Virtual DJ
To be honest, since I purchased Serato, I couldn’t be happier with my DJ software choice. I’ve been so happy with the product that I have stopped doing a lot of research on other DJ software solutions. Just recently I noticed a new addition to the DJ software voting list, Virtual DJ Pro. Not only did a fan take the time to add the software to the list, but it’s also holding it’s own with 7% of the total votes. So what is Virtual DJ Pro? Well, I took some time to do a little research, and I was quite impressed.
I noticed that the screenshots looked kind of familiar, and then I realized that I had seen them in the past in DJ catalogs next to the Hercules DJ controller. The DJ software is included with each Hercules unit. After browsing the rest of the Virtual DJ site, I learned that there are a number of different versions of the DJ software for different applications, and that you can download a trial version of the software as well. I care most about the vinyl emulation functionality, and according to the site, I can get started for fairly cheap. Virtual DJ Pro costs $319 for the software, and $20 for each timecoded vinyl record.
Virtual DJ was roughly based on Atomixmp3, another software product released by the company, Atomix (a French company), but the new version adds a lot more advanced features for pro and semi-pro DJ’s. What impressed me most about the software is it’s ability to control video as well, much like Numark’s Cue software. But with Virtual DJ Pro, you are able to use the time-coded vinyl to control those videos, Serato is also currently working on this functionality for an upcoming software release.
Here is some content from www.virtualdj.com further explaining the product:
“VirtualDJ is the hottest MP3 mixing software, targeting every DJ from bedroom DJs to professional superstars like Carl Cox.
With its breakthrough BeatLock engine, your songs will always stay in the beat, and you can work your mixes incredibly faster than any other DJ could.
The automatic seamless loop engine and the brand new synchronised sampler will let you perform astounding remixes live, with no preparation at all.
The visual representation and the cues allow you to clearly see the song’s structure, and never be surprised by a break anymore.
The vinyl controls will let you scratch like on a real turntable, except that with the beatlock engine your scratches will never end out of the beat.
Add to that an infinite number of cue points you can save for each songs, a bunch of wonderful effects automatically beat-synchronised.
Add also several interfaces to suit everybody from the beginner to the professional DJ, the possibility to record your mixes to burn them on CDs, to broadcast on the Internet and have your own radio station, to save your CDs directly in MP3, to use a headphone to preview the songs or an external mixtable to perform in a club.
Lastly, enter the new era of DJs by mixing video clips (DVD, DivX, MPEG…) which you can send on a giant screen.
Virtual DJ brings you all that, in the most easy-to-use way, and at the most affordable price.”
It would be nice to get my hands on this DJ software to see how well the vinyl emulation really works. Atomix, if you read this, hook me up with a copy and I’ll give it a thorough review! You’ll have to come with something really great to convince me to stray from the Serato way.
[...] I created a page for this new Best DJ Software title contender and placed it among the ranks here. [...]
I think that this could be the easiest entry point for a digital dj. Midi learn is it’s strength in my opinion. For a mid-ish to high level program, it operates with an ease of use that makes more sense than a few of the gear oriented virtual decks out there…
There is no natural drift to the beat matching, however and takes getting used to when switching even from the way a cd deck operates, let alone the often intuitive and organic feel of mixing with analogue equipment.
i think vdj is the most friendly interface i’ve seen…the others…not so much
I have read a few reviews on the site. fantastic.. I purchased Virtual DJ online a few months ago by that time it was virtual dj 4 rev 2. the next time i visited the site it was upgraded to v5 rev 0 Last week before my gig it was V5 rev 5 am quite impressed by the way the software keeps being updated, it has a simple interfece with the new skin to work with. Am quite impressed by the way music bitrates can be stored making it simple to cue songs with the same bits or manually increasing the pitch to match the current song.. I dont know what they are planning next but i think the software if fantabulous.
I have been DJing for over 10 years. At first, the idea of using software to do mixing was to me “lazyass”. A true dj uses vinyls and turntables. But times has changed. Now we have mp3 players and external hard drives. I first i bought PCDJ it was ok. But then another DJ told me about Virtual DJ. Man to this day I use it. It uses less resources and can be used with arrange of accessories. Trust this is the software to buy….
I think that VDJ Pro is the best software out for djs since its probably the most user friendly. I use this great software for my live mixes on the Virtual Dj Radio (http://radio.virtualdj.com) and it is just phenomenal!
DJ Naamnaam!
I have tried almost all of the DJ software applications out there and I must say that Virtual DJ Pro with TCV (Time Coded Vinyl) is the best so far. I have un-installed all the other DJ software programs and exclusively use ONLY VDJ Pro.
There is nothing out there that comes close to the real Vinyl feel.
