I see the VDJ defenders are coming out saying how biased my video is. I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m coming from a Serato users standpoint so it’s going to be skewed as I compare it to a software I’m already familiar with. That’s how comparisons work. If you can’t see that, that’s your bias towards people that don’t agree with your VDJ love fest. If you have issue with my style, well, there are many other “Pro” VDJ users you could watch. I’ll be here.
marquis mcnealy. It's only because I'm not done using it. I used it on a 5 hr gig this weekend and because I had to continuously make modifications to the program I feel that another event is the best idea. I'm not just a guy trying to make videos. I want to really use a product before I come to anymore conclusions.
Couple of comments: 1- In VirtualDJ, iTunes can also be refreshed while VirtualDJ is open, by using right-click on the iTunes folder. 2- Coming from Serato, you may like to try 'factory default Optional' mapping, which is another mapping included by default for the keyboard with VirtualDJ. (In Controllers, on the right-top after selecting keyboard on the left) It does have shift+left, shift+right to load a track in the left or right deck for example 3- Many people enjoy the 'v8 but by Fruit' skin, so you might want to give that a try as well if you're looking for a skin not resembling hardware 'Silversleek' is another one, which is not the pretties but stacks a ton of customizability 4- The Video&Scratch sample pack is an example of some samples that are both video and sound, so you'd only see how they should look if you also have the video output enabled. Also, the built-in samples are obviously mainly there to showcase the sampler. You would probably usually prepare your own samples if you use that, or see if there's any interesting ones for download from the Extensions tab 5- The price of the one-controller license depends on the controller. For some entry-level controllers they start at $49. $199 is the most expensive license, and only for controllers that most would probably use professionally so indeed should go for the pro license instead. 6- The round button next to the play/pause buttons allows you to set the cue mode. 7- For post fader echo, go to config->options and set fxProcessing to post 8- At the last restart, you may have noticed that VirtualDJ automatically moved the on-screen pitch fader to match the other deck (This option is autoBPMMatch in case you want to turn it off) When VDJ automatically matches the bpm, it can obviously not move your pitch faders, so that's why they might get off between software and hardware. On-screen vdj will show the 'ghost' fader of where the physical fader is, so you can move it to the current pitch position to have them catch up and be synchronized again. For using any controller in VirtualDJ with a default mapping, it's also a good idea to have a quick look in the manual to understand better how things like effects work exactly www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsx2.html
I'm a VDJ user and think you did an excellent review. I would just add that more Dj's try other software applications instead of bashing the ones they've never used. One love homie.
I applaud you for giving Virtual an honest look. Even if you don't choose to use it, at least you can say why. Most Djs who say they don't like the software have never tried it. They are just fanboys who swear by whatever software they use. Nothing is wrong with using any software because they all do the same thing but don't insult the choice of other DJs to make yourself feel better or superior. I own the DDJ-1000 and DDJ-SX. The DDJ-1000 works flawlessly on Virtual DJ but only on a PC. On the MAC the effects section screen has glitches. In Recordbox I was unable to map the Search forward and back buttons because Recordbox does not allow it to be midi map-able even though other buttons were mapable. In Virtual DJ I can map any button to do whatever I want. I thought Serato was the simplest for midi mapping but also the most limiting. I love the skin of Recordbox over Serato and Virtual Dj but skin preferences is subjective; some people like it busy and some don't. The default options in Virtual DJ skins, leave a lot to be desired but if you can make a skin yourself then you can make the software look just the way you want it. I have used all three software and I can say that if you are mixing audio go with Serato or Recordbox not because they are better than Virtual DJ but because you would not take grief from other DJs who dislike the software for no practical reason. If you are mixing videos, I would overwhelmingly pick Virtual DJ over Serato or Recordbox because you can do just about anything due to the flexibility of Virtual DJ. I do foresee Recordbox implementing a lot of features of Virtual DJ and if they do then I think they can become my favorite for video mixing. I hope with the rise of Recordbox, Serato would try to outdo them and thus give us consumers more options. I look forward to seeing your other videos.
The people who talk shit about any software, as u rightly said have never tried it, I my opinion if you are doing a lot of mobile gigs like weddings, go with VDJ. But you will need to learn how serato and rekordbox works if you wanna work the clubs and bars, not coz its better but coz DJ's have told that its better. The only thing i would say is that the Serato default effects are a lot better than VDJ, in VDJ you will have to search for hours to get the one you really want and save it in. here is a Video that the VDJ haters will probably not like :) ua-cam.com/video/ltTcnh_rB20/v-deo.html
Here's the thing about this thing we love called DJ'ing; This the one hobby/profession where it's participants refuse to adapt or welcome change (which is what technology provides). Look at all the (non) issues we've amassed over the years: Transitioning to CD turntables (can't front, back then in my ignorance. I also clowned this)/The advent of DJ software. Peeps were like "that's dj sacrilege"/Controllers-"That's not Dj'ing"/ Here's a good one; the Sync button (fools refuse to realize it's a tool and that you don't need to perform entire sets with it engaged, but it can be used to assist with extreme transitions) and now the latest: the SB3 scratch button! Here's the funny thing; when peeps finally accepted dj software (Serato), they now swear by it and won't even think about anything else! Question: what if you find yourself in a situation where there are no considerations for Serato? The spot may have a DDJ-1000 controller, and you with no Rekordbox. Now whatup? Allow me to put ALL of us on blast; As soon as you incorporated ANY software into your repertoire YOU violated tha "legacy" you hold so dear. How? Part of that legacy was hauling crates of records. Software eliminated the need for that. Most of us no longer haul back breakin' crates anymore do we? Key lock. Now when we perform extreme transitions, we no longer have to have one song sounding like Alvin and the other cold sounding like Lurch! Isn't THAT a "violation"? We can't pick and choose which benefits fall within the scope of the legacy and others fall out.If we're going to abide by this "Legacy" nonsense, then we need to drop everything from CD turntable on down to the scratch button.Technology makes everything around us easier. Why not Dj'ing? Sync buttons, scratch buttons, virtual crates. They ALL make our craft easier. Stop slippin'
I do not know that they never tried it. A common thing I come across is people who tried something several versions ago and complain about issues that have long been rectified.
I'm a VDJ 8 Pro user. I started out on Serato but I switched to Virtual DJ back in 2013 because for the type of gigs that I was doing weekly Virtual DJ just fit my workflow so much easier. I actually have quite a few karaoke gigs and shows where I'm DJing using videos as part of visual entertainment to go along with the music. My Virtual DJ 8 allows me to play any format I throw at it without having to use any plugins or outside modules and that was one of the main things that attracted me to it over Serato at the time. Also I like the ease of which I can switch up the mapping to fit any one of my controllers that I am using. I did like your video though and I don't see why anybody would get upset with what you were saying. you were just giving your honest opinion. Different Strokes for different folks.
So many options and opinions. I started club djing in 1973, I'm 62 and still club dj with 10k+ record collection. First regional dj to computerize, and got all kinds of grief... Love not carrying records around, and not getting them ripped off. My final choice is VDJ. I own all the softwares, as it comes with most controllers I've bought (about 10) and I upgrade for cheap, Currently using both a NS2 and a Korg Kaoss DJ, on a Lenovo 720s w/ I7, 16 gig ram, Evo 970 1tb SSD and a built in gaming graphics card. So i never bury the processor. Never a drop out or studder with any type of file. Love the options to do every gig with the same software! Karaoke night no problem and looks great on screen, wedding are so very easy, hip-hop night no problem, setup happy hour playlist with auto beat mixing is too easy and better beat mixing than a lot djs, video easy peasy. Try that with any other software, not so easy. After you live with it a few months it's amazing. Everything you mentioned has options in the set-up. Play around! If you mess up reset, easy. Add effects is easy. Recording is easy, ect. Sound quality varies controller to controller, never (in the past 9 years) had the computer effect sound. Dayton, Ohio here, come visit.
Just started watching the video but I seen the last one and I didn't say anything based on the fact that I started out on Virtual DJ and was more or less forced into Serato once I updated my set up... Props for stepping outside the box in seeing what's going on on the other side of fence
The automix function is great when I do mobile events fur weddings. You can get the playlist set for pre- ceremony .. dinner.. etc and let the software do it for you. When it comes to the dance part of the evening that gets turned off
Good for you! Nice to see that you gave it a shot for the sake of knowing. We do weddings with an Sz2, I use virtual while the other dj is on serato (on the same controller - switches seamlessly) each of us is comfortable with the software we know, and we see the pros for what it offers us individually. Being on a pc I find that virtual works for me quite well and have adapted it to fit my needs. There is no right and wrong. At the end of the day its skill and knowledge about your crowd and music that makes the difference. The software you choose is just a tool to help you deliver the end product.
As a recording artist investing in new studio equipment and my sons' side hustle in giging my events I truly appreciate your time invested in sharing your preview. My sons used to practice on my desktop home studio equipment several years ago when they were pre-teens. I had Fruity Loops, Reasons and ProTools back then...the amo 💖
I like your approach on the topic, as you keep on saying it's all about opinion. Serato hardcore users will have favorable opinions about Serato and so will VDJ users about VDJ. I use VDJ for the past 10 years and it gets the job done. I also own Serato pro, and is trying to use it also but the crate building from scratch is time consuming after 10 years of organizing my music a certain way in VDJ. I have used Serato a couple of times because that was the software that was available on the dj system I was using with my flash drive and after a couple of tracks it really did not matter to me of what software I was using, because the crowd was pumping. However one incentive for me to switch to Serato is that the crates is available in VDJ, which makes it easy to switch back and forth.
Regarding post fade: the default setting is Pre-Fader, You can go to the option and change it to post-fader. options: fxprocessing : Post-fader Regarding the Pitch moving automatically: default setting: autoBPMmatch, you can change it under settings: autoBPMmatch - No Hope this is helpful.
I feel the main reason VDJ has been hated on for so long is because it's extremely easy to use. It can be customized for everyone to use to their liking. I personally do not use it but I use to about 10 years ago.
Nestor A Vargas Colon true dat. It works from the start. Just that it has so many options and settings you have to customize it to your dj preference. Im still learning new things in settings where im like wow, if i had known that before... I saw the dmx control thing in this vid and im like wow never know that. Gotta see how it functions.
I was also a Serato user for years. It took a little while for VDJ to grow on me. After I got really familiar with it I like it so much better than serato. It has combined Rekord Box and Serato's best features and made the all in one solution to Dj's
I gave a thumbs down on your last video, but gave a thumbs up on this one. Great honest and objective review here from a hard core Serato user. Several of your complaints or preferences here can be corrected. That's one of the greatest things about VDJ. If you don't like the way something works "out of the box" you have the ability to change it to the way you want it to work. I've been using VDJ since 2009. When I moved up to VDJ8 from VDJ7, I was lost! So many of the default features in VDJ8 did not work for me and I hated it, but then later discovered that I could change everything in VDJ8 that I didn't like. Also concerning the skin, I use the old VDJ7 skin. It's 10 times better, imo. Anyway, thanks for keeping an open mind and producing a really good video! Signed DJ 2Legit - A Hard Core VDJ user.
I think the thing with VDJ8 is it has a "ghost" feature built in, kind of a windows or pc thing, where you manually have to reset the volume, bpm and fx faders and knobs before you play. Because it remembers where they were last set on the hardware. So basically what i used to do when I used Vdj was i would slide each bpm pitch control up and down to 100%, all the way up and all the way down and then back to the middle or centre position. I would also do this for the volume faders before I started DJing. This would reset the "ghost" position whithin the software and on screen display if that makes sense. I think this is why you had those two decks playing at different speeds in the video and then when you reset the software it started working again. The software is heavily based on the windows platform which can cause issues if people come from Mac Books. Great review though man, really good!
Nah u just adjust that in settings. My vdj always mirrors my controller. I never have to move the fader or buttons for it to catch up. The only one that does that is the gain button.
