploaded onto the chip inside the VCI-100.
I have the 1.3 firmware chip right now. Do I have to get another chip for 1.4?
This new upgrade is fantastic!!! most of my complaints of the vestax have been the pitch fader control being inn .02. now i have a full 0.1% increments to nearly +8 which is super accurate. My favourite though has to be the use of the scratch button. With my 1210’s i used to adust pitch bend by brushing my finger on th vinyl, something i was previously unable to do with the vestax. Now i can do exactly the same for pitch bend as i did on my 1210’s. FANTASTIC !!! This is the best one yet GUYS. I AM SO PLEASED !! THANKS LOADS
Anyone who doesn’t know how to flash your own vci-100 I would gladly flash it for you for a fee. I can be contacted @ discopimpsprod@yahoo.com just in the subject put flash vci-100. Can tell you this update made me change my mind on buying the s4 from Native Instruments.
great work!
but if i have firmware 1.3 right now can i just “download” version 1.4 or do i have to send it to DJTT to get it?
Great stuff DAVEX and Techtools crew!!!! ManDingo, keeps asking over and over bendover!!! Where can he get the BLACK JOG WHEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He needs to show of his VCI with the new firmware but needs blk jog wheels!!!!!
[quote comment=”37226″]I Wonder how this jog wheel resolution upgrade has been made possible anyway. Midi is a standart Protocol, with values from 0-127. How can you increase that? Is it switching to another channel when the first 128 values are done, like another midi channel for each quarter of the platter??
Just wondering..[/quote]
Indeed it is a standard protocol and in that protocol 16 bit midi messages are allowed 🙂
This VCI100 HD OMG, OMG this VCI100 HD OMG 😀 lol (you need to have seen american dad with the chockodiles to get the reference)
Does this firmware build on Ian’s modified firmware, or the original one? I’ve not upgraded to Ian’s F/W but would love to add the Hi-Res features and don’t want to lose basic functionality in Traktor
Is there room for further improvement or is it at its limit now. Could we not swap “Disco Mode” for higher res line and crossfaders?
Now that the filter knobs only give out one note each does that mean there is room to use two more knobs elsewhere within the controller?
DaveX is the ultime firmware hacker ever!
DaveX for President++;
BIG UP TO DAVEX AND DJTT!
This is a great, great thing for the digital DJ community and underlines the potential of continued software development to increase the value of an existing hardware offering. Vestax in particular should be ecstatic. However, I sincerely hope Vestax will see this 3rd party firmware as something that adds value to their product and not seek to take it down. Vestax, hire DaveX as a contractor please!
I love you Davex and DJTT and you and you and you… VCI-100 will never DIE.
Did the upgrade and high resolution jog wheels work great for scratching and throwing tracks in. High resolution pitch faders work great, now pitches and jog wheels feel as close to 1200’s as you can get without having spinning platters. I can say I will not be buying the new Native Instruments controller. This makes the vci-100 the best controller on the market hands down.
DaveX For President!
Fantastic! I’m especially stoked about the higher res pitch faders.
DaveX! OMFG…..waiting for this for a LONG while. I really thought the firmware upgrade was going to be a one-time thing, but there’s hope!
thanks to you and everyone at DJTT for their continued support.
Questions (lots of them) but I’ll go to the forum for that.
Agree entirely as an ex turntablist, the VCI as it was wasn’t a scratch tool. If the jogs are improved then hopefully the function becomes at least a possibility.
I can scratch, and thats the biggest let down so far with the VCI… I really hope to be able to accurately scratch with it. it doesnt have to be as close as a cdj but def needs to be better than it is we’ll see…
[quote comment=”37216″]either show the scratching, OR don’t mention it.
For real, what do you say to sending it to me for some scratch testing. Everyone knows that I’m terrible at it so.., if the vids come out sounding good, they’ll know it was the vci.
[/quote]
If you suck at scratching the VCI is not gonna make you sound better, no matter the resolution. The only way to get better at scratching would be to practice, not trynew gear. You can’t buy skill. I would like to see someone who can scratch give it a go to see what the increased resolution accomplishes.
Awesome. I was going to order a VCI-100SE last week, but now that you’ve said all new VCI’s will come installed with 1.4 I’m glad I randomly waited to buy one.
Hows the update with jog wheels and scratching. I have a VCI-300. is the response as good as the 300 because that’s the main reason I kept my 300 and won’t buy to 100. Has anyone updated and tried the scratching out yet?
[quote comment=”37230″]The ver. 1.4 firmware matches the SE overlay too?[/quote]
Yes, it does.
Got my VCI updated to 1.4..
Working good 🙂 i made my own VCI100SE version with arcade, and didn’t add the LED to the
arcade button section, so no disco-fever for me 🙁
But overall everything is working perfect, can defently feel the change in the jogs..
Still missing some fast response with the volume-faders, so i can do more precise fast-cuts.
Don’t know if a upgrade to the faders, like the pitch, will do the trick, or it is a software configuration thing..? (have tried)
Finally i big THANK YOU DJTT …
Thomas
Do you think this would improve the VCI-100’s performance in other applications as well? Algoriddim’s DJay, for example?) Or will Traktor users only see the benefit of this?
