DJ Software

[SoftJock Rick]

I will bet a vast majority of DJs here, including those that talk the talk, use very simple features of whatever DJ app they use. My guess it's probably limited to Play/Pause, some minor cueing, and tempo/pitch massaging. I'm guessing things like looping, filters, etc., are used less than 2-3% of the time by about the same amount of folks.

Some of the Traktor, and VDJ, and Serato features are great for the club DJ, but for those of us that do weddings, parties, sweet 16s, reunions, etc., they are fluff .. nice to have, but used very little.

I totally agree.

I have well over 300 functions in Rockit, that can be mapped to keyboards, controllers and skins. I actually use about 15 myself. I built all that stuff in, but I don't use it.

My favorite feature other the library stuff, is the Synch start -- load the same song into both main decks, right click on the crossfader, and choose the synch start. I built in a few ms delay, and the song sounds much fuller. You can FF or rewind either of the decks to get some more interesting effects such as reverb and echo.

 

[nextgen1]

Ots av

 

[claytonaustin]

Virtual Dj is the best Dj software. It can be run on PC nad Mac to mix music and videos so my vote is for virtual Dj.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Having tried and used "free" DJ software like Mixxx, there isn't a whole lot of difference in capability between them and paid software, though support is generally lacking. They sound the same and in some cases outperform the paid stuff.

Who told you I was using free software?

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Virtual Dj is the best Dj software. It can be run on PC nad Mac to mix music and videos so my vote is for virtual Dj.

The best software is what you like to use and what is comfortable to you. A person can buy VDJ and may not be good at using it or don't like the way it works. I love it myself. Just say it's the one you love to use.

 

[steve149]

Who told you I was using free software?

That wasn't directed to you. It was a response to Jeff's comment just before mine. I have no idea what software you use.

 

[Proformance]

I know a bunch of folks who use VDJ -- but many are using the home version, which the EULA prohibits against commercial use -- but they do it anyway, cause it's free.

I personally think Stephon did a bad deed in doing that -- he pretty much killed the DJ software industry for the rest of us. Only somebody from France can get away with that --then they put their white flag up.

First, you're wrong - someone using the software to DJ a party even for a fee does not constitute a commercial use of the VDJ software, nor is it a commercial use of the music. You are ignorant of the legal definition of "commercial use" which also protects the DJs right to private enjoyment of both products. "Private" does not mean isolated. It includes all regular and customary interactions with your family, friends, associates and circle of acquaintances.

The Mobile DJ is not the party of legal liability at private events like a wedding, etc. The legal party of interest is the family (bride) that facilitates and promotes the event. The event has no commercial purpose and attachment of such liability is expressly prohibited under the U.S. Code. (A fee paid directly to an individual for mobile DJing at a private event does not constitute profit from the commercial use of the music or software since that principle is defined by the rights of the organizing party irrespective of any person they employ or assign to effect those rights.)

To be a commercial use the music and/or software would be installed in a venue whose facilities are dedicated to generating profits and/or fundraising; (such as a restaurant or lounge open to the public at large); distributed across an employee base or fleet, (multi-op); or used specifically for profit generating activities (advertising and public performance.)

Secondly, VDJ owes nothing to the "rest of us." The only one killing your software is you. Distributing free limited feature versions of the program is the single most effective way to promote a software product and gain significant recognition and market share. VDJ took a risk, put it's product out there in a free version to be critiqed by users of all types with no monetary or emotional investment. What they got in return was valuable feedback, market direction, and user support that put then years ahead of the competition in features and popularity.

 

[Proformance]

I will bet a vast majority of DJs here, including those that talk the talk, use very simple features of whatever DJ app they use. My guess it's probably limited to Play/Pause, some minor cueing, and tempo/pitch massaging. I'm guessing things like looping, filters, etc., are used less than 2-3% of the time by about the same amount of folks.

Some of the Traktor, and VDJ, and Serato features are great for the club DJ, but for those of us that do weddings, parties, sweet 16s, reunions, etc., they are fluff .. nice to have, but used very little.

That's simply not true.
If you don't posses certain DJ skills before you go looking for software - you won't be looking for features to exploit those skills, nor are you likely to employ them even when they are available to you.

