Looking to get some DJ software for Mac, I've used Virtual DJ on my PC and I have real turn tables and a mixer, but now I want the best DJ softwaer I can get on my Mac so when I don't want to lug around my case to clubs I can just bring my Ibook if I'm playing a small set.
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Best DJ Software for Mac
- Thread starter Dynamyk
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Dynamyk said:
If you're looking for a pure software solution then I guess you should check out products such as Ableton's Live (I think Sasha uses this on his powerbook).
There's also Traktor DJ - I have a version of this which came with a (very plasticy) MP3 mixer - it's a small lightweight mixer/consoler - not very pro, but cheap and great fun. There's other versions of Traktor DJ - I think the latest version integrates with www.beatport.co.uk - so if you have an internet link you could even download new music while you're in the middle of a mix.
If you're willing to lug your decks around but ditch the cases of records then you might like Final Scratch - it uses a pair of specially time encoded vinyl disks which essentially plays MP3s from your laptop so you still get the feel of real DJing but without dragging 100s of records around - I know a DJ who uses this and he loves it - it's pretty impressive.
Just check the required hardware specs - I'm sure your iBook will be OK.
Enjoy!
If you are really into mixing, and want to push yourself and your music to the limits, maybe Reaktor or Max/MSP are for you. Autechre, Aphex Twin, etc. use Max/MSP to make a lot of their playback equipment and the like. For instance you could make your own sampler/playback device, that can interact with your own 16 step sequencer, all controlled by you on your laptop or via an external MIDI interface. A very hip way of doing it if you dont mind programming.
Your options are limited to 3 things that I can think of.
1 Traktor Dj version 3 -you can mix up to four things at once, not sure about the built in Sampler.
2 Stanton's Final Scratch-Been around for a while and is pricey but sick.
3 and finally the one that I've been drooling over is called Serato Scratch Live made by RANE...drool........Anything Rane touches is the best IMO, and this software should be no different.
You can use Final Scratch from within Traktor 4 and go really nuts...
or you can use Ableton Live, for all kinds of options...
be prepared to drop some serious coin....
Serato Scratch is realllly pricey...
1 Traktor Dj version 3 -you can mix up to four things at once, not sure about the built in Sampler.
2 Stanton's Final Scratch-Been around for a while and is pricey but sick.
3 and finally the one that I've been drooling over is called Serato Scratch Live made by RANE...drool........Anything Rane touches is the best IMO, and this software should be no different.
You can use Final Scratch from within Traktor 4 and go really nuts...
or you can use Ableton Live, for all kinds of options...
be prepared to drop some serious coin....
Serato Scratch is realllly pricey...
Check out the latest MegaSeg 5... It's a native Mac DJ app, not a PC port. It's great for djs who beatmix or crossfade, and excels at library and playlist building. It's super stable, does video, plays protected iTunes tracks, and has a lot of features.
http://www.megaseg.com/
http://www.megaseg.com/
If you are a beginner then you will want a software which has a tutorial to walk you through the software and the music making process. Two popular ones are Dr Drum and BTV Solo. They both come with beats and sounds, and also virtual musical instruments so you don't have to buy expensive musical hardware, you can just use your keyboard.
If you consider yourself more of an intermediate/professional and are familiar with MIDI, loops, channels, etc, then you would probably want to look at Reason 7. It pretty much has all the features any DJ needs.
Whichever one you choose you should read the software features and reviews. Found this article which compares some of the DJ software:
http://softwareraters.com/top-3-dj-software-for-mac/
If you consider yourself more of an intermediate/professional and are familiar with MIDI, loops, channels, etc, then you would probably want to look at Reason 7. It pretty much has all the features any DJ needs.
Whichever one you choose you should read the software features and reviews. Found this article which compares some of the DJ software:
http://softwareraters.com/top-3-dj-software-for-mac/
