How to Choose the Best DJ Software for Beginners

FOR DJS THAT ARE NEW TO THE SCENE, PROPER SOFTWARE IS IMPORTANT IN MAKING SURE THAT THEIR TALENT BLOSSOMS. WITH SO MUCH SOFTWARE OUT THERE, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE WHILE STARTING OUT.

By: Kits Andaya

When you’re just starting out as a DJ, researching and having to pick out many things such as gear and equipment for your DJ setup is a given.

However, one aspect that newcomers often overlook is the DJ software that you will be using. It’s not just the physical equipment that you need to watch out for, but also the things that will run in your own equipment.

In fact, what you should actually do is focus on what kind of software you want to get first before the hardware. This is because when you buy hardware, it usually comes with instructions on how to get the software that the hardware comes bundled with.

First, let’s define what DJ software is. DJ software is essentially a virtual mixer – it allows you to mix and perform music as though you were a traditional vinyl DJ but without needing all the heavy equipment in front of you. Simply put, it lets you mix and prepare tracks digitally. Some well-known examples include Serato DJ and Traktor Pro.

Depending on the software, it might even allow the use of special vinyl or CDs, which allows the user to perform even more by allowing them to control any song they have.

What should I keep in mind?

While you are looking for the right software, here are some tips that you should remember to help you out.

-Find out what software your local DJs are using: Do you know any places nearby that have a DJ? Maybe a radio show, for instance? For a beginner looking to get into DJ’ing, you can seek out these people and maybe even have an opportunity to peek at their laptop screen to see their software.

In addition, you might also be able to get advice on how to transition with your hardware as you gain more experience with DJing. You might also learn about what the place is looking for if you’re seeking to DJ there in the future.

-Ask your DJ friends for their experience with the software they use: If you have any DJ friends who have had experience in using certain software, you can ask them about it, and they might even be able to teach you how they use it for themselves.

Anecdotes from people who have actually used the software will be much more valuable than articles and a generalized description by the company website, as said people who find a certain DJ software valuable would be able to explain to you why it helped them a lot.

-Look around company websites: Be that as it may, this does not mean that the information that company websites gives when it comes to DJ software is useless. In fact, for a beginner DJ, a general description of a DJ software and what is has to offer might be much more useful than one that delves into its own intricacies so early.

Even better, these websites usually offer trial features, demo videos, and other content that helps you get a better feel of their software to help ease you in and find out whether the software is just right for you. If you use the internet to research, you might be able to find other music making software that would help you as well in the process.

Building Beats’ team member PlayPlay using Serato out at a gig

Wrapping up

Make sure that the DJ software you choose in the end is one you feel comfortable with. While your hardware may wear out and eventually need replacing or upgrading as you gain more experience over time, your DJ software is usually one that you want to stick with for as long as possible. After all, you’ll be losing a lot of time if you suddenly decide that you want to use a different DJ software, as you’ll have to start from scratch (pun intended) in learning how to use it.

Want to learn more about the creative process of making music as an aspiring DJ? Then check out our article for beginners here, perfect for getting you into the creative mindset. We also have a DJ Toolbox full of free web-based music programs to explore!