Good DJ software?

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Good DJ software?
Posted on: 08.09.2011 by Shenika Ortizhernandez
I use the free edition of Virtual DJ which shuts off my external gear after 10 minutes. this is really annoying. does anyone know any good free DJ software that they can recommend? lol and if there are no good free ones, just name whatever you believe is good

hahahah thanks
Chasidy Heckenbach
11.09.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Honestly you're better off just getting xwax.

I compiled version 1.0 today, gunna do a load of tweaking tomorrow and have fun
xwax is only the dvs stuff you yep? personally i believe that mixxx is starting to look interesting.

when i first tried mixxx it was when i just got my hercules mk2 and much preferred virtualjd at the time as someone who was just trying out this digital-dj thing anyway.

if the improvements in quantize, sync, hot cues and loops are made in mixxx are done then it could be quite cool. be nice not having to boot into windblowz all the time anyway...
Kiyoko Wellisch
10.09.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
it also includes the xwax libs so supports dvs too.
Honestly you're better off just getting xwax.

I compiled version 1.0 today, gunna do a load of tweaking tomorrow and have fun
Shonda Soulier
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by soundinsurgent712
In defense of VDJ, what other software has 99 decks, use virtually any MIDI controller (MIDI or HID), use almost any timecode, use almost any sound card, reads almost any format of music or video, customization of the skin, use multiple sound cards at once, the list goes on. They've come along way in my opinion. Sure there's a ton of cracks out there but there's some out for Traktor as well. I use it cause I spin videos. I'm a new comer to Traktor and like VDJ it has its pros & cons... As far as pricing goes there are many different price ranges, it all depends on what you wanna do.
You make valid points about VDJ and to answer your question: no other software can offer you all of that--obviously. I started my digital DJ career in VDJ but switched when I started reading this blog. I found a lot more tips/tricks/support from actual DJs in these and NI's community s than I ever found in VDJ's.

Here's what I do like about VDJ: better beatgrid and tempo analyzation (I find myself editing beatgrids way more in Traktor than I ever did in VDJ), mathematical syncing (if you have a track that's 140 BPM you can sync it with a 65 BPM track by virtue of it changing to 70 BPM--nice touch). Video is another thing...they've definitely cornered the Video DJ market for the time being. It's only a matter of time until they get some competition. I will give them that.

99 decks? I don't even know what to say about that...
Shonda Soulier
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by wormiee
I use the free edition of Virtual DJ which shuts off my external gear after 10 minutes. this is really annoying. does anyone know any good free DJ software that they can recommend? lol and if there are no good free ones, just name whatever you believe is good

hahahah thanks
Glad to hear that you're going to pay for your software! Lots of new DJs are pirating everything and it annoys the shit out of me!!!

Doesn't sound like you're using turntables so Serato is out.

Virtual DJ is too expensive in my opinion. The Pro version is a terrible value.

I use Traktor Pro 2 now and I believe you'll find that this blog is primarily focused on Native Intruments products as well. Plus NI have a fantastic support arm and community.

NI has a phenomenal deal going where if you buy the X1 you get a free copy of Traktor Pro (thru September).

Or you can buy Traktor Duo 2 for about $100 (check eBay). It limits you to a 2 deck setup but that's really good for a beginner.

So in conclusion, I recommend Traktor Duo 2.
Chasidy Heckenbach
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by padi_04
Traktor, Serato, VDJ, Deckadance, Mixx, all do the job.



It's not old, just vintage .
true lol. in fact i only bought my copy of traktor 3 six months ago or so, so i could use it to buy an upgrade for cheaper than buying a new version outright... (if u don't include cool offers like the current X1 one)
Nedra Fresneda
09.09.2011		Traktor, Serato, VDJ, Deckadance, Mixx, all do the job.

Originally Posted by zestoi
the old version of traktor got up to 3 - but thats old stuff now.
It's not old, just vintage .
Chasidy Heckenbach
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
I meant the old one ;P ... but yeah from the DVS point of view its pretty damn cool, rest of the feature set is a lil behind T3 in most areas though (FX, Transpose, Hotcues, Quantized loops, 2decks).

