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.
Watch the CNET video review of Virtual DJ:
Publisher's Description
From Atomix Productions:
With more than a million new downloads every months, VirtualDJ is the most widely used DJ software, and the uncontested leader of non-timecode digital DJing. It has been used around the world for the past 10 years by bedroom DJs and professional superstars alike to rock millions of parties, and has been chosen by leading DJ brands such as Pioneer, Numark, Hercules, Denon, Gemini, or Vestax, to be included with most of their digital DJ controllers. 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 or karaoke as easily as audio. With NetSearch and MusicGroups, you will stay on the edge of the musical trends. And with the versatile VDJScript language and hundreds of downloadable skins, you can tailor your software to your exact needs. Whether you are a professional experienced DJ, or a music enthusiast, VirtualDJ is all you need to get the party started.
What's new in this version: Version 7.0.5 adds new controllers to the native list, and fixes some problems with video streams from the Internet.
More Popular DJ Software downloads
- Virtual DJ
244,674 downloads
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 1,005 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 35 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"It is the best dj player ever i seen."
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
I'm loving it.
Cons
good to have it
Summary
best one
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"Excellent free sw"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
Really nice app, lots of features :)
Cons
Maybe too much functions for beginner..
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"Do your thing DJ!"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
Allows for interactive Dj experience.
Cons
It could use more special effects.
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"Great software"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
All you need and more on a dj console
Cons
Takes a while to learn all features but nothing extraordinary.
Summary
Thank you for the program!!
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"Hard to figure out on the first couple tries!"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
Fun to use when you have mastered all of the functions
Cons
Hard to master if you are a beginer
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"Great tool for recording and mixing"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
Great layout, alot of options
Cons
User guide not novice friendly, which is nothing against the Program
Summary
Overall, a great software program
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"wise choice"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
Virtual DJ is becoming more and more popular nowadays,this one has a large amount of downloads every day,if you don't know this app,you will be out of date,take your action
Cons
with so many people using it,nobody says negative opinions at all,it is wonderful
Summary
you should believe in me,after you try it,you will think you have made a right choice,take your action
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"so much fun"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
popular software,so many users are beginning to turn to this software,many of them all speak highly of it
Cons
nothing I find until now
Summary
a perfect one,no problems at all
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"Virtual DJ was suggested to me by a friend. seemed ok!"
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
The tutorials for beginners that I've downloaded from youtube have turned learning into a fun and easy thing.
Cons
The instructions that virtual supplies make it very hard for first timers.In other they are boring.Thank goodness for youtube
Summary
By all means read the instructions then go to youtube. There are lots of good things in this system.Even for beginners like me.(Once you start to get the hang of it.)
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"Exelent from me A+.Thank you for free download."
Version: Virtual DJ 7.0.5
Pros
This sofrware is very best.The graphics was so acctractable and so nice.Thanks for downloading is free.
Cons
The software Virtual Dj is very best software.
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