{"id":83,"date":"2021-10-25T12:12:09","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T12:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/?p=83"},"modified":"2021-12-31T10:35:11","modified_gmt":"2021-12-31T10:35:11","slug":"how-to-use-virtual-dj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spinbad.com\/how-to-use-virtual-dj\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Use Virtual DJ (Step-By-Step Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Virtual DJ is an audio and video mixing software developed by Atomix Productions in 2003. In 2010, Virtual DJ won the prize for best mixing software at the 25th Annual International Dance Music Awards in Miami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re thinking about which mixing software is the best for your circumstances, or just want to learn more about Virtual DJ; this guide will address everything you need to know when considering Virtual DJ<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Is Virtual DJ?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, Virtual Dj is an audio and video mixing service. The digitalization of the DJ industry in the late 90s resulted in the market for mixing software increasing tenfold as dance music\u2019s revival encouraged and inspired thousands of budding DJs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A mixing software gives you optimal control over how you mix tracks and also has aids and tutorials which the beginner DJ can learn with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tutorials and the descriptive help boxes, make it super easy to learn the operation of each setting and function on the software.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are other mixing software out there such as Rekordbox and Serato to name but a few. But, while not an industry standard, Virtual Dj has some interesting features which set it apart from its competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual DJ comes equipped with all the standard features you expect from mixing software: a waveform view of each track, their own FX pack, sample pack, and digital equalizer and faders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A digital equalizer isn’t always common on mixing software but is particularly useful if you aren\u2019t using a standard DJ controller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, Virtual DJ has the capability to mix video as well as control lighting which makes it a desirable software for lighting technicians, video technicians, sound engineers, and DJs alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One unique and potentially useful tool on Virtual DJ is its ability to link up with certain streaming services. Soundcloud Go+ subscribers can mix their SoundCloud catalog if they choose to, there is also a similar ability for users of other streaming services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual DJ is also paired with Beatport, this means rather than downloading your songs onto a memory stick, if linked, you can mix your song library directly from the mixing software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Dj has gained a name for being the best software to use with non-standard controllers such as mixing with your tablet or phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual DJ Subscription Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Virtual DJ does offer a free service, its lite packages are very sparse and don\u2019t enable much more than the barebones needed to mix. However, a free service means you can still practice DJing while you try and save up for your first controller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to connect your DJ controller you will need to at least activate Home Plus which is the first level of subscription for a one-time payment of $49 or $99. The LE 8 license is only available with your purchase of a specific controller.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best subscription for the normal DJ is the \u2018Pro\u2019 license which gives you access to all the features you need to mix. This is a reasonable price of $19 per month, which is similar if not a little cheaper than other mixing software subscriptions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final subscription plan is \u2018Business\u2019 which is a purchase to be considered if you have a venue or plan to purchase software with the intention of having hired DJs use it – this costs $99 a month but comes with full support from Virtual DJ\u2019s customer service team as well as the ability to have multiple licenses at one time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can cancel your subscription with Virtual DJ anytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Use Virtual DJ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1. Downloading The Software<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First thing\u2019s first; you\u2019ll have to download the Virtual DJ software from their website, then install it on your computer. This doesn\u2019t take long\u2026 just agree to the licensing stipulations, then click \u201cInstall\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2. Creating A Virtual DJ Account<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next on the agenda is to make a Virtual DJ account. To do so, launch the newly installed Virtual DJ software, then click the tile on the welcome menu that reads \u201cCreate a Virtual DJ Account\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fill in all the necessary details, such as your name, email address, country of residence, and login details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The software will then send a confirmation code to your email that you need to type or copy and paste into the field labeled \u201cConfirmation Code\u201d at the bottom of the form. Finish this stage by selecting \u201cCreate My Account\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3. Setting Up Your Soundcard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the top left-hand side of the Virtual DJ interface, you\u2019ll see the settings menu represented by a little cog icon. Click the cog to open the menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top-middle panel of the menu is labeled \u201cCard\u201d, and it gives you three options: \u201cInternal Soundcard\u201d, \u201cTwo Soundcards\u201d, and  \u201cStereo To Mono Splitter\u201d. Select the \u201cInternal Soundcard\u201d tile, then click \u201cApply\u201d at the bottom of the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4. Getting your music on to Virtual DJ<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are three ways to get your tunes interacting with the Virtual DJ software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st Method: Use the folder list<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll see the folder list on the bottom left-hand side of the interface. It looks like any other directory on your computer, with vertically oriented, labeled file icons. This list displays all the folders on your hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a dedicated music file, go ahead and click on it, and whatever tracks you have stored in that folder should then be listed in the field to the right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drag the track you want to start spinning with and drop it above one of the digital jogs where it says \u201cDrag a Song on This Deck to Load It\u201d. Press play, and if everything has gone to plan, you should be able to hear the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2nd Method: Stream via iTunes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the file list, you should see a little iTunes logo. Click it to expand the contents of the file beneath. There you\u2019ll find your music library and any playlists you\u2019ve made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like before, when you click on your library or a playlist, the tracks will appear in the field to the right, and you can drag and drop them above the digital jogs to load them up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3rd Method: Drag and drop from your computer files<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t the most streamlined way of loading your tracks, but you may need to use it at some point, so I\u2019ll run through it, just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than dragging and dropping files within the Virtual DJ interface, you can source the files from your computer the way you normally would, then drag and drop them into the Virtual DJ software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5. Analyzing Your Music<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going to engage in some precision beat matching and expert mixing, you need as much information about your music as possible, and to do that, you need Virtual DJ to analyze each track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual DJ automatically analyzes tracks when you drag and drop them individually above the jogs; however, as you likely have a lot of music to get through, you require a more streamlined approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To speed things up, place a selection of fresh tracks into their own folder, then locate the folder on the folder list in Virtual DJ. The songs will appear in the field to the right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight them all by clicking on the top or bottom track, holding shift, then up or down on the cursor control keys. When all tracks are highlighted, right-click on them, select \u201cBatch\u201d, then click \u201cAnalyze for BPM, etc.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now when you click on a track, you\u2019ll notice that the field to the far right of the screen lists all the key information such as BPM, key, and even playcount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another bonus of pre-analyzing your tracks is that they don\u2019t take quite as long to load, meaning you can keep your performance incredibly tight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 6. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n