DJ program

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Screenshot of a DJ program with 2 virtual decks ( Mixxx 1.6)

A DJ program is music software that virtually simulates the mixing normally carried out by a disc jockey on turntables or CD players and a mixer on a PC. The graphical user interface and functional scope of the software are mostly based on the live character of the mixing. Instead of records or CDs, audio files , often MP3 files, are used. As a rule, the programs have a visual interface with two (or more) symbolized play decks and various controls. Some programs also have a variety of sampling options and the integration of various effects, which greatly expands the possibilities for the DJ.

Control using external hardware

Digital MIDI DJ controller

Most or all established programs offer the option of connecting external MIDI controllers to the PC; this is usually done via USB these days . These have so-called jog wheels , buttons, controls, displays and light-emitting diodes , so that the program can be controlled in a DJ- friendly manner, which is hardly possible with a keyboard and mouse. Buttons, controls and displays can be assigned to any function of the DJ program using individual mappings, depending on the DJ software. Many current DJ controllers already include an audio interface, so that the PC / notebook and DJ controller already form a complete DJ set. Some programs also offer the option of connecting turntables or CD players to the PC, on which a special record or CD with so-called time code is placed. This means that the audio file can be treated like an original sound carrier. By connecting external audio interfaces , the music can also be mixed with conventional mixing consoles. The program then functions as the sole music input source, the mixer as output. By means of synchronization, up to four virtual decks can be placed on four channels on the mixer.

Organization of the music files

Sometimes the software is connected to a database with a file browser in which playlists can be created and managed. In addition, some programs offer the option of importing playlists created externally, for example by integrating the iTunes media library and playlists .

List of known DJ programs

Comparison of basic functions

program Number
of decks		 Pitch -
control		 Automatic
beat matching 		Timecode
support		 particularities operating system License
BPM studio 2 Yes Yes Yes Demo almost reaches the size of the purchase version Windows Proprietary
Deckadance 2 Yes Yes Yes ( Final Scratch ) Support of external VST plugins Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
djDecks 2 Yes No Yes Integrated in Virtual DJ 8 Windows Proprietary
E-mix 2 Yes Yes Windows Proprietary (in three versions)
FutureDecks 2 Yes Yes Yes (from version 1.3.1) Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
Mixxx 2 or 4 Yes Yes Yes Windows, Mac OS, Linux GPL
MegaSeg DJ 2 Yes Yes Mac OS X Proprietary
SAM broadcaster 2 Yes Yes Is mainly used for radio used Windows Proprietary
Rane Serato Scratch Live 2 or 4 Yes No Yes Software free of charge, but only 1 channel without SL-Box Windows, Mac OS X Freeware
Serato DJ Pro 2 or 4 Yes Yes Yes (requires DVS license) Software free, but only 1 channel without Serato-supported hardware controller Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
tractor 2 (LE) or 4 (Pro) Yes Yes Yes (only Traktor Scratch editions) since version 2.5 optional 2 remix decks (only Pro) Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
UltraMixer 4 (from version 6) Yes Yes Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
VirtualDJ Pro Full 99 (from version 7) Yes Yes Yes VST plugins, samplers Windows, Mac OS X Proprietary
VirtualDJ Home 99 (from version 7) Yes Yes No VST plugins, samplers Windows, Mac OS X Freeware

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  1. ↑ BPM Studio
  2. ↑ Deckadance ( Memento of the original from October 20, 2017 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.deckadance.com
  3. ↑ djDecks
  4. ↑ Torq - M-Audio
  5. ↑ Virtual DJ
  6. ↑ adionSoft is now part of the family Atomix Productions
  7. ↑ FutureDecks Pro 1.3.1 just released
  8. ↑ VirtualDJ Home FREE