Dubs blend you nailed it it’s such a bitch with that stuff.. you can change it in controller take over mode but meh! I don’t think I should have to chase the software to do what I want it to do. Mirror what I do don’t tell me where I should be. Serato 👑
You can go into the settings menu, and hit reset on load of new track, that will reset pitch to 0, turn off the EFX, etc. So you evidently didn't know how to use the software.
@@meademorgan6614 Ive been using Serato for the last 12months, so "Evidently" I don't use Virtual DJ anymore. Why are you VDJ users so hostile?? Like seriously man, its not cool and DJs are getting tired of VDJ users carrying on like children
So true but yet still u don't have to make any crates to find your songs we are the vdj i know a lot more than that guy that trying to give a review about a product that he doesn't know about but thanks for trying
back in the day, dj's used viynl, not everyone had access to it, and not everyone could learn easily, which is why dj's became stars, then technology switched up, now every kid knows how to dj, thanks to virtual dj. point is, serato is powerfull, but was made for viynl based djs, which is why it has the best song analysis & beat matching to date and is also not easy to use, hence why dj's who use serato look down upon dj's using vdj or similar. traktor was made more for the electro & house genre's, considering their remix decks etc, a bit less complicated and less restricted compared to serato, Rekordbox is still coming up, they have made great strides and innovations, considering that pioneer has been the club standard for years, however i feel as they still need more time. Virtual dj is for everyone, from beginner to pro, it may not be a status symbol, but it does work, simple, easy to learn and probably the least resource hungry dj software out there algorithm Dj Pro is also another software thats coming up, got some interesting features too Ive used all of the above software in great depth, althouh i prefer to use rekordbox, i still feel like the software doesnt rock the crowd, it the dj!
When I bought myself the Denon MC7000 controller back in 2016, I got Serato for free. I didn't need the software cause I worked with Virtual DJ since 2011. Sorry, I still work with VDJ. Serato didn't do the job for me. I don't mean that I need software to mix in my place but it didn't work. I have a collection of video's and audio on a 2TB drive. That's a lot of shit. (I started DJ-ing in 1978 ) The best feature I find in the VDJ software is the fact that you only need your harddrive with music and use it around the world. If I would have to go to Shangai or New York or wherever, I can download the software on a local PC and activate it with my own account. You just need internet but frankly, today everywhere you work these days, you'l have Internet. Very important note. If you scroll down the options in VDJ you will be amased about the possibility's it offers. But Terry, I think you made objectif people curious and VDJ will like that! Thanks for the review.
There is an "Alternate" keyboard mapping that may just adjust to what you already know how it works in Serato. I think hiting the space bar would load and play the selected song. I suggest you to turn off the "smart" things, like Smart loop or smart play, that may just give you a hard time. Try this settings in VirtualDJ Options: Disable SMART LOOP and SMART PLAY VIDEOLOGO = NO LetterBoxing = Zoom or Crop AUTO PITCH RANGE = NO (This would try to match the BPMs no matter where you pitch range is, so is better to keep it in NO so it wont try to match the bpms when the current pitch range does not allow it) AUTOBPM = SMART or NO (smart to try to match bpms on load, or No to don't do it ever) AutoDiscMarker = YES (To see the mark at 12 o'clock at cue or start cue) AUTOCUE = CUE/Skip ZeroDB= -6dB (this may give you enough extra headroom to void any audio limitation triggering) EqualizerMode= FullKill VideoVolumeLink=No VideoFPS=60 SaveUnplayedToSideList=Yes (this would send any song you play and drop from the deck to the sidelist to remind you of the song you may like to play at another time or check on NO if you are ok as is) VideoRandomTransitions= Yes ColoredWaveForms= Infra-Red ColorPicker = System SkinFPS= 60 or 30 AutoMix Mode= Smart You can also change the way jogs respond, but that may adjust to the way you may like. About the effects, you can set the effects as post-fader or pre-fader. And assign any effect in any way you may like. VST effects are supported , just check for any you may like that is usable with VirtualDJ (just because some may have a GUI that may not be useful or practical to use in the software). You may set whatever you may like inside VirtualDJ, may need time to check on those things you like in the way it works for you. You can try any controller or sound card any sample rate (up to 192KHz) or up to 32 bits. Also can use multiple sound outputs at the same time or use any Core audio compatible soundcard or interface to have the sound you may like. Can also add a Denon X1800 or DJM-900NX2 or any with audio interfaces (including Apogee, RME or Antelope) and use it with VirtualDJ too. Just be sure you set the speaker out setup in your mac to Quadraphonic, octagonal or all the channels enable to output in your mac utilities Audio/Midi Setup to have all channels available to use with VirtualDJ.
I've used VDJ since I started ( at 12 I'm now 25 ) and it's what I'm comfortable with. I think that you being an outsider trying out the software you're not familiar with this is an excellent review and I look forward to seeing the rest of your series. I've tried Serato and Traktor and I completely understand where you're coming from. Like you said in your comment it's how a review works, you compare to what you know and are familiar with. I even used Deckadance 2 when it was owned by Image Line before Stanton purchased and in my opinion broke the software prompting me to return to VDJ. Even as an avid user of VDJ I still find quarks I need to adjust. I couldn't agree more about the skins it makes the software look cheap and ugly the default is where it's at. I got to use VDJ with the XDJ RX and it was very smooth besides the same hiccup with the pitch sliders which I'd forgotten to switch on the software side. By the way the DDJ 1000 is fully supported by VDJ. Hope you see this cheers.
Great video! Idk how people are saying it was biased because I thought it was extremely fair. You pointed out flaws and things that YOU personally didn’t like and you also showed off the features you were impressed with. Well done sir
been awaiting this video, series will be dope. i agree with a lot of the initial first impressions and points u had . the built in ability to bring in your Serato crates is big. i just started my Rekordbox trial for my SX2 and i was shocked to see they had no integration with Serato. now it could just be me but off the bat i noticed my jog wheels are way more responsive in rekordbox than serato. i even manually adjusted the sensitivity and the still felt more responsive and sharper in Rekordbox.
I started djing in 2011. The reason i got into djing was for karaoke! Then i found out the pioneer dj-sr was only $500 and felt like someone put a keyboard in front of me, i love it so much i want to dj more then karaoke! Virtual dj is just so great for karaoke i as soon as i can buy it will be buying the ddj-1000 it works on virtual dj the skins i use is Dennyo if i spelled that right!
Most of your opinions are from the Serato background, in Serato you used to do this and that, if you are familiar with VDJ and checking Serato first time all your opinions and suggestions will be same but other way around.
A few tips/remarks based on your review. If you are a Serato user, you may feel more comfortable, if you select the "factory Default Optional" mapping for keyboard (from Controllers tab of Settings). For your Hotcues, you can change their triggering behavior to "stutter", by changing the HotcueMode setting from the Options tab of Settings. As for the post fader effects, some of them work like that (e.g. Echo, Reverb), but you need to enable this (disabled by default) in Options - fxProcessing setting to Post-fader. Last but not least, the big difference with Serato in syncing tracks, is that in VirtualDJ, the SYNC button is not enabling/disabling any mode. It syncs tracks (BPM and phase), right at the moment you press it. If you want to keep those tracks synced no matter what, you can enable the "Beatlock" , found in the SCRATCH center mixer panel.
make sure you check out the ASK THE DJ feature in the LISTS & ADVICE folder. i use that at my bookngs so people can send requests straight to the programme from their tables. its free to setup and use. i've tried it out and it works well at weddings so people don't have to come up to you as some people don't like to approach the dj. i love your videos. i've watched a number of them and u always express a fair opinion.. look forward to seeing another video on virtual dj once you have tried out all the features. if you have any questions abut the programme feel free to ask me as i know quiet alot about the programme and could help u out...
In the future you could run your findings by the Automix techs before recording the video. That's what for instance Digital DJ tips often does The problem is that VDJ has so many features, settings and add-ons, plus an entire programming/scripting built-in, that it takes years to know all of it. So it's often a good idea to get validation before saying something it does wrong, or can't do - because there is often a setting or plugin or a script for it
@@ClevelandTerry Klaus is one of the best at VDJ customizing, He has a point, but you have a point too here since its first impressions of a Serato Pro user. The issue is if there was no difference between VDJ and serato, then someone should be filing for copyright infringement right away :)
You can completely remap everything to you liking the effect buttons you need to map them or find someone who has already remapped for you device if you have the pro they are all free on the website . As for your problem of your pitchs not syncing up is because they reset every time you load a track same as you can do with you eq’s so you just have to set them back to middle
L33 Ayres That’s so stupid though (the bit about the pitch faders and what not). The software shouldn’t dictate those things. If I set my pitch to +2.0%, every track should load at exactly that.
L33 Ayres “it resets on every track load like I said” your exact words. That’s the part I think is stupid. It should be where ever the pitch is on the controller, not re-centered.
Excellent video! Re your skins comment - the "looks like a controller" skins tend to be what the beginners want/expect, and ask for regularly on the VDJ forum. OTOH there are lots of "bare bones" skins too, which only display stuff that's not available on your controller. Basically Atomix caters for all users, so has skins of all types. Even the default skin has an "expanded browser" view (bottom left) that reduces the size of the decks. Also VDJ is extremely configurable, but obviously some choices do need to be made by Atomix for the "out of the box" settings. They may not be to everyone's taste but no one set of defaults is going to please everyone. As you spend more time with VDJ you will be able to find a skin that suits you, and set up the config likewise.
When Pioneer released the 400 and you update the software. It has a tutorial box pop up when you connect a controller to your laptop. You can watch it then or go into the options and watch it later. It kewl that you did this. I was always told if you DJ with videos VDJ is the best, if you don't, then use Serato. I don't so Rekordbox DJ works for me. The DJ business is the only business where people hate on you for what you use. Vinyl DJs hate DJs with controllers. Why hate on technology. I think everyone need to use what they want and stop the hate.
I don’t have a vinyl djing background. I was rapping, producing and trying to be a rap star during that era lol. Got into djing after I gave that up. I started with VDJ because I started mixing music videos when all the big screen tv’s started popping up in the clubs in the early 2000’s. It was my edge over other DJ’s. I got my highest paying consistent gigs based on the utilization of all those flat screen tv’s. The club patrons being able to see the videos of the music they were hearing or some video fx gave the venue a different feel. I bought and learned Serato pro after they got the video plugin but only because most other DJ’s were using serato. I had the same learning curve going from vdj to serato that he’s expressing going from serato to vdj. We all have our biases when we start with one thing and move to another. After we fully learn the new thing we realize that the issues we thought made one thing superior, better or “industry standard” was based on the follower mentality that we all possess. In my opinion there is way more going on under the hood of vdj than serato, plus for music video mixing it is far superior to serato. I’m back to always using vdj after vdj2021 dropped a few months ago. It’s GPU intensive but those stems allow a Dj to damn near mix anything. I don’t ever see serato implementing the stem technology even though it’s a game changer.
As a virtual dj user I appreciate the video for comparison with serato cause to often I hear you need to start using serato and you can't use virtual dj bla bla bla so for a dj lime yourself who I assume is seasoned with serato I appreciate to honest review. Looking forward to the continuation of the review.
The pitch fader glitch happened because you used the mousepad to adjust the pitch first but the controller fader wasn't moved so until you adjust the controller fader to line up with the change you made using the mousepad on the software then it wont match.
I am a VDJ user and can see you have tried to do a good job of this. You found some things you couldn't understand but that is only because you do not have the experience with VDJ. Every issue you commented on is a non issue as VDJ has easy to access settings to address them. If you spend a bit more time, or ask experienced users, you will get an answer to every single issue you commented on.
Just a quick tip in regards to Rekordbox: it does have a ”prepare folder”, it’s called ’tag list’. The reason I don’t find Serato’s prepare useful, is the fact that it removes a song automatically from the list if it’s been loaded to a deck. Want to try out and cue if a song request goes well with the currently playing song, and if not, then what? You have to go back to search the song and drop it back into the prepare list. Or make a new crate, in which case, prepare is redundant. The tag list can be configured to behave like Serato, so it removes a song once it’s been loaded, or only clear the list once exiting Rekordbox.