Most of the true features that appear in DJ software are there because the customers (DJ users) want and use them. The gimmicky ones, like sirens and sound effects are there to excite and attract the "newbies" (future DJs) and home users - solidifying the future customer base.

I find the DJ software matches up pretty consistently to the kind of DJ attracted to it:

Ots - is automation software, popular among DJs who don't mix, online streamers, event casting, and anyone simply running a list of A/V cues.
Ableton - studio arrangement, electronic musicians, and people who prefer to have their complex mixes and cues pre-set.
Traktor - mix and performance DJs who need plenty of expandable features and flexibility with a balance of pre-sets and live tactile control.
Serato - portable and compatible club applications, general business, modules to suit specific styles
VDJ - general mobile DJ and club product, very user friendly and suitable for the general public.

 

[steve149]

That's simply not true.
If you don't posses certain DJ skills before you go looking for software - you won't be looking for features to exploit those skills, nor are you likely to employ them even when they are available to you.

Most of the true features that appear in DJ software are there because the customers (DJ users) want and use them. The gimmicky ones, like sirens and sound effects are there to excite and attract the "newbies" (future DJs) and home users - solidifying the future customer base.

I find the DJ software matches up pretty consistently to the kind of DJ attracted to it:

Ots - is automation software, popular among DJs who don't mix, online streamers, event casting, and anyone simply running a list of A/V cues.
Ableton - studio arrangement, electronic musicians, and people who prefer to have their complex mixes and cues pre-set.
Traktor - mix and performance DJs who need plenty of expandable features and flexibility with a balance of pre-sets and live tactile control.
Serato - portable and compatible club applications, general business, modules to suit specific styles
VDJ - general mobile DJ and club product, very user friendly and suitable for the general public.

I disagree .. software features are generally inexpensive to add, so features go in all the time that are useful in a very limited circumstance. I also maintain, with a fair degree of confidence based on the dialog I have seen going back and forth here for the past few years, that the vast majority of users DO NOT USE the advanced functionality of the apps they have .. and I think most have gravitated to a specific one based on luck, recommendation or advertising (doubting that users will try them all before sticking with one). Note that I have familiarity with how people buy, use and develop software .. I spent 20 years in a software company in sales, marketing and development.

While you (and I'm sure there are others) will use the products to their fullest, I stand by the declaration that most here use play/pause, simple cue points, simple looping to extend a song or segment, and pitch/tempo .. features that are in nearly every application free or paid. The products striate to a degree based on usability, cost and performance .. generally not features.

 

[Proformance]

I disagree .. software features are generally inexpensive to add, so features go in all the time that are useful in a very limited circumstance. I also maintain, with a fair degree of confidence based on the dialog I have seen going back and forth here for the past few years, that the vast majority of users DO NOT USE the advanced functionality of the apps they have .. and I think most have gravitated to a specific one based on luck, recommendation or advertising (doubting that users will try them all before sticking with one). Note that I have familiarity with how people buy, use and develop software .. I spent 20 years in a software company in sales, marketing and development.

While you (and I'm sure there are others) will use the products to their fullest, I stand by the declaration that most here use play/pause, simple cue points, simple looping to extend a song or segment, and pitch/tempo .. features that are in nearly every application free or paid. The products striate to a degree based on usability, cost and performance .. generally not features.

The serious flaws in your thinking is that your DJ exposure is limited to these chat rooms. There is a huge disconnect between the online chat memberships and the larger working DJ community in terms of experience and skill sets. By and large - the members of these chat rooms do not represent the backbone of the DJ field, tend to be isolated and at the entry or part time level. Very few come from a background of serious full-time entertainment or event careers where that demand for creative features comes from.

Also, your experience selling software in a corporate setting may not necessarily translate well to the creative arts where direction and parameters are fluid, and the emphasis is always on change and distinctive style.

I would also disagree on what you call "basic" features and that they are readily available in free programs. Looping and sampling for example (features that replace the third turntable in analog DJing) is not even well done in a lot of paid programs. Independent coders especially, those not open to user feedback and short on resources, tend to develop applications that solely reflect their own DJ abilities - ignoring and discounting (as you are) the features that reflect skills they don't have or aren't aware of.

