⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡ 0:00 Intro 0:54 The problem.. 1:26 7 changes we'd like to see 1:52 AlphaTheta should concentrate on Rekordbox 2:23 Someone else to buy Serato 2:52 inMusic to fully develop Engine DJ 3:53 Traktor to continue its renaissance 4:38 Apple should buy Djay Pro 5:48 Swap out the VirtualDJ name 7:14 Become DJ platform agnostic Read the full news piece: www.digitaldjtips.com/serato-buyout-blocked/
The biggest issue for me is having to work with multiple libraries. I want to use 1 library across all my devices and be able to easily move it. My library should work with Serato, RB and Engine DJ. Just unplug your drive and move it to the hardware of my choice.
Fully agree. I wish we could come up with a standard library format in the same way we have standard audio formats. That way companies will have to compete on both the software and hardware fronts and not tie you in to using their software just because you have their hardware
Agreed. WE NEED UNIVERSAL FORMAT. I was preaching that years ago. And we should finish dealing with MP3 and use any other lossless format. MP3 is garbage. If everybody agreed on new lossless format and one universal library format. Everything would be much more transparent.
As a 14 year Traktor user, I’m happy that NI has finally shown real progress with it. I also use Maschine and Komplete. I believe Serato can thank entry level Pioneer controllers for their market share, but horizontal integration through a purchase is detrimental to competition. Can we all recognize the incredible Phil for putting out such an outstanding commentary in one take while walking!
Bought my VDJ License in 2002 and since then I have never had to spend a penny on anything related to that software. All effects and expansions free for last 20 plus years and counting. True value for money. Long may it live
I would love to see MIXXX start getting feature parity with all the other DJ software. We need more open source software everywhere and stop being dependent on company for every artistic venture
Mixxx is what I use on my Ubuntu studio box which is a Micro ATX case running an external sound card, SSD swap drive and NAS array, Reaper and BitWig studio 5 . Rekord box is buggy and unreliable and Serato has advantages. So far I have been experimenting with DJ Pro AI installed on my Samsung galaxy S22 and I run that thru a Hercules mix controller and output to a Boom 3 for practice and rehearsal for Corporate gigs and private functions I will swap out to a Mixon controller. The Music festival circuit in Australia has collapsed with 4 major Festivals now gone for good. I am back to where I started in the 80's weddings and private functions to pay the bills, and overtime is cash in hand which I put towards my other Businesses building custom DJ controllers and Media players based on Arduino boards and mapped to Mixxx, BitWig studio 5.
@@digitaldjtipsI am wondering if you are developing a course on DJ'ing on the latest Reloop controller that Laidback Luke is now using and had substantial input into
I now own hardware from Rane, Pioneer, and Reloop (Performer, Mixon 8, DDJ 400). Once You've played on a couple of different kinds of units you start to realize they they are fundamentally the same thing. I really try and focus on your mantra of "playing the right music for the people in front of you RIGHT NOW" and that has very little to do with the gear. You'll have issues with everything from software to hardware from every manufacturer so I think it's way less important to "master" any piece of gear or software. Get comfortable with your music and with the crowd and you'll be in good shape. Thanks so much for all the great updates!!!
@@DJ_doubleMdamn near 10/10. I love it so much that I preordered the mixtour pro as soon as it was available to do so. If you’re a mobile DJ that uses DJay Pro it’s a no brainer, especially if you have an M series ipad. Works well with Serato but I don’t like that software. The biggest issue I’ve had was that the EQ knobs are impossible to see in the dark. Get some of the aftermarket knobs (I got mine from dj tech tools) and it totally changes the game.
@@DJ_doubleMjust got mine. build quality is very good, although i don’t necessarily like the plastic feeling play and cue buttons. layout feels intuitive, even with the mirrored faders and such. screens on the jogs could’ve been more informative, although i usually look at my laptop / ipad anyways. looooooove the effect pedals
Introduce one, standardised, library, format. Doesn't matter where you rock up, put in your USB and play. This won't happen because once the walled gardens are down, companies will have to scrap to have the best hardware, the best software. Pioneer can't sit complacent as 'top dawg' while Denon are innovating hard. Everyone will have to be improving all the time and it doesn't matter what you use, everyone benefits from competition and innovation.
I think that whole comment is true. Was surprised Phil didn't touch on that in the video. How can you "DJ on anything" if it won't read your music without separate prep that has to be done on a computer first and fragments your library across various standards.
Bang on assessment Phil. Enjoy your holiday. Thing that upsets me? the Pioneer licence key situation. Ive just bought a brand new FLX4 and would be upset if it stopped working.
The only DJs who get to choose their equipment are the ones who have worked their way up through everything, and mobile DJs who bring their gear to every venue. Phil is correct that DJs need grounding in the basics of all the gear/software to know how to use it when they're plunked down in front of it. As for the industry: monopolization only benefits the monopoly, not the consumers. Competition to push boundaries and expand possibilities need to be in place, or else every company will get stale.
Once in 2006 I came in to a club with my CD's. Pioneer cdj or Denon 2800F were quite dominant. This place had Technics Dz 1200. Two options, button play or vinyl mode. Took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to play vinyl mode and beatmix with them. Since I had about 12 gigs a month I knew my music in the spine. People was dancing but also had a little audience watched me play with that vinyl CD decks. It was fun going back to the turntable mode that I haven't used for a least a decade. Muscle memory and once again feeling from spine. Thinking todays dj's are a little bit lazy. "can't do that if I don't have my effects and gear" Dj still is an entertainer and bought in to do the job, increasing sales in the bar and a happening.
I DJ'd on vinyl for over 20 years. I'm pretty sure I can DJ on any platform. I use Serato and RB regularly, and I've given Denon/Engine a go with no issues. There's one thing they could all do to make it easy to hop from platform to platform: make their library data interchangeable. Please!!!!
This is a personal tangent but Roland buying Serato would be huge for the live production scene (people who use sequencers, drum machines, etc to perform live EDM). Currently I think the only DJ software that can support that kind of equipment is Traktor and maybe you could MIDI map everything but it would be a pain. With Roland in the game, running a DAWless live production setup could become more streamlined.
LIBRARY ORGANIZING. I like that Vdj uses your library the way you have it saved in your pc. Serato makes you create crates and don’t automatically update as songs are added. Vdj do! Vdj don’t care what version you update in your Mac, it’ll work. Serato sometimes suggest wait before you do it
@@ao6677 True but Rb used to be free to use (still is to a certain point) and just because some elder pioneer equipment has a “life-cycle” doesnt mean they’ll never get used or work. I think it’s a shame
We have that already; midi. Companies like pioneer just decided to make proprietary software and not support midi so that they could sell expensive hardware
I'd like to see interoperability standards for music databases. Even if some hardware continues to work exclusively with some software, DJs should be able to more easily migrate their own time and effort (beat grids, hot cues, crates) across platforms. Get MixMasterG to draft the standard. :)
Bang on assessment at the end BTW. I’ve DJ’d on all kinds of crazy set ups. And while sone tools make it easier, the real key is reading the crowd and selecting the songs. Sure - two cassette decks and a selector switch on a stereo reciever is a hard way to DJ, but the crowd still loves it
You missed the number one reason to use all the different software: It's fun! There are lessons to be learned from each software that help your DJing. By using the different software (and hardware), over time, it will help you solidify your knowledge of the DJ principles that exist beyond all the hardware and software. That will make you a more complete DJ. I would like to just see a universal library system with no conversions needed. Once it works like that, we will truly be free from being hostages to software. I use mostly Pioneer, but I also play with Engine and Traktor to keep it fresh and to inspire me to think in different ways about my craft.
