drsaith's essential dj programs

This is a topic I wrote back in June of 2007 (the original forum topic is available here), and a few of the programs have changed, but most have stayed the same. Obviously you don't need any of these things to DJ, you can do it with two turntables, a mixer, and a solid record source, but I can't go without them, and you might find something you like here. In no particular order:

1. iTunes (www.itunes.com)
Obviously the program I keep all my music in here, very fast to search, organize, rate, and edit. I couldn't imagine using anything else, plus once you find the song you want, you can just drag and drop it into the DJ program you're using. Download it for free from the above website if you don't already have it.

2. Mixmeister BPM Analyzer (http://www.mixmeister.com/download_freestuff.html)
This will go over your song and tell you how many beats per minute there are. You can drag 400 songs from iTunes, leave it running, and then just come back to iTunes, hit (ctrl+i) and it will auto-copy over its data into iTunes, so you don't have to manually enter in all its responses. A great free program, and a very quick way to organize or arrange your mp3's by their BPMs. Also on the website above for free.

3. Virtual DJ (http://www.virtualdj.com/)
I don't actually use this for DJing, but the record feature in it is so wonderful that it is great for creating samples, plus it has a semi-awesome effect that works some of the time that removes vocals from songs or instrumentals from songs, but it works best for rock songs. Very simple program to use in order to make some quick samples, and you can do some basic DJing in it. A bootleg version is available at www.btjunkie.com if you party like that.

4. Record Anything (http://www.iburn.net/recorder-mp3.html)
This program runs in the mini-icons in the bottom right corner of your screen by the clock. You click the mini-icon once, it starts recording anything that is coming out of your speakers. It pretty much records what you hear directly from the source. You click it again, it stops and asks you to name the mp3 and where to save it. Another handy tool for creating samples, especially from divx, dvd'x, youtube, whatever. Also bootlegged on btjunkie.com for the pirates.

5. Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/)
This is a simple, free, audio editing program. Since I have things like Sony Acid and such, which are more advanced, I don't use it that much except to record source audio similar to Record Anything above.

6. Ableton Live 7 (www.ableton.com)
7 is the latest version, and you can download a free demo version at their site. If you haven't tried this program, test the demo and see what all the fuss is about. Great program, and very simple to get into. You can do anything from actual DJing to remixing to making tracks to just jamming in Live, and pretty much everyone in electronic music either has or has used this at some point. Naughty people can find their version at btjunkie.com again.

7. Soulseek (http://www.slsknet.org/)
My go to program for looking for rare mp3's. It can keep lists of what your looking for, and inform you of when someone has it, very nice, and loads of rare dance mp3's especially, all well organized. This program takes up way too much of my time as I am always looking for new choons, but it is the best. I pay for privileges in the program, which means for $5 a month you don't have to wait in line for downloads. Don't download illegal stuff with it though, the FBI/British-BI will come looking for you.

7. Bittorrent (www.bittorrent.com)
I use the original, I'm sure you guys have something better, but this gets the job done. Tons of great music and programs to download quick and easy, remember, no illegal stuff. Keep it legal boys. Also used at tmb.dj, where I get most of my DJ mixes off of and the site that got me so into electronic music.

8. Limewire (www.limewire.com)
The fastest for single songs, and easiest to use, but don't expect too many rare songs to be popping up. Commercial shit only.

10. Sony Acid 5.0 Pro (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/acidfamily.asp)
I have this running great on my old computer, but since I've upgraded to Vista it has been giving me install problems. But this is great to cutting clips (which i used Ableton now but it is a slower process). I also hear some people make their mixes in this, but how, i have no idea.


And these are some programs that I have installed but don't really use all that much:

1. M-Audio Torq (http://www.torq-dj.com/)
It's like Serato for poor people. You use your normal CDJs or turntables with the included CDs and vinyl, and through your computer, you can mix mp3's like regular records. It's back at home, but I am never there so I don't get to use it all that much. A lot more features than Serato Scratch (which is sort of the standard), but people have complained about its stability.

2. Deckadance / Traktor Studio 3 (http://www.deckadance.com/, http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=traktor3_us)
Two DJing programs to mix mp3s on your computer, and they both work with various MIDI controllers. I mostly play around with them, and have never made an actual mix in either. Available at your local bootleg torrent site.

3. Reason 4.0 (http://www.propellerheads.se/)
I spent hundreds of dollars on this program (I have 3.0), and I still have no idea how to use it, but I hear its the standard for making your own dance records, although everyone has their personal preference (Logic, Cubase, etc.). It seems pretty easy to use, but my interest is in DJing and not producing. Another great thing is that everything you need to make your own tunes in included with the program, although it kind of sucks that it doesn't work with VSTs and can't record outside audio itself.

4. Cool Edit Pro 2.1 (now Adobe Audition, http://www.adobe.com/special/products/audition/syntrillium.html)
I haven't used the Adobe version, but this is what Party Ben uses to make his mash-ups, and I'm just starting to get into producing mash-ups, so this is apparently the program to use, although I have no clue how to use it again.

One of the favorite things that I have read was that Mylo made his album Destroy Rock & Roll on his Mac in his bedroom after dropping out of school using bootleg copies of Logic and Cubase (I think, I know he used bootleg copies of whatever software he used, although I always forget which software he used). It was a huge hit and very very good album, and although it is great to support the companies when you can (I have bought some programs and bootlegged others), the important thing here is making music. And when your shit goes commercial and you're a huge super-star, you can go back and buy the software with your millions.