Building a Digital DJ Toolkit: Essential Software and Plugins
October 8, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of DJing, the right digital toolkit can elevate your sets from ordinary to extraordinary. As technology advances, so do the tools available to DJs, making it easier than ever to enhance your workflow, creativity, and overall performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, here’s a guide to essential software, plugins, and tools that every digital DJ should have in their arsenal.
1. Must-Have DJ Software
First and foremost, every digital DJ needs reliable and powerful DJ software. Serato DJ Pro and Rekordbox are industry standards, offering comprehensive features that cater to both live performances and studio work. Serato DJ Pro is renowned for its intuitive interface and rock-solid stability, making it a favorite among scratch DJs and turntablists. Through good marketing and also being the first ones to perfect vinyl emulation, Serato DJ has become the most popular DJ software out. Most DJ’s who have tried both, will argue the Virtual DJ software is superior to Serato, with better code algorithms, that perform functions like Stems with better results at much lower CPU usage. Virtual DJ is a close 2nd in the amount of DJs that use that software, precisely for how well it performs. Rekordbox, on the other hand, excels in seamlessly integrating with Pioneer’s CDJ systems. With the popularity of Pioneer, it was a smart call for them to create their very own software that sinks with and in many cases is sold directly with their hardware. For those looking for a versatile option, Traktor Pro by Native Instruments offers deep customization and a robust effects library, perfect for creative mixing and live remixing. It’s better to choose wisely from the start, because transferring your well organized music libraries over from one software to another can be quit cumbersome.
2. Workflow Enhancement Tools
Streamlining your workflow is key to a smooth performance, and tools like Mixed In Key and Platinum Notes can be game-changers. Mixed In Key analyzes your tracks for key and BPM, allowing for harmonic mixing that keeps your sets sounding smooth and cohesive. Platinum Notes, from the same developers, enhances the audio quality of your tracks, correcting pitch, adjusting volume levels, and adding subtle mastering effects to ensure your music sounds its best. For sample management, Loopcloud is an excellent tool, offering a vast library of high-quality samples and loops that can be auditioned and downloaded directly into your DJ software. Before investing in these tools, check the default tools that are built into your DJ software. Many times the built in tools are sufficient enough.
3. Creative Performance Tools
In addition to the essentials, creative performance tools can add flair to your sets. Ableton Live, though primarily a DAW, is a fantastic tool for live performances, allowing you to integrate loops, samples, and virtual instruments into your DJ sets. The Bridge, a collaboration between Serato and Ableton, allows you to sync your Serato DJ software with Ableton Live, opening up endless possibilities for live remixing and performance.
4. Elevate Your Sets with Video DJing
Incorporating video into your DJ sets can turn a great performance into an unforgettable spectacle, and with the right software, plugins, and tools, you can seamlessly blend audio and visuals to captivate your audience. For those looking to dive into video DJing, using Serato with MixEmergency on Mac computers is a great combination. MixEmergency offers seamless integration with Serato DJ Pro, allowing you to mix and manipulate visuals with the same ease as audio tracks. Windows users would be forced to use Serato Video and unfortunately that is a far inferior Video mixing platform. However, VirtualDJ with Video stands out as an all-in-one solution, combining comprehensive audio and video mixing features.
5. Amplify your brand and engage your audience
Whether you DJ video or not, JammText is a great tool to add for audience engagement. As long as you have TV screens or video monitors available at your gig, you can use JammText to allow your audience to share pictures and messages with everyone else at the venue. The app displays a contact number & an email that your audience sees and can use to send their picture to the screen. The great thing is you end up with everyones contacts & that’s great for future promotion. JammText also has built in tools to help you amplify your brand on screen. With these essential tools in your digital DJ toolkit, you can enhance your workflow, unleash your creativity, and elevate your sets to new, visually stunning heights.