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With its dual waveforms and library dead centre, Mixxx 1.8 has an appealing simplicity about it - especially as it's free.
Mixxx 1.8
Price: Free – open source
Website: www.mixxx.org
Rating:
System: PC/Mac/Linux; DJ controllers supported: Behringer BCD3000; DJ TechTools MIDIFighter; Evolution X-Session; FaderFox DJ2; M-Audio X-Session Pro; Mixman DM2; Griffin PowerMate; Hercules DJ Console Mk2, DJ Console RMX, DJ Control MP3 e2; Stanton SCS.3 system; Vestax VCI-100
They say: Free, open source DJ software that gives you everything you need to perform live mixes. Our advanced mixing engine gives you complete control. Hot cues, looping controls, and our high fidelity EQs.
We say: Unique project. Some attractive skins, and it’s being improved all the time. Key lock, recording, iTune integration and Midi scripting engine all add up to a lot of bang for no buck. Getting there.
Get it free at: Mixxx website
The more observant among our readers will have noticed that this software looks very much like Virtual DJ 7. that's because, to all intents and purposes, it is.
Numark Cue 7
Price: US$247 / £195
Website: www.numark.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Numark NS7, Mixtrack, Mixdeck, Omni Control, Stealth Control, iDJ3, Total Control
They say: Cue is the most reliable, intuitive DJ software. It empowers DJs to mix, scratch, juggle, and sample audio and video on its dual virtual decks. You can use Cue just like you use vinyl, CDs, or most other DJ formats.
We say: This is a rebadge of Virtual DJ 7, with Numark guaranteeing its compatibility with all of the Numark controllers we’ve listed here. Make perfect sense over Virtual DJ7 if you wanted to use it with one of these controllers.
See it at: Musician’s Friend (US) / Amazon.co.uk
If multicoloured and busy is your look, then PCDJ Dex is going to be right up your street.
PCDJ Dex
Price: US$139 / £139 / €162
Website: pcdj.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: American Audio DP-2; Reloop Digital Jockey 2; DJ Tech I-Mix, I-Mix Reload; Stanton SCS3 System; Behringer BCD2000; Hercules DJ Console RMX, DJ Console Mk2, DJ Control MP3; Vestax VCI-100; Vestax VCM-100
They say: Our flagship DJ software with up to 4 DJ players, auto-play & shuffle, BPM beat matching, effects & sampler, waveforms for easy looping & cue point setting, & auto-gain control.
We say: Library includes smart playlists which is welcome although doesn’t nest iTunes folders, which isn’t. Busy interface, although you can reskin it to suit your tastes. Waveforms could be much better.
See it at: Amazon.com, PCDJ shop (UK/Europe)
Pro DJ 5 is logically laid out 2-deck software, but it would have been good to see parallel waveforms seeing as they've taken so much room up with them at the top of the screen.
Pro DJ 5
Price: US$99 / £61 / €72
Website: www.clubdjpro.com
Rating:
System: PC; DJ controllers supported: Behringer BCD2000, BCD3000; Hercules DJ Console RMX, DJ Control Steel, DJ Control MP3, DJ Control MP3 e2, DJ Console MK2; Numark Omni Control; Kontrol DJ KDJ500
They say: In addition to essential auto beat-mixing, cueing, synchronize beat-looping and MIDI mapping of all major controllers; ProDJ 5′s offers superior stability and mixing performance.
We say: 8 sampler decks on top of two normal decks, distortion, reverb and delay FX (but no filters), ability to save and load playlists, some automation features but poor choice of controllers.
See it at: Club DJ Pro shop
With its library at the top, 2/4 deck waveforms across the bottom, and minimalism as regard control duplication across hardware/software, Serato ITCH is elegant.
Serato ITCH 1.7
Price: Included with Serato ITCH-certified hardware only
Website: www.serato.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Allen & Heath Xone:DX; Numark NS7; Vestax VCI-300, VCI-300 MkII
They say: An integrated 2/4 deck (depending on controller) software and hardware system, designed to give music selectors and DJs new kinds of control. DJ music on your computer with accurate control from a range of purpose built ITCH hardware.
