Skank Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Digital DJing Software: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2011When it comes to software for digital DJing and “controllerism”, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all about Traktor. But there are plenty of alternatives, all of which have their fans and some of which are extremely popular.Whether you’re wondering what package to learn on, looking for a change or just curious as to what else is out there, our ultimate guide to digital DJing software can help you.About this guideWe’ve rounded up every major DJ software package currently on the market, in alphabetical order, that fitted our criteria: We only feature software that works with current DJing hardware. This isn’t us saying that as a DJ you have to use Midi controllers or the like, as it’s perfectly possible to DJ with just a laptop, but the list would be too long if we included all digital music manipulation programs out there.We have not featured DVS software – that is, software that needs traditional record decks/CD players and control vinyl/CDs to work. While DVS systems are great, Where a company makes several versions of its software, we have included what we think is the best version for controller-led digital DJs, against versions with features for music producers, karaoke operators, radio DJs, video jockeys, mobile entertainers, restaurants and so on.Where there are lesser versions of packages available, we’ve only listed the “full strength” version. After all, you tend to get a limited version of some software package or other with your DJ controller. We figure if you upgrade, you’ll want the best.The Software Ableton Live 8It doesn't look like DJ software, and it doesn't act like DJ software... but increasingly, DJs are choosing Ableton Live 8 because of the ability it gives them to remix on the fly.Ableton Live 8 Price: US$499Website: http://www.ableton.comRating: ★★★★System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Akai Professional APC40, APC20; Novation Launchpad; Korg Zero 8; Open Labs controllers; Vestax VCM-600They say: Mix and match tracks and loops automatically, remix on the fly, capture audio loops in real time from decks and other external sources, incorporate your own productions into the mix, and much more.We say: Completely different way of DJing, niche but gaining ground. Good for mashups and re-editing on the fly. Preferred by DJ/producers, famously championed by Sasha and deadmau5 among others.See it at: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Thomann (UK & rest of Europe)DeckadanceIt looks like a flight deck, and that's basically because it is - this is powerful 2-deck DJ software, with plenty of advanced features including sample decks and VST effectsDeckadance Club EditionPrice: US$179Website: deckadance.image-line.comRating: ★★★★System: PC/Mac; Supported DJ controllers: Allen & Heath Xone:3D; American Audio DP-2; Behringer BCD2000, BCD3000; DJ Tech DJ For All, i-Mix, i-Mix MkII, i-Mix Reload, Mix Free; Hercules DJ Console Mk2, DJ Control MP3, DJ Control MP3 e2, DJ Console Mk4, DJ Console RMX, DJ Control Steel; Icon i-DJ; M-Audio X-Session Pro, Xponent; Numark Omni Control, Total Control; Omnitronic MMC1; Openlabs DBEAT; Reloop Digital Jockey; Vestax VCI-100, VCM-100, VCI-300They say: Deckadance is a DJ mixing application that works as a standalone program OR as a VSTi plugin in your favourite host. Deckadance was written by DJs for DJs, so we are confident that it will take your DJing to the next level.We say: Top-notch effects and sampler, 8-slot VST host for hosting VST effects and instruments, can also function as a VST plugin. Quality waveforms and good iTunes integration. If you like Traktor’s look and feel, you may like this.Disco XT 5.5This 2-deck software has an understated black/grey look and prominent library support, with a non-standard DJ screen layout. Price: US$109 / US$67Website: http://www.discoxt.comRating: ★★System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Behringer BCD3000, Hercules DJ Console RMX, DJ Control MP3; M-Audio X-Session Pro; Numark Total ControlThey say: Allows to create a continuous, gapless flow of music from individual audio files, mixing the songs together. It has been designed for live use.We say: Cross-fader activated filtering, easily assignable shortcuts, editable EQs, good iTunes integration. Waveforms and general layout a bit strange. Worth a look if you want something understated. Poor choice of controllers.Algoriddim djay 3It looks swish, but it's when you see the graphical touches and animation (the strobes round the deck are brilliant) that this 2-deck DJ software really wins you over.djay 3Price: US$45Website: http://www.djay-software.comRating: ★★★★System: Mac; DJ controllers supported: Vestax Spin, VCI-100, VCM-100; Numark Total Control, Stealth Control, Omni Control; Ion Audio iCue3 Discover DJ; M-Audio Torq