My frustration is old dog DJ's telling me I'm a fake DJ because I use a controller. They don't ask through, no, they base their opinion on what I use at the moment. Little do they know I started out on vinyl mixing in 1998, but I have had a good fun time mixing cassette tapes on my father's professional audio station (he was a true professional musician for over 60 years until his passing). I've had my fair share of gigs mixing on vinyl, I've had a lot of fun with my Denon DJ SC2900M's and I enjoyed my Hercules controller back in 2012 up to a Serato DJ powered Pioneer controller and now my Roland DJ-505 controller combined with a Behringer TD-3 via 5-pin midi since last year. I know how to DJ, I don't need an idiot who doesn't know the first thing about a DJ controller to tell me what kind of DJ I am. Thát's what frustrates me the most. That said, what frustrated me as well, is AlphaTheta buying Serato DJ. I've relied on Serato DJ for over a decade now. I literally HATE HATE HAAATTTTEEEEEEEEEE (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Rekordbox and it's DJ software Rekordbox DJ. It's so stupid badly engineered, that I want to hug an oncoming PLANE whenever I háve to use it. It's SOOOO stupid, because (I am also a programmer) the internal coding is a direct copy of Serato DJ. It only has a couple of lines of code so the DJ gear identify the software as Rekordbox DJ. Pathetic. And then, the mother company of Pioneer DJ, who owns Rekordbox (DJ), buys the competitor ? I wanted to upgrade áll my gear to Serato DJ and Serato Studio, but I'm holding my wallet... I hope the board will undo the acquisition !
It's not the gear. It is how you handling your tunes and make people happy and dancing that is important. Ego dj's that can't stand competition is about the worse and the BS they spreading
Serato is just as terrible as rekordbox. Their lack of support for controllers using midi standard is insane, bunch of money hungry grubs. VirtualDJ or Mixxxx are the only non sh#t ethical option.
Spot on Phil, it is a ridiculous situation. I still haven't dived in to my first controller and the news about Rekordbox has made me very glad, I will now wait until the dust settles. It surely can't go on like this, it's absurd. Have a great holiday!
@@digitaldjtips Thanks so much for your reply! I think that is still probably the way I'm going to go but there is no rush, I can wait a year and see how things pan out :)
All excellent suggestions, I concur. Just bought a FLX10 hoping that rekordbox continues to improve and that the controller has sufficient legs to go into the future. I would like to see more dj gear play well together. Ableton link is handy, but outputting midi clock or timecode as a standard feature to sync different devices would be my suggestion.
Great take (as always) Phil. Here’s what I’d like to see happen in the next several years: 1. More automation to remove the ‘monkey work’ (i.e. adding cue points etc.). RB 7 added this feature, but I can’t get it to work properly thus far? Even Mixed in Key gets it wrong too often. I’m thinking Algoriddim could do it right. 2. Universal standardized and precise Genre database and metadata for ALL styles of music (I know it’s not gonna happen, but a guy can still dream). This could include: main featured instruments, Continent or cultural style that main samples come from, Mood, Energy, etc. 3. Better ‘song suggestion’ databases, both built in and external to DJ Software. Something with contributions and suggestions from DJs that play a similar style in addition to AI suggestions? DJ Studio, RUclips and online sites are a good start, but too dispersed; and I want something centralized and networked by other DJs. 4. Standardized FX. Get Pioneer to license its FX to all other players? And speaking of FX, can we get an X/Y pad on all controllers? It's 2024 after all.... 5. Better Sampler integration and playing tools. I want to be able to create supporting musical performances more easily from within my DJ software. Failing that, better midi sync / Ableton Link possibilities. Biggest frustration? It’s all too fragmented and compartmentalized. Each company has its strong points and weak points. Too many different form factors (ok, I understand that Hip-Hop DJing has its own requirements), but even within companies (i.e. Rekordbox) there is too much divergence; Opus vs CDJ vs Flx10 etc. Manufacturers who release important new software updates and assume the user will ‘beta test’ the bugs for them. Also, drip feeding new tech or features or withholding new tech from the hardware / software.
Honestly, I would rather just the opposite of what Phil is suggesting. I would love to see an advanced standardized communication platform, like HID, but DJ specific that would allow all software to work with all hardware. This way I can use my software of choice with my hardware of choice. As a long-time Traktor user, I have drooled over the hardware choices available on other platforms, but I love Traktor, even despite its limitations. If all hardware worked with all software, then you would truly have open competition for companies to be the best in their field because there would be nothing stopping customers from switching.
Intentional or not, djay absolutely crushed them all from a UI/UX and workflow perspective. Add the Apple Music and 5.2 update with all the HID support…ace. If Apple scoops them…could make Apple Music the standard library for all this nonsense…and they are big enough to make it “open” if they care to. Exciting times.
@@digitaldjtips yeah I think your Apple bit was on point…Algoriddim nailed the user experience…and they don’t need to ever make hardware (like you said) if someone like Apple gets behind them because everyone will play nice. Apple is the only one in the game with the software and hardware experience at the OS/platform level to make the back end standard. And all this is before we even discuss what happens when the broken Spotify model folds and Apple is the go to music store.
I'm a bit weird with DJing where I have licenses for Serato, Rekordbox, VDJ, Traktor, and Djay. I use them all depending on my set. They all have specific things they do really well. I wish I could consolidate them all into one. But for sound and effects, Traktor is still my favorite.
Hello my name is DJ T-Maxx. I have been DJing for 24+ years. Even though there are a lot of disagreements with softwares and hardwares. I think it’s great as a DJ to learn every single hardwares and softwares out there and master them all. We all love to DJ and be unique as an individual to become the best DJ in the world by learning everything there is to learn in every hardwares and softwares. As far as the future of DJing I hope to one day see a huge touchscreen iPad or a projector that can change into every skin of every type of controllers out there without limitations to custom skin to any Universal Controller. This to me will be the future of DJing. We won’t need to buy anymore controllers but we just need to buy the softwares that we can customize the skin of the controller to our individual needs to perform the job in our own unique ways. Thank you very much Max Tang AKA DJ T-Maxx.
I would like to see a standardization of beatgridding, cuepoints, and tagging across multiple DJ software packages. I want to be able have my cuepoints, and beatgridding set up on Traktor and saved to the metadata of the file itself, and be able to take that file, load into Seratro, Pioneer DJ, Virtual DJ, Mixxx, etc, and it just loads up properly with everything set up.
Good plug, and thoughts...why could all those 100,000's of dj's in the past play anywhere with no prep, and on wobbly belt drives or CD trays and still kick the party off? Can I be better than them without the auto beat match?
I like to see no more subscriptions ang go back to one time purchase of our DJ software. Thank you for all you do for us. Enjoy your vacations with your family.
This leads to feast and famine and companies going bust. Software developers get paid a monthly salary, if your only income stream comes from a one off payment and you never pay another penny how is the company supposed to pay the developer's salaries? Subscriptions are not just driven by greed, they are necessary to be able to keep innovating.
To add , I would say that Stems has maybe been the most significant change in digital DJin but Stems has not fully been applied to all hardware and software yet . Therefore the agnostic DJ today may want to develop proper competency with non stem performance and with stem performance . I guess u can say stems is like a type of FX that not all platforms have yet .
I've always appreciated whether it's "The Complete DJ Course" or ANY of DDJT courses the use of all types of digital gear. For those who haven't tried any yet, they will use a DDJ FLX4 in a lesson, and in the very next lesson, it'll be a pair of CDJ 3000's w/DJM A9 mixer! Know how to play on anything, and you'll be able to play ANYWHERE!
I prefer Vinyl, however I use several different set ups as all I am doing is blanding 2 tracks together. Traktor is my full featured SW solution, I have a gemini GMX that was my first media player and I use it as a back up, I use DJAY on an android tablet when I want to pack light when traveling, and I have a bedroom and mobile vinyl / media player set up which is my preferred set up. Time weight, money and space tend to dictate what I use most of the time.
so many good points there.. i can tell you, from someone just getting into modren DJ'ing.. that its a total mine field. not just from a software perspective but also from a hardware one.. pioneer or rane, windows or apple.. sooo much conflicting information everywhere. i think ive decided to go apple, against my intuition, purely because they have added the rane 4 etc to their supported hardware but also because i can visualise DJ Pro getting bigger in the future.. like you said at the end of your post.. if you can dj, then you shoudn't br afraid to use alien hardware, which WAS something tying me to pioneer/Rekordbox... SO, which way will i go?... er dunno, still undecided!!! Thanks Phill.
I will love to master the art of DJing on various hardware/ software, but there’s one problem. There is only one software out there that is fully accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Aldoriddim’s Djay Pro/Djay AI. Serato hasn’t stepped up to the challenge, neither has Virtual DJ or Tractor. So until they do, I must use what works best.