Good idea to try VDJ out and compare. I have tried a lot of different Djing software out and VDJ is awesome and works on a lot of different controllers. I use Rekordbox mainly now but my 1st Djing software was VDJ.
Much respect bro, i like honesty and transparency when sharing knowledge. Most DJs out there won't do what you did by actually testing out the updated software to correcting some impressions and also taking to live show to fully test it. Having an opinion is good but it's important to apply openess and unbiasedness to it. Much respect bro
Terry, Serato has a remote for mobile devices. I’ve been using it for the past couple of years. It’s actually cheaper than the remote for Virtual. Virtual is 9.99 and Serato is 4.99
When you start playing around with the library, you'll open yourself up to some amazing library managment options. Click on the top folder of your Serato crate and click on add favorite, and you won't have to drill down to find it anymore. Add the "My Library" add-on and it comes packed with filter folders where you can browse your library by bpm, genre, key if you use that, search for songs with missing titles or artist that let you clean up your library. Then you got the sidelist (which you can also display in the bottom center section). You can add playlists or crates on the right side to have them available one click away and not have to mess with the folder structure on the left. I will say I have not used the My Library that much LIVE. I have used it for library issues, filtering by color, etc.
Thank you for taking time to do an in-depth review of vdj18. I've been using it for years and is it's been super reliable. Ik a lot of serato users clown vdj. The anilyyze function will even tell you the key of the track which is helpful. You can map pretty much anything to fully customize it to your DJ style. Hopefully by the end of your review you'll appreciate vdj18 as much as I do. Also, you can mix.music videos right out of the box. No need to buy another add-on.
I think the more you explore VDJ the more your first impression will change. Every hot function key on your laptop you can trigger from your midi controller. I use the Denon 3700s so I can search my folders right on the deck. Technically you could close the lid of the laptop and hide it away. I do a lot of video mixing and VDJ flows nicely between different file types. Also the milkdrop plug it will generate different types of visual effects for songs without videos.
Hi bro, First, sorry for my bad english, I am from France. :p Really interesting comparison from Serato user. I am a VDJ user since... maybe 15 years now. I tried Traktor, and got Serato with my DDJ-SX. But I'm too used to DJ with VDJ, that I can’t switch to another DJ software : the way I order my library, the possibility to import crates from friends, scripts to filter my tracks, and so… December 2017, I went to NY and DJ’ed in 2 clubs and a rooftop, several nights, in Timesquare, bringing only my laptop (as I did not expect to DJ during my Xmas holidays). I DJ’ed with a DDJ-SZ controller, a Rane TTM57/CDJ1000 setup, a Serato box SL3, DJM-850… Every night it was a surprise ! But I was happy to be able to use all of these setups with my VDJ Pro license. Each time, people were happy with my sets, and the techs were surprised that I was using VDJ in clubs and admit : « In the end, the crowd doesn’t give a sh*t about which setup you’re using to DJ, as long as they’re happy to dance on your music. » He said the word. In France, I’m also a latino dance teacher, and I can use VDJ to pitch my tracks during my classes, as VDJ has always had a standalone capability. I use to DJ with my DDJ-SX or a DDJ-Ergo for small gigs/parties, and when I forgot the power supply of my SX, I still can use any borrowed controller/setup, or my USB soundcard as a PFL device. In my case, VDJ is the software that fits the best to me, and that’s why I paid for the Pro License. But I still can hear many DJs saying that it is a sh*tty software and that I should use a « real » one. So sometimes, I change the default skin for another one like « Controller HD by DennYo » to avoid any bad comments from them and stay focus on my sets… Looking forward for a review after your next gigs with VDJ !
I'm sure someone did mention already but anyway. Rekordbox has a TAG list as a preparation folder/playlist, so do pioneer CDJs/XDJs - there is a TAG button to add any track from usb device to a tag list.
Dude! you have the most honest opinion I've ever seen. I'm coming from Serato as well and I'm giving VDJ a fair shot (mainly because I committed to over $450CAD price tag). I have the DDJ-SZ and also found that some of the features I was using with Serato aren't working either. I'm also frustrated at the fact that I cannot use Shift Left or Shift Right to load tracks and I'm unable to use COMMAND F to access the search bar. I mainly switched over because of the Video functions, Live Streaming features and the Ask.the.dj feature. If definitely has some pretty cool features but I also have (on multiple occasions) almost switched back. I'm taking this time during COVID to full give VDJ a shot but I fear I will eventually give up and go back. Loved your honest review! Keep them coming.
VDJ is very versatile and comes out with new features way before Serato. Serato is always playing catch-up. Serato also charges for their new features where it’s included with VDJ. With a full VDJ license, it supports a lot of the DJ hardware out there.
Enter is the default hotkey for loading track, or just double click the track. As a DJ for over 3 decades here are the reasons I use VDJ, though I haven't touched the others much in the last 9 years. First VDJ is way faster at building a database then the others and searching for requests matters. Though I question the stability of of using an XML file for storing said database, as it is not the most stable format. Second VDJ pretty much will play any format of audio and sound file, even a flash video. Third is that VDJ was and is way ahead of the game when playing Video. 4th I prefer working with playlists in the m3u format so they can easily be imported to other players as apposed to "crates". Thank you for looking into it and good luck in the future.
You mentioned that Rekordbox doesn't have tutorials. Maybe in the past but if you purchase the DDJ 400, not only it comes with fully license Rekordbox DJ software system it added a tutorial. As for as Virtual DJ Pro, I started DJing using that system as it came with the Pioneer WEGO (my first controller). I enjoyed Virtual DJ. It is a great tool for beginning DJs. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate. I recommend for any new DJ to use it. I'm on my 3rd year as a DJ so I felt it was time to step up my game. That was the reason I got the DDJ 400. For what it does, you can't beat the price. I plan on upgrading to another controller something next year. Rekordbox DJ has a tutorial. I needed you to know that.
Hey, bless up. I’m stoked about this video series. I am a dj who is only a year deep and been gigging since day 1 on my journey.. Started with vdj and swore by it for about 8 months then switched to serato.. I have done a lot of personal in depth comparison between the two. One minor correction- the free version of vdj doesn’t quite allow access to all aspects of the internal software. You have to buy it if you want access to recording functions. No making laptop mixes on the free version. There are a couple other small features u can’t mess with til u buy it.
Not true bro. I been using VDJ since 1996. Started out with the $49 Home Version ( they turned that into the free version in around 2003 or so ) , just to see how the DJ programs worked. I was making killer mixed CD's using just my lap top. My homeboys told me I was cheating. I told them, no I was using tools. And as soon as I figured out witch controller I wanted. The 1200's went in the garage.I got Serato too now, but that's only because it came with my Pioneer DDJ-SZ. If Virtual DJ is crap. How come everything they come up with, has been added to every other DJ program out there?
Meade Morgan first of all I never said vdj was “crap”, and second, it may have been possible that the older versions of vdj allow recording in the free version but not vdj8... doesn’t sound like uouve even tried it yet..
thanks for trying out vdj bro... ws sad when i saw d kast video.. fir me its more like having a wife u r very used to... it doesnt mean ur neighbor's wife is ugly.. lol.. actually d look on ur face all tru d video really crackd me up.. lol.. seemd like u were being forced to do it.. well that aside.. its ur 1st experience dts why u had those issues.. bn using vdj about 13yrs nw, and its like my 2nd skin.. many serato djs watch me go and start asking to learn stuff.. its nothing serious tho.. its just hw well u study n know ur wife.. i really appreciate ur honesty.. thats why i sunscribed to ur channel in the 1st place.. keep it up bro..
Great video.. Im 36 year old woman ive just recently wanted to get back into DJing but its been 18 year's since I last hit the decks and it was vinyls and a mixer back then so alot has changed. It has taken me months to do alot of research to enable me to get the, right laptop controller and which software to go with i love the fact you made it clear that as a dj you are going to mix....... I've seen alot using automix and sync to me personally mixing by ear is the best way!
I agree with you, I grew-up with VDJ, but now use Serato. There are things that Serato DJ does that makes it easier. Plus adding controllers are easy, the program pretty much does it itself. I had a time when my controller failed mid-way during a gig and I was forced to rent one. Then I noticed I was not able to use a rented controller for VDJ. Therefore, had to buy VDJPRO again for the Rented controller.
Good Morning Mr Terry. I don't personally DJ any more. I started off wanting to make mixes for myself and perople started listening and it snowballed. I started off with Atomix back in 2003. I was able to manually adjust and tweak alot of things i needed for my mixes and live sessions. I was very adept at it, however i noticed the limitations of it in terms of creativity, but I was also used to the hectic keyboard magickery i needed to make it sound as professional as a serato session (the backspins and etc were horrible, but you know what i mean)... I do want to get back into creating mixes, but i need to get a older macbook for home controller (NS7II). for what it's worth, if you get rid of all the stocks and heavy manual editing, it works. back in the day it sucked with controllers so it was obvious i had to graduate. I liked the review. what atomix should do is work with RANE or Numark... to get their stuff tight.
So I'm a fairly new DJ (2 years) but Always had a passion for Music and never got a chance to do it earlier in life (in my 40's). Started Dj ing 2 yrs ago..... started with VDJ. I find that it is more user-friendly and easier for me to use in my opinion. Maybe that's because I'm a beginner. So I can see where your coming from about Serato. I'm from Jersey City, NJ so most of the Djs I know or see at spots use Serato. Using VDJ almost seemed embarrassing for me because "everyone else" uses Serato but I have been learning Serato lately since I have A DDJSX2 which is specifically made for Serato, however I still feel more comfortable with VDJ. I commend you for seeing all different perspectives and I do value and respect your opinion since I've tried both softwares. Forget about these butt-hurt, sensitive, mo-fos....that whine like bitches!!! Keep doing your thing....and I appreciate your videos and input. I'm still at a crossroad with both softwares since Serato is new to me but free ......and VDJ is a bit pricey for my controller. Also trying to overcome the Stigma that you must use Serato to be a "good DJ" or "respected" as a DJ.
Just suscribed... there's a few default features we all hv to change when we install vdj. Like the experience u had with the pitch sliders not being 2 notches down. If u look carefully at the screen on the sliders u would've seen there were 2 nubs for the slider- 1 heavy and the other faded. The faded 1 shows what position the slider i in on the hardware.... and u may also notice if u load another song of a different bpm, it may be in sync with the song that's playing. This is by the auto bpm that is set by default from vdj. I always hv to remember to switch that off. Oh and to load a deck just double tap the trackpad and it will load to the empty deck on screen. Lastly 1 skin i recommend to help give u many options that aren't on the default skin and that will help u see full potential of the software is called "V8 by Fruit". It is not a replica of any actual controller or record decks.
Great review and feedback Cleveland Terry. I have both softwares, Serato DJ Pro and VDJ8 among others. I’m currently using VDJ8 but want to exclusively use Serato. I know where you lean. Can you send a link to start me on my learning curve for Serato DJ Pro? Thanks so much, sir!
Hey Terry.. I would like to say... The opinions of each and every DJ, also those that are considering getting into this line of Business, pale in comparison to someone who has the Foresight and Presence of mind, to put this Video together.. What matters is that you've brought people together on THIS FORUM and here begins the process (as I've said before) of bringing back the love of Music and DJ's to the FRONT. You do realize that by this approach, you're bringing the LOVE back into it right?? People from all over the world are watching this and are gonna use it either as a launchpad or blatantly copy your style of presentation.. (You'll see) lol.. To my fellow DJ's.. Continue to EDUCATE not BASH.. This is what these series of videos are about.. Keep up the good work. I'm from the Caribbean and heavily into every type of music. As it's the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, we're heavy into Soca Music. Mobile Truck/Trailers filled with every type of DJ software and controllers. it's a MASSIVE SPECTACLE. You can always look it up here on UA-cam.. Thanks for being Inspired enough to do this and bringing US DJ's Together man.... Idea for next Video.. Best DJ software for Scratching..
