CNET Editors' review
Digital deejaying has skyrocketed in popularity over the past five years and it's no wonder why. Compared to a full vinyl setup with all the hardware and physical media it requires, an MP3-based mixing station is extremely simple and cheap. There's even free software to get you started, and one of the most popular programs available is Virtual DJ.
Virtual DJ is often packaged with USB-based hardware mixing consoles from the likes of Hercules and Numark, and, in fact, if you really want to delve into the full array of features, such devices are going to be a necessity--and they'll require a $99 license fee to upgrade to the Pro version of the software. That said, you can download the app for free by itself and make very basic mixes and playlists.
While the program isn't specifically geared at newbies, it is intuitive enough for a musically inclined individual to use right off the bat. Once installed, Virtual DJ automatically populates a folder tree in the bottom left corner where you can easily access your music collection. The bottom middle serves as a tabbed, multifunction area where you can browse tracks, sample music bites, add effects, and make recordings.
The top of the window is dominated by two digital turntables, which are distinguished by color: blue on the left and red on the right. Each one has the ability to cue, loop, adjust pitch, scratch, and shift (among other features). In the middle is the mixing console, where you can adjust the gain and master volume, as well as transition between the two tracks. Once the songs have been dragged and dropped into the console, a bar along the top displays the sound waves of each to help with visual mixing. There's also a video input option that lets you create montages to the music.
The stylish interface and high number of features score points, but learning how to use the program is a hit-or-miss proposition. To be perfectly honest, using it without mixing hardware (that is, just a mouse and keyboard) is a challenge, and not one we enjoyed, so we recommend hooking up a compatible USB controller. Also worth a look: the thorough online user guide.
Virtual DJ is free, fully featured, and well-laid-out. It's a useful option both for aspiring mixers and newbies.
VirtualDJ:Publisher's Description
From Atomix Productions:
VirtualDJ is the DJ software chosen by DJ brands such as Numark, Denon and Hercules. It is used around the world by bedroom DJs and professional superstars alike. With its cutting-edge beatlock engine, your songs will always stay on the beat, and you can work your mixes incredibly faster than any other DJ. The automatic seamless loop engine and synchronized sampler will let you perform astounding remixes on the fly. The video engine lets you mix and scratch music videos as easily as audio. With NetSearch and MusicGroups, you will stay on the edge of the musical trends.
What's new in this version: Version 7.0.2 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 1,046 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 49 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Love it, love it"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
this is great, I was using Traktor Pro for a while but my pc cant handle it on my wi-fi connection when im at gigs. But Virtual Dj is great, not as many options as Traktor, but it gives me alot of variety in what i can do, and it runs great.
Cons
I wish it had some more variety
Summary
Just loved it(:
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"Useful yet a little complicated"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
1. Free
2. Useful for first timers like me
3. Lots of options available to useCons
1. A bit too complicated for new users
2. Some more features could have been provided.Summary
I would have given it 5 stars if it had a little more clutter-free interface. Since it is a free software to start with, one can ignore that for a bit.
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"skips when i record"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
-loops
-chopping up that loop
-easy to find music
-can add extra turntablesCons
this bad boy skips 80% of the time when I'm recording a mix or loop
Summary
i would f**ks with it just to create some new sh*t.
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"Looks good, but it's to complicated for me..."
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
cool look sounds decent for freebie what can you expect has several bugs if they get fixxed would be a really nice program
Cons
Pros: It is fairly easy to use and works pretty well. I have had no major problems with it. I am not, however, using it as a disc jockey. I am just using it as an MP3 player on my PC. I have had zero problems with it functioning.
Summary
ok to check out the software but if your serious about mixing buy pro and get a proper controller.you just dont get the hands on expierence that this software deserves
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"De beste DJ software ooit!"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
It is fairly easy to use and works pretty well. I have had no major problems with it. I am not, however, using it as a disc jockey. I am just using it as an MP3 player on my PC. I have had zero problems with it functioning.
Cons
eazy 2 mix and scratch
Summary
It is fairly easy to use and works pretty well. I have had no major problems with it. I am not, however, using it as a disc jockey. I am just using it as an MP3 player on my PC. I have had zero problems with it functioning.
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"program looks good but hangs up quite frequently"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
when it plays its fun hard to figure out what controls what
Cons
hangs and freezes alot
Summary
cool look sounds decent for freebie what can you expect has several bugs if they get fixxed would be a really nice program
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"De beste DJ software ooit!"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
Vlotheid in weergave van zowel video als audio bestanden.
Snelheid van het systeem. Vlotte weergave van 1080p videoclips en geripte VOB (dvd) bestanden.Cons
Ik kan niets slecht aanmerken op deze software.
Summary
Ik had me voorgenomen om over te stappen van cd en DVD naar software. Ik kwam eerst in contact met PCDJ DEX en PCDJ VJ. Tot op heden werken die niet. Enkel problemen met die ****. Toppunt van schande was dat ik op een avond moest werken met video en dat mijn systeem tot 3 keer compleet vastliep. Ik probeerde tevergeefs hulp in te roepen bij de helpdesk maar ze hadden enkel over het niet voldoen van mijn PC. Nu downloadde ik Virtual DJ enkele weken terug (de gratis versie) om eens te proberen. Nu blijken al die problemen die ik bij PCDJ had hier niet te bestaan! Ik overwoog eerst om naar serato te gaan maar daar betaal je jezelf blauw aan hardware die ik niet nodig heb. Ik werk met een Denon DN HC 4500 met ingebouwde geluidskaarten en met de ASIO drivers. Ik ga nu voor een licentie van VIRTUAL DJ sparen, iemand mijn oude licentie van PCDJ kopen?
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"would not install on 64bit vista"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
would not install on 64bit vista
Cons
would not install on 64bit vista
Summary
would not install on 64bit vista
would not install on 64bit vista
Updated on Feb 25, 2011 -
"wonderful program"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
It is the most wonderful DJ program I used, I can enjoy DJ in my box,
further more It is freeCons
I can not change skin, I dont know the reason.
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"I like it :)"
Version: Virtual DJ Home 7.0.2
Pros
coooooooooooool
Cons
coooocoooooool
Summary
downloads only with safari
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