Xponent; Reloop Digital Jockey 2 Interface Edition; Hercules DJ Control Steel, DJ Console Rmx, DJ Console Mk4, DJ Control MP3 e2, DJ Console Mk2, DJ Control MP3; M-Audio X-Session Pro; Vestax VCI-300They say: Ready to rock your next party? djay seamlessly integrates with your iTunes and transforms your Mac into a full-blown DJ system. Unprecedented ease-of-use with innovative and powerful mixing features.We say: Good looking, visually stunning and fun DJ software with seamless iTunes integration a big sell. A serious contender for beginner to intermediate Mac users. You may miss waveforms, though. Vestax Spin is built to work with it.e-mix proIt looks old school, but it does have parallel waveforms for its two featured decks. There are other skins available too.e-mix ProPrice: US$272 Website: http://www.e-mix.comRating: ★★System: PC; DJ controllers supported: e-mix mp1200; Behringer BCD3000; Hercules DJ Console Mk2, DJ Control MP3, DJ Control MP3 e2, DJ Console RMX, DJ Control Steel; Vestax VCI-100, VCM-100; IMG MC-500USB; Kam ME-701; American Audio DP2They say: The e-mix DJ Software offers all functions for professional mixing. The program can be controlled by one of the common Midi controllers or easily by mouse.We say: Audio/video software aimed at club and mobile digital DJ/VJs. Can be bought with company’s own e-mix mp1200 for an integrated solution. Lots of competition at this price point – it’s among the most expensive here.Future Decks ProThis 2-deck software certainly looks professional enough in its gloss black and polished greys, and some will like the fact that they've ditched the decks/CD paradigm.FutureDecks ProPrice: US$99Website: http://www.xylio.com/Rating: ★★★System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Behringer BCD2000, BCD3000; M-Audio Xponent; Reloop Digital Jockey 2 Interface Edition; Vestax (models not stated); “all” HerculesThey say: You can really mix your songs, nothing else needed but your imagination. Beat-matching is just a click away and also are seamless beat-aware loops, effects and many other things. All these thanks to a brand new audio engine.We say: Video mixing, beatgridding, vinyl FX, VST support, Midi learn, pitch scaling auto-gain and mix recording, some iTunes support. One of the better of the mass of alternatives to the big boys. Patchy controller support. Also sold as DJ Mixer Pro. Mixmeister FusionIt's a completely different way of DJing, and Mixmeister Fusion will certainly turn heads in the DJ box as you're manipulating those multiple waveforms.MixMeister FusionPrice: US$329 Website: http://www.mixmeister.comRating: ★★★★System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: Mixmeister ControlThey say: MixMeister software isn’t quite like anything else on the market. It’s designed for people who care enough about their music to refine a mix until it’s perfect, rather than throw everything together on the fly and hope that it sounds OK.We say: Performance version of this mix creation and automation software, with hardware support, Midi timing signals, monitoring and performance mode. Radically different to most software, in a niche of its own. You’ll know if this is for you once you try it.MixVibes Cross DJThis 2-deck software has nice waveforms displayed in multiple ways, and overall is one of the nicest in our test appearance-wise.Price: US$95Website: http://www.mixvibes.comRating: ★★★★System: PC/Mac; DJ controllers supported: DJ-Tech i-Mix, i-Mix MKII, i-Mix Reload, i-Mix Reload MKII; Hercules DJ Console RMX, DJ Console MK4, DJ Control Steel, DJ Control MP3 e2; Ion Discover DJ; MixVibes U-Mix Control; MixVibes VFX Control; Numark iDJ3, Omni Control, Stealth Control, Total Control; Reloop Digital Jockey, Digital Jockey 2; Vestax Typhoon, VCI-100, VCM-100They say: Helps you control your music with keyboard/mouse or a DJ Midi controller. Because finding the right track to play next is the first concern of a DJ, it is focused on media management and interface simplicity.We say: Easy iTunes management and big library window making file management easy, but no nested folders in iTunes. No effects or sampler though, although FX are promised. What it does, it does well. Looks great.written by Phil Morse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cupe Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 Nice 1 chief Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 very good read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulsebeat Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Just tried decka dance its fucking sick mann! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapFive Posted September 2, 2011 Share Posted September 2, 2011 wow i never thought there were so many different peices of software!!! nice one skank it has made me think twice about what controller i am buying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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