Ok so I've noticed a lot of the big dogs these days arent even using the actual turntable to mix anymore weather it be CDJ or otherwise. Most of them are now running their tunes off a laptop and using a mixer/midi controller.

Sooo, I think its time for me to start expoloring what all the fuss is about. I want to start the transition of going fully digital and mix completely off a laptop. The thing is: which software is the best?

I've seen a lot of Abelton users, but I've also seen some Saratto (sp) and even some Traktor sets. One of the key features these softwares offer, or at least from what I udnerstand of them, is the auto sync function. Some people view this as "cheating", and while I understand you are losing a basic component from the whole "DJing" aspect, the role and function of the DJ is constantly evolving and changing, as we all know.

My view is: if the big dogs can get away with it then damnit so can I.

So, does anyone have experience with any of these softwares? I can bet all of them have their pro's and con's but which one in your view is the best for live DJing?

[LIST] []Which offers the "auto sync" feature? [/LIST] [LIST] []Can you loop parts of your tracks easily? How about on the fly (live)? Are they spot on perfect loops or do they tend to drift off when played? [/LIST] [LIST] [*]Would you still need an actual turntable to function properly or can you run it all off a MIDI controller and a mixer? [/LIST]Any advice would be appreciated!

Regards

Re: Best DJ Software

Hello,

This question has been answered numerous times before, so just do a little search at the previous posts and you will find many opinions and experiences regarding that.

If you still are not covered, then feel free to ask again what else you may need to be answered.

All the best, Panoulix.

Re: Best DJ Software

without hesitate you can find a lot of info but ableton live for me

greetings

Re: Best DJ Software

Dude, I love Ableton Live. No cheating whatsoever. You still have to use the concept of beat matching and stagematching. Ableton can't do everything for you. I suggest you learn to beatmatch on tables before taking the leap although it is not necessary. There is so much more to good mixing than beatmatching, that's the simple part. Ableton Live and all its built in effects put a lot of control in your hands and as a DJ it would take me pages upon pages to reveal all the methods I have uncovered to make DJing more fun than ever. Having said this I am only utilizing about a tenth of what the program to do. My scaled down sets could be accomplished by a DJ with 3 turntables, something to loop with, and an outboard EQ, something to transpose with and a good set of sweep filters.

The other side of Ableton is the DAW where you can record your sets with ease, listen back to them and hear your mistakes or burn down your better mixes as WAV files at a resolution appropriate for a good sounding CD. If you really want to cheat he DAW will allow you to completely edit your poor mixes or combine various mixes into that great compilation you can't seem to nail.

Ableton Lives interface is really cool. Everything is jammed packed in over two screens. Midi controllers work great with it. I use a BCR 2000 and what I have had to give up in tactile stimulation (its cheap plastic), with little knowledge of midi I have a very powerful controler than can be furher modified to suit my needs.

Ableton Live is great. Although its still fun to mix with vinyl. Never ever give up your tables!

Re: Best DJ Software

it's not about what's best. it's about what's best for YOU. What suits you and your abilities. Especially if you wanna get into composition/production you'll probably be better shelling out the money for Ableton.

Re: Best DJ Software

Traktor. Nuff said!

Re: Best DJ Software

^^^ mine is being delivered today!!!!

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=Steve Graham;816247]^^^ mine is being delivered today!!!![/QUOTE]

awesome.

did you get the X-1 too?

Re: Best DJ Software

woohoo, it's here!!! im not using an external as of yet, just going thru a mixer right now just excited to be able to use the vinyl time codes and mix with my records!!!

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=Jenks;816364]awesome.

did you get the X-1 too?[/QUOTE]

X-1 looks class, be getting one myself. Its not out till the 1st of feb though, taking preorder's up on the N.I. site now for them.

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=ger stokes;816496]X-1 looks class, be getting one myself. Its not out till the 1st of feb though, taking preorder's up on the N.I. site now for them.[/QUOTE]

yeah, have watched the vids on the native site numerous times. think i'll pick one up as well to go with my pro.

Re: Best DJ Software

Ableton is geared more towards music creation; the DAW itself isn't built towards djing really...but it will suffice. go with Scratch or Pro for the real deal.

