Mixing Software

Below are a few of the options that are available for DJs around the world to mix their songs seamlessly. Some software requires equipment to be used (Serato) while others allow you to match the songs’ BPMs, sync, and mix on the go straight from your computer. Here are the ones that most of our contributing editors use in parties and nightclubs worldwide:

  • Serato Scratch Live (register & login to view link)
    Serato has become an industry standard for most professional Club DJs. With the ability to organize your tracks in “crates” (playlists), view a colored waveform of each track (showing the high-hats, bass, etc…), and have an extremely low latency SSL connection between your computer and turntables.
    * You MUST have either a Serato box (Rane SL1 or SL3) or one of Rane’s compatible mixers (Rane TTM 57SL or Rane Sixty-Eight) in order to use this software.
  • Native Instruments Traktor Scratch (register & login to view link)
    Gaining more and more recognition for its ultra fast control and unique 4 deck output (you can mix 4 songs at once!), Traktor Scratch Pro is currently being used by some of the best DJs in the world (Pete Tong & Carl Cox). With the ability to sync each song flawlessly, run numerous effects (filter, echo, delay, reverb), and play up to 4 songs at once, it’s no surprise that it’s being used by thousands of DJs regardless of their skill level. From the bedroom DJ, to the Club DJ, there’s a version of Traktor for you.
    *There are multiple versions of Traktor for the novice and expert. Visit the website and see which version is right for you. You do not need to purchase any additional hardware in order to use their software. You must purchase the Audio-4 or Audio-8 box if you want to have full SSL control (CDs and Turntables).
  • Atomix Virtual DJ (register & login to view link)
    One of the most widely used DJ mixing software around, Atomix has come a long way from their original version of Virtual DJ. Mostly everyone starts off using this incredibly powerful mixing program and either takes a step up towards Vinyl and CD, or sticks with it and masters the program to its full potential. Being able to set “smart” loops in increments of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 seconds, or using the sampler beat-synced to the track, or playing with the sound effects, the possibilities are endless. The video mixing software is also considered high-end and is used in Nightclubs across the world. You can download a free trial online and give it a go.
    * No hardware is necessary to use the software. You may purchase an “all-in-one” controller such as the Hercules RMX (highly recommended) in order to control the software at your fingertips.

For both Traktor and Virtual DJ, a step up from the bedroom DJ would be to purchase an “all-in-one” controller to control the program from the hardware and have both channels accessible through the hardware. Another option that cost less is purchasing the “Numark DJ IO”, connecting the USB cable to your computer, and connecting the outputs to the back of any mixer in order to have your two songs playing on any mixer which gives you more control over your mixing. Feel free to email any of our editors for any questions regarding the software as we all have extensive knowledge about all of these products.


  • solid2

    i started with virtual, now using serato, but still use virtual now and then to record short edits! :)

  • tokyosoho

    Serato’s pretty solid and now even better for remixing with the Ableton Bridge partnership. Although this is the case I’m still a die hard Traktor Scratch Pro 2 user. Overall out of all the systems on the market Traktor is still my favorite. The MIDI support is great, you can control it from just about any midi controller, and the DVS system is solid, and the effects are great.

    Now if you don’t have any cash and still want to mix a set, MIXXX is a pretty cool open source solution.

  • Gioacchino Nigrelli

    Hi all, I appreciate your work on this site, and I want let you know that there are other mixing software out there, one of these is MIXXX, in its ultimate release is very handly, and the beta of the next version is almost perfect, I use it on my dancefloors with the Pioneer DJ EGO, and in my bedroom I use just the keyboard, every button is mapped and I have a virtual consolle without having a consolle at home. I point at it because perhaps is the only software that runs on every OS, WIndows, MAC, Linux. Bye all!

  • Lacsap

    Hello,

    This little note to let you know the release of the new version 1.0 of DidJiX.

    DidJiX is the free and open source digital DJ software Mixxx (http://www.mixxx.org/) powered by the simple and lightweight distribution Linux ArchLinux (http://www.archlinux.org/) on a usb live system!

    More informations on http://didjix.blogspot.com.

    Good turn 2013, with DidJiX may be… ;-)