 

[steve149]

The serious flaws in your thinking is that your DJ exposure is limited to these chat rooms. There is a huge disconnect between the online chat memberships and the larger working DJ community in terms of experience and skill sets. By and large - the members of these chat rooms do not represent the backbone of the DJ field, tend to be isolated and at the entry or part time level. Very few come from a background of serious full-time entertainment or event careers where that demand for creative features comes from.

Also, your experience selling software in a corporate setting may not be translate well to the creative arts where direction and parameters are fluid, and the emphasis is always on change and distinctive style.

I would also disagree on what you call "basic" features and that they are readily available in free programs. Looping and sampling for example (features that replaces the third turntable in analog DJing) is not even well done in a lot of paid programs. Independent coders especially, those not open to user feedback and short on resources, tend to develop applications that solely reflect their own DJ abilities - ignoring and discounting (as you are) the features that reflect skills they don't have.

Since my comments were directed at the DJs "here" (as my comment was given), then I don't see any fault with using the information gleaned "here".

And you are ewelcome to check out one of the freebies: http://www.mixxx.org/features/

 

[tunes4046]

Best Virtual DJ feature $10 a month access to tons of music.

 

[Proformance]

Since my comments were directed at the DJs "here" (as my comment was given), then I don't see any fault with using the information gleaned "here".

And you are ewelcome to check out one of the freebies: http://www.mixxx.org/features/

Thank you, but I understood you clearly the first time.
Your comments were directed at the "vast majority of users" - and your conclusions drawn from what happens "here."

Also, that a software has a feature - does not by itself imply that it works well or can be accessed in a useful way. For example, looping in Ots is a novelty that is limited to the extreme of being almost useless. Looping in VDJ is highly flexible but more complex to learn for someone new to it's applications.

Once you get into features - this is where you'll find the useless argument between computer geeks turned Mobiles (who prize automation and think keyboards are suitable controllers) versus experienced DJs who demand dedicated low-latency tactile control, and a confluence of technical and human control.

You simply don't know what you don't know or don't experience through the people around you. If it were that easy there would be only one flavor of DJ software and no third party peripherals.

 

[steve149]

Thank you, but I understood you clearly the first time.
Your comments were directed at the "vast majority of users" - and your conclusions drawn from what happens "here."

Again, if you re-read it, my original comments were the "vast majority of DJs here" .. I did not imply anything beyond this universe.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Again, if you re-read it, my original comments were the "vast majority of DJs here" .. I did not imply anything beyond this universe.

Unless you have an excess of time Steve -- I wouldn't waste your time on Bob this week. Either he, or his partner are on the rag.

Hell, I went from f_cking idiot, to sh_thead, to Major Asshole in the last couple days! You may be his next target...


I think we should chip in, and send him to anger management school...

 

[DJ J Mac]

Hell, I went from f_cking idiot, to sh_thead, to Major Asshole in the last couple days! You may be his next target...

Well Rick, if you want we can give you a promotion from Major Asshole to General Dick


just messing with ya

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Well Rick, if you want we can give you a promotion from Major Asshole to General Dick


just messing with ya

hahaha

I'm not sure I could be General Dick, since that is sorta an abbreviation of Richard, but not Ricky. I could be General Ricardo, since that's who I was named after -- Mom was a big fan of the Lucy show. Heck, I don't even have a middle name.

So, we could go with General Asshole -- I'm capable of that role

 

[ittigger]

Well Rick, if you want we can give you a promotion from Major Asshole to General Dick


just messing with ya

Now THAT was funny .. If you don't think that was funny, then you log the heck off of here right now!

 

[DjDennis]

Wonder if Mix knows what his personal Support number is, if he has problems with the software!

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mine is easy first 3 numbers are 873XXXXXXX-X

 

[ittigger]

hahaha

I'm not sure I could be General Dick, since that is sorta an abbreviation of Richard, but not Ricky. I could be General Ricardo, since that's who I was named after -- Mom was a big fan of the Lucy show. Heck, I don't even have a middle name.

So, we could go with General Asshole -- I'm capable of that role

General Dickardo.

 

[Whisper]

ots and club vj..I like the effects with club vj...automatically go to visual effects when no video showing...and the text is second to none..especially the choice of font's ..colours..etc..brilliant for weddings..when you can put the couples name on screen with calligraphy effect..stunning..
the days of expensive software is over..
club vj..39 dollars...
otsav 329 dollars..think they might be pricing themselves out of the market..especially the lack of features and controllers.