What Are the Different Types of DJ Computer Software?

Most DJ computer software is designed for use in either playing audio or altering audio in some way to create original compositions by remixing files imported into the program. Audio playback programs can be quite simple, though most DJs prefer somewhat more complicated programs that allow them to create and organize playlists, quickly search through audio files, and play files based on genre. Other types of DJ computer software are designed for altering audio files, usually by creating a remix based on audio content that is altered. Some software can even be used with different types of hardware, such as digital turntables, for “scratching” during playback.

A DJ, or disc jockey, is someone who plays recorded music professionally, such as a radio station DJ or a DJ who works live events like clubs and weddings receptions. DJ computer software is typically designed to assist a DJ with his or her professional work. Most of this software is intended to enhance playback of audio content, and these programs are typically similar to other media player programs. Since these DJ computer software programs are intended for professional use, however, they often have more robust tools for creating playlists, adjusting audio levels during playback, and automixing tracks for particular types of events.

Other types of DJ computer software are created for use in generating original content. Many DJs, especially those who work in clubs, are well known for creating original remixes of existing songs. Software can be used to isolate different parts of a track, especially when using a master recording with multiple channels, to then create new versions of recorded music. This type of DJ computer software allows a DJ to more easily create original remixes that can help the DJ establish a greater presence for himself or herself in a particular scene or industry.

Some DJ computer software can also be used with particular pieces of computer hardware to emulate techniques and methods available to DJs who used traditional equipment. In the past, DJs typically played vinyl records and could alter the sound of recordings during playback through methods such as “scratching.” This is a process by which a vinyl record is physically shifted back and forth around a turntable, allowing the DJ to control how the needle is reading the audio information on the record. Digital technology can be used to replicate this process through hardware that emulates the feel of a turntable, which then communicates with DJ computer software that uses audio time codes to shift playback of the track back and forth while the DJ “scratches.”

What are the Different Types of DJ Equipment?

The thought of DJ equipment conjures up memories of the 1970s disco era, complete with record mixers and a mirrored disco ball. Many of us remember a local disk jockey (DJ) bringing his hodgepodge of DJ equipment to the high school gym for a dance or prom, or to the local American Legion for a wedding or Bar Mitzvah. Like most things, however, DJ equipment has grown and evolved to fit into the high tech world we know today. Gone are the manual flip switches and record changers. Today, one can find DJ equipment that includes just the basics, with a pair of compact disc (CD) decks and a set of speakers, or if money is no object, there are fancy, multi-level CD decks, surround sound amplifier and speaker systems, a professional quality mixer, top notch headphones, and of course, easy access mobile shelving and storage units for CDs.

Today, most DJ equipment is computerized, and some DJs agree that CD decks are becoming a thing of the past. In the same manner as the MP3 player and the iPod, music can now be played with the flip of a switch or the push of a button, without a CD, tape, or record in sight. Often, all that is needed is a computer. A mixer should be included in any set of DJ equipment, because it will allow the sound being output, whether a speaking voice or a song, to play without a break. For instance, a mixer will switch from one song to the next without the momentary silence that usually indicates the end of the song.

A set of good quality headphones is a must in a set of DJ equipment. Most DJs find that a noisy DJ booth can make it difficult to hear the music being mixed. If no booth is available and the DJ finds herself and her DJ equipment practically in the middle of the party or dance, hearing the music clearly is nearly impossible without headphones. The experts agree that headphones in a DJ equipment set should be lightweight and have a closed back to help filter out background noise. Headphones should also have a wide frequency response.

The speakers or amplifier and speakers complete a set of DJ equipment, for they are responsible for carrying the music to the listeners. DJs should make sure that their speakers can handle the volume they plan to use and that the amplifier will properly amplify the signal coming from the computer or CD player. Most DJs who are serious about their music are more than willing to spend the money to purchase high quality DJ equipment, for a DJ who pleases his listeners will be invited back again and again.

How Do I Choose the Best Headphone Mixer?

A headphone mixer is necessary for musicians, especially bands, which need to be able to hear their recorded music to ensure it sounds right and that the mixing is correct, but finding the right headphone mixer can be tough. There must be enough channels so everyone in the band can hear himself or herself simultaneously, and the channels should be able to function independently of each other. The ability to adjust the click track on the fly will help drummers and vocalists the most, because this will turn up or turn down the click so the respective musician can hear his or her part. A mono control will allow each musician to hear an isolated part of the music. Preset controls will help when setting up the mixer, because the user just has to push a button to get the controls ready.

Each headphone mixer comes with at least one channel, depending on the model. The channels allow each person to hear the audio, and the channels themselves typically have controls to change the audio. The best mixer should have enough channels for each band member. It also is best if the channels can function independently, so each musician can hear only his or her part, without the other parts mixing in.

The ability to increase or decrease the click track will be most important for drummers and vocalists, but others also can benefit from this control. Drummers are part of the click track, so they will want a high click to ensure the beat sounds correct and to make it easier to hear just the drums and not the other parts of the song. The other members will likely reduce the click when listening to themselves, because this will make the sound of their instrument or voice clearer.