When you restart or first start up your software you have to move your fader to reconnect them.. usually if your temp sliders are at one point for one song, it auto restarts at 0+/- so you can start fresh.
Hey bro good luck with your review, glad you are actually testing the system before you judge it, Kudos for that. As a VDJ long time user just a couple of things you might want to be aware of as you get into it. The beat grids on songs can be a problem especially with older songs it's always a good idea to hit shift / cue on your controller or "Tap" on your VDJ interface (button in the BPM box ) whenever you load a track for the first time then the the system normally locks to the first beat and tightens up the beat grid. One of the things i love about VDJ is that you automatically have access to the numerical number keys system which again RB doesn't have (you have to go through mixed in key program) Never used Serato so couldn't comment on that. I have Rekord Box also but to be honest for me VDJ beats it hands down, i use a Pioneer DDJ-RR and have no problems with VDJ compatibility. Thanks again for taking the time to give our beloved system a fair revue :) look forward to the results.
I've been a virtual DJ user for over a decade and you're spot on - it's goddam ugly and the "looks like a controller" skins are unprofessional, can't stand them. First thing I do is change skins "Controller HD by Denyo" is one of the best. Ignore the haterz this was a very fair review, well done. A lot of options are hidden in VDJ and are very non-intuitive, the bulk of what you wanted can be done though fiddling with options and settings it takes googling and patience which is more than most people ever want to do, I think this video highlights this perfectly, it's definitely a flaw with the software. Me I like fiddling with everything till it's exactly the way I want. Very interested to see what else you uncover.
Greetings Cleveland, I am a pro user of virtual dj, and I liked the inparcial approach in the comparison, and I see that you do not have everything clear in terms of functions and settings of VDJ, I'll leave you a couple of tips, you can select pre and post fx in configuration, same as auto bpm match check no, smart play check no, and hotcue mode stutter check yes, VDJ is one of the most adaptable and configurable programs there, I create or modify my own midi mappers, an example in the selection of fx per channel that do not work, I assign the fx color to the filter, try the skin controller HD Denyo for me it is the best account with a high contrast mode for situations of a lot of light, I hope I can help you with any doubts you have
the online video you buy from virtual dj....the source is smashvidz...and about the pitch fader when u load a different bpm on the other deck the pitcth fader wont move on the software it remains where the pitch fader of the controller is but u can see onthe software when u have syncronized the track where the fader of the snycronized song is tho is kinda transparent
Just sharing 2 things i like about vdj that serato dont hv are 1. the auto headphones cueing when a track is loaded in a deck. In serato u always hv to manually do this. 2. Sandbox... nothing out there can compare to it. Look into it if u dont know what it is but i allows u to work on a track - setting cues points or cue loops in the moment am idea hits - while the track is playing, without affecting tje sound output from the speakers.
Great video. Thanks for the info. If you want to load a file with the keyboard, you can click and drag it to the deck. Also, when using hardware such as cdjs or controller, after virtual DJ starts, you need to move the faders to sync the software to your hardware. That's why the software disregarded your pitch fader setting. I've had that problem with the volume, it starts wide open until you adjust it, and blown out my audience.
Rekordbox have ''Tag list'' instead of Prepare folder. Use the tag list to create a temporary list of ''not to forget'' and ''requested'' tracks, and it's gone when you restart your system, unless you for some reason wanna save it, which you can. Have been on their players since 2009 and is quite useful.
Great video! I use the pioneer ddj-sz as well had to download the framware from pioneer also using the sound card in the pioneer ddj-sz and all my knobs work realy well! Didn't know if maybe there is something els you have to do for your top knobs to work!
Try pitch lock across multiple decks. What I mean is that you can use *one* fader to control pitch/bpm across any number of playing decks. Sounds weird at first, but once you know it's there, you can do cool stuff with it you can't (currently) do with other software, like change BPM simultaneously across 2 decks mixing into a third at a slower/faster BPM, for example. You'd need three hands to do that otherwise 😉. It has more uses than that, but there are a lot of 'under the hood' tweaks that are useful that aren't the default in VDJ. The live filters that auto-update a playlist by more than one search function are also very useful. For example, I can set a filter to update a list by BPM AND key simultaneously, within 5 BPM of the current playing song at the same key, and I could set it to update by 'energy level' as well (if you use Mixed in key software).
I’m so glad I watched this video; You are definitely growing in Your confidence; lately You been speaking stronger on those that disagree with Your “Opinions”. Great to see! Been thinking about the VDJ , been playing with the algorithm. I’m an old head about to start finally using My Serato pro. Wish Me luck!, always great videos, keep up the Confidence My Brotha! DJ PRESTIGIOUS1
Hey Cleveland Terry, I watched the videos from this through the crash issue at the party. Have you continued to test it? I am a Serato user but have recently bought a DDJ1000 and am going to be moving to weddings from clubs. The options for VDJ and mobile have me intrigued but I hesitated after seeing your crash video. Thanks.
Another thing about Virtual DJ, if you buy the WEGO even though it comes with the software, you will need to purchase the upgrade. I paid the 19.99/mo. It wasn't bad and I was pleased with what I paid for. I am glad I have the DDJ 400. Don't have to spend $20 a month anymore. I still say it is a great tool for those who just starting out as a DJ. My advice: Get as much use out of it and upgrade your controller using either Serato or Rekordbox. It will take your skills to the next level.
Dj Thanks for this topic its up to the dj whats his/her preference of dj software your using. Ive been using Serato and VDj for almost 11 years now. Both software are great. In Vdj you should check its setting and mapping function for configuration its default setting to see its maximum potential and I already know how to configure its mapping setting. The difference between the serato dj & vdj. The Vdj you can remap all the buttons of your controller to your custom setting. The topic here is the first impression from a serato dj user using a vdj software I dont see Cleveland Terry criticizing the Vdj software thats his only his impression.
Thnx for this vid Terry. Please take note of the tips in how to do the settings in VDJ(2 you're Serato needs) before doing the gigs in the weekend.@ the end of the day, knowing you're songs ,gear and reading the crowd is gonna make you a desired DJ..not the brand you are using.
22:33 contradiction earlier you said you don't look at the machine too much, you can select and load from the controller, its the browser scroll dial and the load button.
Hello, I did some Audio comparison tests, between Virtual Dj 8.3, Serato, Rekordbox, and Denon Engine prime (Windows Version). To compare, the auto gain has been disabled, the effects on off, and the headroom at 0, and the PITCH quality in Virtual DJ set to 3, to read the files in perfect bits. Mode: Wasapi Shared mode, Driver, and the Meridian MQA DAC explorer 2 at 24bits / 44.1 I used a MQA DAC (meridian explorer 2) with an MQA test file. Why ? because when an MQA file is read bit perfect, the MQA led indicator is "on", when the software and the driver decode the audio file MQA in perfect bit. The results : Only VIRTUAL DJ, was able to read the MQA file in bit perfect mode, without loss of bits, whereas Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor even with all the possible options and without effects to apply, can not decode the sound without modifications of the bits. Virtual DJ is the winner, because when no effects are applied and without auto gain, in Wasapi Shared mode, VirtualDJ respects the original sound of a track, before any effects application DJ :) (no need of exclusive mode on WIN10, Wasapi is improved in latest version of Windows, as good as OSX core AUDIO) or ASIO. And everything is done (VIrtual DJ) not to change the sound of the orginal track, as long as the effects (post or pre) are not used. So VIRTUALDJ (8.3) is not mastering the sound, as you said...others competitors -> yes
@@ClevelandTerry just saw video on virtual dj remote. Its amazing how come serato cant do something like that even with the crossfading feature and to be able to see your files and also load them is killer and i love my Serato Dj Pro. Update your remote Serato damn.
Yes, Serato does have a remote for iPad. It sucks, and isn't worth he money. Doesn't really do anything and you still have to hit play, on your controller. Not like you can step away and actually do anything with it. 😲
Let me start by saying that the equipment does not make a good dj. I recently told someone at a party that they could take away my computer and controller and give me an old school setup with turntables and records and I would still kick the party. My clients hire me, not my equipment. That being said, I still see Serato being more for the hiphop club djs. The only thing I like about Traktor is it's top notch sound engine. For guys like myself doing bdays, weddings and corporate events... VDJ is the way to go. That's because of the great layout of the library and it's search capabilities.
You can double click mouse button to load track on non playing side...also deactivate auto pitch... it will let you use only the controller pitches. That's why the pitches were unresponsive at first.
You can change the fx to be post fader fx.. Go to settings and type in "fx" then you should see the pre-fader selected so just select the post-fader fx..
Hey dj,I see your taking time with vdj which I'm fine with, but allow me to let you know how I used it this weekend, stay with me, i have ddjsx2, I mapped buttons to beatlock and,reset pitch ,which is flawless, I was scratching and dropping on the one moving through bpms flawlessly ,one thing though I started forgetting my beatlock was on i did that four times ,luckily I'm a versatile dj so it wasn't a deal breaker,but I could also do that with serato, and I don't need to worry about forgetting, because its not that robotic, if that makes sense ,that five hour set was awesome, but I could of done that with serato also an not worry about buttons push or not ,i came home and started practicing with serato, vdj did perform well though
agree with you in a lot of places. I have noticed trying the software too you have to move a pod on the controller for the software to see it, then it works. I use the Denon Prime system with the sc 5000 and x 1800 which is standalone ( wanna try the new Prime 4 system ) . but also use the pioneer ddj 1000 with record box and love it. Love the lighting works with the controller just a good unit. BUT GREAT VIDEO! I like you really never took sides you are giving it a chance.
I see the VDJ defenders are coming out saying how biased my video is. I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m coming from a Serato users standpoint so it’s going to be skewed as I compare it to a software I’m already familiar with. That’s how comparisons work. If you can’t see that, that’s your bias towards people that don’t agree with your VDJ love fest. If you have issue with my style, well, there are many other “Pro” VDJ users you could watch. I’ll be here.
I felt that was a good comparison for a first time user, but I figure by now you would, you would see more capabilities of it
marquis mcnealy. It's only because I'm not done using it. I used it on a 5 hr gig this weekend and because I had to continuously make modifications to the program I feel that another event is the best idea. I'm not just a guy trying to make videos. I want to really use a product before I come to anymore conclusions.
@@ClevelandTerry I got ya, also I think with my computer vdj is better, i dj at clubs sometimes ,and that's strictly serato
How can you compare and call other users name like FAKE DJs, that's not a comparison.
Uh...Who said fake DJs? I know I didn't. You clearly didn't watch the video.
Couple of comments:
1- In VirtualDJ, iTunes can also be refreshed while VirtualDJ is open, by using right-click on the iTunes folder.
2- Coming from Serato, you may like to try 'factory default Optional' mapping, which is another mapping included by default for the keyboard with VirtualDJ. (In Controllers, on the right-top after selecting keyboard on the left)
It does have shift+left, shift+right to load a track in the left or right deck for example
3- Many people enjoy the 'v8 but by Fruit' skin, so you might want to give that a try as well if you're looking for a skin not resembling hardware
'Silversleek' is another one, which is not the pretties but stacks a ton of customizability
4- The Video&Scratch sample pack is an example of some samples that are both video and sound, so you'd only see how they should look if you also have the video output enabled.
Also, the built-in samples are obviously mainly there to showcase the sampler. You would probably usually prepare your own samples if you use that, or see if there's any interesting ones for download from the Extensions tab
5- The price of the one-controller license depends on the controller. For some entry-level controllers they start at $49. $199 is the most expensive license, and only for controllers that most would probably use professionally so indeed should go for the pro license instead.
6- The round button next to the play/pause buttons allows you to set the cue mode.
