Choosing the Best DJ Software

Starting off, this isn’t a top ten DJ software list, because if you want to know what is the best DJ software that the pros use, there are really only four options to consider. We’ll look at each of these apps in detail.

Two Paths to Finding the Best DJ Program

First, the two main options for the best DJ software: using something that emulates vinyl/CDJs or strictly midi-based interfaces. The first is for straight up DJs, the second path for producer/performers.

Like the classic Zeppelin song goes “yes there are two paths… but there’s still time to change the road you’re on” you CAN make a switch later on, but you may regret it because the time involved in switching platforms can be considerable, so this overview will help you choose the best DJ program for your needs, saving you a lot of time and hassle changing formats in the future.

The first question to ask yourself is whether you want a system that emulates using vinyl or CDJs or whether you’d be happy with a midi-based interface. As someone who learned to mix vinyl on the wheels of steel, you might be surprised to find that I actually prefer using midi-interfaces, mainly for one reason — I also produce. More on that later.

The Best DJ Software for Serious DJs

There are two main options that the pros use when it comes to good DJ software that act as vinyl or CDJ emulators — Traktor and Serato Scratch.

Honestly, out of the 20 or so DJs that I’ve seen make the switch to digital-based mixing, those are the only two options that serious DJs make. Yes, they’re both expensive, but you get what you pay for. If you want to be a pro, you need pro gear, it’s just that simple. Here they are, side by side:

Serato Scratch – for hard-core vinyl lovers	Traktor Scratch Pro 2 – for vinyl or CDJ lovers

A vinyl emulator is software that works in conjunction with either midi-controllers with pads like CDJs or specially designed “control vinyl” which looks and feels like a piece of wax, but works by sending time-cue information to your laptop. Serato works ONLY with control vinyl while Traktor has different versions for use with both control vinyl (like the image above) or for use with midi controllers.

If you choose to use control vinyl, then you simply need to bring your laptop, analog/digital converter, control vinyl and special needles with you to a club. Jack in and you can take over from a vinyl DJ, mixing off your laptop.

If your background is with CDJs, then you might feel more at home with a MIDI controller that emulates the feel of CDJ jog wheels, so you’ll want to use the stand alone version of Traktor.

There are a variety of controller options in the market but if I was going to use Traktor, hands down my first choice would be the S4 which is probably the best DJ controller on the market (pictured on the right). My DJ mentor bought that and I trust his opinion explicitly — after all, he was mixing vinyl when you were still running around in nappies.

When considering the best DJ program, those are the best options for those who want to simulate the feel of playing or scratching vinyl or CDs. The next major option is for producers…

The DJ and Beat Making Software for Producers

Even though I had a vinyl mixing background, when I made the switch to digital I chose to go the other route — strictly using a MIDI controller to control what I think makes for good DH software but is hands down the best beat making software… Ableton Live.

The nearly unlimited freedom of planning and executing a DJ performance with Ableton is certainly beyond the scope of this article. Bottom line, whether you have current or future aspirations to produce and then perform electronica, Ableton should be your first and last choice. It works with just about any midi controller, providing flexible options for running the software from a piece of hardware.

My first Ableton controller was Allen & Heath’s Xone 3D and I’d recommend against it. At the time it was a wise choice as my partner and I wanted something that could interface with regular turntables and easily switch from digital to vinyl mixing. (If that’s what you’re after, then it’s a reasonable choice.)

If I was to make the choice all over again? Without a doubt – the Akai APC40. Specifically designed to work with Ableton, it would be my first and only selection.

The APC40 allows you to trigger clips, mix volume levels, apply effects and more — all without ever touching your laptop. This is an essential feature in mixing from a laptop as crowds don’t come to hot clubs to see someone stare at a computer!

A cheaper alternative to the APC40 is the Novation Launchpad. While it doesn’t have as many features and controls as the APC40, it does kick ass as a clever controller.

DJ Programs Honorable Mention – Virtual DJ

While I’d never consider using this app simply because of it’s price (anything too cheap scares me away when music gear or software is concerned) it seems that Virtual DJ has garnered enough support from performers like Coldcut, DJ Icey Ice and a few others to warrant an honorable mention. Priced about half of what it’s competitors cost, it seems that this scrappy upstart may be worth consideration, simply if you can’t afford to drop $600+ for something like the pros use. Definitely one of the top DJ programs, consider Virtual DJ if you’re on a tight budget.

Find DJ Tools: The Best DJ Controllers + Mixers

Below are various mixers and controllers available through Amazon which is great for checking out customer reviews. Product reviews can be a pretty good guide about the quality of gear, but occasionally you’ll see something decent get one star — that could mean it’s a review of the distributor, not the product, so keep an eye out for that.

When it comes to making a purchase, I’d recommend American Musical Supply as they have great deals on the best DJ controllers and offer 0% interest plans.

Whatever equipment you choose, you’ll need a DJ laptop stand and DJ headphones, so we suggest you read our product guides about those essential items.