Looking like a classic DJ set-up, with a mixer and two decks, Virtual DJ will be instantly accessible to DJs and newcomers alike.

Features

You can sample and loop tracks live, add effects, and there's a very natural-feeling scratch mode. For the adventurous, there's a lot you can add to your mixes with Virtual DJ.

Usability

Quality

Virtual DJ is accessible to beginners and packed with extra features. The downside of the software is that it sticks too much to what a physical DJ setup is - other programs offer four decks and more user-friendly interfaces - small knobs may be great for your fingers, but they're less use on a screen.

Conclusion

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The Gemini Groove interface isn't very slick, and reminded us of some of Gemini DJ's older mixing software, like CD DJ. There are 2 decks and a simple mixing console between them. Each deck has its own pitch, loops and effects console, three cues and the song's progress bar. In the center, you'll find a three-range equalizer, the master volume, individual volume controls and an excellent cross-fader.

Gemini Groove also includes an excellent automix function, which allows you to apply just the right amount of fade. You can also control the duration and style of fades via the options menu.

In the upper part of the Gemini Groove interface you'll see a small screen with a graphic representation of the songs that are playing, making it extra easy to make small BPM adjustments to your mixes. Below, you'll see your track library.

Despite just falling short of professional programs like Traktor and Torq, as well as showing a few notable failings (not great on effects, no auto BPM, no skinning), Gemini Groove is still a solid app for those starting out in the world of mixing.

If you're thinking about taking your DJing to the next level, Gemini Groove is a good place to start.

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It includes sounds, a drum machine, synthesizer and more. With a microphone, you can import your recorded sounds too, like vocals or live instruments, to mix with your digital creations too. MAGIX Music Maker also features midi support.

The interface in MAGIX Music Maker is a little scary to start with, and novices will probably have some trouble getting into it. There are help files, and online video too, but currently they're not developed enough. Nevertheless, MAGIX Music Maker is fun to play around with.

You can quite easily get a drum beat going, and add some strange noises to it. Altering sounds is easy, as there are a variety of effects you can add. The more you explore, the more possibilities open up in MAGIX Music Maker. The problem with all of this is lack of explanation. It's a shame the demo doesn't come with preloaded examples and proper tutorials, as you are left to just mess around by yourself.

If you're looking for an in depth music maker, MAGIX Music Maker could be the answer, as it does almost everything the bedroom producer might want. Novices might find it frustrating though.

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Perhaps the main asset of DSS DJ though, is its beat-matching function, which syncs tracks with the click of a button. The auto-DJ option is also very effective, and ideal for taking breathers from a hectic session at the digital decks.

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DJs and music fans alike will appreciate the hardware look of the interface and the inclusion of all the essential buttons and functions expected in a professional mixer. It’s very easy to switch between the 3 different views: lists, mixer and ripper, streamlining your music creation process without disruptions.

Thankfully BPM Studio Pro integrates an explorer view of your music library, for quick dragging and dropping of the tracks you need. Although the application only comes with 30 original sounds and tracks you can effortlessly add all the sound you need. The program keeps a record of the tracks you searched for and the play lists you created for quick access. You can use the search function to quickly find tracks in library.

Over to the editing functions, BPM Studio lets you set up to 6 different cue points in an individual track. The sample player is nestled between the two track modules and features a sample editor to modify saved sounds. Use the wave editing view to edit more precisely.

BPM Studio also diversifies your cross fading possibilities. You can manually switch from one track to the other, let the program do it automatically or set the track lines yourself. While this last option is the most enjoyable, it’s also the least precise of the three.

On the downside, while BPM Studio is studded with options for editing, mixing and writing, the interface often feels stuffy and overloaded and it can become difficult to read functions or drag counter switches. The equalizer for example is very complete and even offers a graphic view, yet there is no numerical indication of the changes you are making.

The audio presets are limited to 5 (lounge, DJ, party, office, radio) vague choices. We also believe that with only 30 sounds and tracks pre-included in the program, BPM Studio doesn’t have a rich enough library of sounds. However this is very subjective and it’s quite possible that you will be happy with this collection of tracks and sounds.

While there are some drawbacks to this application, we consider BPM Studio a solid application for anyone serious about mixing tracks. The interface is well structured and all your tracks, edits and functions are accessible. The extensive editing possibilities will open you up to hours of track tweaking and polishing.

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Whether you want to rock your bedroom or the club, Traktor Pro is a very complete program that does pretty much everything you might want. It's highly configurable, which makes it very flexible but also pretty inaccessible to beginners. There is extensive documentation for Traktor Pro, but even that is pretty scary!