Thanks for this video Phil! (and your wife for letting you create videos on your holiday) Enjoy your holiday! And i agree with all your points except for the Apple takeover of DJAY. Don’t get me wring, i LOVE Apple hardware but i don’t see them improving DJAY. But maybe they will surprise us, who knows. And yes, a DJ should be able to play on anything nowadays. All existing DJ hardware and software is more than capable of mixing and playing some tunes.
I like Serato but they have a massive problem with beat grids. I bought Roland's DJ-808 specifically for its drum machine integration which can not be used with Serato without a lot of prep work. Basically I would have to manually edit all of the beat grids for every track to make it work. The other other software that will work with the 808 is VDJ and beat gridding with a sequencer is not a problem.
@@digitaldjtips I disagree. Put some older music in there and you'll see what I'm talking about. Compare that with Rekordbox, VDJ, Traktor or anything else. Other apps have the grid timed out perfectly. Older music on Serato I have to edit the beat grid all the way through the track for every song.
Apple will buy DJay Pro and create a "Apple Music Pro" version allowing stems integration starting at $29 a month. Apple will also create their own self contained controller integrating a computer.
Preach brother, preach! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 VERY insightful video. Not to mention one solid execution in one take. Impressive, to say the least. I can honestly say I agree with everything you said. Now I just need to think hard at what I would add if anything. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Traktor’s hardware is ok but not really necessary. I just got a pair of the new X1s and they’re awesome. I haven’t tried the new stems feature but was instantly disappointed with the so-called flexible beat grid implementation. It’s not automatic. I can warp a track more quickly in Ableton. Anyway, so far it is rock solid and reliable for my daily two hour rooftop gig and that’s what counts the most.
Libraries should be interoperable. Cue points should be portable from one app to another. And you should not have to reanalyze tracks on each different piece of software. The waveforms should be portable or easy to convert, too.
Hallelujah, Reverend Morse! I agree to every aspect you talked about. I'd like to add a personal experience in order to stress your postulation aiming to Alpha Theta to accept the verdict as a challenge. Because one of the few advantages of competition is improvement and evolution. Eliminating competition also eliminates a strong factor for improvement, and honestly rekordbox needs improvement like the desert needs the rain. A critical premise for economical competion to work is a consumer who is open for change. And you broke it down reasonably: You don't necessarily have to master all plattforms, but learn to adapt to any plattform and have at least one other option ready to use. I personally came into touch with all plattforms, working with Virtual DJ for the longest time and with Rekordbox in the last two years. Besides I kept a NI S4 Mk2 and rarely DJed with Traktor strictly electronic sets (D&B). I can't say how lucky I'm to still own that classic after downloading Traktor Pro 4 yesterday. 🤩 And for god's sake: ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS, man!
Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks, Phil. Great to hear the monopoly that would result in increased prices for limited innovation, be halted (for now) by sensible decision making... Nothing against Pioneer, only things that make our experience more expensive while limiting the pressure to innovate, that competition brings. Have an awesome one everyone and enjoy your holiday Phil. 🙌
We have nothing against any of these companies, but at the same time we call them out when we think they’re shortchanging people (we give Serato a hard time for Pitch ‘n Time costing so much for instance as part of a pack when it should be a core feature)
Technics/Panasonic should make a bid for Serato... I feel it would be a great re-entry tactic into the DJ market for Technics and make a good "neutral" ownership... But what do i know? 🤷♂
Good shout! Imagine a range of standalone Technics controllers, players, mixers, headphones, PA kit & great software all integrated... bit of a wet dream that!
@@FlyCasual1 and what a wonderful dream that would be... Honestly its such a good match for both brands even just thinking about the DVS route they could take things. Someone somehow needs to get that match in heaven made. Technics Serato 😎
Final point on playing on many things, but it shouldn't be on the paying customer to have to jump between playlist prep systems. Cue, tempo, loops, and all track-preparation things should be agreed to become open-source between software platforms the way synth manufacturers put aside competition in the 80s to produce the MIDI standard for their industry.
The biggest problem is us Djs hype up serato so much that many Djs wether major or new beginners are so scared to say they either use or are big fans of any other dj software. So other companies may not want to put time or funding into any other dj software because it may not even go anywhere because serato already has that hype as the software to use.
I was at a music festival and had a usb filled with tracks to play, but had to have rekord box to use their hardware. Forget about it. I played the set on my ableton live with a 4 channel interface.
If asset management companies encourage both companies to be "friendly" with one another, either company could simply strategically share (open the books) to the other to gain IP and compatibility. If they do this as board members continue to focus on market share, the situation will eventually still play out the same.
Rane should buy Serato that would be a perfect storm and the bashing of djs because of the software has to stop! We are all in this together. Enjoy your holiday Phil.
That's why I invested in a stand alone, have options, engine dj or serato. Serato has become buggy since the serato update.engine dj is superb! Just bring us stems please!! Enjoy your holiday!.. Safe travels mate!
It shouldn't be a big deal to plug in your controller of choice in DJ booths, given that the industry standard is normally a half broken CDJ. I agree that we should be agnostic, but the "bad workmen blame tools" addage really shouldn't have to apply when it's so easy to plug any gear into any mixer, within reason. If Apple buy Algoriddim we'll be mixing in a VR headset before long anyway.
All my problems were solved back in 2012. I just bought a perpetual VDJ license. In 2015 I bought rekordbox and tractor scratch pro 2. Then pioneer made my ddjsx obsolete. Someone like Yamaha needs to de-couple the controllers. In 2024.. I just finished a school disco... with.. VDJ.
Friday 7-15-24 I agree totally with all you said. I especially would like to see engine dj develop into a complete dj software. I enjoy djing with standalone and with a laptop so yes if these guys would just get their act together, men that would be great no more frustration.
I *really* wish an open standard for music library metadata was adopted throughout the industry. Lexicon and Mixo are addressing a pain point that shouldn't exist: the library software should just be a thin, interchangeable layer within the larger hardware & software ecosystems. This imho is the hardest obstacle to becoming platform agnostic. It can be overcome. But there are obstacles put in one's way. Deliberately.
I don’t think that’s in inmusic plans. They had deckadance dj and never did anything with it because they wanted to develop stand alone hardware. Deckadance was way ahead of its time. It had a lot of innovative features including flexible beat grids in 2015. Now that’s the tech that is the most exciting thing in 2024 and beyond. Can you imagine if they’d have tried to develop this technology. They wouldn’t be worried about what Serato DJ being sold. Google deckadance and see 😢
You could draw parallels with PC component companies like AMD, Nvidia and Intel. All the hardware and software (mostly) work well together and have done for years. Why DJ companies are lagging behind really baffles me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Phil! I really value your insights and tips. I agree about having a holistic view of DJ'ing which I have had to learn over time. What really taught me this was learning how to spin vinyl in the past two years... this gave me a new perspective because I started DJ'ing digitally in 2018. My first Pioneer DJ controller was the DDJ-SR2 and the software I used was Serato. When stems was released in Serato in 2022, I could not believe that Rekordbox did not have these sort of features. Kinda wild to me! I started using Rekordbox for the first time in 2023 because I upgraded to a XDJ-RX3 (yes you can technically use Serato on it too, but I'm trying to simulate a CDJ vibe with Rekordbox on this hardware). I wish I could just have 1 music library....going between Serato and Rekordbox isn't a great experience for me. I still use my DDJ-SR2 controller with Serato for small gigs like pop-up events, restaurants, bars, rooftops, and I like to use the XDJ-RX3 for practicing at home. But I'd like to start using it for gigs sometime soon too. It's just not as portable as the SR2. I also like to use Beatport when using Serato. I subscribe to the professional plan so I'm allowed an infinite number of playlists from their huge music library (which has gotten easier to browse over the years) and I can store 1,000 song in my "offline" Beatport Locker making it so easy to play songs when I don't have an internet connection at a venue and when I don't want to buy the music. This service helps me when I'm playing for 4-hours at bars and restaurants for example. Yes, Rekordbox has Beatport, but what is SO annoying for me personally is that you have to analyze each individual track before it fully loads into the deck... In Serato the tracks you pull from Beatport are already analyzed which helps speed things up for me. Are there any other DJ's out there that wish they could just take the music from these streaming services and be able to play it on ANY equipment like CDJ's or XDJ's? Oh, and for it to not require a laptop when it comes to Beatport, TIDAL, or Soundcloud for example? Maybe it's possible. I'm not sure. Thoughts?
