Mixing music and becoming a professional DJ is no longer the dream of a few thanks to the rise of new technologies. Nowadays, it is no longer necessary to have an expensive mixing desk at home or to rent a recording room to create your own music. All you need is a lot of desire and, of course, to download the right software.
Although there are excellent free programs for mixing music, it is true that sometimes they can be limited if you are used to creating advanced music tracks. You will need VST effect plugins, Timecode vinyl support, higher sound quality, etc… That’s why in today’s article we are going to offer you the 5 best programs to mix music like a pro. We hope they will help you!
1. Traktor Pro 3
Traktor Pro 3 is, for many, the best software for DJing and mixing music on the market. In fact, it is the star software in bars, clubs, mixing rooms and stages around the world. For more than 20 years, Native Instruments has been able to shape and improve year after year this exceptional program for professional DJs.
One of Traktor’s strong points has always been its versatility. And if you have been mixing music for a long time or you are a DJ, you will be able to make the most of its many functions and sound transformation tools. Thanks to its simple interface, from Traktor Pro 3 you will be able to re-edit songs at will as well as add loops, hotcues and rhythmic jumps without leaving the beat.
As for new features, it is important to highlight the program’s new Mixer FX, capable of choosing up to 8 extra effectors and 3 new filters for each channel. In addition, the program incorporates Traktor Scratch technology, allowing the use of DVS vinyl with time code to be used from any sound card.
All in all, Traktor Pro 3 is an excellent program both for experimenting with music and for playing your favorite tracks like a pro. And if you want, you can add new features thanks to the Traktor Pro Plus subscription. Simply essential.
2. Serato DJ Pro
As its website says, Serato is synonymous with the best DJ software in the world and is preferred by both professionals and amateurs in the music scene. Serato DJ Pro is the latest version of the popular DJing program and is also a worthy substitute for the company’s well-known music apps.
Serato DJ Pro has a new interface, much clearer than its previous versions. From it you will have access to all the tools to create and remix tracks, in addition to being able to access a number of interesting new features in its Pro version. Among them we find a Practice Mode, from which it is possible to mix tracks using two different boards and crossfader without the need for any additional hardware.
If there is one thing that makes Serato stand out from the rest, it is the stability of the application, and DJ Pro is a clear example of this. From it you can shape all your musical creations in a fluid way, without complications and without fear of any failure or slowdown in the program. In short, it is a safe and powerful software that even if it does not provide any groundbreaking element, it is a winning bet for any professional DJ.
3. Atomix VirtualDJ Pro
VirtualDJ is one of the best options for anyone who wants to get started in the world of mixing. This popular software has an excellent free version with all the basic options to play records like a pro. You can see how it works in this video tutorial or learn how it works with our step-by-step guide. Once you get used to this Lite version, you can take the leap to VirtualDJ Pro and enjoy the full potential of this extraordinary mixing program.
Atomix VirtualDJ Pro stands out for being a highly customizable and powerful program, being able to configure from 2 to 99 tables simultaneously. From its interface you can cut tracks, mix them, isolate elements of a song with its powerful equalizer and add effects as you wish. In addition, with its Pro version you can share your creations professionally at concerts, gigs or clubs, as well as being compatible with hardware such as DVS systems or analog mixers.
Finally, it is interesting to note that VirtualDJ Pro allows you to broadcast live, has microphone support, Timecode vinyl support, access to skin downloads, effects and some interesting features such as controller mapping. It is, therefore, a clear contender in our list of the best programs for DJing.
4. Rekordbox DJ
Rekordbox is one of the best known and most used programs in the DJ sector. This little gem created by Pioneer is one of the most complete and versatile tools for live DJing. But don’t be fooled, Rekordbox is just as powerful for live performances as it is for preparing music and exporting it in the most compatible formats on the market.
One of the strong points of Rekorbox DJ is undoubtedly its interface. It is very clear and offers useful options such as duplicating the screen on an external monitor, classifying our tracks and customizing our mixing table down to the smallest detail to work more comfortably. Unlike many of its competitors, Rekordbox allows you to display 2 or 4 boards both vertically and horizontally as well as hide those panels that you are not using. This not only makes it much easier to use, but also makes punching with Rekordbox a pleasure.
Although it is a paid program, Pioneer offers the option to try Rekordbox DJ completely free for 30 days. In this way we can not only test and familiarize ourselves with the software, but also know if we want to move to its payment mode (€12 per month or €120 per year). Highly recommended.
5. Mixxx
To finish the list we would like to present Mixxx, an open source mixing program that has nothing to envy to paid software. Mixxx is a professional program that provides all the basic and advanced tools to create a mix in a few minutes. The only difference? You won’t need any kind of subscription to use it or share your tracks commercially – it’s free!
As for its features, Mixxx is a versatile and powerful program. It allows you to use up to 4 simultaneous decks, add all kinds of sound effects, preview the sound waves in RGB as well as detect the musical scale of the track to maintain harmony. It is, therefore, a reliable and professional mixing software in which it is not necessary to invest a small fortune.
As the only negative point, Mixxx still has a long way to go in terms of its interface. It’s not very intuitive and, unlike its competitors, it’s not very easy to customize. Still, it remains an excellent choice for any DJ starting out in their career or needing a portable program to create tracks away from their recording studio.
Become a DJ easily
We hope that our selection of the top 5 professional DJ software has helped you. All of them can be downloaded quickly and safely from Softonic. And remember, if you liked what you read, don’t forget to share this article with your friends via social networks.