We say: Streamlined, simple to use yet professional and powerful, Serato ITCH plus a piece of ITCH hardware is one of the most straightforward ways to get into Digital DJing. No sampler, though, and FX sometimes require extra hardware.
Get it with: Any of the hardware listed above.
Two-deck DJ software Torq 1.5 has a clean look that complements the hardware, sort of like a cross between Mixxx and Ableton Live.
Torq 1.5
Price: Included with Torq hardware only
Website: www.torq-dj.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Torq Connectiv, Xponent, X-Session Pro (LE software only)
They say: A fully equipped DJ software workstation that provides innovative tools and production power. In addition to essential cueing, beat-matching and mixing, offers a host of real-time creative options unavailable anywhere else.
We say: Sampler, VST effects, studio ReWire support, and ability to transmit/receive Midi clock, plus tight integration with Torq hardware, which it works with exclusively. Well respected and deservedly so.
Get it with: Any of the hardware listed above.
Traktor Pro's look hasn't changed much in years. Here it is with 4 decks, 2 maximised and 2 minimised.
Traktor Pro
Price: US$99 / £82 / €95
Website: www.native-instruments.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: NI Traktor Kontrol S4, Traktor Kontrol X1; Allen & Heath Xone:4D, Xone:3D; Behringer BCD3000; DJ Tech I-Mix Reload, I-Mix; Hercules DJ Console Mk II Mac edition; Numark Total Control, Mixdeck, Mixtrack, Stealth Control, Omni Control; Reloop Digital Jockey/Digital Jockey 2 (all editions); Stanton SCS3 system; Vestax VCM-100, VCI-100, Typhoon
They say: Traktor Pro is the new benchmark in DJ software. Mix digital files on four decks, using the high-quality internal mixer or external hardware, and the best effects suite around.
We say: The industry standard digital DJing software. Powerful and fully featured, it has a fair learning curve, and doesn’t have the nicest user interface, but a pro’s choice nonetheless.
See it at: Amazon.com, Thomann (UK & Europe)
Traktor Pro S4 displays a subtle update of the Traktor look, with the new features of the corresponding hardware, Kontrol S4, tightly integrated.
Traktor Pro S4
Price: Included with Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware
Website: www.native-instruments.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac; DI controllers supported: Traktor Kontrol S4
They say: Developed in perfect synergy with the S4’s controller, new features have been added to the Traktor Pro S4 software to fully take advantage of this all-in-one solution.
We say: We suspect many Traktor Pro users are looking enviously at this software update wondering when they can get their hands on it. Presumably some of the functions will come to the next version of Traktor Pro.
Get it with: Traktor Kontrol S4 hardware
The 2-deck UltraMixer 2 Professional has a seriously simple, old-school look about it that some may like, but I suspect others won't.
UltraMixer 2 Professional
Price: US$239 / £159 / €179
Website: www.ultramixer.com
Rating:
System: PC/Mac/Linux; DJ controllers supported: American Audio DP-2; Behringer BCD2000, BCD3000; Hercules DJ Console MP3 e2, DJ Console RMX, DJ Console, DJ Console MkII, DJ Console MP3; Numark Total Control; M-Audio Torq Xponent; Reloop Digital Jockey
They say: First DJ software available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. No matter whether you want to use UltraMixer for a professional gig or at a private party or as virtual jukebox in restaurants, hair studios or medical surgeries – it will prove the right choice!
We say: Old fashioned-looking, no waveforms, no iTunes playlist integration. Does have rudimentary effects and a sampler but hard to see what this does that would sway you away from its more popular competitors, especially at this price point.
See it at: Ultramixer shop
Virtual DJ Pro 7 with 4 decks running concurrently. Unlike Serato ITCH, it differentiates its waveforms by giving them all a different colour.