I definitely agree with you. Alfa Theta should stay away from software. They can’t even make rekordbox to work nicely. Imagine DJ merge with Virtual DJ….wow!!!! I think Virtual DJ skeptical on changing their because many ppl already know the name. But yes it be nice if they go by a funky name such as VDJ Pro. I used DJpro software and it’s amazing. I think it’s much better than VDJ. Wishing the best for Tracktor. I think they are really underrated
I think we dj's need some base that works for every dj hardware. I hate that every G4d4ng venue has PIONEER...and my SERATO doesn't fit in. I can't get even waveform...not to mention to get my cue points out.
I have the denondj prime 4 plus stand alone controller. I have both serato and virtual Dj as well. For software I prefer virtual Dj or my stand alone. I do use serato when I blend with other Djs. All 3 use tidal streaming. All three seem stable. make the best with what software your using.
If Serato really wants to sell, I think Reloop should buy them out. They have a lot more DJ hardware compared to Roland or Akai. I think those 2 companies align well together.
I just bought a pair of turntables because using a controller is getting annoying because of the software updates and subscriptions. 1. Get rid of subscription models - as DJs we shouldn't be paying hand over fist to keep using stuff on new laptops etc. 2. I think AlphaTheta should have stick to what they know (i.e. CDJs and the DDJ-1000), using AlphaTheta as their experimental brand for stuff like the Opus Quad and the PLX-Cross 12. 3. People need to start making Standalone mixers more affordable (it's doable as it's been done by the likes of Vonyx and Omnitronic - but it could still be cheaper again). 4. Virtual DJ is crap - their beat matching goes out of sync and does not hold up as well as Rekordbox or Serato.
I’m only just seeing your vid Phil, but this is good news. I am really against the monopoly thing and had grave misgivings for the industry with the attempted takeover of Serato by AT. I like the fact that there is different autonomous platforms and choice. I am an engine dj convert and can’t imagine going to anything else as my mainstay (P4/MSP/MCX). Saying that, I have Rekordbox for my XZ (standalone) and Rekordbox /VDJ with laptop for my wego 4 (when using my backpack set up). I use Serato/VDJ with my MC6000. I also, from time to time use XDJR1 with my cd’s (was an original vinyl/CD DJ). Given the amount of gigs I do (several per month as is my hobby), I have plenty of opportunity and variety to change platforms. The important point is it keeps me fresh, challenged, the mind and skill set agile and engaged. I can turn up at most venues if not using my own equipment and do at least the basics straight away: The ‘Language’ for all platforms/ equipment is essentially the same as things currently stand. That for me (obviously giving first class entertainment for decades) is the love of the art of DJaying and the industry. I also echo what many have said on this thread. DJMIKEYJ
I personally would like to see Searto bought out or better merged with NI and Traktor. And I would like to see NI buy or merge with Bitwig. Along with their prior acquisition, Izotope, that would be a combination dreams are made of. It would then boil down in the future to NI, Alpha Theta, and Apple (Once the acquisition of Djay is complete!). I think Apple will ultimately go the route of no Hardware and just Vision Pro or something along that model with no physical gear. Of course, people want to see you DJ. That could be accomplished with Large format screen share.
Zero problems with my SRT & Serato. Serato and the FLX10, nothing but nightmares. I even tried using the beta to see if that would help, but the same crap. I use Algoriddim DJ Pro 5.2 and have zero issues. I have 4 other friends that are having multiple issues with Serato and the FLX10. All of us are on silicon chips on a Mac.
Some kind of open source or standard protocols for library managament and hardware integration... Perhaps the big hw peeps can have 'certified' status for software, but this shift would open things uo to consumers and nake the software owners compete on features, performance and stability
Modular & non DAW setups seem to becoming more popular merging live play & djing together, just look at how Carl Cox & Richie Hawten play currently. Myself preferably use Traktor, 2x X1 mk2's & my laptop, this will plug into any mixer with an integrated SC.
The prices of Top DJ Gear frustrate me... I had the Traktor Z2 and that is a good price range for a Top Battle Mixer 😁 It's a pity they stop production and I had to switch to other software.
Have BPM & KEY sorting functions in all your Tidal and other streaming platforms straight from the gear. I know how to DJ on basically all gear and vinyl so that's all good. I know stems and other technology will get better so I'm not complaining.
I’ve been DJING almost 30 years and my best move by far was switching from Serato to Vdj. I literally can’t use anything else. The features are too prolific.
I would like to see smaller hardware companies that cannot afford to develop their software join their forces and support Mixxx. Mixxx could charge them for support (like Red Hat does) and use that funding to develop a better product. The hardware companies could form an unofficial "InMusic Group" type of alliance and use economies of scale to their advantage.
![Best Serato DJ Controllers [2024 Update] 🏆](/img/1.gif)
⚡ TIMESTAMPS ⚡
0:00 Intro
0:54 The problem..
1:26 7 changes we'd like to see
1:52 AlphaTheta should concentrate on Rekordbox
2:23 Someone else to buy Serato
2:52 inMusic to fully develop Engine DJ
3:53 Traktor to continue its renaissance
4:38 Apple should buy Djay Pro
5:48 Swap out the VirtualDJ name
7:14 Become DJ platform agnostic
Read the full news piece: www.digitaldjtips.com/serato-buyout-blocked/
My change I would like to see is a generic beatgrid and 4 hot cues. Then I can easily switch between software and hardware gear.
The biggest issue for me is having to work with multiple libraries. I want to use 1 library across all my devices and be able to easily move it. My library should work with Serato, RB and Engine DJ. Just unplug your drive and move it to the hardware of my choice.
Yep, library should be a global format so we can swap about with no issues.
Big agree! My software of choice is DJay Pro and using Serato always feels like such a drag because their library is leagues behind, in my opinion.
Fully agree. I wish we could come up with a standard library format in the same way we have standard audio formats. That way companies will have to compete on both the software and hardware fronts and not tie you in to using their software just because you have their hardware
All the companies should create a consortium to introduce an analysis standard.
Agreed. WE NEED UNIVERSAL FORMAT. I was preaching that years ago. And we should finish dealing with MP3 and use any other lossless format. MP3 is garbage. If everybody agreed on new lossless format and one universal library format. Everything would be much more transparent.
As a 14 year Traktor user, I’m happy that NI has finally shown real progress with it. I also use Maschine and Komplete. I believe Serato can thank entry level Pioneer controllers for their market share, but horizontal integration through a purchase is detrimental to competition.
Can we all recognize the incredible Phil for putting out such an outstanding commentary in one take while walking!
Good insights Greg, thank you
Bought my VDJ License in 2002 and since then I have never had to spend a penny on anything related to that software. All effects and expansions free for last 20 plus years and counting. True value for money. Long may it live
Me too!
You are a true professional, you did this video without walking into a tree 😂
Did you notice I lapped myself by the end? 🤣
Fantastic news they need to keep the market competitive
Excellent news. Pioneer are already pulling support on old controllers so it does not bode well if they ever owned Serato.
…although support has pulled support on old gear too to be fair
I would love to see MIXXX start getting feature parity with all the other DJ software. We need more open source software everywhere and stop being dependent on company for every artistic venture
Yeah, like OBS or Audacity
Mixxx is what I use on my Ubuntu studio box which is a Micro ATX case running an external sound card, SSD swap drive and NAS array, Reaper and BitWig studio 5 .
Rekord box is buggy and unreliable and Serato has advantages.
So far I have been experimenting with DJ Pro AI installed on my Samsung galaxy S22 and I run that thru a Hercules mix controller and output to a Boom 3 for practice and rehearsal for Corporate gigs and private functions I will swap out to a Mixon controller.
The Music festival circuit in Australia has collapsed with 4 major Festivals now gone for good. I am back to where I started in the 80's weddings and private functions to pay the bills, and overtime is cash in hand which I put towards my other Businesses building custom DJ controllers and Media players based on Arduino boards and mapped to Mixxx, BitWig studio 5.
@@digitaldjtipsI am wondering if you are developing a course on DJ'ing on the latest Reloop controller that Laidback Luke is now using and had substantial input into
@@digitaldjtips Exactly, I mean look at blender it is now becoming the software for 3D. Hopefully Mixxx goes the same way.