As well as controlling external sources, Traktor Pro allows you to mix from your computer on up to four decks at once. Importing your music library is really simple, and it works with iTunes libraries too. Tracks are analyzed when loaded into a deck, and appear as a wave form that can be moved with the mouse, alongside the beats per minute (BPM) and much more information. Traktor Pro is pretty accurate when it comes to finding BPMs, but if it is wrong, you can set them manually.

All the usual mixing tools are present, with pitch control, crossfader effects, and levels. There is extensive hotkey mapping, which is fully configurable, but takes a lot of time to do. Once you get used to Traktor Pro, it reveals itself as an incredible DJ tool. With some practice you'll be able to create fantastic mixes, which you can record from within the program.

Traktor Pro is an excellent and incredibly powerful DJ application with a steep learning curve that is worth climbing.

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Does DJ ProMixer stand out from the crowd?

There are lots of mixing apps for budding DJs, from high end programs like Traktor Pro and Virtual DJ to the open source Mixxx and other free options like CrossDJ. DJ ProMixer NB Netbook is designed to be lightweight enough to run smoothly on netbooks, and it does seem to be fairly light on resources. It offers a two-deck mixing interface, with a central mixer, effects and sampler console.

Interface.

Under the mixing desk is the library, split into DJ ProMixer NB Netbook saved playlists, and an explorer for your Netbook's hard drives. There is no support for iOS devices. The explorer isn't great - Traktor's system of allowing you to open your iTunes library is much simpler, for example. Searching through your Windows folder tree is a pain.

Once you've found your music, loading tracks into the mixing desk is simple. BPMs are automatically calculated, and generally quite good. There are plenty of functions, and a switch to activate well mapped keyboard controls. despite its name, DJ ProMixer NB Netbook doesn't look great on a small screen. The interface is detailed with lots of small buttons that simply aren't ideal for netbook monitors.

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If you're a singer or songwriter, you're going to want to be able to create and record your own songs from the comfort of your own home, if possible. Much like programs such as Easy Audio Mixer and Storm Music Studio, MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite can provide you with the ability to do just that.

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite includes many more than 10,000 professional sound and video effects for you to make use of in your song creation or recording. These samples are great ways to get you started.

Unfortunately, the program can be a little intimidating for beginners to start out using. There are a lot of different features and sadly not much tutorial help for people who needs suggestions on where to start. Users of MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite are going to need to be willing to put in the time to learn about all of its varied features before they can truly get the most out of this multi-faceted tool.

MAGIX Music Maker MX Production Suite is a really comprehensive tool to create and record your own songs, if you're willing to deal with the initial learning curve.

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This new software is as easy to use as our CDJ turntables, and it offers many of the same features including cue/loop points, scratching, beat synchronization, and more, said Karl Detken, director of product planning for Pro DJ equipment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Pioneer has consistently created new DJ products to meet changes in the music world. When consumers switched from vinyl and cassette to CD, we offered the CDJ-1000 CD turntable. When DVD took off in the marketplace, we created the DVJ-X1 to enable spinning of video content. Now, we’re tracking market trends in the use of .mp3 files and offering yet another revolutionary new product for PC users.

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Have you thought about DJ-ing but weren't sure where to start? Zulu DJ software is a functional, and simple music app that will get you started with minimal fuss.

Zulu DJ features two decks and a panel for your playlist. Users can drag and drop MP3s onto the interface and they'll be added to the playlist. Once they're in the playlist, you can drag tracks into Zulu DJ's decks. Tracks are analyzed as you load them, so when you play them you'll be told the beats per minute (bpm).

Controls on the Zulu DJ interface are pretty basic and self explanatory, meaning users shouldn't have a problem getting started. There are a couple of obvious features missing though, and the main one is that it's not possible to drag the wave display manually in order to find the exact spot you want to start a track. It's possible to select start points, but it's not very easy or accurate.

While it's too basic for professional DJs, Zulu's great for amateurs who just want to mess around. The Sync button will match your track's bpm, making smooth transitions really easy. You can also set up your own hot keys for most of the features of Zulu DJ Software. The virtual play buttons are a bit less responsive though.

Zulu DJ boasts simplicity and is a good starting point for any budding DJs out there.

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Feeling creative? Mix your two favorite songs and create a unique blending with the software mixing capabilities. Throwing a party? Spice it up with your most lively songs, mixed together in a continuous loop.

Plus, the program features a couple of samples to get you started but you can easily add your own MP3 files.

While I understand this decision, I find that some limitations, such as not being able to record your mixes, are a bit too restrictive.