Virtual DJ 7
Price: US$299 / £190 / €223
Website: www.virtualdj.com
Rating:
System: Pc/Mac; DJ controllers supported: American Audio VMS4, DP2; DJ Tech i-Mix, i-Mix Reload, i-Mix Reload MKII; Gemini CTRL ONE / CTRL SIX; Hercules 4-Mx, Mk2, Mk4 (pre pre prod), MP3 e2, RMX; ION iCue; M-Audio X-Session; Numark DMC-2, iDJ3 (pre prod), MixDeck, MixTrack (pre prod), Numark MixTrack Pro, Omni Control, Stealth Control, Total Control; Reloop Digital Jockey, Digital Jockey 2, Digital Jockey 2 Interface Edition; Stanton SCS.3d (2), SCS.3m; Synq PCM-1; Vestax Spin, Typhoon, VCI-100, VCI-300 Mk1
They say: VirtualDJ is the hottest audio and video mixing software, targeting DJs from the bedroom, mobile, and professional superstars like Carl Cox.
We say: Easy to use and powerful, now with up to 99 decks. Great video support. Ability to broadcast on the internet. Virtual DJ seems to divide DJs into those who love and those who hate it, but we think it gets better and better.
See it at: Virtual DJ shop
Conclusion
It’s been fascinating to formally look at all the DJ software that’s out there.
Of course, Traktor dominates professionally, and the new S4 incarnation is a welcome leap forward for that brand, jumping into Serato ITCH territory with its hardware/software integration. Both S4 and ITCH are the ultimate in out-of-the-box ease of use and tight integration with their respective hardware, although Torq gives them a good run for their money in this department too.
Virtual DJ is a viable alternative to any of the other options, although with the recent Traktor price drop it looks pretty pricey. It certainly has legions of fans, though Meanwhile, Mixmeister and Ableton offer radically alternative takes, stretching what’s possible with Digital DJing, and even what digital DJing means.
Just like cars brands on the road, there’s room for all, and every piece of software we have reviewed here has got something that it does differently or better than the rest.
Then we have the chasing pack. These packages haven’t discovered 4-deck support, yet, and that may allow the big names to pull away if it gains traction. How many DJs actually want four decks as opposed to two decks and a good built-in sampler, though, is something for debate.
Anyway, of the remaining packages, Deckadance and MixVibes come at digital DJing from different ends, Deckadance is fully featured, powerful and worthy of consideration for DJ/producers (witha price to match), while good-value little MixVibes offers simple to use and attractive software for the DJ looking to “just play records”. Both are great at what they do.
What about all the rest?
Finally, there are all the other brands. Just like cars brands on the road, there’s room for all, and every piece of software we have reviewed here has got something that it does differently or better than all of the rest – be it automation, video support, playlist features, operating system (there are two Linux packages, for instance) – whatever.
Our best advice is to have a download and a play and see what fits your needs. One thing is for certain – for the digital DJ , there’s more choice of software today than ever before, and that’s got to be a good thing.
What do you think? Have we left out your favourite software? Do you agree with our ratings? Let us know below.
Now go to:
DJ Midi Controllers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011
What Extra Software Do I Need For Digital DJing?
All About Sound Cards for Digital DJing
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Tags: ableton live, deckadance club, disco xt, djay 3, e-mix pro, futuredecks pro, mixmeister fusion, mixvibes cross dj, mixxx, numark cue, pcdj dex, pro dj 5, Serato ITCH, Software, torq 1.5, traktor pro, traktor pro s4, ultramixer 2 professional, virtual dj 7
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
I’m kind of mad at the Traktor Pro price drop… I just got mine over the summer and this drop tells me that the next release and the update to it will certainly not be free and most likely almost the price purchasing Traktor prior to the price drop…
[ link ]If software like Virtual DJ and Torq get 5 stars, Traktor Kontrol S4 should get 6 stars.
[ link ]I’m surprised that there are so many titles.
And VDJ and Torq’s stars are well-deserved. Been using Torq for a while and I love it. Can’t wait to see what’s in store with 2.0.
