Read our review on the popular DJ software.
Aug 27, 2015 djay Pro 1.2 is now compatible with the entire Pioneer DDJ series of pro controllers, including the DDJ-SR, DDJ-SX, DDJ-SX2, and DDJ-SZ. Which MIDI controllers are supported by djay Pro for Windows? Pre-cueing does not work with my MIDI controller. What should I do? How can I use my iTunes library with djay Pro for Windows? Where does djay Pro store cue points and other metadata? DJ Apps djay Pro for Mac djay Pro for Windows djay for iOS djay 2 for Android. Phil, founder of Digital DJ Tips, the biggest DJ training website in the world, has written a best-selling iBook about DJing with djay on iOS. In a online video course Emma from School of Scratch teaches you how to scratch with a DJ controller. DJ Hapa is the National Brand Director of Scratch DJ Academy. All other standard MIDI controllers are supported via djay Pro’s MIDI Learn feature, which lets you map jog wheels, buttons, sliders, and knobs on the controller to functions in djay Pro. To get started, simply launch djay Pro, connect your MIDI controller, and follow the instructions in the app (or select “Configure” from the MIDI menu in djay). Learn more in the manual.
BPM Supreme’s in-house expert, Raj Thomas, recently had the chance to check out djay Pro 2, the next generation of Algoriddim’s multiple award-winning DJ software. It has new features like artificial intelligent DJ mixing, beat-matched photos and an improved interface to make mixing with iTunes and Spotify even easier.
Keep reading to see what Raj had to say about djay Pro 2:
“Recently I was able to get my hands on Algoriddim djay Pro 2. When it comes to DJ software, there are usually two programs that come to mind for me – Serato DJ and Traktor. For a third option, Virtual DJ is a solid go-to program as well. When I had the chance to use djay Pro 2 both at home and out at gigs, I found more pros than cons, and ended up having a good time with it.
Sound quality
The New Audio Engine pleasantly surprised me. It sounds really great! No dropouts during built-in stand alone playback, and also no problems when using my compatible DJ controller.
X-Y Effects Control
I love the ability to control the FX in an X-Y performance pad type of layout. This allows for more expression with parameters than traditional knobs – especially if you’re performing with just a computer and no controller.
Compatible Controllers
There are a vast amount of compatible controllers from all price ranges that natively work with djay Pro 2. The company seems very active in keeping up with the new hardware coming out from manufacturers.
Macbook Pro TouchBar Compatible
Very surprised to see some useful features programmed into the debatably gimmicky touchbar of the new Macbook Pro. I usually don’t use my touchbar but using it with djay Pro 2 was pretty fun.
Images in Video Mode
The PhotoBeat feature is great to have if you are DJing with video and don’t have every video you need. Instead you can display images, such as a flyer for an upcoming event. PhotoBeat also allows you to have a nice visual slideshow with effects should you just want a theme of images playing on the screen. Great for weddings!
Beautiful Design
Have to mention the design aspect of djay Pro 2. It’s definitely ahead of the curve when comparing to competition.
No Controller Needed
This software is ready to go when you are. Whether you perform using only a laptop, or maybe you want to test mixes out without setting up all your gear, just open up the software and have fun!
Automix AI
Automatic DJ mixes based on artificial intelligence is a pretty cool feature. I think it would be great to use for dinner parties or during a wedding reception dinner to make the experience a little better than a normal pre-made playlist.
Price Point
As I write this review, you can download djay Pro 2 for only $39.99 on the App store. Really can’t beat that!
Different Keyboard Shortcuts than Serato
There were just a few things I noticed that could use improvement on djay Pro 2. For example, when using the computer keyboard, I’m already very familiar with Serato DJ shortcut commands. I would love if djay Pro 2 has a selectable drop down in the “shortcuts” menu that allowed me to select Serato DJ or Traktor shortcuts. However, I will mention that shortcuts on djay Pro 2 are totally customizable. You can save presets and make the keyboard shortcuts your own, but it just takes some time out of your day to map those commands.
Added Costs for Extra FX
Wonderful effects designed by Sugar Bytes are available for an extra add on purchase ($9.99). Even though these effects are priced very low, it would be nice if the cost was included with the program.
Automix AI
Yes, this feature was just mentioned in the “Pros” section, but I feel the need to point out how scary it is that machines can do what humans do. Obviously I don’t think AI will be replacing DJs anytime soon, and AI cannot perform up to the level of a professional DJ, but checking out what the AI feature can do really lets you know to step your game up because the robots are coming!
Bottom line, djay Pro 2 is a great program! For the price point and cool features that djay pro 2 has, I’d say it definitely stacks up against the competition. If you’re looking for a forward-thinking and user-friendly way to mix and create your DJ sets, djay Pro 2 is a perfect option.”
Find out more about djay Pro 2 on Algoriddim’s website and let us know what you think of this software. We want to hear from you. Leave your comments below!
Djay Pro Trial
Some love it and some hate it, but either way, the iPad is gaining traction as a viable DJing platform. It makes sense; all the time, tablets are getting more computer-like while computers are getting more tablet-like.
But this is still a bit of an unexplored frontier for many DJs. What are the options? Are there decent controllers for iPad DJing, or are they all plasticky toys?
