Dj software

Hi everyone i'm Swindla , first time poster!
I just wanted to ask for some advice on dj software available . About 5 month ago i quit my residency at my local dnb night becayse everyone were on cdj and i were still on 1210's and cant afford to keep up buying new vinyl anyway blah blah i have now upgraded and love my cdj and want to push my skills even further by getting some software creating sick loops and such because i will be back on again soon and i also just want to keep up with the latest tech , i get alot of praise for my sets but want to stand out even more can anyone give me the lowdown on the different brands so i can get a better understandibg of what would suit my style . I don't want to rush out and buy anything before i do a bit of research and get some opinions .
Swindla

If you're using CDJ's, I'd recommend using Ableton Live to create your own edits/remixes. Burn 'em to CD, and mix 'em as usual.

And i could just stick them on a usb stick too?

Absolutely.

If you want to actually DJ in the software, look into Traktor or Serato. Ableton is great but there is a big learning curve if you are planning to DJ in it; expect a completely different workflow than you're used to as a DJ. Whereas with Traktor and Serato type programs, the workflow is designed around DJing, so it will be more familiar. But if you're just looking for software to remix songs and then you want to continue performing live with CDJs (without a computer), then yeah Ableton is your best bet.

Also, if you haven't, look into Rekordbox to help with setting up loops and cues for your CDJs. It's free from Pioneer if you go to their site.

I use Ableton Live for production and Traktor to DJ.

honestly sounds to me like you want Rekordbox mate, though that will limit you if you ever come across a set of CDJ1000s in a club. I'd maybe consider getting something like Traktor, or Ableton, to blast loops from, and run it out of a soundcard into a 3rd/4th channel?

that is, of course, assuming that you want to keep using CDJ's. if you're a vinyl guy at heart then you could always use timecode with Traktor or Serato, or use the CDJ's with timecode, or use HID to get direct control over the CDJ's with software.

I know the amount of options can seem pretty daunting but you have to ask yourself what you want to do with the software, and they sort of narrow themselves down.

Do you want that vinyl feel again or to use CDJ's.

Do you still want to use CD's or do it all within the software?

How complex looping do you want (ie do you want Ableton-style where you can build beats etc on the fly)?


In the clubs you're likely to be booked at, what models of CDJ's are they (are they Rekordbox compatible, I assume they are as you say you use USB sticks)

Theres so many options for so many work flows but if you tell us a rough idea of what you want from the software, what you plan to do and how the workflow is in your head, and we can narrow it down for you :)

Welcome to the forums BTW!

i think traktor pro is the best

Yeah thanks , i use rekordbox they came with my decks but you cannot add effects i like the quantizethough .
Last night i downloaded a month trial of ableton and it does look quite difficult but i will download a manual and watch plenty of tutorials and yeah at some point i will be hooking my 1210's up too .
I just need to make a little more space 1st

Yeah thanks , i use rekordbox they came with my decks but you cannot add effects i like the quantizethough .
Last night i downloaded a month trial of ableton and it does look quite difficult but i will download a manual and watch plenty of tutorials and yeah at some point i will be hooking my 1210's up too .
I just need to make a little more space 1st

I find that Serato is good if you want to mix as close to software-free as possible, and Traktor if you want to get into controllerism or pile on the fx, loops and samples. Serato is pretty straight forward, whereas Traktor has lots to do, lots to mod, and much more customizability.

serato is amazing with cdjs ... epically with hid control

dubspot.com is offering a free 30 lesson beginner guide to ableton and the first module is on DJing... its pretty concise, showing the fundamentals and even giving you a DJ template to start with. I'd check it out asap if you have a trial version. it is a limited time thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dripstep

I find that Serato is good if you want to mix as close to software-free as possible, and Traktor if you want to get into controllerism or pile on the fx, loops and samples. Serato is pretty straight forward, whereas Traktor has lots to do, lots to mod, and much more customizability.

---

I agree with this completely.

Although honestly, if you're going to be using CDJ's, I don't see the need for using software. Software is best suited for vinyl emulation, or for controllers in my opinion. If you're using CDJ's, it's just overkill at that point.

As far as FX and such go though, you might look into upgrading your mixer? You can use the FX within software easily enough, but to just get those, I don't think it's really worth it over burning CD's or Thumbdrives if you're using CDJ's. I mean, they can loop and whatnot now as well even.

Do what you feel is best though. Honestly with your vinyl experience, I don't see why you don't just use the 1210's with software, no reason to even change to CDJ's unless it's a problem getting gigs.

Thanks i will be hooking my 1210s up soon it is more of a situation of wanting to push my abilities further and learn more about mixing in general i have been spinning ten year and since switching to digital and looking into software it really fascinates me and i am due a mixer upgrade but everthing is one step at a time , my mate offered me serato last night so i may have a play around with that

Oh yeah , i can't believe how easy they have made mixing noe with bpm counters on the screens of cdj's you would think anyone could just get on them and play but i have made a point of not letting myself look as i don't want to get into the habit of mixing with my eyes