Besides stems, what is missing in Mixxx?
I now own hardware from Rane, Pioneer, and Reloop (Performer, Mixon 8, DDJ 400). Once You've played on a couple of different kinds of units you start to realize they they are fundamentally the same thing. I really try and focus on your mantra of "playing the right music for the people in front of you RIGHT NOW" and that has very little to do with the gear. You'll have issues with everything from software to hardware from every manufacturer so I think it's way less important to "master" any piece of gear or software. Get comfortable with your music and with the crowd and you'll be in good shape. Thanks so much for all the great updates!!!
Looping & effects are really the biggest things you have to get used to when working with different hardware - the rest is typically intuitive.
Perfect response
How would you rate the Mixon 8? I’m thinking about upgrading to that particular controller in the near future.
@@DJ_doubleMdamn near 10/10. I love it so much that I preordered the mixtour pro as soon as it was available to do so. If you’re a mobile DJ that uses DJay Pro it’s a no brainer, especially if you have an M series ipad. Works well with Serato but I don’t like that software.
The biggest issue I’ve had was that the EQ knobs are impossible to see in the dark. Get some of the aftermarket knobs (I got mine from dj tech tools) and it totally changes the game.
@@DJ_doubleMjust got mine. build quality is very good, although i don’t necessarily like the plastic feeling play and cue buttons. layout feels intuitive, even with the mirrored faders and such. screens on the jogs could’ve been more informative, although i usually look at my laptop / ipad anyways. looooooove the effect pedals
VDJ for the win!!
Been using VDJ since 2005 still using, plus I use Rekordbox DJ version 5.8
Introduce one, standardised, library, format. Doesn't matter where you rock up, put in your USB and play. This won't happen because once the walled gardens are down, companies will have to scrap to have the best hardware, the best software. Pioneer can't sit complacent as 'top dawg' while Denon are innovating hard. Everyone will have to be improving all the time and it doesn't matter what you use, everyone benefits from competition and innovation.
Last sentence very true
I think that whole comment is true. Was surprised Phil didn't touch on that in the video. How can you "DJ on anything" if it won't read your music without separate prep that has to be done on a computer first and fragments your library across various standards.
Bang on assessment Phil. Enjoy your holiday. Thing that upsets me? the Pioneer licence key situation. Ive just bought a brand new FLX4 and would be upset if it stopped working.
It will work for a long time yet
The only DJs who get to choose their equipment are the ones who have worked their way up through everything, and mobile DJs who bring their gear to every venue. Phil is correct that DJs need grounding in the basics of all the gear/software to know how to use it when they're plunked down in front of it. As for the industry: monopolization only benefits the monopoly, not the consumers. Competition to push boundaries and expand possibilities need to be in place, or else every company will get stale.
Wise words
Once in 2006 I came in to a club with my CD's. Pioneer cdj or Denon 2800F were quite dominant. This place had Technics Dz 1200. Two options, button play or vinyl mode. Took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to play vinyl mode and beatmix with them. Since I had about 12 gigs a month I knew my music in the spine. People was dancing but also had a little audience watched me play with that vinyl CD decks. It was fun going back to the turntable mode that I haven't used for a least a decade. Muscle memory and once again feeling from spine.
Thinking todays dj's are a little bit lazy. "can't do that if I don't have my effects and gear"
Dj still is an entertainer and bought in to do the job, increasing sales in the bar and a happening.
I DJ'd on vinyl for over 20 years. I'm pretty sure I can DJ on any platform. I use Serato and RB regularly, and I've given Denon/Engine a go with no issues.
There's one thing they could all do to make it easy to hop from platform to platform: make their library data interchangeable. Please!!!!
Such a common request!
This is a personal tangent but Roland buying Serato would be huge for the live production scene (people who use sequencers, drum machines, etc to perform live EDM). Currently I think the only DJ software that can support that kind of equipment is Traktor and maybe you could MIDI map everything but it would be a pain. With Roland in the game, running a DAWless live production setup could become more streamlined.
What a great insight, are you listening Roland?
LIBRARY ORGANIZING. I like that Vdj uses your library the way you have it saved in your pc. Serato makes you create crates and don’t automatically update as songs are added. Vdj do! Vdj don’t care what version you update in your Mac, it’ll work. Serato sometimes suggest wait before you do it
They need to remove the license thing… Who wants to pay for something that was free before hand?
better paying a one off fee... imagine if apple or android start charging for yearly update of software after you have paid for the handset
@@ao6677 True but Rb used to be free to use (still is to a certain point) and just because some elder pioneer equipment has a “life-cycle” doesnt mean they’ll never get used or work. I think it’s a shame
Yes we need a midi esque standardization
We have that already; midi. Companies like pioneer just decided to make proprietary software and not support midi so that they could sell expensive hardware
@Aves_1 waah thanks for not reading a comment correctly and just complaining more
I was thinking the same thing as far as a universal standard more like MIDI.
@@indegruvThey are expressing their opinion just as you did yours. Let’s all try to be more civil. 😉
@djcarlitosatl he can add his opinion without "replying" on my comment. Fair enough?
I'd like to see interoperability standards for music databases. Even if some hardware continues to work exclusively with some software, DJs should be able to more easily migrate their own time and effort (beat grids, hot cues, crates) across platforms. Get MixMasterG to draft the standard. :)
We can dream!
Bang on assessment at the end BTW. I’ve DJ’d on all kinds of crazy set ups. And while sone tools make it easier, the real key is reading the crowd and selecting the songs. Sure - two cassette decks and a selector switch on a stereo reciever is a hard way to DJ, but the crowd still loves it
They do, and it is! (Did I it once myself at a hotel in Cuba!)
You missed the number one reason to use all the different software: It's fun! There are lessons to be learned from each software that help your DJing. By using the different software (and hardware), over time, it will help you solidify your knowledge of the DJ principles that exist beyond all the hardware and software. That will make you a more complete DJ. I would like to just see a universal library system with no conversions needed. Once it works like that, we will truly be free from being hostages to software. I use mostly Pioneer, but I also play with Engine and Traktor to keep it fresh and to inspire me to think in different ways about my craft.
Yes! We assume fun of course, but this is part of the reason why hobby DJs tend to experiment more than pros - because they like the geeky stuff
My frustration is old dog DJ's telling me I'm a fake DJ because I use a controller.
They don't ask through, no, they base their opinion on what I use at the moment.
Little do they know I started out on vinyl mixing in 1998, but I have had a good fun time mixing cassette tapes on my father's professional audio station (he was a true professional musician for over 60 years until his passing). I've had my fair share of gigs mixing on vinyl, I've had a lot of fun with my Denon DJ SC2900M's and I enjoyed my Hercules controller back in 2012 up to a Serato DJ powered Pioneer controller and now my Roland DJ-505 controller combined with a Behringer TD-3 via 5-pin midi since last year. I know how to DJ, I don't need an idiot who doesn't know the first thing about a DJ controller to tell me what kind of DJ I am. Thát's what frustrates me the most.
That said, what frustrated me as well, is AlphaTheta buying Serato DJ. I've relied on Serato DJ for over a decade now. I literally HATE HATE HAAATTTTEEEEEEEEEE (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Rekordbox and it's DJ software Rekordbox DJ. It's so stupid badly engineered, that I want to hug an oncoming PLANE whenever I háve to use it. It's SOOOO stupid, because (I am also a programmer) the internal coding is a direct copy of Serato DJ. It only has a couple of lines of code so the DJ gear identify the software as Rekordbox DJ. Pathetic. And then, the mother company of Pioneer DJ, who owns Rekordbox (DJ), buys the competitor ? I wanted to upgrade áll my gear to Serato DJ and Serato Studio, but I'm holding my wallet... I hope the board will undo the acquisition !
It looks like it is history… since I made the vid, AlphaTheta released a statement to that effect
It's not the gear. It is how you handling your tunes and make people happy and dancing that is important.
Ego dj's that can't stand competition is about the worse and the BS they spreading
Serato is just as terrible as rekordbox. Their lack of support for controllers using midi standard is insane, bunch of money hungry grubs. VirtualDJ or Mixxxx are the only non sh#t ethical option.
