With all due respect to vinyl addicts and CD adherents, when it comes to convenience, cost-effectiveness and flexibility, there is no doubt that the best choice for a DJ is a computer. And if you are going to do DJing, you will need a suitable software product.
Fortunately, the market is filled with applications that allow you to mix not only two tracks, but four at the same time. In addition, DJs are offered creative opportunities that can be used at performances. Add a hardware controller and you will get a full-fledged installation that perfectly implements all technical requirements. We have created a short list to help you choose the right program.
Top 10 DJ Programs
10. Magix Digital DJ
This is not the most professional and advanced application, but it implements all the basic necessary functions for mixing. Digital DJ2 is a shortened version of Image-Line Deckadance. For a small license cost, you get a two-deck mixer, effects, loops and a wide range of supported midi controllers.
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9. PCDJ Dex
A heavier app with a stylish design. Under the hood, basic functions and some innovations, such as video editing and even karaoke support, which sometimes (and the benefit is becoming less common recently) are necessary. Extend the interface to four virtual disks, and synchronize the songs by tempo. A trial version can be downloaded from the PCDJ website.
8. algoriddim djay Pro
Recently, algoriddim paid great attention to the djay pro mobile application, which is available for mobile devices on iOS and Android platforms.
Djay Pro allows you to mix the tracks of the Spotify resource (if you have a premium account) and the iTunes library. It has enhanced support for Pioneer devices.
7. Mixvibes Cross
Cross was created by a team of French developers. In recent years, many updates have been released for the application, which allows you to receive all new and high-quality features. Four decks, two samplers and fourteen different functions. Integrate music directly into SoundCloud and iTunes. Download cross-platform application also on mobile devices.
6. Atomix VirtualDJ Pro
This app is known to every DJ. Perhaps because of its popularity, it has the highest cost on the market – $ 299 for the Pro version.
The software is equipped with linear audio inputs and comes with cards for a fairly significant range of DJ controllers. The latest version (8th) adds sandbox functions for previewing private mixtures of other DJs, an advanced sampler, an updated sound engine, and much more.
If you do not want to pay the full price of a license, you can subscribe to VirtualDJ Pro for $ 19 per month.
5. Mixxx
Mixxx is one of our favorite apps that is free to use and open source.
Mixxx comes standard with two decks (each with its own scrolling scrolling signal), iTunes integration, four sample decks, loops, signals, and support for a wide range of formats. There is an automatic tempo detection and synchronization, as well as an Auto DJ function, in case you feel lazy. Support for more than 30 controllers and vinyl systems. If you don’t have a favorite DJ app, you should try Mixxx. In the end, you have nothing to lose.
4. Gibson Deckadance
Currently, Gibson owns several excellent tools: mesh editing, a flexible graphical interface, and macro style management.
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Mix 4 tracks at the same time with support for processing by third-party plug-ins. In terms of functionality, Deckadance is slightly inferior to competitors.
3. Serato DJ
Serato has come a long way since leading the birth of digital vinyl DJing over a decade ago. Leadership may be lost, but continuous development and updates keep the application competitive.
In 2013, Serato was reborn and holds a confident third place on this list.
2. Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a bit of an anomaly on this list. We all know it as a DAW program for mixing and mastering music. However, it was originally created and presented as a program for writing music. After many years, it became one of the most sought-after DJs. An added bonus is the many built-in tools and effects.
1. Native Instruments Traktor Pro
Traktor Pro is the gold standard that is primarily used by many DJs. We will miss the fact that competitors perform some functions better, but here is “all in one” and none of them can be compared in terms of flexibility and reliability.
Write music, mix and enjoy the DJ’s nightlife!