Still like to keep a copy round mind you "just in case"
yep - its def a long way behind still - but things seem to be moving in the right direction now.

plus mapping in mixxx is waaaaay more flexible - as u can basically just write javascript code to do whatever you want

/pete
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
Is that Traktor 2 or 3 you're talking about there
traktor pro is only up to version 2 unless u know something we don't

the old version of traktor got up to 3 - but thats old stuff now.

i just meant the last time i tried mixxx a few weeks back (a beta) the default theme seemed quite traktor-like and features like quantised loops+hot cues etc should be in mixxx soon. not sure if they'll make it to 1.10 or not - but mixxx is starting to look quite good.

it also includes the xwax libs so supports dvs too.
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
Mixxx <<<Free, reliable, but pretty basic FX, although handles Itunes and DVS and many many midicontrollers are premapped nicely.
and the soon to be released 1.10 looks like it will be adding some cool features. certainly becoming quite traktor-like.
Shenika Ortizhernandez
08.09.2011		I use the free edition of Virtual DJ which shuts off my external gear after 10 minutes. this is really annoying. does anyone know any good free DJ software that they can recommend? lol and if there are no good free ones, just name whatever you believe is good

hahahah thanks
Kiyoko Wellisch
11.09.2011		I had a skim over the bugs and honestly there doesn't seem to be too much talk of stability and performance related fixes but oh well. I'll certainly give it a try.

I wish there was some kind of clip launch program for linux you could hook up to jack and jackrack in order to build your own modular software setup like in ableton and then control it with midi. No much to it, just some beat grid type functionality, bit of midi compatibility and some audio manipulation. I totally wish I was a competent programmer, I'd make it myself.
Chasidy Heckenbach
11.09.2011		this is what i've been looking at https://launchpad.net/mixxx/+milestone/1.10.0

"TrackBeats" looks like some kind of beat gridding and i'm interested to see how good "Beat loops, Beat Skipping and Quantization when setting Loops & Cues" will be.

they've also added "Sampler Units" which could be interesting. haven't seen any mentioned of additional actual decks. i've got quite used to mixing using 2 decks and sample decks or 2 decks + ableton live (using traktor), tho having the option for more actual decks would be cool.

it could be interesting if things start coming together for mixxx anyway with these functions. the loops/skips/quantisation etc were big gaps in its functionality before.

no official beta for for 1.10 yet afaics but i might build it and have a look.
Kiyoko Wellisch
11.09.2011		So what's currently up and coming with the new version of mixxx? have they got more than 3 decks yet?

See personally I have high hopes for mixxx but I'm always disappointed with their results. The difference in mindset between xwax and mixxx really shows in their products. xwax is insanely clean and stable with a very limited feature set (the big 1.0 update- new features: being able to change vinyl during run time! Increased error checking accuracy during scratching!) while mixxx is much more adventurous but they leave their program absolutely full of holes. It's distressingly bugged.

I want them to improve their whole bpm thing (the current method is a mess), increase stability and increase the number of decks. Priority on the stability.
Chasidy Heckenbach
11.09.2011
Originally Posted by MrPopinjay
Honestly you're better off just getting xwax.

I compiled version 1.0 today, gunna do a load of tweaking tomorrow and have fun
xwax is only the dvs stuff you yep? personally i believe that mixxx is starting to look interesting.

when i first tried mixxx it was when i just got my hercules mk2 and much preferred virtualjd at the time as someone who was just trying out this digital-dj thing anyway.

if the improvements in quantize, sync, hot cues and loops are made in mixxx are done then it could be quite cool. be nice not having to boot into windblowz all the time anyway...
Kiyoko Wellisch
10.09.2011
Originally Posted by zestoi
it also includes the xwax libs so supports dvs too.
Honestly you're better off just getting xwax.

I compiled version 1.0 today, gunna do a load of tweaking tomorrow and have fun
Shonda Soulier
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by soundinsurgent712
In defense of VDJ, what other software has 99 decks, use virtually any MIDI controller (MIDI or HID), use almost any timecode, use almost any sound card, reads almost any format of music or video, customization of the skin, use multiple sound cards at once, the list goes on. They've come along way in my opinion. Sure there's a ton of cracks out there but there's some out for Traktor as well. I use it cause I spin videos. I'm a new comer to Traktor and like VDJ it has its pros & cons... As far as pricing goes there are many different price ranges, it all depends on what you wanna do.
You make valid points about VDJ and to answer your question: no other software can offer you all of that--obviously. I started my digital DJ career in VDJ but switched when I started reading this blog. I found a lot more tips/tricks/support from actual DJs in these and NI's community s than I ever found in VDJ's.

Here's what I do like about VDJ: better beatgrid and tempo analyzation (I find myself editing beatgrids way more in Traktor than I ever did in VDJ), mathematical syncing (if you have a track that's 140 BPM you can sync it with a 65 BPM track by virtue of it changing to 70 BPM--nice touch). Video is another thing...they've definitely cornered the Video DJ market for the time being. It's only a matter of time until they get some competition. I will give them that.