With VDJ you should try different skins, some have stuff others don’t have. I purchased the PRO but then downloaded the MixStation skin and modified it a bit adding the new features in v5 and fixing few things (it didn’t adjust the song and cue times with the current pitch, very easy to fix). Beats the ones that come as default for sure.
Vdj it’s the greatest software for dj if u can’t mix with it you’ll not be a real good dj
This is without a doubt the best !
The best DJ Software on the planet. Very stable, user friendly, best sound engine ever, automix feature is the best I’ve seen by far…….
Try it out people, you will never go back to your old dj software after trying this out.
VDJ is good for bedroomers, or people who dont need to use TCVs.
I have been using VDJ for 2 years now, and even though the quality of the timecoded vinyl has improved (I have been responsible for some of the improvements through contact with VDJ devs) it´s nowhere near the real vinyl feel of Serato.
When used in real clubs or larger venues, with massive bass and/or physical interaction from people jumping the stage etc. the timecode signal craps out and leaves you in the dark.
Also it lacks a decent interface to assign buttons/knobs to midi-controllers. It´s hardcore coding to change any setup as it is now.
It´s really a pitty, cause VDJ is so close to being perfect. Excellent beat sync, fantastic effects and supports VST effects too. It just totally lacks timecode stability and midi mapping.
IF they fix this, it´s easily the best option. Untill then, I´d go for Serato, if you want to use timecoded vinyls and you´re not a strictly bedroom dj. At home you can have the timecodes work alright.
i use VDJ since the first release!!
i stopped using TCVs because i think there is no use for importing the vinyl problems into the digital edge!!(needle jumping-dust-shaking-&problem with big pa-systems ……)
A good controller is far ahead of TCVs with digital system`s.
That`s my personal meaning after 8 years of digital Djìng.
yeah like i said on the serato page, VDJ is my bread and butta.
THE ONLY PURPOSE OF TIMECODES IS FOR SCRATCHING.
That being said I see plenty of dj’s that arent good at scratching trying to practice out in public and its terrible.
But those same djs swear by serato and tell me if i’m not using decks then i’m not dj’ing.
but when my set is finished and i unplug my video, the whole area by the screens empty out and people leave most of the time.
I think the end result is what its all about with dj’ing.
Save the acrobatics for the DMX tournaments yo.
I only need one laptop an extra soundcard and one channel on the mixer to get a party rockin wit VDJ.
Ive used virtual dj for about 4 or 5 years and always looked for better dj software but recent versions have come to be more unstable and bloated. Now ive switched to Traktor 3 and im great full i switched. Traktor is much more stable and easy on the system and has great improvements over the older versions.
Hey. I own Virtual dj and so far i have been only able to use it on the computer. I al looking into buying the TC vinyl. But if i have the program and the vinyl do i need any other hard ware? like a Sound card or some sort of seroto to hock it all up?
Because i want to be able to load up the tracks onto the TC vinyl so i don’t have to go looking through all my thousand peaces of vinyl at night clubs.
Please email me back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
elliottsab@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/djell1
i should say i am working with VDJ and i enjoy it. there is just one problem with it, and it’s you can not save the beginning and end point for songs, but you have this option even in smpile software like “iTunes”. sometimes i need to listen to my songs before i go to club, so i want to easily save my playlist for that night and tell me sotware that for example play song “X” from this time and stop it at this time. you can do this in “iTunes” but not here, they should add this to their software. I am not aware of any plugins or something that can add this optin, so if you please let me know.
Virtual DJ is “THE BEST” mixing software in the mixing software industry. Easy to use and so user-friendly. Check my mixes at http://www.youtube.com/masadotmanen
I GOT THE VDJ PROGRAM WHEN ALL MY BUDDIES GOT SERATO AND I CAN DO THINGS THEY CANT LIKE RECORD AND DO LIVE INTERNET MIXES!! MY BEST FRIEND IS SO JEALOUS HE SPENT 600 FOR SERATO AND CANT DO HALF OF WHAT I CAN DO!!
hi every1!!! i’ve been djing for more than 17 years now and i’ve tried every software out there…but come to trust only 3 softwares for 3 different task. 1.) fm radio broadcasting – traktor 3. 2.) live fm radio mixing + scratching- deckadance . 3.) live/club set + scratching and videos + making kool skins – VIRTUAL DJ PRO! this motherfukah kicks every software that i know of…and am sure it will keep on doin’ just dat!!! this is my main software for attacking other dj’s and usually comeback with no cuts at all hehehe ^_^ trust me party people…this 1 SOLID software dat i never had any problem or had any crashing of system with! i go and leave parties with a huge SMILE on my face. while other dj’s wonderin’ who’s gonna buy there gear (’cuz they wanna shift unto my path). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ATOMIX!!!
btw. juz finished cdj 400 skin. hehehe ^_^
if you search for Pioneer CD400 or CDJ200, i have it..eheh, download its from my site!!!
if you search for CDJ400 or CDJ200 VirtualDJ skin, I hAVE Its!!!
run to my deviantart site . . .