[ link ]For DJs using Ableton Live, Geist looks like it will be an interesting development.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUSYMdk_Nk0
[ link ]Virtual DJ software
Just a reminder that with your purchase of VirtualDJ Pro you get all future upgrades FREE.
[ link ]I got back into DJing with Traktor and still love it, but Virtual DJ made things easier, compatible, and more afordable. Now with the new version 7 out, Traktor has to at least start integrating Video to catchup with VDJ. 5 stars is right.
[ link ]Video mixing in Traktor and Torq will make this two great program even better.
[ link ]Mixxx has all the features I need and the price is right. I love the DIY feel of the project, and you can’t beat the price.
Mixxx 1.9 is looking good too, looking fwd to it.
[ link ]Sam, we’re about to run an interesting piece on Mixxx, keep your eyes on the blog.
[ link ]what is the most user friendly linux mixxx 1.9 compatible dj console for nubie djs? just learning beat matching with house music since it is repetitive then moving to trance. eventually want to mix dubstep
[ link ]Can’t really work with Mixxx cos of the BPM, it’s confusing compared to Virtual DJ..
[ link ]I got a free trial version of Ableton Live and I’ve found it pretty challenging. The controls feel very unintuitive. I’ve heard such great things about this software – does everyone acknowledge a long learning curve, or is it possible this is not for me?
[ link ]Yes, Ableton Live has a steep learning curve. But it’s worth it to stick with it, as you can produce some of the best sounding electronic music with it. But it’s not the best DJ program. When you hear of artists like Skrillex and Deadmau5 using Ableton for a live show, They pre-produce their set, then manipulate it live. But they don’t actually do any real mixing. Hope this clears any confusion up.
[ link ]It certainly is challenging and is nothing like “normal” DJing. While it is fantastic, it does indeed have a steep learning curve.
[ link ]Im a newbie to the djin’ sceene. i got a traktor pro reloop digital jockey 2 and im really thing about getting the s4 mainly for having the hot cue points on the controller itself i’d rather it that way than using my mouse. any advice?
[ link ]About to purchase my first digital dj software so found this all very interesting. I’d really like to do some radio soulwax/2manydjs type audio/video stuff. The guide suggests virtual dj might be my best bet for that… but wonder if any if any of the slightly cheaper software (traktor?) could do the video side well as well?
[ link ]Traktor doesn’t do video.
[ link ]Dave,
[ link ]I definitely suggest Virtual DJ. Right now I’m using LE that came with my Hercules MK4 but I am considering moving up to the Pro version. It sounds like Traktor however is the industry standard I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.
I work semiproffessional and love my american audio dp2 with pcdj dexle and it works very well in win xp. Not so good in win 7. I also got a vms4 with vdj and it works in win 7 but in xp you need to start the controller after the vdj. Now im testing linuxmint 12 with mixxx and vms4. The mapping is my issue right now but very interesting test
[ link ]Today I have changed my old American Audio DP2 and Ferrari with XP to play with Mac Book Pro and Native Instruments S2 with Traktor Pro instead. I have probs to search music in folders under the mainfolder because you need to mark the right folder to be able to search in it…a big problem for me…when mixing on the go whatever the partypeople wants. Once the sound was laggy after 2 hours playing…so i switched back to DP2 that night. But my latest funniest thing is iRigMix and my Ipad 64GB that works very nice. On friday i gonna try to mix with it live just to try if itś possible to just go with iPad. Exiting weekend. I tell you the result here later.
[ link ]I personally like Virtual DJ PRO.
[ link ]It does everything i need and it’s very simplified.It has all the whistles and bells, such as, Brake, backspin, reverb, vocal sound effects etc.It cost less than the others also.I use it with Windows 7 O/S.
I used both virtual dj le and pro ..both easy to use
[ link ]The pro version does video full screen ..use numark idj3 midi controller with this works fine
Also use PCDJ dex2 ..this is great as it has 4 decks ..top decks do audio and video in full screen..unfortunately pcdj dex2 won’t use numark idj3 midi controller ..even after using the “learn” function to map the midi buttons ..it won’t play sound or light up on the controller