7- For post fader echo, go to config->options and set fxProcessing to post
8- At the last restart, you may have noticed that VirtualDJ automatically moved the on-screen pitch fader to match the other deck
(This option is autoBPMMatch in case you want to turn it off)
When VDJ automatically matches the bpm, it can obviously not move your pitch faders, so that's why they might get off between software and hardware. On-screen vdj will show the 'ghost' fader of where the physical fader is, so you can move it to the current pitch position to have them catch up and be synchronized again.
For using any controller in VirtualDJ with a default mapping, it's also a good idea to have a quick look in the manual to understand better how things like effects work exactly
www.virtualdj.com/manuals/hardware/pioneer/ddjsx2.html
he had his pitch - on track one lol 😆 obviously they won't be on the same timing
I'm a VDJ user and think you did an excellent review. I would just add that more Dj's try other software applications instead of bashing the ones they've never used. One love homie.
🙏🏾
I applaud you for giving Virtual an honest look. Even if you don't choose to use it, at least you can say why. Most Djs who say they don't like the software have never tried it. They are just fanboys who swear by whatever software they use. Nothing is wrong with using any software because they all do the same thing but don't insult the choice of other DJs to make yourself feel better or superior. I own the DDJ-1000 and DDJ-SX. The DDJ-1000 works flawlessly on Virtual DJ but only on a PC. On the MAC the effects section screen has glitches. In Recordbox I was unable to map the Search forward and back buttons because Recordbox does not allow it to be midi map-able even though other buttons were mapable. In Virtual DJ I can map any button to do whatever I want. I thought Serato was the simplest for midi mapping but also the most limiting. I love the skin of Recordbox over Serato and Virtual Dj but skin preferences is subjective; some people like it busy and some don't. The default options in Virtual DJ skins, leave a lot to be desired but if you can make a skin yourself then you can make the software look just the way you want it. I have used all three software and I can say that if you are mixing audio go with Serato or Recordbox not because they are better than Virtual DJ but because you would not take grief from other DJs who dislike the software for no practical reason. If you are mixing videos, I would overwhelmingly pick Virtual DJ over Serato or Recordbox because you can do just about anything due to the flexibility of Virtual DJ. I do foresee Recordbox implementing a lot of features of Virtual DJ and if they do then I think they can become my favorite for video mixing. I hope with the rise of Recordbox, Serato would try to outdo them and thus give us consumers more options. I look forward to seeing your other videos.
The people who talk shit about any software, as u rightly said have never tried it, I my opinion if you are doing a lot of mobile gigs like weddings, go with VDJ. But you will need to learn how serato and rekordbox works if you wanna work the clubs and bars, not coz its better but coz DJ's have told that its better. The only thing i would say is that the Serato default effects are a lot better than VDJ, in VDJ you will have to search for hours to get the one you really want and save it in. here is a Video that the VDJ haters will probably not like :) ua-cam.com/video/ltTcnh_rB20/v-deo.html
Here's the thing about this thing we love called DJ'ing; This the one hobby/profession where it's participants refuse to adapt or welcome change (which is what technology provides). Look at all the (non) issues we've amassed over the years: Transitioning to CD turntables (can't front, back then in my ignorance. I also clowned this)/The advent of DJ software. Peeps were like "that's dj sacrilege"/Controllers-"That's not Dj'ing"/ Here's a good one; the Sync button (fools refuse to realize it's a tool and that you don't need to perform entire sets with it engaged, but it can be used to assist with extreme transitions) and now the latest: the SB3 scratch button! Here's the funny thing; when peeps finally accepted dj software (Serato), they now swear by it and won't even think about anything else! Question: what if you find yourself in a situation where there are no considerations for Serato? The spot may have a DDJ-1000 controller, and you with no Rekordbox. Now whatup? Allow me to put ALL of us on blast; As soon as you incorporated ANY software into your repertoire YOU violated tha "legacy" you hold so dear. How? Part of that legacy was hauling crates of records. Software eliminated the need for that. Most of us no longer haul back breakin' crates anymore do we? Key lock. Now when we perform extreme transitions, we no longer have to have one song sounding like Alvin and the other cold sounding like Lurch! Isn't THAT a "violation"? We can't pick and choose which benefits fall within the scope of the legacy and others fall out.If we're going to abide by this "Legacy" nonsense, then we need to drop everything from CD turntable on down to the scratch button.Technology makes everything around us easier. Why not Dj'ing? Sync buttons, scratch buttons, virtual crates. They ALL make our craft easier. Stop slippin'
@@tharukkus Well said sir. Hence why I said u r performer first. Technology is just an aid.
I do not know that they never tried it. A common thing I come across is people who tried something several versions ago and complain about issues that have long been rectified.
@@robertm3951 yeah this is another good point as well.
I'm a VDJ 8 Pro user. I started out on Serato but I switched to Virtual DJ back in 2013 because for the type of gigs that I was doing weekly Virtual DJ just fit my workflow so much easier. I actually have quite a few karaoke gigs and shows where I'm DJing using videos as part of visual entertainment to go along with the music. My Virtual DJ 8 allows me to play any format I throw at it without having to use any plugins or outside modules and that was one of the main things that attracted me to it over Serato at the time. Also I like the ease of which I can switch up the mapping to fit any one of my controllers that I am using. I did like your video though and I don't see why anybody would get upset with what you were saying. you were just giving your honest opinion. Different Strokes for different folks.
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
So many options and opinions. I started club djing in 1973, I'm 62 and still club dj with 10k+ record collection. First regional dj to computerize, and got all kinds of grief... Love not carrying records around, and not getting them ripped off.
My final choice is VDJ. I own all the softwares, as it comes with most controllers I've bought (about 10) and I upgrade for cheap, Currently using both a NS2 and a Korg Kaoss DJ, on a Lenovo 720s w/ I7, 16 gig ram, Evo 970 1tb SSD and a built in gaming graphics card. So i never bury the processor. Never a drop out or studder with any type of file.
Love the options to do every gig with the same software! Karaoke night no problem and looks great on screen, wedding are so very easy, hip-hop night no problem, setup happy hour playlist with auto beat mixing is too easy and better beat mixing than a lot djs, video easy peasy. Try that with any other software, not so easy. After you live with it a few months it's amazing.
Everything you mentioned has options in the set-up. Play around! If you mess up reset, easy. Add effects is easy. Recording is easy, ect.
Sound quality varies controller to controller, never (in the past 9 years) had the computer effect sound.
Dayton, Ohio here, come visit.
Just started watching the video but I seen the last one and I didn't say anything based on the fact that I started out on Virtual DJ and was more or less forced into Serato once I updated my set up... Props for stepping outside the box in seeing what's going on on the other side of fence
But I came from Vinyl let me add that LOL
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
The automix function is great when I do mobile events fur weddings. You can get the playlist set for pre- ceremony .. dinner.. etc and let the software do it for you.
When it comes to the dance part of the evening that gets turned off
Yes, that function is very convenient during dinnertime and more importantly bathroom breaks!
Good for you! Nice to see that you gave it a shot for the sake of knowing. We do weddings with an Sz2, I use virtual while the other dj is on serato (on the same controller - switches seamlessly) each of us is comfortable with the software we know, and we see the pros for what it offers us individually.
Being on a pc I find that virtual works for me quite well and have adapted it to fit my needs. There is no right and wrong. At the end of the day its skill and knowledge about your crowd and music that makes the difference. The software you choose is just a tool to help you deliver the end product.
As a recording artist investing in new studio equipment and my sons' side hustle in giging my events I truly appreciate your time invested in sharing your preview. My sons used to practice on my desktop home studio equipment several years ago when they were pre-teens. I had Fruity Loops, Reasons and ProTools back then...the amo 💖
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
The 2 most important things that matter are:
1-Whatever you're comfortable with
2-Whatever makes people dance
I like your approach on the topic, as you keep on saying it's all about opinion. Serato hardcore users will have favorable opinions about Serato and so will VDJ users about VDJ. I use VDJ for the past 10 years and it gets the job done. I also own Serato pro, and is trying to use it also but the crate building from scratch is time consuming after 10 years of organizing my music a certain way in VDJ. I have used Serato a couple of times because that was the software that was available on the dj system I was using with my flash drive and after a couple of tracks it really did not matter to me of what software I was using, because the crowd was pumping. However one incentive for me to switch to Serato is that the crates is available in VDJ, which makes it easy to switch back and forth.
so true the crates business in serato is just not good
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Regarding post fade: the default setting is Pre-Fader, You can go to the option and change it to post-fader. options: fxprocessing : Post-fader
Regarding the Pitch moving automatically: default setting: autoBPMmatch, you can change it under settings: autoBPMmatch - No
Hope this is helpful.
Milton Moraes thx man.
🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Always got some love in the back of my heart for VDJ. That how I and I think 99% of other newer djs started :)
the amount of things i learn watching your videos, i appreciate all you have done, thank you!
I feel the main reason VDJ has been hated on for so long is because it's extremely easy to use. It can be customized for everyone to use to their liking. I personally do not use it but I use to about 10 years ago.
Excelent
In VDJ you have to program everything to your liking. The defaults are aimed to beginner DIs.
Nestor A Vargas Colon true dat. It works from the start. Just that it has so many options and settings you have to customize it to your dj preference. Im still learning new things in settings where im like wow, if i had known that before... I saw the dmx control thing in this vid and im like wow never know that. Gotta see how it functions.
at least you can program it, if your going to serato from vdj yo have no choice but except the lack of features. . . . .
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
I was also a Serato user for years. It took a little while for VDJ to grow on me. After I got really familiar with it I like it so much better than serato. It has combined Rekord Box and Serato's best features and made the all in one solution to Dj's
I gave a thumbs down on your last video, but gave a thumbs up on this one. Great honest and objective review here from a hard core Serato user. Several of your complaints or preferences here can be corrected. That's one of the greatest things about VDJ. If you don't like the way something works "out of the box" you have the ability to change it to the way you want it to work. I've been using VDJ since 2009. When I moved up to VDJ8 from VDJ7, I was lost! So many of the default features in VDJ8 did not work for me and I hated it, but then later discovered that I could change everything in VDJ8 that I didn't like. Also concerning the skin, I use the old VDJ7 skin. It's 10 times better, imo. Anyway, thanks for keeping an open mind and producing a really good video! Signed DJ 2Legit - A Hard Core VDJ user.
I think the thing with VDJ8 is it has a "ghost" feature built in, kind of a windows or pc thing, where you manually have to reset the volume, bpm and fx faders and knobs before you play. Because it remembers where they were last set on the hardware.
So basically what i used to do when I used Vdj was i would slide each bpm pitch control up and down to 100%, all the way up and all the way down and then back to the middle or centre position. I would also do this for the volume faders before I started DJing. This would reset the "ghost" position whithin the software and on screen display if that makes sense.
I think this is why you had those two decks playing at different speeds in the video and then when you reset the software it started working again. The software is heavily based on the windows platform which can cause issues if people come from Mac Books. Great review though man, really good!
Nah u just adjust that in settings. My vdj always mirrors my controller. I never have to move the fader or buttons for it to catch up. The only one that does that is the gain button.
Dubs blend you nailed it it’s such a bitch with that stuff.. you can change it in controller take over mode but meh!
I don’t think I should have to chase the software to do what I want it to do.
Mirror what I do don’t tell me where I should be. Serato 👑
You can go into the settings menu, and hit reset on load of new track, that will reset pitch to 0, turn off the EFX, etc. So you evidently didn't know how to use the software.
@@meademorgan6614 Ive been using Serato for the last 12months, so "Evidently" I don't use Virtual DJ anymore. Why are you VDJ users so hostile?? Like seriously man, its not cool and DJs are getting tired of VDJ users carrying on like children
So true but yet still u don't have to make any crates to find your songs we are the vdj i know a lot more than that guy that trying to give a review about a product that he doesn't know about but thanks for trying
back in the day, dj's used viynl, not everyone had access to it, and not everyone could learn easily, which is why dj's became stars, then technology switched up, now every kid knows how to dj, thanks to virtual dj. point is, serato is powerfull, but was made for viynl based djs, which is why it has the best song analysis & beat matching to date and is also not easy to use, hence why dj's who use serato look down upon dj's using vdj or similar.
traktor was made more for the electro & house genre's, considering their remix decks etc, a bit less complicated and less restricted compared to serato,
Rekordbox is still coming up, they have made great strides and innovations, considering that pioneer has been the club standard for years, however i feel as they still need more time.
