Virtual DJ is a complete music mixing application for your desktop, allowing you to dump your vinyl turntables for a laptop.
Looking like a classic DJ set-up, with a mixer and two decks, Virtual
DJ will be instantly accessible to DJs and newcomers alike.
To get started, simply open your music library, and drag and drop files into Virtual DJ's decks. There's a
BPM counter to help you judge transitions between tracks, and the visual wave display also helps to cue up your music.
Setting sound levels and altering the bass and treble are all really
easy. If you don't want to worry about your transitions, press the auto
mix button and let Virtual DJ do all the work for you. Be warned though,
that the results are pretty mixed!
You can
sample and loop tracks live, add effects, and there's a very natural-feeling
scratch mode. For the adventurous, there's a lot you can add to your mixes with Virtual DJ.
Support for recording your mixes is also available, which is a great
way to learn, allowing you to analyze your mistakes and successes with
the application. It also means you can record mixes for your friends!
Mixes can be
recorded in MP3,
burned to CD or even
streamed to internet radio. Virtual DJ can be set up to use two sound cards, if you have them.
Virtual DJ is accessible to beginners and packed with extra features.
The downside of the software is that it sticks too much to what a
physical DJ setup is - other programs offer four decks and more
user-friendly interfaces - small knobs may be great for your fingers,
but they're less use on a screen!
On the whole, Virtual DJ is a solid, traditional-looking
application. You can showcase your very own mix without having to carry
around expensive and bulky equipment.