More power to mickyz! i’visited your webpage and tried your cdj 400 skin…it’s better than mine and i trashed mine, hehehe ^_^ although some of those buttons are not working (still your demo version, anyway), i’ll try to make some changes there. i hope you don’t mind about it and credits will go to you directly and am not gonna use that skin for personal use only. i love your stuff in there! you’re a soooooo GOD gifted friggin’ artist! GOD bless you and please…keep it comin! am now a great big fan of yours ^_^
hey boyz, the full CDJ400 is ONLINE!!!
run to deviantART for download it…
the project about Pioneer CDJ1000 skin for virtualDJ is started . . .
more info on my deviantART page!
Ooh man! MICKYZ…you ROCK!!! wow!!! just got today. FOUR THUMBS UP DUDE!!! you’re the DIGI-ART KING!!! HAIL THE KING!!! HAIL THE KING!!! HAIL THE KING!!!
THE NEW CDJ400 VERSION IS AVAILABLE!!! I added the CUE buttons, improved more the skin and maked a new function called SLIPMATES mode, with it now you can personalize your JOG background like a vinyl. This mode is a exclusive my idea that you can’t find in other skins! For more information about it, read the User-Manual PDF document . . . and don’t forget to add this skin to your favorites . . . Enjoy it ! ! !
by mickyz on deviantART
Oh, man! Slipmates? Gotta check it out GUYZ! i trust him (mickyz) all the way! he’s da GURU in digi-art! he’s da best DESIGNER in my opinion!
HEY GUYZ! if you want some REALLY KOOL SKINS FOR YOUR VDJ (VIRTUAL DJ), checkout DIGI-ARTS KING “MICKYZ” at DEVIANTART webpage. Everything there is just AMAZING! he’s so UNTOUCHABLE when it comes to Digi-Art! i dare you…you’ll LOVE it there! YOU all SHOULD BOOK MARK His web page! CHEERS 2 u MICKYZ!!! i love what you’re doin’ to us. keep it up and comin’…May the GOD of Music and Art, guide and protect you alwayz! stay healthy and GOD save the KING of DIGI-ART!!! Peace ^_^
I’ve used the original Final Scratch, Rane and Traktor Scratch. Traktor wins hands down if you like real time manipulation, without the digital gaps when you slow the records down extremely slow. It sounds more like vinyl… and that is the point. I haven’t tried Virtual DJ, but having the computer match my beats for me, seems a little like bullsh-t to me. Next, you’ll put your laptop on the stage, press play and skip the dj all together. I’ll pass !
virtualdj is not a dj and using it you don’t become a dj! it’s only a software for my mixing time at home, and for the people that funning without spend a lot of money for a real console!!! dj stan kinass can you play your brain before write?!?
hehehe ^_^ no offense stan kinass, but you talkin’ to da king of digi-art and he’s right. LOL ^_^ peace…
I really like VirtualDJ. It has full features, more than all the other softwares. And yes, it IS professional.
Anyway, the reviewer is wrong: it’s Numark Cue which is like VirtualDJ, not vice versa (in fact Cue is based on VirtualDJ!!!).
I like the possibility to write my own plugins (yeah, C++ knowledge) and to customize them as I wish.
VirtualDJ bullshit? Nah, bullshit are those people who don’t discover all its features as Professional DJs. In fact, you just stop in fron to the Auto mix… which doesn’t make you a DJ. But the rest? There are so many Pro features you haven’t tried
I’ve used Serato, Ableton 7 & VDJ Pro & believe VDJ is the best “Total DJ Solution” on the market. My only issue is picking a solid soundcard/interface. I use an M-Audio FastTrack Pro which clips too much (especially when the bass hits hard).
I went to a DJ school in NYC that used Serato Scratch w/ the Native Instr. interface that comes with Traktor Scratch. The needle jumped quite a bit when scratching (which isn’t my talent anyways.) Any opinions on the best interface for VDJ?
With all the features and Plug-ins…VDJ PRO is unmatched for the Mix DJ or DVJ.
In Barname Jozve Behtarin Barname Hast! Im A Persian.Special Thx FOr Vertual Dj & Mr DJ LEts go!!!!
Ya Good 4 me……………
I ‘ve been using Virtual DJ for a Year never came into any problems . The mixing is surpurb can do it with my eyes closed. the only problem sometimes it frozed but wrote to Ejay and helped me with the problem no problemo since.
the mac version on a mac book pro crashes a lot. even with my osx86 leopard 10.5.4 ‘hack version’ on vaio ar notebook (i know, it’s illegal, but just for stability comparison). but i love vdj for all-in-one dj/vj job.