Virtual dj is for everyone, from beginner to pro, it may not be a status symbol, but it does work, simple, easy to learn and probably the least resource hungry dj software out there
algorithm Dj Pro is also another software thats coming up, got some interesting features too
Ive used all of the above software in great depth, althouh i prefer to use rekordbox, i still feel like the software doesnt rock the crowd, it the dj!
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Double click the mouse pad for loading tracks.
Simplest method
I'm drag and dropper myself.
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
When I bought myself the Denon MC7000 controller back in 2016, I got Serato for free. I didn't need the software cause I worked with Virtual DJ since 2011. Sorry, I still work with VDJ. Serato didn't do the job for me. I don't mean that I need software to mix in my place but it didn't work. I have a collection of video's and audio on a 2TB drive. That's a lot of shit. (I started DJ-ing in 1978 ) The best feature I find in the VDJ software is the fact that you only need your harddrive with music and use it around the world. If I would have to go to Shangai or New York or wherever, I can download the software on a local PC and activate it with my own account. You just need internet but frankly, today everywhere you work these days, you'l have Internet. Very important note. If you scroll down the options in VDJ you will be amased about the possibility's it offers. But Terry, I think you made objectif people curious and VDJ will like that! Thanks for the review.
There is an "Alternate" keyboard mapping that may just adjust to what you already know how it works in Serato. I think hiting the space bar would load and play the selected song. I suggest you to turn off the "smart" things, like Smart loop or smart play, that may just give you a hard time. Try this settings in VirtualDJ Options:
Disable SMART LOOP and SMART PLAY
VIDEOLOGO = NO
LetterBoxing = Zoom or Crop
AUTO PITCH RANGE = NO (This would try to match the BPMs no matter where you pitch range is, so is better to keep it in NO so it wont try to match the bpms when the current pitch range does not allow it)
AUTOBPM = SMART or NO (smart to try to match bpms on load, or No to don't do it ever)
AutoDiscMarker = YES (To see the mark at 12 o'clock at cue or start cue)
AUTOCUE = CUE/Skip
ZeroDB= -6dB (this may give you enough extra headroom to void any audio limitation triggering)
EqualizerMode= FullKill
VideoVolumeLink=No
VideoFPS=60
SaveUnplayedToSideList=Yes (this would send any song you play and drop from the deck to the sidelist to remind you of the song you may like to play at another time or check on NO if you are ok as is)
VideoRandomTransitions= Yes
ColoredWaveForms= Infra-Red
ColorPicker = System
SkinFPS= 60 or 30
AutoMix Mode= Smart
You can also change the way jogs respond, but that may adjust to the way you may like. About the effects, you can set the effects as post-fader or pre-fader. And assign any effect in any way you may like. VST effects are supported
, just check for any you may like that is usable with VirtualDJ (just because some may have a GUI that may not be useful or practical to use in the software). You may set whatever you may like inside VirtualDJ, may need time to check on those things you like in the way it works for you.
You can try any controller or sound card any sample rate (up to 192KHz) or up to 32 bits. Also can use multiple sound outputs at the same time or use any Core audio compatible soundcard or interface to have the sound you may like. Can also add a Denon X1800 or DJM-900NX2 or any with audio interfaces (including Apogee, RME or Antelope) and use it with VirtualDJ too. Just be sure you set the speaker out setup in your mac to Quadraphonic, octagonal or all the channels enable to output in your mac utilities Audio/Midi Setup to have all channels available to use with VirtualDJ.
You’re a little late to the party. 😁There have been other videos from me since then.
Sorry, just found it ;-)
I've used VDJ since I started ( at 12 I'm now 25 ) and it's what I'm comfortable with. I think that you being an outsider trying out the software you're not familiar with this is an excellent review and I look forward to seeing the rest of your series. I've tried Serato and Traktor and I completely understand where you're coming from. Like you said in your comment it's how a review works, you compare to what you know and are familiar with. I even used Deckadance 2 when it was owned by Image Line before Stanton purchased and in my opinion broke the software prompting me to return to VDJ. Even as an avid user of VDJ I still find quarks I need to adjust. I couldn't agree more about the skins it makes the software look cheap and ugly the default is where it's at.
I got to use VDJ with the XDJ RX and it was very smooth besides the same hiccup with the pitch sliders which I'd forgotten to switch on the software side.
By the way the DDJ 1000 is fully supported by VDJ. Hope you see this cheers.
V8 by fruit it's an excellent skin
Great video! Idk how people are saying it was biased because I thought it was extremely fair. You pointed out flaws and things that YOU personally didn’t like and you also showed off the features you were impressed with. Well done sir
been awaiting this video, series will be dope.
i agree with a lot of the initial first impressions and points u had . the built in ability to bring in your Serato crates is big. i just started my Rekordbox trial for my SX2 and i was shocked to see they had no integration with Serato.
now it could just be me but off the bat i noticed my jog wheels are way more responsive in rekordbox than serato. i even manually adjusted the sensitivity and the still felt more responsive and sharper in Rekordbox.
I started djing in 2011. The reason i got into djing was for karaoke! Then i found out the pioneer dj-sr was only $500 and felt like someone put a keyboard in front of me, i love it so much i want to dj more then karaoke! Virtual dj is just so great for karaoke i as soon as i can buy it will be buying the ddj-1000 it works on virtual dj the skins i use is Dennyo if i spelled that right!
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Most of your opinions are from the Serato background, in Serato you used to do this and that, if you are familiar with VDJ and checking Serato first time all your opinions and suggestions will be same but other way around.
100% my sentiments!
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
A few tips/remarks based on your review. If you are a Serato user, you may feel more comfortable, if you select the "factory Default Optional" mapping for keyboard (from Controllers tab of Settings). For your Hotcues, you can change their triggering behavior to "stutter", by changing the HotcueMode setting from the Options tab of Settings. As for the post fader effects, some of them work like that (e.g. Echo, Reverb), but you need to enable this (disabled by default) in Options - fxProcessing setting to Post-fader. Last but not least, the big difference with Serato in syncing tracks, is that in VirtualDJ, the SYNC button is not enabling/disabling any mode. It syncs tracks (BPM and phase), right at the moment you press it. If you want to keep those tracks synced no matter what, you can enable the "Beatlock" , found in the SCRATCH center mixer panel.
make sure you check out the ASK THE DJ feature in the LISTS & ADVICE folder. i use that at my bookngs so people can send requests straight to the programme from their tables. its free to setup and use. i've tried it out and it works well at weddings so people don't have to come up to you as some people don't like to approach the dj. i love your videos. i've watched a number of them and u always express a fair opinion.. look forward to seeing another video on virtual dj once you have tried out all the features. if you have any questions abut the programme feel free to ask me as i know quiet alot about the programme and could help u out...
Yes virtual DJ does have a serato skin look alike it's called controller hd by dennyo and there you should see it and ready for download
In the future you could run your findings by the Automix techs before recording the video. That's what for instance Digital DJ tips often does
The problem is that VDJ has so many features, settings and add-ons, plus an entire programming/scripting built-in, that it takes years to know all of it.
So it's often a good idea to get validation before saying something it does wrong, or can't do - because there is often a setting or plugin or a script for it
The point is to see how different a software is compared to another. If I run it by automix it defeats the purpose of a first impression.
My take
@@ClevelandTerry Klaus is one of the best at VDJ customizing, He has a point, but you have a point too here since its first impressions of a Serato Pro user. The issue is if there was no difference between VDJ and serato, then someone should be filing for copyright infringement right away :)
True. Lol.
@@ClevelandTerry You have a point.
You can completely remap everything to you liking the effect buttons you need to map them or find someone who has already remapped for you device if you have the pro they are all free on the website . As for your problem of your pitchs not syncing up is because they reset every time you load a track same as you can do with you eq’s so you just have to set them back to middle
L33 Ayres That’s so stupid though (the bit about the pitch faders and what not). The software shouldn’t dictate those things. If I set my pitch to +2.0%, every track should load at exactly that.
Matthew Bohn no because it resets on every track load like i said you can customise its to your pleasing with the options or plugins
L33 Ayres “it resets on every track load like I said” your exact words. That’s the part I think is stupid. It should be where ever the pitch is on the controller, not re-centered.
Excellent video!
Re your skins comment - the "looks like a controller" skins tend to be what the beginners want/expect, and ask for regularly on the VDJ forum. OTOH there are lots of "bare bones" skins too, which only display stuff that's not available on your controller. Basically Atomix caters for all users, so has skins of all types. Even the default skin has an "expanded browser" view (bottom left) that reduces the size of the decks.
Also VDJ is extremely configurable, but obviously some choices do need to be made by Atomix for the "out of the box" settings. They may not be to everyone's taste but no one set of defaults is going to please everyone.
As you spend more time with VDJ you will be able to find a skin that suits you, and set up the config likewise.
When Pioneer released the 400 and you update the software. It has a tutorial box pop up when you connect a controller to your laptop. You can watch it then or go into the options and watch it later. It kewl that you did this. I was always told if you DJ with videos VDJ is the best, if you don't, then use Serato. I don't so Rekordbox DJ works for me. The DJ business is the only business where people hate on you for what you use. Vinyl DJs hate DJs with controllers. Why hate on technology. I think everyone need to use what they want and stop the hate.
VDJ default cue setting is screwed. What do you think the play buttun is for?
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
I don’t have a vinyl djing background. I was rapping, producing and trying to be a rap star during that era lol. Got into djing after I gave that up. I started with VDJ because I started mixing music videos when all the big screen tv’s started popping up in the clubs in the early 2000’s. It was my edge over other DJ’s. I got my highest paying consistent gigs based on the utilization of all those flat screen tv’s. The club patrons being able to see the videos of the music they were hearing or some video fx gave the venue a different feel. I bought and learned Serato pro after they got the video plugin but only because most other DJ’s were using serato. I had the same learning curve going from vdj to serato that he’s expressing going from serato to vdj. We all have our biases when we start with one thing and move to another. After we fully learn the new thing we realize that the issues we thought made one thing superior, better or “industry standard” was based on the follower mentality that we all possess. In my opinion there is way more going on under the hood of vdj than serato, plus for music video mixing it is far superior to serato. I’m back to always using vdj after vdj2021 dropped a few months ago. It’s GPU intensive but those stems allow a Dj to damn near mix anything. I don’t ever see serato implementing the stem technology even though it’s a game changer.
As a virtual dj user I appreciate the video for comparison with serato cause to often I hear you need to start using serato and you can't use virtual dj bla bla bla so for a dj lime yourself who I assume is seasoned with serato I appreciate to honest review. Looking forward to the continuation of the review.
The pitch fader glitch happened because you used the mousepad to adjust the pitch first but the controller fader wasn't moved so until you adjust the controller fader to line up with the change you made using the mousepad on the software then it wont match.
I am a VDJ user and can see you have tried to do a good job of this. You found some things you couldn't understand but that is only because you do not have the experience with VDJ. Every issue you commented on is a non issue as VDJ has easy to access settings to address them. If you spend a bit more time, or ask experienced users, you will get an answer to every single issue you commented on.
Just a quick tip in regards to Rekordbox: it does have a ”prepare folder”, it’s called ’tag list’. The reason I don’t find Serato’s prepare useful, is the fact that it removes a song automatically from the list if it’s been loaded to a deck. Want to try out and cue if a song request goes well with the currently playing song, and if not, then what? You have to go back to search the song and drop it back into the prepare list. Or make a new crate, in which case, prepare is redundant.