Mono controls help isolate the audio, so each person can hear only his or her instrument playing. This is typically done either with a button or as one of the headphone mixer settings. Along with isolating the sounds, the bass and treble can usually be controlled as well when the sound is placed in mono.

Setting up the headphone mixer usually is not a difficult process, but it can take several minutes to get the sound just right. To avoid going through this setup procedure, it can help if the headphone mixer comes with preset controls. This will save the control settings, so the users just hit a button and the mixer will be set at its optimal levels.

What is Recording Software?

Recording software creates a digital sound studio for recording and manipulating one or more sound tracks. Tracks can be edited, changed by applying effects, compiled or mixed, matched to video, converted to export formats, or burned to CD or DVD, depending on the program.

Originally, recording software packaged with operating systems had very few options, allowing for recording off the standard Line-In port on any sound card. Plugging a microphone, for example, would allow the user to create a voice recording and save it to a sound file format like WAV on PCs, or AIFF on Macs. Some effects and editing options were included, but today’s recording software — even free programs like Audacity® — have become quite sophisticated.

Audacity®, created by Dominic Mazzoni, is a cross-platform open source program. It’s ability to run on Windows®, Apple®, Linux® and BSD Unix has made it extremely popular. Along with an import feature that supports a generous number of music formats, one can record and mix tracks, apply many types of digital effects, remove noise from a track, and even adjust the tempo without affecting the pitch, handy when matching a track to video. This recording software can also change the pitch of a track without changing its speed.

Another feature found in some recording software, (included in Audacity®), is the ability to automatically create separate files when copying full-length cassettes or vinyl albums. The software separates songs based on the inserted silences between tracks, saving time and hassle when converting music libraries to digital format.

GarageBand® is a highly popular recording software bundled free with Apple® computer systems. Not only does this software support recording and editing, it also includes music lessons by popular artists. Let rock stars like Sting, John Fogerty and Norah Jones teach you how to play one of your favorite songs, then record your own rendition.

Advanced recording software is often bundled with hardware that augments the program. The hardware might be a patch bay, sound card, or both. The patch bay or card commonly features ports for headphones, microphone, and other types of inputs for digital and analog instruments.

Arguably, the most popular commercial program is Pro Tools® by Digidesign®, used extensively in the recording and motion picture industry. This editing and recording software runs on both Mac and PC platforms and comes in three flavors: Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools M-Powered. The LE version is the home version.

All three variations of Pro Tools® use proprietary hardware, without which the software will not function. The high-end versions, HD and M-Powered, use rack-mounted hardware that contain Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips to facilitate processing of applied digital effects, editing and other functions, along with input for microphones and instruments, both digital and analog. The home version, Pro Tools LE, lacks the rack mount hardware and DSP chips, but does require a proprietary sound card, also used for inputs.

The functionality of recording software like Pro Tools® is probably beyond the needs of the average consumer who wants to edit sound files or record tracks for casual enjoyment. However, for those interested in recording and producing music professionally, in movie scoring or in professional sound editing, a program like Pro Tools® will fit the bill. Check system requirements before purchasing.

Many popular types of recording software are also available in several other packages that fall somewhere between the robust-but-free Audacity®, the fun-loving GarageBand®, and the proprietary Pro Tools. Several programs are available as shareware so you can play with them before deciding. Look for an intuitive interface and the functionality required, without getting a lot of features you’ll never use.

Best Mixing Software

To choose the best mixing software, you should consider what features you want from a program and the value of such a program for you. You should look at the types of audio or video files that any program you are interested in can use, and ensure the software can work with your other programs and hardware. If possible, you might also look for software that offers a free trial so you can see the kinds of features and user interface (UI) included. You might even be able to find a free mixing software program that meets your needs.

Mixing software typically refers to a program that can be used to mix audio or video files together, usually to create output files that combine both original sources. This can be done using different sound files to create a remix, for example, though some programs can also be used to mix audio in real time. Such programs are often used by disc jockeys (DJs) who play recorded music and often mix audio for entertainment at events and in clubs.


As you consider different mixing software, you should look for a program with the features and tools you need. You should, for example, look at the files a program can open or save to, so you ensure the program can work with the files you have. Other features you might look for from mixing software include how the software UI displays the audio files you are working with, what types of editing features are included in the software, and if you can save presets to make live mixing faster and easier.

You should also look at the types of software and hardware that can work with any mixing software you might choose. Most software is developed to work with a particular operating system (OS), so you should ensure that any program you choose is compatible with the OS you use. If you have special input devices, such as a digital turntable, you should look for mixing software that can utilize that equipment.

It can also be beneficial to consider different programs and compare prices between them. You might be able to find freeware that provides you with the mixing features you need. If you are a professional DJ, however, it is likely the mixing software that includes all of the options you want would require a license purchase. The developers of many of these programs offer a free trial, however, so you can ensure any program you choose works best for your needs.