The ver. 1.4 firmware matches the SE overlay too?
i hope my new mobo on my pc has serial, i forgot to check when i upgraded, because i never thought i would upgrade the firmware again. oh well, that’s what roommates are fore if it doesn’t.
Filter knobs send both regular 0-127 CC message only (unlike 1.3 firmware)
what does this mean?
thank you dave
thank you tt
cant wait to try this out
B) B) B)
Can we expect another video showcasing all of the vci-100 1.4 improvements? an actualy tryout?
I Wonder how this jog wheel resolution upgrade has been made possible anyway. Midi is a standart Protocol, with values from 0-127. How can you increase that? Is it switching to another channel when the first 128 values are done, like another midi channel for each quarter of the platter??
Just wondering..
So does 4x mean 14 bit midi? Is resolution as good at VCI-300?
can you change the midi channel?
I don’t own a VCI, but love to see users pushing the edge on controllers. thumbs up!
Long Live the VCI 100!
Keeps soming back stronger each time.
either show the scratching, OR don’t mention it.
For real, what do you say to sending it to me for some scratch testing. Everyone knows that I’m terrible at it so.., if the vids come out sounding good, they’ll know it was the vci.
I have another question. Can the CF be modded with a screw in the housing, in the same way that a vci-300 can??
No limit for this community !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congra !
free midifighter for DaveX!!!!!!
You best pay this man. I love you Dave.
Could we start a PayPal fund for Dave? I would love to donate money to him for this update.
[quote comment=”37207″]Mr.Nicklebe, just use a USB to serial adapter as shown/suggested in the tutorial.[/quote]
Way back when I last updated my firmware a lot of people were saying that there were problems with using a Serial to USB cable to do the update? Is that no longer an issue?
Dave I think I might love you.
Wooo hoo! I played my VCI-100 on my birthday on the 18th so I am taking this as your birthday gift to me! THANK YOU DaveX and DJTT!!
Mr.Nicklebe, just use a USB to serial adapter as shown/suggested in the tutorial.
Damn, since I last updated my firmware I’ve upgraded my motherboard and no longer have a serial port. I guess I wasn’t expecting to ever see 1.4 come out.
I think my friend has an old rust bucket of a PC that might have a serial port though. Although I only really want the fixed LED outputs and obviously the DISCO MODE :P.
Big congrats and well done to Dave!
Thanks DaveX and Dj TechTools.
big up dave!!!!do the jogs have the same sensitivity as the s4 now?
big up dave!!!!do the jogs have the same sensitivity as the s4 now?
Just out of interest, how do the high res controls work? Can Traktor accept 14 bit MIDI input, or did you map them to pitch bend controls?
Amazing. Thank you all who help bring this new firmware.
Sigh…I just sold my VCI-100 and kept the VCI-300 instead :/
Wow!!!
I can’t believe that DJTT have delivered yet another amazing update to the VCI-100.
I am obsessed with my VCI and can’t wait to perform and test the firmware update today.
Great thanks for everyone involved in delivering the HD 1.4 update.
Regards
De-lloyd
could someone please point out what “small changes” there have to be done to use own mappings with the new features??
thanks a lot daveX and DJTT.. amazing work
Christmas has come early!
Just when I was beginning to think the VCI has had it’s day, this appears and brings us bang up to date! DaveX you legend!
Ean, if you and your team were given the proper resources, you guys could make controllers that would DEMOLISH anything currently out on the market. Sure, you got to help develop the S4 which will undoubtedly dominate, but imagine a world with DJTECHTOOLS BRAND hardware?! I suppose we can only dream.
Also, you guys should consider employing DaveX and continuing to make amazing products ever better!
Very interesting! Infortunately the flashing process is a little bit complex for me 🙁
Good job anyway!
This awesome cant wait to flash my VCI.
Ack! This is awesome, but I literally bought a VCI-100SE like a week ago. lol. Time to purchase the firmware kit, eh?
Good work, guys!
Ultraaaa comboooo !!!!!!!!! DJTechtools always giving us the goods !!!
Give DaveX a job already!!
You guys once again are industry-pushing, aww-inspiring group of dudes…
Holy. Shit.
-Can you guys apologise to denon for stealing a sale? xD. Looks like a brilliant way of countering the Denon SC-2000/Denon X600 combo. Around the same money you can get either setup, and now that both have hi res midi, the extra compactness of the vci looks like a winner. Audio 2 + vci-100 1.4 = WIN.
Here we go…10+ * 100000 for DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX DaveX And Techtool team grreat work now lets se if it helps the buggz n stuff that happens to me.
“our response: holy shit!”
awesome! way to go dave!
I don’t even own a VCI-100 but am glad to see just how far some of out members go to help everyone out. I own a Numark Total Control and any problem I have ever had or question or anything Stormeagle has gladly helped me along the way. I am on the way to making a 4 Deck version of his mapping and it’s all thanks to the people on these forums. This website is the only site I MUST check everyday. Just to see what everyones thinking or coming up with or just random chatter but every time I surprised. Thanks for such a great site and community.
Awesome!
DJTechTools always have a nice surprise for us 😀
oops- thanks for pointing that out. I am way tired and accidentally wrote steve.
might wanna give some credit to DaveX. don’t really know who SteveX is