So You Want To Be A Digital DJ (Part 2)

[BillyT]

Two weeks ago we discussed Digital DJ’ing and some of the questions that arise when thinking about purchasing a computer. This week I will attempt to outline programs that are available to use to become a Digital DJ.

So let’s get started, I went to Google and typed in DJ software, and this is what I came up with.

OTSJUKE DJ 1.0
In addition, this package also includes Ots Studio. Ots Studio gives you full control of your Ots files in an easy to use, friendly GUI environment. You can manipulate title and artist information, genre and release info, mixing points, album cover graphics, and in the future, beat information, lyrics, and much more.

OTS Juke currently costs 129.99 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program..

PCDJ Silver
This is an entry-level package. Some popular features are included and has enough power to DJ any party.

Silver currently costs 29.99 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

PCDJ Blue
The PCDJ BLUE is a trimmed down version of their main product PCDJ RED. The software features the same performance power and sound as PCDJ Red.

Blue currently costs 99.99 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

PCDJ Red
PCDJ RED MP3 software enables you to mix and DJ music like never before. Amateur to Pro DJ, RED is easy to use. Red can deliver a high sound quality with multiple functions to boost your performace to new heights. Red helps you create, organize and manage your MP3 files in it's built in recordcase.
Use the keyboard and mouse to playback or connect our DMC Controller for the ultimate hands on experience. Red's flexibility is available for your personal choice. It's fast, easy and reliable. Here are some features of PCDJ Red:

Red currently costs 199.99 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

BPM Studio Professional
This software was developed especially for club and mobile DJs who prefer the benefits of working with music in MP3 format to more traditional mediums such as vinyl, cassette tapes and CDs.

BPM Studio Professional currently costs 449.00 and is available for download online.

BPM Studio Private
BPM Studio Private edition is a powerful MP3 Player and Mixer. It is not copy protected and can be installed on as many PCs as you like. It has many more features than BPM Studio Light but is NOT upgradeable. Ideal for the House Party DJ or as an inexpensive way to experience the MP3 DJ'ing experience.

BPM Studio Private currently costs 99.00 and is available for download online.

BPM Gastro
BPM Studio Gastro is a powerful 6-times MP3-Player specifically developed for the gastronomy. Whether you own a nightclub, restaurant, bar, radio station, hotel or another establishment, the Gastro Edition is the ideal and user-friendly sound management system.

BPM Gastro currently costs 799.00 and is available for download online.

MixMeister Pro 4
MixMeister Pro 4 gives you a serious music mixer and the professional DJ control to be creative in both live and studio settings.

MixMeister Pro 4 currently costs 169.95 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

MixMeister 4
Using MixMeister 4, everyone from the computer novice to professional DJs can line up rhythms for mixes with professional sound. The easy-to-use- graphical interface makes building that killer mix a snap, whether it’s for an aerobics class or a party.

MixMeister 4 currently costs 99.95 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

MixMeister 3
MixMeister 3 is powerful enough to create a mix second to none, yet simple enough for anyone to use. Its dynamic, graphical interface helps you quickly create that mix without the need for practice or hard-to-master, expensive equipment.

MixMeister 3 currently costs 39.95 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

TRAKTOR DJ Studio 2.0 (Mac and PC)
A powerful and professional DJ Software program for Mac or PC, using 2 pitchable decks for mixing. The software includes a mixer with crossfader and cues and the ability for live remixing and mix recording using tracks in MP3, WAV, AIFF, and Audio CD(*) format.

Traktor DJ Studio 2.0 currently costs 199.00 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

TRAKTOR DJ(Mac and PC)
Compact DJ mixing software with an intuitive interface of TRAKTOR DJ offers all the major functions needed for live mixing and basic mix recording. Automatic tempo detection and synchronization, precise loops on the fly, filters and equalizers, scratch presets, a DJ mixer section with pre-listening, and the ability to record all mixing actions make TRAKTOR DJ the perfect tool for ambitious DJ's who are ready to take their mixing to the next level.

Traktor DJ currently costs 59.90 and is available for download online. You can also download a trial of this program.

Whew! The list could go on and on. I just selected some of the top used software programs that I know are out there and there are many more DJ software programs on the market. Just like our discussion on computers, you should research the program that you are thinking about purchasing. Go to their boards and support pages to view problems that their users are having. Each of the programs listed above and even other programs that I haven’t mentioned all have their own good and bad points.

Until the next installment
Happy Digital DJ'ing!

[ January 23, 2003, 08:51 AM: Message edited by: BillyT ]

[DJ Doc Z]

Two different programs which I also use besides otsjuke are:

ATOMIXMP3
www.atomixmp3.com
$59.95
Another mp3 player with effects and it will beatmatch dance music for you, with a little of your assistance.

FINAL SCRATCH
www.finalscratch.com
$499.95
Uses your computer to store the songs and from there you use their special digital encoded vinyl 12". You look like a dj spinning vinyl except that all of your songs are on your computer. This only runs on a Linux system, whereas, you will use a dual-boot hard drive. Real sweet after you get some bugs worked out.

[ January 23, 2003, 10:54 AM: Message edited by: DJ Doc Z ]

[Thomas Hamkens]

What about DJPower?

[DJ Doc Z]

Yes, that's another. Can you give a report on it?

[BillyT]

Tom,

DJPower is another DJ software program that has the ability to be the only software program that you need. They offer the Demo, Pro and Extreme versions of their software.

The Demo version, of course, is short of features, there is no capability of ripping CD's or editing them. You can not encode to MP3 or normalize them.
There are 9 optional add-on features that DJPower offers and of these 9 only 4 1/2 included while ther other 4 are not available for the Demo version. The program does come with some optional add-on features like the EQ, beat mixer and the video/karaoke feature. The price is Free.

The Pro version has all the features including CD ripping, editing and normalization. There are 9 optional add-on features that DJPower offers and of these 9 only 5 are available to the Pro version. The price for the Pro version is 699.00 with 3 of the add-on features.

The Extreme version has all the bells and whistles, including 3 of the 9 optional add-on features, however all optional features are available with the extreme version. It appears that the price of this version includes a computer, which they call a Turn-key system. It would seem that the startng price for a Turn-key system is 1725.00 and goes up from there.

Unfortunately, because of the price tag of the Pro and Extreme versions, I can not test it's features or capabilitites to see if the program is as rock solid as the manufacturers claims.

If anyone has used the program and has first hand knowledge of it's capabilities and features, please let us know what you think. We would enjoy to hear what you have to say.

Enjoy!