Spot on Phil, it is a ridiculous situation. I still haven't dived in to my first controller and the news about Rekordbox has made me very glad, I will now wait until the dust settles. It surely can't go on like this, it's absurd. Have a great holiday!
Even after all of this I’d still say Flx4 as a first controller, the RB7 software version it unlocks is very good
@@digitaldjtips Thanks so much for your reply! I think that is still probably the way I'm going to go but there is no rush, I can wait a year and see how things pan out :)
Biggest pain point is library management. We need one lib for all, which also provides you with extensive labelling and tagging possibilities!
It is indeed the biggest pain point, it seems
All excellent suggestions, I concur. Just bought a FLX10 hoping that rekordbox continues to improve and that the controller has sufficient legs to go into the future.
I would like to see more dj gear play well together. Ableton link is handy, but outputting midi clock or timecode as a standard feature to sync different devices would be my suggestion.
Both reasonable bets
Amen brother! I've been saying this for years to all my students. Be able to play on anything. Make sure you are the best DJ possible.!
Well said!
Great take (as always) Phil. Here’s what I’d like to see happen in the next several years:
1. More automation to remove the ‘monkey work’ (i.e. adding cue points etc.). RB 7 added this feature, but I can’t get it to work properly thus far? Even Mixed in Key gets it wrong too often. I’m thinking Algoriddim could do it right.
2. Universal standardized and precise Genre database and metadata for ALL styles of music (I know it’s not gonna happen, but a guy can still dream). This could include: main featured instruments, Continent or cultural style that main samples come from, Mood, Energy, etc.
3. Better ‘song suggestion’ databases, both built in and external to DJ Software. Something with contributions and suggestions from DJs that play a similar style in addition to AI suggestions? DJ Studio, RUclips and online sites are a good start, but too dispersed; and I want something centralized and networked by other DJs.
4. Standardized FX. Get Pioneer to license its FX to all other players? And speaking of FX, can we get an X/Y pad on all controllers? It's 2024 after all....
5. Better Sampler integration and playing tools. I want to be able to create supporting musical performances more easily from within my DJ software. Failing that, better midi sync / Ableton Link possibilities.
Biggest frustration? It’s all too fragmented and compartmentalized. Each company has its strong points and weak points. Too many different form factors (ok, I understand that Hip-Hop DJing has its own requirements), but even within companies (i.e. Rekordbox) there is too much divergence; Opus vs CDJ vs Flx10 etc. Manufacturers who release important new software updates and assume the user will ‘beta test’ the bugs for them. Also, drip feeding new tech or features or withholding new tech from the hardware / software.
Regarding your final point, I think this is partly due to the small size of the DJ market.
Phil, you are a testament to the DJ community at all levels. Well done on your success! Always a pleasure to watch you and your videos.
I appreciate that!
sod this, I'm going back to vinyl ✌
08:28 That's the key.
Honestly, I would rather just the opposite of what Phil is suggesting. I would love to see an advanced standardized communication platform, like HID, but DJ specific that would allow all software to work with all hardware. This way I can use my software of choice with my hardware of choice.
As a long-time Traktor user, I have drooled over the hardware choices available on other platforms, but I love Traktor, even despite its limitations. If all hardware worked with all software, then you would truly have open competition for companies to be the best in their field because there would be nothing stopping customers from switching.
This would be idea but it won’t happen, we’re trying to be realistic
Intentional or not, djay absolutely crushed them all from a UI/UX and workflow perspective. Add the Apple Music and 5.2 update with all the HID support…ace. If Apple scoops them…could make Apple Music the standard library for all this nonsense…and they are big enough to make it “open” if they care to. Exciting times.
We agree as software it is streets a head in many areas
@@digitaldjtips yeah I think your Apple bit was on point…Algoriddim nailed the user experience…and they don’t need to ever make hardware (like you said) if someone like Apple gets behind them because everyone will play nice. Apple is the only one in the game with the software and hardware experience at the OS/platform level to make the back end standard. And all this is before we even discuss what happens when the broken Spotify model folds and Apple is the go to music store.
I'm a bit weird with DJing where I have licenses for Serato, Rekordbox, VDJ, Traktor, and Djay. I use them all depending on my set. They all have specific things they do really well. I wish I could consolidate them all into one. But for sound and effects, Traktor is still my favorite.
Yes Traktor does win on audio quality
Hello my name is DJ T-Maxx. I have been DJing for 24+ years. Even though there are a lot of disagreements with softwares and hardwares. I think it’s great as a DJ to learn every single hardwares and softwares out there and master them all. We all love to DJ and be unique as an individual to become the best DJ in the world by learning everything there is to learn in every hardwares and softwares. As far as the future of DJing I hope to one day see a huge touchscreen iPad or a projector that can change into every skin of every type of controllers out there without limitations to custom skin to any Universal Controller. This to me will be the future of DJing. We won’t need to buy anymore controllers but we just need to buy the softwares that we can customize the skin of the controller to our individual needs to perform the job in our own unique ways. Thank you very much Max Tang AKA DJ T-Maxx.
There was once! Can’t remember its name now
I would like to see a standardization of beatgridding, cuepoints, and tagging across multiple DJ software packages. I want to be able have my cuepoints, and beatgridding set up on Traktor and saved to the metadata of the file itself, and be able to take that file, load into Seratro, Pioneer DJ, Virtual DJ, Mixxx, etc, and it just loads up properly with everything set up.
This is the big one that comes up over and over again
Good plug, and thoughts...why could all those 100,000's of dj's in the past play anywhere with no prep, and on wobbly belt drives or CD trays and still kick the party off? Can I be better than them without the auto beat match?
You can do more with modern gear
Issue I have with Dj's is when they think they're the best and look down on other dj's. Especially on social Media. Unity is needed
I think that could apply to anyone not just DJs
I like to see no more subscriptions ang go back to one time purchase of our DJ software. Thank you for all you do for us. Enjoy your vacations with your family.
Thanks
This leads to feast and famine and companies going bust. Software developers get paid a monthly salary, if your only income stream comes from a one off payment and you never pay another penny how is the company supposed to pay the developer's salaries? Subscriptions are not just driven by greed, they are necessary to be able to keep innovating.
This is great news! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
To add , I would say that Stems has maybe been the most significant change in digital DJin but Stems has not fully been applied to all hardware and software yet . Therefore the agnostic DJ today may want to develop proper competency with non stem performance and with stem performance . I guess u can say stems is like a type of FX that not all platforms have yet .
Prep them ahead of time then use them with anything (acapellas/instrumentals, anyway)
I've always appreciated whether it's "The Complete DJ Course" or ANY of DDJT courses the use of all types of digital gear. For those who haven't tried any yet, they will use a DDJ FLX4 in a lesson, and in the very next lesson, it'll be a pair of CDJ 3000's w/DJM A9 mixer! Know how to play on anything, and you'll be able to play ANYWHERE!
Wow, thanks! That is exactly the idea, it’s how we learned to DJ
I prefer Vinyl, however I use several different set ups as all I am doing is blanding 2 tracks together. Traktor is my full featured SW solution, I have a gemini GMX that was my first media player and I use it as a back up, I use DJAY on an android tablet when I want to pack light when traveling, and I have a bedroom and mobile vinyl / media player set up which is my preferred set up. Time weight, money and space tend to dictate what I use most of the time.
Digital gear can certainly be more convenient than old school…
Thanks Phil
so many good points there.. i can tell you, from someone just getting into modren DJ'ing.. that its a total mine field. not just from a software perspective but also from a hardware one.. pioneer or rane, windows or apple.. sooo much conflicting information everywhere. i think ive decided to go apple, against my intuition, purely because they have added the rane 4 etc to their supported hardware but also because i can visualise DJ Pro getting bigger in the future.. like you said at the end of your post.. if you can dj, then you shoudn't br afraid to use alien hardware, which WAS something tying me to pioneer/Rekordbox... SO, which way will i go?... er dunno, still undecided!!! Thanks Phill.
Not sure how good the Rane 4 mapping is in djay… find a competent user and check with them before committing to this
I will love to master the art of DJing on various hardware/ software, but there’s one problem. There is only one software out there that is fully accessible for the blind and visually impaired. Aldoriddim’s Djay Pro/Djay AI.
