When at a gig, almost without exception, someone comes up and asks which professional DJ software package I use. When I tell them djay, they look surprised, especially after I tell them it is only $49 for the whole package. I think they imagine making everything work as seamless and precise as it is, I would need to buy some fancy expensive software that has all kinds of bells and whistles. I do not think they take into account that I have been doing this for 30 years and do not need to cheat to make it sound the way it does.
There are many features about djay that I like. the first and most important is its ease of use with my MacBook and iTunes. It lets you access your entire iTunes library directly form djay, no extra downloads and exporting/importing needed. Just open djay and start spinning your music. You can drag and drop a song right from the library to the ‘turntables’ for mixing, that simple.
I also appreciate the design simplicity of the package. I figured out most of the features within a couple of hours! Everything is labeled clearly and easy to understand for pro and novice alike.
Some of the fun features it comes with are looping, scratching, reverse play, built-in equalizer for each ‘turntable’, Beats per minute sync and ID and the ability to record your mixes in real time without anything additional. Djay has an auto-mix function that allows you to choose a playlist and then push the auto-mix button to let djay mix your songs without you doing anything! It can also alter the tempo of a song to match the beats of the song that is playing if that is something you want to do.
Truthfully, I do not use most of the features. I have known how to mix, blend, scratch and find the right beat for a long time. I do however like to use the loop feature. It is fun when the dance floor is crammed with people having fun to pick certain samples of the song playing and loop it for a few seconds to add some spice and personality to the vibe. Two of my favorite songs for this are Prince’s “Kiss’ and David Guetta’s “Sexy Chic” (clean version), especially the part where Akon sings “without being disrespectful”. I like to loop ‘disrespectful’ several times and then release it back to its natural rhythm. You can really play with this feature and shift the feel and energy of a song with little knowledge or experience.
If you are a new professional DJ or one that is switching from vinyl or CD to computer, I definitely recommend djay. You will be up and running in no time. I downloaded djay on a Wednesday night and was using live at a gig on the weekend with no screw-ups or embarrassing moments, as if I had been using it for years.
If you want to just create your own mixes and music for yourself or for a party, djay is perfect. Have fun and enjoy learning how to be a professional DJ!
http://www.djay-software.com/
