Everybody wants to play music, but not everyone is a DJ. However, with advanced amateur DJ software, aspiring turntablists can be one step closer to that dream.
There are lots of great DJ software applications that give you some of the same powers as a professional DJ and these include consumer versions of pro DJ software. Popular titles include Zulu, PCDJ, Virtual DJ and DJ Mixer Pro.
Certainly features vary by programme, but generally, DJ software allows users to mount tracks from an iTunes library, add gimmicks, samples, distortion, delay and reverb on the fly and output music to speakers/headphone or burn to a CD.
To truly impress a crowd, a DJ has to mix! Software substitute ears with built in BPM matching and key selection to keep mixes on point. Crossfade and track preview are advanced mixing features for smooth transitions.
In addition to sourcing files from the users existing iTunes library, premium DJ software can import and convert a number of file formats or can make use of an external audio mixer for greater control. Many amateur DJ’s mix for karaoke and live video, which can be supported by DJ software. Expect to pay between US$140 and US4140 depending on the software, or try the free versions.
Moving from the desktop/laptop, to tablets like the iPad, a whole slew of DJ apps have emerged to bring power and performance to the portable devices. djay currently holds the title of most popular reviews, but Mixr is expected to hit the platform soon and rival its dominance.
Free apps are available, but budget at least US$10 for the best apps in the App Store.
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