Serato hasn’t stepped up to the challenge, neither has Virtual DJ or Tractor. So until they do, I must use what works best.
I’m glad you found a platform that works for you. I believe VirtualDJ has ways to solve this too.
Thanks for this video Phil! (and your wife for letting you create videos on your holiday) Enjoy your holiday! And i agree with all your points except for the Apple takeover of DJAY. Don’t get me wring, i LOVE Apple hardware but i don’t see them improving DJAY. But maybe they will surprise us, who knows. And yes, a DJ should be able to play on anything nowadays. All existing DJ hardware and software is more than capable of mixing and playing some tunes.
Too right on that last point!
I like Serato but they have a massive problem with beat grids. I bought Roland's DJ-808 specifically for its drum machine integration which can not be used with Serato without a lot of prep work. Basically I would have to manually edit all of the beat grids for every track to make it work. The other other software that will work with the 808 is VDJ and beat gridding with a sequencer is not a problem.
There’s nothing wrong with Serato’s grids. It probably just needs a bit of learning.
@@digitaldjtips I disagree. Put some older music in there and you'll see what I'm talking about. Compare that with Rekordbox, VDJ, Traktor or anything else. Other apps have the grid timed out perfectly. Older music on Serato I have to edit the beat grid all the way through the track for every song.
You can literally put your Serato crates on a thumb drive and use it in Engine
Apple will buy DJay Pro and create a "Apple Music Pro" version allowing stems integration starting at $29 a month. Apple will also create their own self contained controller integrating a computer.
Wow that is a confident prediction! Don’t think Apple would charge a sub like that though - look at FCPX as an example.
Preach brother, preach! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 VERY insightful video. Not to mention one solid execution in one take. Impressive, to say the least. I can honestly say I agree with everything you said. Now I just need to think hard at what I would add if anything. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
I appreciate that! Be good to hear your thoughts
Happy holiday, looks nice there, wherever it is! ❤
Secret location in deepest France! 🇫🇷
Traktor’s hardware is ok but not really necessary. I just got a pair of the new X1s and they’re awesome.
I haven’t tried the new stems feature but was instantly disappointed with the so-called flexible beat grid implementation. It’s not automatic. I can warp a track more quickly in Ableton.
Anyway, so far it is rock solid and reliable for my daily two hour rooftop gig and that’s what counts the most.
Cool
Libraries should be interoperable. Cue points should be portable from one app to another. And you should not have to reanalyze tracks on each different piece of software. The waveforms should be portable or easy to convert, too.
This is the biggest ask by people
glad to see commissions doing their work
Hallelujah, Reverend Morse! I agree to every aspect you talked about. I'd like to add a personal experience in order to stress your postulation aiming to Alpha Theta to accept the verdict as a challenge. Because one of the few advantages of competition is improvement and evolution. Eliminating competition also eliminates a strong factor for improvement, and honestly rekordbox needs improvement like the desert needs the rain. A critical premise for economical competion to work is a consumer who is open for change. And you broke it down reasonably: You don't necessarily have to master all plattforms, but learn to adapt to any plattform and have at least one other option ready to use. I personally came into touch with all plattforms, working with Virtual DJ for the longest time and with Rekordbox in the last two years. Besides I kept a NI S4 Mk2 and rarely DJed with Traktor strictly electronic sets (D&B). I can't say how lucky I'm to still own that classic after downloading Traktor Pro 4 yesterday. 🤩
And for god's sake: ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS, man!
Thanks, and yes, we are thoroughly enjoying our holidays! ☀️
Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks, Phil.
Great to hear the monopoly that would result in increased prices for limited innovation, be halted (for now) by sensible decision making...
Nothing against Pioneer, only things that make our experience more expensive while limiting the pressure to innovate, that competition brings. Have an awesome one everyone and enjoy your holiday Phil. 🙌
We have nothing against any of these companies, but at the same time we call them out when we think they’re shortchanging people (we give Serato a hard time for Pitch ‘n Time costing so much for instance as part of a pack when it should be a core feature)
Technics/Panasonic should make a bid for Serato... I feel it would be a great re-entry tactic into the DJ market for Technics and make a good "neutral" ownership... But what do i know? 🤷♂
Good shout! Imagine a range of standalone Technics controllers, players, mixers, headphones, PA kit & great software all integrated... bit of a wet dream that!
Ha ha it would be an outside bet!
@@FlyCasual1 and what a wonderful dream that would be... Honestly its such a good match for both brands even just thinking about the DVS route they could take things. Someone somehow needs to get that match in heaven made.
Technics Serato 😎
12 inch platter technics controller 😊
Final point on playing on many things, but it shouldn't be on the paying customer to have to jump between playlist prep systems. Cue, tempo, loops, and all track-preparation things should be agreed to become open-source between software platforms the way synth manufacturers put aside competition in the 80s to produce the MIDI standard for their industry.
Yes this would be great
The biggest problem is us Djs hype up serato so much that many Djs wether major or new beginners are so scared to say they either use or are big fans of any other dj software. So other companies may not want to put time or funding into any other dj software because it may not even go anywhere because serato already has that hype as the software to use.
Stop hyping it then! 😀
The scenery is absolutely gorgeous thank you for sharing the news and the beautiful scenery
Glad you enjoyed it :)
im glad i never depended on software for live shows since 2002
I was at a music festival and had a usb filled with tracks to play, but had to have rekord box to use their hardware. Forget about it. I played the set on my ableton live with a 4 channel interface.
standardize every mapping, annalyzing, all software should be compatible with every software.
That would be ideal!
If asset management companies encourage both companies to be "friendly" with one another, either company could simply strategically share (open the books) to the other to gain IP and compatibility. If they do this as board members continue to focus on market share, the situation will eventually still play out the same.
Wise words and to an extent we would guess happening already
Rane should buy Serato that would be a perfect storm and the bashing of djs because of the software has to stop! We are all in this together. Enjoy your holiday Phil.
Thanks I will
That's why I invested in a stand alone, have options, engine dj or serato. Serato has become buggy since the serato update.engine dj is superb! Just bring us stems please!! Enjoy your holiday!.. Safe travels mate!
Thanks and we agree, Engine DJ is a good platform
I'd like to see more 'permanent purchase' options as an alternative to subscriptions. Serato Expansions in particular.
You can permanently purchase them, just for a horribly big amount of money
It shouldn't be a big deal to plug in your controller of choice in DJ booths, given that the industry standard is normally a half broken CDJ. I agree that we should be agnostic, but the "bad workmen blame tools" addage really shouldn't have to apply when it's so easy to plug any gear into any mixer, within reason. If Apple buy Algoriddim we'll be mixing in a VR headset before long anyway.
Some good thinking there
All my problems were solved back in 2012. I just bought a perpetual VDJ license.
In 2015 I bought rekordbox and tractor scratch pro 2.
Then pioneer made my ddjsx obsolete.
Someone like Yamaha needs to de-couple the controllers.
In 2024.. I just finished a school disco... with.. VDJ.
Yeah I bought mine in 2004 and its still going strong
AlphaTheta should add AES/EBU outputs to their controllers and mixers.
Care to elaborate?
Friday 7-15-24 I agree totally with all you said. I especially would like to see engine dj develop into a complete dj software. I enjoy djing with standalone and with a laptop so yes if these guys would just get their act together, men that would be great no more frustration.
Let’s see what happens next!
I *really* wish an open standard for music library metadata was adopted throughout the industry. Lexicon and Mixo are addressing a pain point that shouldn't exist: the library software should just be a thin, interchangeable layer within the larger hardware & software ecosystems. This imho is the hardest obstacle to becoming platform agnostic. It can be overcome. But there are obstacles put in one's way. Deliberately.
Agreed, just can’t see it happening sadly
I have Serato..but I’ve been working with Traktor…with Traktor Pro 4 further leads me away from other platforms.
I don’t think that’s in inmusic plans. They had deckadance dj and never did anything with it because they wanted to develop stand alone hardware. Deckadance was way ahead of its time. It had a lot of innovative features including flexible beat grids in 2015. Now that’s the tech that is the most exciting thing in 2024 and beyond. Can you imagine if they’d have tried to develop this technology. They wouldn’t be worried about what Serato DJ being sold. Google deckadance and see 😢
I want Apple to buy DJAY and DJ work with every controller or more controllers
You could draw parallels with PC component companies like AMD, Nvidia and Intel. All the hardware and software (mostly) work well together and have done for years. Why DJ companies are lagging behind really baffles me.