Please i want PCDJ-VJ be added here and to my opinion the best DJ Software so far better than Vatual DJ
I am ready to try some new dj software. I have been using “DSS DJ” by xsoft for about 3 years and just recently tried “Future Decks Pro” also by the same creator. Both of these applications have crashed on me, I always have to have a cd ready in case. I have used PCDJ a bit, but didn’t like the user interface. This Virtual DJ sounds like it may be worth a look.
I think is all on how the user interacts with the software and the level of experience he/she has with the automated format. I have been on the scene since the early 80’s and have used tons of different equipment. When it comes to software I would have to say that Virtual DJ has by far the most ease of use and configuration. I own Torq and Serato as well – Serato has the eye candy and fenomenal features as well as Torq but when it comes to ease of configuration, application and use Virtual DJ and PCDJ give these others a run for their money. I use Virtual DJ with my DN-S5000 and my 1200’s with excellent results. Do your research before you spend a couple of hundred bucks on software that you may not be able to understand and then look at the vendor’s website to understand the features and match that to your skill and potential to see if its going to be your next tool for success.
Thanks everyone for your comments
But i still believe that as long as PCDJ-VJ or Mixvibes Producer is not listed here for comparerizm to other DJ softwares that are listed here, this list of best DJ software is not complete afterall PCDJ-VJ was designed by same Atomix that designed both Virtual DJ and Numark Cue . One problem i find out with PCDJ-VJ and i believe is same with VDJ is organizing your songs in the virtual folder the way you would like to play them in the party.
I been using virtual dj for atleast 5yrs an i never really look back since i think its a good software to play at clubs or any venue u want to attend. Alot people feel searato is the best thing on the market but to be honest if u could mixs u can use any software, i does use vdj an alot of serato user does come to me an say them cant believe vdj does that an how them serato dont do the things i doing.. all i does reply with from u coulds mixs u dont need no other software. if u does use cd players,serato,vdj, or any other software mixing just stick to it because it dont make sense u jump from each mixer to another bc u see some1 using a software that u think u can learn it..
When it comes to dj software. Serato is the one that works falwless. Your spending 299 for virtual dj and then you have to do the guess work on whcih soundcard to pick. Virtual dj allows you to use any soundcard but not all work flawless. Asio is universal and some soundcards give USB drop outs. I use serato because it separates the wack cant mix djs and those who dont know how to do things hands on. I have used Virtual dj for a year and had problems trying to cionfigure it to work properly. No wonder why dennis Ferrer doesnt use it anymore. Serato is simple and it doesnt make you sound better. You have to be good to sound good. There is No sync button. No automatic looping, No automatic beat grid. No Automatic back spin sound. If you do all this with a click of a mouse button, then you suck. You want respect, learn to do it yourself. No wonder why many talented Dj’s are using serato. The list is even growing daily. The reason why they chose serato is because it works %. No configuration, no crashing in the middle of a party etc. If you want to be a pro, use what the pros use. Pro use what works 100 %. They are not interested in changing the colors of skins or using a different souncard. Look mike, the skin looks like serato… Really cool. .. Virtual dj allows you to use it with mickey mouse controllers like the Total control, Omni controller, Hercules RMx, DMC 2, Behringer 2000, 3000. All this is Amateure equipment. These users want to be compared to dj’s using CDJ 1000mk3 or technics 1200. Pushing a button is a hell of alot easier than using your hands to do it on point. This is why i get booking’s every week compared to all the losers that want to be pro using home equipment
I have been dj’ing for 31 years and still doin it
Virtual DJ Pro would have to be one of the best programs around, I am in Australia and there aint many dj’s here that have gome fully computerised, i guess i am the lucky one that has computer knollage and have spent the time doing my homework so when doing a gig its a breeze, if you haven’t got virtual dj yet, what you wainting for, go get it, you won’ t be sorry trust me, 31years in the game and love it, cheers from Buddy
Virtual dj really sucks because its not responsive. Virtual dj has been around since the year 2000 and they cant fix the time codes. The majority of the members are midi users and they wonder why many club djs preffer serato. Why. ? because they are more interested in making updates for wack as controllers like the Hercules RMX, BCD 3000, Total Control. The headphone setup with the VCI 300 is a pain in the but and the NS7 is not responsive with Virtual like serato itch. The time codes are bad because the pitch drifts. It has too many stupid settings. I wonder who is the jackass that thought of this noncense.
Virtual dj is more focused on making updates for mickey mouse controllers than fixing what the real pro’s and clubs dj’s use. This is why serato will be in big places & most major clubs. Its all about what works perfect. DJ ing is not about the color of a skin or auto mixing or Net browsing etc. Its not about getting to a gig 2 hours before to configure your laptop to make sure it’s setup propper. Serato is one time setup and bam.. It just works.