The tag list can be configured to behave like Serato, so it removes a song once it’s been loaded, or only clear the list once exiting Rekordbox.
Yes you are correct. This is an older video. I’ve been using rekordbox for a while now.
Good idea to try VDJ out and compare. I have tried a lot of different Djing software out and VDJ is awesome and works on a lot of different controllers. I use Rekordbox mainly now but my 1st Djing software was VDJ.
Much respect bro, i like honesty and transparency when sharing knowledge. Most DJs out there won't do what you did by actually testing out the updated software to correcting some impressions and also taking to live show to fully test it. Having an opinion is good but it's important to apply openess and unbiasedness to it. Much respect bro
Midnytcowboy 🙏🏾
Terry, Serato has a remote for mobile devices. I’ve been using it for the past couple of years. It’s actually cheaper than the remote for Virtual. Virtual is 9.99 and Serato is 4.99
When you start playing around with the library, you'll open yourself up to some amazing library managment options. Click on the top folder of your Serato crate and click on add favorite, and you won't have to drill down to find it anymore. Add the "My Library" add-on and it comes packed with filter folders where you can browse your library by bpm, genre, key if you use that, search for songs with missing titles or artist that let you clean up your library. Then you got the sidelist (which you can also display in the bottom center section). You can add playlists or crates on the right side to have them available one click away and not have to mess with the folder structure on the left. I will say I have not used the My Library that much LIVE. I have used it for library issues, filtering by color, etc.
Thank you for taking time to do an in-depth review of vdj18. I've been using it for years and is it's been super reliable. Ik a lot of serato users clown vdj. The anilyyze function will even tell you the key of the track which is helpful. You can map pretty much anything to fully customize it to your DJ style. Hopefully by the end of your review you'll appreciate vdj18 as much as I do. Also, you can mix.music videos right out of the box. No need to buy another add-on.
I think the more you explore VDJ the more your first impression will change. Every hot function key on your laptop you can trigger from your midi controller. I use the Denon 3700s so I can search my folders right on the deck. Technically you could close the lid of the laptop and hide it away. I do a lot of video mixing and VDJ flows nicely between different file types. Also the milkdrop plug it will generate different types of visual effects for songs without videos.
Hi bro,
First, sorry for my bad english, I am from France. :p
Really interesting comparison from Serato user.
I am a VDJ user since... maybe 15 years now. I tried Traktor, and got Serato with my DDJ-SX. But I'm too used to DJ with VDJ, that I can’t switch to another DJ software : the way I order my library, the possibility to import crates from friends, scripts to filter my tracks, and so…
December 2017, I went to NY and DJ’ed in 2 clubs and a rooftop, several nights, in Timesquare, bringing only my laptop (as I did not expect to DJ during my Xmas holidays). I DJ’ed with a DDJ-SZ controller, a Rane TTM57/CDJ1000 setup, a Serato box SL3, DJM-850… Every night it was a surprise ! But I was happy to be able to use all of these setups with my VDJ Pro license.
Each time, people were happy with my sets, and the techs were surprised that I was using VDJ in clubs and admit : « In the end, the crowd doesn’t give a sh*t about which setup you’re using to DJ, as long as they’re happy to dance on your music. » He said the word.
In France, I’m also a latino dance teacher, and I can use VDJ to pitch my tracks during my classes, as VDJ has always had a standalone capability. I use to DJ with my DDJ-SX or a DDJ-Ergo for small gigs/parties, and when I forgot the power supply of my SX, I still can use any borrowed controller/setup, or my USB soundcard as a PFL device.
In my case, VDJ is the software that fits the best to me, and that’s why I paid for the Pro License. But I still can hear many DJs saying that it is a sh*tty software and that I should use a « real » one. So sometimes, I change the default skin for another one like « Controller HD by DennYo » to avoid any bad comments from them and stay focus on my sets…
Looking forward for a review after your next gigs with VDJ !
I'm sure someone did mention already but anyway. Rekordbox has a TAG list as a preparation folder/playlist, so do pioneer CDJs/XDJs - there is a TAG button to add any track from usb device to a tag list.
Dude! you have the most honest opinion I've ever seen. I'm coming from Serato as well and I'm giving VDJ a fair shot (mainly because I committed to over $450CAD price tag). I have the DDJ-SZ and also found that some of the features I was using with Serato aren't working either. I'm also frustrated at the fact that I cannot use Shift Left or Shift Right to load tracks and I'm unable to use COMMAND F to access the search bar. I mainly switched over because of the Video functions, Live Streaming features and the Ask.the.dj feature. If definitely has some pretty cool features but I also have (on multiple occasions) almost switched back. I'm taking this time during COVID to full give VDJ a shot but I fear I will eventually give up and go back. Loved your honest review! Keep them coming.
YOUR VIDEOS ARE FREAKIN AWESOME!! Keep up the quality content!
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
VDJ is very versatile and comes out with new features way before Serato. Serato is always playing catch-up. Serato also charges for their new features where it’s included with VDJ. With a full VDJ license, it supports a lot of the DJ hardware out there.
Enter is the default hotkey for loading track, or just double click the track. As a DJ for over 3 decades here are the reasons I use VDJ, though I haven't touched the others much in the last 9 years. First VDJ is way faster at building a database then the others and searching for requests matters. Though I question the stability of of using an XML file for storing said database, as it is not the most stable format. Second VDJ pretty much will play any format of audio and sound file, even a flash video. Third is that VDJ was and is way ahead of the game when playing Video. 4th I prefer working with playlists in the m3u format so they can easily be imported to other players as apposed to "crates". Thank you for looking into it and good luck in the future.
You mentioned that Rekordbox doesn't have tutorials. Maybe in the past but if you purchase the DDJ 400, not only it comes with fully license Rekordbox DJ software system it added a tutorial. As for as Virtual DJ Pro, I started DJing using that system as it came with the Pioneer WEGO (my first controller). I enjoyed Virtual DJ. It is a great tool for beginning DJs. It is user-friendly and easy to navigate. I recommend for any new DJ to use it. I'm on my 3rd year as a DJ so I felt it was time to step up my game. That was the reason I got the DDJ 400. For what it does, you can't beat the price. I plan on upgrading to another controller something next year. Rekordbox DJ has a tutorial. I needed you to know that.
Hey, bless up. I’m stoked about this video series. I am a dj who is only a year deep and been gigging since day 1 on my journey.. Started with vdj and swore by it for about 8 months then switched to serato.. I have done a lot of personal in depth comparison between the two. One minor correction- the free version of vdj doesn’t quite allow access to all aspects of the internal software. You have to buy it if you want access to recording functions. No making laptop mixes on the free version. There are a couple other small features u can’t mess with til u buy it.
Not true bro. I been using VDJ since 1996. Started out with the $49 Home Version ( they turned that into the free version in around 2003 or so ) , just to see how the DJ programs worked. I was making killer mixed CD's using just my lap top. My homeboys told me I was cheating. I told them, no I was using tools. And as soon as I figured out witch controller I wanted. The 1200's went in the garage.I got Serato too now, but that's only because it came with my Pioneer DDJ-SZ. If Virtual DJ is crap. How come everything they come up with, has been added to every other DJ program out there?
Meade Morgan first of all I never said vdj was “crap”, and second, it may have been possible that the older versions of vdj allow recording in the free version but not vdj8... doesn’t sound like uouve even tried it yet..
thanks for trying out vdj bro... ws sad when i saw d kast video.. fir me its more like having a wife u r very used to... it doesnt mean ur neighbor's wife is ugly.. lol.. actually d look on ur face all tru d video really crackd me up.. lol.. seemd like u were being forced to do it.. well that aside.. its ur 1st experience dts why u had those issues.. bn using vdj about 13yrs nw, and its like my 2nd skin.. many serato djs watch me go and start asking to learn stuff.. its nothing serious tho.. its just hw well u study n know ur wife..
i really appreciate ur honesty.. thats why i sunscribed to ur channel in the 1st place.. keep it up bro..
The 'one controller' option' price is dependent on what kind of controller you have. For my DDJ SB2 it was 'only' €99
Great video.. Im 36 year old woman ive just recently wanted to get back into DJing but its been 18 year's since I last hit the decks and it was vinyls and a mixer back then so alot has changed. It has taken me months to do alot of research to enable me to get the, right laptop controller and which software to go with i love the fact you made it clear that as a dj you are going to mix.......
I've seen alot using automix and sync to me personally mixing by ear is the best way!
It always is. 😀
You can set the load in the keyboard maps
shift right-deck right load
shift left -deck left load
I agree with you, I grew-up with VDJ, but now use Serato. There are things that Serato DJ does that makes it easier. Plus adding controllers are easy, the program pretty much does it itself. I had a time when my controller failed mid-way during a gig and I was forced to rent one. Then I noticed I was not able to use a rented controller for VDJ. Therefore, had to buy VDJPRO again for the Rented controller.
Good Morning Mr Terry. I don't personally DJ any more. I started off wanting to make mixes for myself and perople started listening and it snowballed. I started off with Atomix back in 2003. I was able to manually adjust and tweak alot of things i needed for my mixes and live sessions. I was very adept at it, however i noticed the limitations of it in terms of creativity, but I was also used to the hectic keyboard magickery i needed to make it sound as professional as a serato session (the backspins and etc were horrible, but you know what i mean)... I do want to get back into creating mixes, but i need to get a older macbook for home controller (NS7II). for what it's worth, if you get rid of all the stocks and heavy manual editing, it works. back in the day it sucked with controllers so it was obvious i had to graduate. I liked the review. what atomix should do is work with RANE or Numark... to get their stuff tight.
So I'm a fairly new DJ (2 years) but Always had a passion for Music and never got a chance to do it earlier in life (in my 40's). Started Dj ing 2 yrs ago..... started with VDJ. I find that it is more user-friendly and easier for me to use in my opinion. Maybe that's because I'm a beginner. So I can see where your coming from about Serato. I'm from Jersey City, NJ so most of the Djs I know or see at spots use Serato. Using VDJ almost seemed embarrassing for me because "everyone else" uses Serato but I have been learning Serato lately since I have A DDJSX2 which is specifically made for Serato, however I still feel more comfortable with VDJ. I commend you for seeing all different perspectives and I do value and respect your opinion since I've tried both softwares. Forget about these butt-hurt, sensitive, mo-fos....that whine like bitches!!! Keep doing your thing....and I appreciate your videos and input. I'm still at a crossroad with both softwares since Serato is new to me but free ......and VDJ is a bit pricey for my controller. Also trying to overcome the Stigma that you must use Serato to be a "good DJ" or "respected" as a DJ.
Good point about switching from rekordbox to virtual dj. Thinking about getting the pioneer ddj 400 just to try out rekordbox 🤔
VDJ single controller pricing varies on the controller you choose. Some are more, some are less. There are keyboard overlays also.
Just suscribed... there's a few default features we all hv to change when we install vdj. Like the experience u had with the pitch sliders not being 2 notches down. If u look carefully at the screen on the sliders u would've seen there were 2 nubs for the slider- 1 heavy and the other faded. The faded 1 shows what position the slider i in on the hardware.... and u may also notice if u load another song of a different bpm, it may be in sync with the song that's playing. This is by the auto bpm that is set by default from vdj. I always hv to remember to switch that off.
Oh and to load a deck just double tap the trackpad and it will load to the empty deck on screen.
Lastly 1 skin i recommend to help give u many options that aren't on the default skin and that will help u see full potential of the software is called "V8 by Fruit". It is not a replica of any actual controller or record decks.
Great review and feedback Cleveland Terry.
I have both softwares, Serato DJ Pro and VDJ8 among others.
I’m currently using VDJ8 but want to exclusively use Serato.
I know where you lean.
Can you send a link to start me on my learning curve for Serato DJ Pro?
Thanks so much, sir!
