Looking for a simple free or cheap software package where all I want to do is cue music from a track listing that shows as much detail about the track as possible, i.e. length or genre, no mixing or clever stuff needed. Think wedding DJ (although its not) just playing random tracks.
Rekordbox is probably your best bet - I think the free tier will do everything you need it to
Might also be worth getting a cheap DJ controller as well (should be able to get one for £80 or so). Make sure you have the right leads for connecting to the mixing desk
Rekordbox is the best bet I would say. I have the free version and does everything I want. It also has a automix version if you want to create something for a house party for instance to just leave and play.
Can pick up a decent DJ controller for £100 to £200 on Facebook market place
Rekordbox is the best bet I would say. I have the free version and does everything I want. It also has a automix version if you want to create something for a house party for instance to just leave and play.
Can pick up a decent DJ controller for £100 to £200 on Facebook market place
Is a DJ controller used to mirror the software screen on your laptop, but hardware?
Most features, yes. Depending on the one you go for. Pioneer are the industry standard. The entry level ddj200/flx2 has cue buttons, jog wheel pitch fader and channel fader which what you need. All of them will be on the laptop screen as well. It's just easier to use the controller vs a mouse.
You then go up to the ddj400/flx4 which is slightly bigger and has added features like loop buttons, these can be used via laptop as well but easier with the controller
If you're looking more for like a wedding DJ set up than actual mixing. Spotify & Apple Music have their own crossfade and Apple have recently launched an AI DJ on your playlist etc. I would just recommend that.
With a controller you still need a laptop, they work together. I think on flx2 &4 you might be able to use a phone as well
Yeah I get that bit, so essentially the controller does what it says on the tin and can run your laptop software remotely?
thanks for all your answers lifers
Yeah it's a controller so you it tells the computer what to do effectively. Much easier to cure up tracks, change volume etc It should also improve the sound quality as will have a built in soundcard which should be better than a laptop's.
Sincere question: If you're playing music off a laptop or similar device and there's no discs to jockey - how is that DJ'ing?
You’re jockeying a virtual disk, you have a hardware controller which is the same to use as a traditional cdj, or turntable with vinyl(you use something called control vinyl) which is a record that doesn’t have music on but sends timecode to the laptop to tell it which piece of music to play based on where the stylus is on the control vinyl.
Sincere question: If you're playing music off a laptop or similar device and there's no discs to jockey - how is that DJ'ing?
If you take the term literally, it isn't. If you take it as shorthand for selecting music, mixing tracks together, controlling the sound etc then it is. It takes a lot less skill to do it competently than mixing with records.
Most features, yes. Depending on the one you go for. Pioneer are the industry standard. The entry level ddj200/flx2 has cue buttons, jog wheel pitch fader and channel fader which what you need. All of them will be on the laptop screen as well. It's just easier to use the controller vs a mouse.
You then go up to the ddj400/flx4 which is slightly bigger and has added features like loop buttons, these can be used via laptop as well but easier with the controller
I have an flx4 it's a nice bit of kit just link it up to rekordbox and beatport/tidal etc.
Saw a DJ at the O2 Indigo last night blasting out some classics pre a charity comedy night. He was great, mixing sounds in with the beats to perfection - but when did DJs stop chatting inbetween songs? Not one word was spoken! I think that gives my age away, come from a time when chat was important too. Did say to my Wife at least they don't have to haul boxes of records around with them anymore.
Comments
Think wedding DJ (although its not) just playing random tracks.
Can pick up a decent DJ controller for £100 to £200 on Facebook market place
You then go up to the ddj400/flx4 which is slightly bigger and has added features like loop buttons, these can be used via laptop as well but easier with the controller
thanks for all your answers lifers
If you're playing music off a laptop or similar device and there's no discs to jockey - how is that DJ'ing?
If you're looking more for like a wedding DJ set up than actual mixing. Spotify & Apple Music have their own crossfade and Apple have recently launched an AI DJ on your playlist etc. I would just recommend that.
https://share.google/NPG7vgkxuybR6Txbh
DJ ing with two cassette decks is now a thing.
https://youtu.be/urGmmkUDi20?si=2JhZb6cY4u1hTuTu