1. [URL]http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/[/URL]

[URL="http://www.ableton.com/"]2. http://www.ableton.com/[/URL] (if you prefer to program your sets)

3. [URL]http://www.scratchlive.net/[/URL]

imo: run your finished live session through Ableton, or Cubase 5, Cakewalk, etc. etc. for mastering after wards.

Re: Best DJ Software

you don't HAVE to program your sets in Ableton. You simply put a bunch of tracks in the performance view and pick and choose. It's great for making promo cd's. It also allows you to really change things up in your sets, add in loops from all your sample cd's you might have. Truly add more dimension to your music and therefore making your sets stand out more than just the guys who play one track after another.

Re: Best DJ Software

of course you don't have to program your sets in ableton; yet, you profit all the more if you know how to do the whole 9. tedious application of the arrangement view, simultaneously used with session view, as well as with precisely mapped automated envelopes, channels, movie quotes, layers, midi, and the multi-myriads of other things sure make it shine all the more for tier 1 programming -- as opposed to picking, choosing and simply playing one track after the other and balancing the EQs, yes.

Re: Best DJ Software

[video]http://www.facebook.com/Durango.Berlin?v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1454440930613[/video]

Re: Best DJ Software

if you're striving to incorporate your turntable skills with digital --- get serato or traktor; if you can balance harmony and science in simultude, get ableton. if neither, then, well, work with what works best for you. hell, use em all!

CD's are for the transitory.

collect vinyl

master digital

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=i!!ustrious;864169]if you're striving to incorporate your turntable skills with digital --- get serato or traktor; if you can balance harmony and science in simultude, get ableton. if neither, then, well, [COLOR=Red][B]work with what works best for you[/B][/COLOR]. hell, use em all!

CD's are for the transitory.

[B][COLOR=Red]collect vinyl[/COLOR][/B]

master digital[/QUOTE]

I would stick to the [B][COLOR=Red]red[/COLOR][/B] highlights though. :)

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=Jenks;816364]awesome.

did you get the X-1 too?[/QUOTE]

you use the X-1? if so do you use it as well as the cds or vinyl or as a stand alone controller?

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=Steve Graham;896498]you use the X-1? if so do you use it as well as the cds or vinyl or as a stand alone controller?[/QUOTE]

The X1 can definitely be used as a stand alone controller. Unless you're 'scratching', there really isn't much use for a jog wheel or timecode vinyl/CDs.

I have almost every function of Traktor mapped into the MIDI controller I use for production:

[url]http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/1800/PCR300-xlarge.jpg[/url]

Re: Best DJ Software

yeah, I know it CAN be used that way, I was curious if Jenks is using it that way :)

Re: Best DJ Software

I've used vinyl, cds, serato, ableton and traktor.

Lately I'm going digital due to portability, cost and flexibility.

Serato was really good, but I've had some performance problems with the software and interface, only 2 decks (I was using Sl-1) and fx were not great.

Ableton, only used it for a couple of months to test it, couldn't find myself djing with it but i've been producing with it for some time.

Traktor Scratch Pro is my fav so far, it's the most flexible of the dj systems (at least from my point of view), great sound quality, great fxs, very intuitive and you have the possibility to use 4 decks could be 2cd + 2 vinyl, 4cds, 2cds and laptop, 2vinyl and laptop, plus the midi clock is great also if you want to sync with ableton. And if you have a midi controller you can use all the fxs built in, or just use the midi controller and no decks.

Re: Best DJ Software

[url]http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-kontrol-s4/[/url]

Think I want this baby.

Re: Best DJ Software

[QUOTE=jeffrey collins;907693][url]http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/dj/traktor-kontrol-s4/[/url]

Think I want this baby.[/QUOTE]

The S4 is pretty serious. Looks to be spot on in terms of design for most people who want to go with Traktor. The thing is packed with features, but if you've already got a mixer you're paying $1000 bucks for the addition of a MIDI controller and an audio interface.

Re: Best DJ Software

That's just their version of a 3D or a 4D, just made more for Traktor. And a LOT cheaper, and as a result cheaper made too.

Re: Best DJ Software

Plus a 3D or 4D can be easily used/assigned/premapped with both Traktor and Ableton and offers better filters, faders and knobs. :)

If you already own a good mixer, then the best add would be a pair of 1Ds or a 1D + a 2D. The cheapest (decent) alternative add would be a VCI-100 and a soundcard.

Re: Best DJ Software

^^^Definitely