Small market and strange history I think
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Phil! I really value your insights and tips. I agree about having a holistic view of DJ'ing which I have had to learn over time. What really taught me this was learning how to spin vinyl in the past two years... this gave me a new perspective because I started DJ'ing digitally in 2018. My first Pioneer DJ controller was the DDJ-SR2 and the software I used was Serato. When stems was released in Serato in 2022, I could not believe that Rekordbox did not have these sort of features. Kinda wild to me! I started using Rekordbox for the first time in 2023 because I upgraded to a XDJ-RX3 (yes you can technically use Serato on it too, but I'm trying to simulate a CDJ vibe with Rekordbox on this hardware). I wish I could just have 1 music library....going between Serato and Rekordbox isn't a great experience for me.
I still use my DDJ-SR2 controller with Serato for small gigs like pop-up events, restaurants, bars, rooftops, and I like to use the XDJ-RX3 for practicing at home. But I'd like to start using it for gigs sometime soon too. It's just not as portable as the SR2.
I also like to use Beatport when using Serato. I subscribe to the professional plan so I'm allowed an infinite number of playlists from their huge music library (which has gotten easier to browse over the years) and I can store 1,000 song in my "offline" Beatport Locker making it so easy to play songs when I don't have an internet connection at a venue and when I don't want to buy the music. This service helps me when I'm playing for 4-hours at bars and restaurants for example. Yes, Rekordbox has Beatport, but what is SO annoying for me personally is that you have to analyze each individual track before it fully loads into the deck... In Serato the tracks you pull from Beatport are already analyzed which helps speed things up for me. Are there any other DJ's out there that wish they could just take the music from these streaming services and be able to play it on ANY equipment like CDJ's or XDJ's? Oh, and for it to not require a laptop when it comes to Beatport, TIDAL, or Soundcloud for example? Maybe it's possible. I'm not sure. Thoughts?
Streaming music is on the CDJ3000s from Beatport
@@digitaldjtipsokay, I thought I heard about this. Thank you for confirming. Is it any good? Is it reliable?
I would like a 4 channel controller with toggle fx that’s lightweight and works with all software
I definitely agree with you. Alfa Theta should stay away from software. They can’t even make rekordbox to work nicely. Imagine DJ merge with Virtual DJ….wow!!!! I think Virtual DJ skeptical on changing their because many ppl already know the name. But yes it be nice if they go by a funky name such as VDJ Pro. I used DJpro software and it’s amazing. I think it’s much better than VDJ. Wishing the best for Tracktor. I think they are really underrated
Thanks!
Phil dropping knowledge in the Czech milsurp hat :) giddyup
Camping cap 🧢
I think we dj's need some base that works for every dj hardware. I hate that every G4d4ng venue has PIONEER...and my SERATO doesn't fit in. I can't get even waveform...not to mention to get my cue points out.
Such is the reality today!
I have the denondj prime 4 plus stand alone controller. I have both serato and virtual Dj as well. For software I prefer virtual Dj or my stand alone. I do use serato when I blend with other Djs. All 3 use tidal streaming. All three seem stable. make the best with what software your using.
Your final sentence is the TRUTH
Great news!
I agree, Virtual DJ is a brilliant program, but the name has got to go.
If Serato really wants to sell, I think Reloop should buy them out. They have a lot more DJ hardware compared to Roland or Akai. I think those 2 companies align well together.
Think Reloop may be too small for this
Really great analysis of the Dj Software -Thank You Allan
Glad you enjoyed it
Yeah the problem with platform agnostic, is the trend toward streaming music as the music source and the software locks you into a platform.
Mmmmm. Tidal is on every platform? Beatport, too?
Yup
I just bought a pair of turntables because using a controller is getting annoying because of the software updates and subscriptions.
1. Get rid of subscription models - as DJs we shouldn't be paying hand over fist to keep using stuff on new laptops etc.
2. I think AlphaTheta should have stick to what they know (i.e. CDJs and the DDJ-1000), using AlphaTheta as their experimental brand for stuff like the Opus Quad and the PLX-Cross 12.
3. People need to start making Standalone mixers more affordable (it's doable as it's been done by the likes of Vonyx and Omnitronic - but it could still be cheaper again).
4. Virtual DJ is crap - their beat matching goes out of sync and does not hold up as well as Rekordbox or Serato.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here
I’m only just seeing your vid Phil, but this is good news. I am really against the monopoly thing and had grave misgivings for the industry with the attempted takeover of Serato by AT. I like the fact that there is different autonomous platforms and choice. I am an engine dj convert and can’t imagine going to anything else as my mainstay (P4/MSP/MCX). Saying that, I have Rekordbox for my XZ (standalone) and Rekordbox /VDJ with laptop for my wego 4 (when using my backpack set up). I use Serato/VDJ with my MC6000. I also, from time to time use XDJR1 with my cd’s (was an original vinyl/CD DJ). Given the amount of gigs I do (several per month as is my hobby), I have plenty of opportunity and variety to change platforms. The important point is it keeps me fresh, challenged, the mind and skill set agile and engaged. I can turn up at most venues if not using my own equipment and do at least the basics straight away: The ‘Language’ for all platforms/ equipment is essentially the same as things currently stand. That for me (obviously giving first class entertainment for decades) is the love of the art of DJaying and the industry. I also echo what many have said on this thread. DJMIKEYJ
Thanks DJMikeyJ
I personally would like to see Searto bought out or better merged with NI and Traktor. And I would like to see NI buy or merge with Bitwig. Along with their prior acquisition, Izotope, that would be a combination dreams are made of. It would then boil down in the future to NI, Alpha Theta, and Apple (Once the acquisition of Djay is complete!). I think Apple will ultimately go the route of no Hardware and just Vision Pro or something along that model with no physical gear. Of course, people want to see you DJ. That could be accomplished with Large format screen share.
Wow, some great vision there! You can envisage a different future with more imagination than I can. Let’s see…
I’d love to see InMusic buy Algoriddim. Djay pro natively with Denon gear, Rane, Numark, Stanton. Be pretty decent.
Can’t see that happening though
Zero problems with my SRT & Serato. Serato and the FLX10, nothing but nightmares. I even tried using the beta to see if that would help, but the same crap. I use Algoriddim DJ Pro 5.2 and have zero issues. I have 4 other friends that are having multiple issues with Serato and the FLX10. All of us are on silicon chips on a Mac.
FLX10 is primarily a Rekordbox controller and doesn’t work as labelled with Serato, should mostly work though
Some kind of open source or standard protocols for library managament and hardware integration... Perhaps the big hw peeps can have 'certified' status for software, but this shift would open things uo to consumers and nake the software owners compete on features, performance and stability
The most popular request
I just want reckordbox to sort out quality stems, thanks Phil enjoy your holiday.
Thanks, we are/will!
Modular & non DAW setups seem to becoming more popular merging live play & djing together, just look at how Carl Cox & Richie Hawten play currently. Myself preferably use Traktor, 2x X1 mk2's & my laptop, this will plug into any mixer with an integrated SC.
Yeah it’s a good way for some types of DJ
I recommend buying a groove box. Make your own music and perform it live.
Great fun
The prices of Top DJ Gear frustrate me... I had the Traktor Z2 and that is a good price range for a Top Battle Mixer 😁 It's a pity they stop production and I had to switch to other software.
Have BPM & KEY sorting functions in all your Tidal and other streaming platforms straight from the gear. I know how to DJ on basically all gear and vinyl so that's all good. I know stems and other technology will get better so I'm not complaining.
Better DJ features in streaming = definitely!
I’ve been DJING almost 30 years and my best move by far was switching from Serato to Vdj. I literally can’t use anything else. The features are too prolific.
Glad you’re enjoying it
I would like to see smaller hardware companies that cannot afford to develop their software join their forces and support Mixxx. Mixxx could charge them for support (like Red Hat does) and use that funding to develop a better product. The hardware companies could form an unofficial "InMusic Group" type of alliance and use economies of scale to their advantage.
That would be good
Excellent news... let pio feel the heat!!!! Fix your issues don't buy your way out!!!
Looks like the deal is history