Hey Terry.. I would like to say... The opinions of each and every DJ, also those that are considering getting into this line of Business, pale in comparison to someone who has the Foresight and Presence of mind, to put this Video together.. What matters is that you've brought people together on THIS FORUM and here begins the process (as I've said before) of bringing back the love of Music and DJ's to the FRONT. You do realize that by this approach, you're bringing the LOVE back into it right?? People from all over the world are watching this and are gonna use it either as a launchpad or blatantly copy your style of presentation.. (You'll see) lol.. To my fellow DJ's.. Continue to EDUCATE not BASH.. This is what these series of videos are about.. Keep up the good work. I'm from the Caribbean and heavily into every type of music. As it's the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, we're heavy into Soca Music. Mobile Truck/Trailers filled with every type of DJ software and controllers. it's a MASSIVE SPECTACLE. You can always look it up here on UA-cam.. Thanks for being Inspired enough to do this and bringing US DJ's Together man.... Idea for next Video.. Best DJ software for Scratching..
Thanks for the kind words man. That means a lot to me. Love me some Soca too!
The other real big (well getting bigger) is PCDJ Dex3 & Dex3 RE. I would love to see you review that software too.
When you restart or first start up your software you have to move your fader to reconnect them.. usually if your temp sliders are at one point for one song, it auto restarts at 0+/- so you can start fresh.
Hey bro good luck with your review, glad you are actually testing the system before you judge it, Kudos for that. As a VDJ long time user just a couple of things you might want to be aware of as you get into it. The beat grids on songs can be a problem especially with older songs it's always a good idea to hit shift / cue on your controller or "Tap" on your VDJ interface (button in the BPM box ) whenever you load a track for the first time then the the system normally locks to the first beat and tightens up the beat grid. One of the things i love about VDJ is that you automatically have access to the numerical number keys system which again RB doesn't have (you have to go through mixed in key program) Never used Serato so couldn't comment on that. I have Rekord Box also but to be honest for me VDJ beats it hands down, i use a Pioneer DDJ-RR and have no problems with VDJ compatibility. Thanks again for taking the time to give our beloved system a fair revue :) look forward to the results.
I've been a virtual DJ user for over a decade and you're spot on - it's goddam ugly and the "looks like a controller" skins are unprofessional, can't stand them. First thing I do is change skins "Controller HD by Denyo" is one of the best.
Ignore the haterz this was a very fair review, well done. A lot of options are hidden in VDJ and are very non-intuitive, the bulk of what you wanted can be done though fiddling with options and settings it takes googling and patience which is more than most people ever want to do, I think this video highlights this perfectly, it's definitely a flaw with the software.
Me I like fiddling with everything till it's exactly the way I want. Very interested to see what else you uncover.
Greetings Cleveland, I am a pro user of virtual dj, and I liked the inparcial approach in the comparison, and I see that you do not have everything clear in terms of functions and settings of VDJ, I'll leave you a couple of tips, you can select pre and post fx in configuration, same as auto bpm match check no, smart play check no, and hotcue mode stutter check yes, VDJ is one of the most adaptable and configurable programs there, I create or modify my own midi mappers, an example in the selection of fx per channel that do not work, I assign the fx color to the filter, try the skin controller HD Denyo for me it is the best account with a high contrast mode for situations of a lot of light, I hope I can help you with any doubts you have
I use that skin. Bar far the best. Should be the default skin
the online video you buy from virtual dj....the source is smashvidz...and about the pitch fader when u load a different bpm on the other deck the pitcth fader wont move on the software it remains where the pitch fader of the controller is but u can see onthe software when u have syncronized the track where the fader of the snycronized song is tho is kinda transparent
Just sharing 2 things i like about vdj that serato dont hv are 1. the auto headphones cueing when a track is loaded in a deck. In serato u always hv to manually do this.
2. Sandbox... nothing out there can compare to it. Look into it if u dont know what it is but i allows u to work on a track - setting cues points or cue loops in the moment am idea hits - while the track is playing, without affecting tje sound output from the speakers.
Great video. Thanks for the info. If you want to load a file with the keyboard, you can click and drag it to the deck. Also, when using hardware such as cdjs or controller, after virtual DJ starts, you need to move the faders to sync the software to your hardware. That's why the software disregarded your pitch fader setting. I've had that problem with the volume, it starts wide open until you adjust it, and blown out my audience.
Never used any software or don’t know anything about djing,trying to learn ,appreciate your help ..
Rekordbox have ''Tag list'' instead of Prepare folder. Use the tag list to create a temporary list of ''not to forget'' and ''requested'' tracks, and it's gone when you restart your system, unless you for some reason wanna save it, which you can. Have been on their players since 2009 and is quite useful.
Great video! I use the pioneer ddj-sz as well had to download the framware from pioneer also using the sound card in the pioneer ddj-sz and all my knobs work realy well! Didn't know if maybe there is something els you have to do for your top knobs to work!
Both are amazing softwares! Serato just has a stupid plugin pricing systems.
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Would love for your to give a review of DJ Pro AI as you did Virtual DJ. I learn a lot from your videos. Thank you for what you do.
Try pitch lock across multiple decks. What I mean is that you can use *one* fader to control pitch/bpm across any number of playing decks. Sounds weird at first, but once you know it's there, you can do cool stuff with it you can't (currently) do with other software, like change BPM simultaneously across 2 decks mixing into a third at a slower/faster BPM, for example. You'd need three hands to do that otherwise 😉. It has more uses than that, but there are a lot of 'under the hood' tweaks that are useful that aren't the default in VDJ. The live filters that auto-update a playlist by more than one search function are also very useful. For example, I can set a filter to update a list by BPM AND key simultaneously, within 5 BPM of the current playing song at the same key, and I could set it to update by 'energy level' as well (if you use Mixed in key software).
I’m so glad I watched this video; You are definitely growing in Your confidence; lately You been speaking stronger on those that disagree with Your “Opinions”. Great to see! Been thinking about the VDJ , been playing with the algorithm. I’m an old head about to start finally using My Serato pro. Wish Me luck!, always great videos, keep up the Confidence My Brotha! DJ PRESTIGIOUS1
Hey Cleveland Terry, I watched the videos from this through the crash issue at the party. Have you continued to test it? I am a Serato user but have recently bought a DDJ1000 and am going to be moving to weddings from clubs. The options for VDJ and mobile have me intrigued but I hesitated after seeing your crash video. Thanks.
Another thing about Virtual DJ, if you buy the WEGO even though it comes with the software, you will need to purchase the upgrade. I paid the 19.99/mo. It wasn't bad and I was pleased with what I paid for. I am glad I have the DDJ 400. Don't have to spend $20 a month anymore. I still say it is a great tool for those who just starting out as a DJ. My advice: Get as much use out of it and upgrade your controller using either Serato or Rekordbox. It will take your skills to the next level.
Dj Thanks for this topic its up to the dj whats his/her preference of dj software your using. Ive been using Serato and VDj for almost 11 years now. Both software are great. In Vdj you should check its setting and mapping function for configuration its default setting to see its maximum potential and I already know how to configure its mapping setting. The difference between the serato dj & vdj. The Vdj you can remap all the buttons of your controller to your custom setting. The topic here is the first impression from a serato dj user using a vdj software I dont see Cleveland Terry criticizing the Vdj software thats his only his impression.
Thanks. It’s an old video. I have since really dug deep and I have extensive videos on it now.
Thnx for this vid Terry. Please take note of the tips in how to do the settings in VDJ(2 you're Serato needs) before doing the gigs in the weekend.@ the end of the day, knowing you're songs ,gear and reading the crowd is gonna make you a desired DJ..not the brand you are using.
14:18 "Um...Ok, I'm not an airhorn guy that's just not me, It'sssss never gonna be me" The combined tone of ridicule and honesty was just great!
The Houserocker 😀 thanks. I’m not one to sugar coat.
22:33 contradiction earlier you said you don't look at the machine too much, you can select and load from the controller, its the browser scroll dial and the load button.
As a Serato user since the beginning virtual dj is kicking butt
Just simple!!!!!
Thank you so much for your point of view.
Clearly explained, the right way.
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
Hello,
I did some Audio comparison tests, between Virtual Dj 8.3, Serato, Rekordbox, and Denon Engine prime (Windows Version).
To compare, the auto gain has been disabled, the effects on off, and the headroom at 0, and the PITCH quality in Virtual DJ set to 3, to read the files in perfect bits.
Mode: Wasapi Shared mode, Driver, and the Meridian MQA DAC explorer 2 at 24bits / 44.1
I used a MQA DAC (meridian explorer 2) with an MQA test file. Why ? because when an MQA file is read bit perfect, the MQA led indicator is "on", when the software and the driver decode the audio file MQA in perfect bit.
The results :
Only VIRTUAL DJ, was able to read the MQA file in bit perfect mode, without loss of bits, whereas Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor even with all the possible options and without effects to apply, can not decode the sound without modifications of the bits.
Virtual DJ is the winner, because when no effects are applied and without auto gain, in Wasapi Shared mode, VirtualDJ respects the original sound of a track, before any effects application DJ :) (no need of exclusive mode on WIN10, Wasapi is improved in latest version of Windows, as good as OSX core AUDIO) or ASIO.
And everything is done (VIrtual DJ) not to change the sound of the orginal track, as long as the effects (post or pre) are not used. So VIRTUALDJ (8.3) is not mastering the sound, as you said...others competitors -> yes
Serato does have remote app for iPad and iPhone. Serato Remote and Remote Mini
Serato remote sucks. Its only good for cue points and effects.
@@ClevelandTerry so what does virtual dj remote have??? Thats different??
@@ClevelandTerry just saw video on virtual dj remote. Its amazing how come serato cant do something like that even with the crossfading feature and to be able to see your files and also load them is killer and i love my Serato Dj Pro. Update your remote Serato damn.
Yes, Serato does have a remote for iPad. It sucks, and isn't worth he money. Doesn't really do anything and you still have to hit play, on your controller. Not like you can step away and actually do anything with it. 😲
@@meademorgan6614 Serato added a play button to the remote years ago.
Let me start by saying that the equipment does not make a good dj. I recently told someone at a party that they could take away my computer and controller and give me an old school setup with turntables and records and I would still kick the party. My clients hire me, not my equipment.
That being said, I still see Serato being more for the hiphop club djs. The only thing I like about Traktor is it's top notch sound engine. For guys like myself doing bdays, weddings and corporate events... VDJ is the way to go. That's because of the great layout of the library and it's search capabilities.
ua-cam.com/video/GwYg336Ssjk/v-deo.html
You can double click mouse button to load track on non playing side...also deactivate auto pitch... it will let you use only the controller pitches. That's why the pitches were unresponsive at first.
You can change the fx to be post fader fx.. Go to settings and type in "fx" then you should see the pre-fader selected so just select the post-fader fx..
If you ever have the opportunity, try VDJ on a Windows touchscreen laptop. Going mouseless is much faster and more intuitive.
Hey dj,I see your taking time with vdj which I'm fine with, but allow me to let you know how I used it this weekend, stay with me, i have ddjsx2, I mapped buttons to beatlock and,reset pitch ,which is flawless, I was scratching and dropping on the one moving through bpms flawlessly ,one thing though I started forgetting my beatlock was on i did that four times ,luckily I'm a versatile dj so it wasn't a deal breaker,but I could also do that with serato, and I don't need to worry about forgetting, because its not that robotic, if that makes sense ,that five hour set was awesome, but I could of done that with serato also an not worry about buttons push or not ,i came home and started practicing with serato, vdj did perform well though
agree with you in a lot of places. I have noticed trying the software too you have to move a pod on the controller for the software to see it, then it works. I use the Denon Prime system with the sc 5000 and x 1800 which is standalone ( wanna try the new Prime 4 system ) . but also use the pioneer ddj 1000 with record box and love it. Love the lighting works with the controller just a good unit. BUT GREAT VIDEO! I like you really never took sides you are giving it a chance.
Cleveland....I salute you for recording that review.
Much respect due for giving VDj pro a chance