To help answer this, I’ve done the research in order to present to you what are, in my opinion, the five current best controller options for iPad DJs as we approach the end of 2014.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Traktor Kontrol S2 MK2
MSRP: $499 | See Current Street Price | See Customer Reviews
Native Instruments’ Kontrol series is still a staple for many digital DJs. When NI decided to refresh their S2 and S4 lineup with the MK2 updates, they added a pretty major feature: support for Traktor DJ for iPad.
The S2 is not pushing the innovation envelope, but is still one of the best options for Traktor-based DJs. If you like Traktor DJ and want to use that going forward, this is the recommendation I would give. As a bonus, you get to use it with “big Traktor” on your laptop as well.
Of course, the S4 is an option too. But only choose that if you want to use a laptop to DJ sometimes, since you’ll be wasting 2 channels (Traktor DJ for iOS only supports two.)
Video:
Features:
Plug & Play compatibility with Traktor DJ (iOS) and Traktor Pro 2 (PC/Mac). Live remix/freeze mode options which can be triggered by hot cue buttons. Gives access to Traktor’s advanced features like Flux mode, slicer, etc.Reloop Beatpad
MSRP: $899 | See Current Street Price | See Customer Reviews
I’ve become a big Reloop fan as of late, because their hardware is solid, well-presented, and tightly-integrated with its intended software.
The Reloop Beatpad is a dedicated iOS controller, developed and optimized for Algoriddim’s DJay software. Of course, it’s MIDI enabled and can be mapped to your software of choice should you connect it to a laptop.
The unit features two headphone connections on the front side, two master outputs (XLR, RCA) and even an aux input for iPod, CD player or turntable on the back of the device. And the extra large “vinyl grip” jog wheels featured on other Reloop controllers are present here. As a nice added feature, the wheels are surrounded by multi-colored LED rings which indicate the position of the track in a circular motion.
Reloop’s entire controller lineup these days is solid, and the Beatpad is no exception.
Video:
Features: RGB jog wheel ring indicators, solid build quality, large jog wheels, 4 large drum pads per deck, AirPlay support for wireless speakers, Spotify integration via Djay.Pioneer DDJ-WeGo3
MSRP: $299 | See Current Street Price | See Customer Reviews (coming soon)
The WeGo3 is a brand new controller in the WeGo line by Pioneer, and excels as a great bang-for-buck option for iPad DJs.
The “Pulse Control” function gives visual feedback via moving jog wheel animations: Launch Pulse (moves from load button to jog wheel when track is loaded), FX Pulse (light patterns showing which FX/filters are engaged), and Beat Pulse (glows to show the volume of sound).
This controller is also compatible with Virtual DJ 8 and Serato DJ Intro for the laptop users. The WeGo3 version of the Djay software has been streamlined for clarity to remove unnecessary duplication, and the unit itself has a unique (but intuitive) layout.
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Features: Durable brushed aluminum finish, jog LED feedback, intuitive tactile interface, dual headphones outputs, Spotify integration via DJay.Numark iDJ Pro
MSRP: $499 | See Current Street Price | See Customer Reviews
The iDJ differs from other offerings in that the tablet actually sits flush in the controller itself. This serves both to get the iPad out of your face, and to give more intuitive control for people that want to tap and drag on the iPad itself.
It also differs in that, instead of line faders, it has rotary knobs for each channel. This was probably done to save room (since the iPad effectively becomes part of the controller itself), but many people prefer rotary control. This is something rarely seen on controllers.
The downside to having the tablet dead center is the fact that it forces the configuration into a somewhat non-standard layout. The EQ’s, for example, are at the top left and top right… a spot usually reserved for FX control.
One thing worth mentioning is the fact that this is one of the few iPad controllers that are iPad ONLY… that is, it cannot be used as a MIDI controller for your laptop.
The iDJ Pro features capacitive touch-activated platters, die-cast aluminum volume knobs, and brushed aluminum casing with hot cue, loop, and effects controls. Overall, a solid choice.
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Features:Integrates touch screen into control surface, touch-activated platters, XLR outputs, aux input for external sources, Spotify integration via DJay.Vestax Spin2
Dj Controller Compatible With Djay Pro 2
The Spin2 has an appearance very similar to the classic VCI-100. It works across all Apple devices and provides intuitive control via your iPad.
This controller is compact, lightweight, and includes a “studio grade audio interface”. This is a great unit to just toss in your bag and head to a quick gig without much trouble. The track browsing interface is similar to the d-pad on a video game controller, which some people may or may not prefer over the rotary encoders present on most.
For lovers of the Vestax brand, the Spin2 provides a nice solution at a reasonable price.
Video:
Features: High-res touch-sensitive jog wheels, compact design, light color scheme, lightweight.Summary
So there you have it… five great options for DJing with your iPad. As you can see, most of the options utilize the popular DJay app by Algoriddim, with the exception of the Kontrol S2. An S2 is definitely my recommendation if you want to use Traktor DJ. Outside of that, the rest are solid options and it really just comes down to preference (as always).
My personal favorites? The Kontrol S2 if you want to use Traktor DJ; Reloop’s Beatpad otherwise. But, they are all up to the task!
Djay 2
Have experience with iPad DJing and want to weigh in? Feel free to post your comments below!