99 decks? I don't even know what to say about that...
Xenia Gorin
09.09.2011		In defense of VDJ, what other software has 99 decks, use virtually any MIDI controller (MIDI or HID), use almost any timecode, use almost any sound card, reads almost any format of music or video, customization of the skin, use multiple sound cards at once, the list goes on. They've come along way in my opinion. Sure there's a ton of cracks out there but there's some out for Traktor as well. I use it cause I spin videos. I'm a new comer to Traktor and like VDJ it has its pros & cons... As far as pricing goes there are many different price ranges, it all depends on what you wanna do.

You gotta pay to play......
Most software has a demo so try them all and support the one you like the best

Good Day Fellas
Huey
Shonda Soulier
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by wormiee
I use the free edition of Virtual DJ which shuts off my external gear after 10 minutes. this is really annoying. does anyone know any good free DJ software that they can recommend? lol and if there are no good free ones, just name whatever you believe is good

hahahah thanks
Glad to hear that you're going to pay for your software! Lots of new DJs are pirating everything and it annoys the shit out of me!!!

Doesn't sound like you're using turntables so Serato is out.

Virtual DJ is too expensive in my opinion. The Pro version is a terrible value.

I use Traktor Pro 2 now and I believe you'll find that this blog is primarily focused on Native Intruments products as well. Plus NI have a fantastic support arm and community.

NI has a phenomenal deal going where if you buy the X1 you get a free copy of Traktor Pro (thru September).

Or you can buy Traktor Duo 2 for about $100 (check eBay). It limits you to a 2 deck setup but that's really good for a beginner.

So in conclusion, I recommend Traktor Duo 2.
Celine Surico
09.09.2011		Me believes the X1 offer is a good one, might have cost the same as getting an old Traktor 3 but then again you got it before the offer was available.
Chasidy Heckenbach
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by padi_04
Traktor, Serato, VDJ, Deckadance, Mixx, all do the job.



It's not old, just vintage .
true lol. in fact i only bought my copy of traktor 3 six months ago or so, so i could use it to buy an upgrade for cheaper than buying a new version outright... (if u don't include cool offers like the current X1 one)
Nedra Fresneda
09.09.2011		Traktor, Serato, VDJ, Deckadance, Mixx, all do the job.

Originally Posted by zestoi
the old version of traktor got up to 3 - but thats old stuff now.
It's not old, just vintage .
Chasidy Heckenbach
09.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
I meant the old one ;P ... but yeah from the DVS point of view its pretty damn cool, rest of the feature set is a lil behind T3 in most areas though (FX, Transpose, Hotcues, Quantized loops, 2decks).

Still like to keep a copy round mind you "just in case"
yep - its def a long way behind still - but things seem to be moving in the right direction now.

plus mapping in mixxx is waaaaay more flexible - as u can basically just write javascript code to do whatever you want

/pete
Rolanda Clodfelder
09.09.2011		I meant the old one ;P ... but yeah from the DVS point of view its pretty damn cool, rest of the feature set is a lil behind T3 in most areas though (FX, Transpose, Hotcues, Quantized loops, 2decks).

Still like to keep a copy round mind you "just in case"
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
Is that Traktor 2 or 3 you're talking about there
traktor pro is only up to version 2 unless u know something we don't

the old version of traktor got up to 3 - but thats old stuff now.

i just meant the last time i tried mixxx a few weeks back (a beta) the default theme seemed quite traktor-like and features like quantised loops+hot cues etc should be in mixxx soon. not sure if they'll make it to 1.10 or not - but mixxx is starting to look quite good.

it also includes the xwax libs so supports dvs too.
Rolanda Clodfelder
08.09.2011
and the soon to be released 1.10 looks like it will be adding some cool features. certainly becoming quite traktor-like.
Is that Traktor 2 or 3 you're talking about there
Chasidy Heckenbach
08.09.2011
Originally Posted by deevey
Mixxx <<<Free, reliable, but pretty basic FX, although handles Itunes and DVS and many many midicontrollers are premapped nicely.
and the soon to be released 1.10 looks like it will be adding some cool features. certainly becoming quite traktor-like.
Rolanda Clodfelder
08.09.2011		Mixxx <<<Free, reliable, but pretty basic FX, although handles Itunes and DVS and many many midicontrollers are premapped nicely.
Asha Kravetz
08.09.2011		Serato Itch 2.0 and Traktor Pro 2

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