It’s a shame. In this day and age i’m conditioned such that it was one of the first things I thought looked for, half-expecting to see a “rate” and not a “price” and a rate is what I got😔. I appreciate what the software aims to do but subscriptions have gotten out of hand.
I agree. I'm happy to pay a subscription for services but not for a piece of software that is a tool essentially. Or give a fixed cost for this version, then charge an optional upgrade fee every year for the new and improved features
This is tuition! Thanks Phil! I am a djay Pro AI user, and I use iTunes to organize my library, then djay in iCloud to sync cue points and beat grid adjustments across my devices. This is part of what locks me into djay. Unless you are using different dj software, or don’t like the lack of customization for things like variable-tempo tracks or djay mistaking the key, it’s simply sufficient, and comes with a robust built-in backup. This system is part of what allowed djay to grow in capability with my needs - that I started on an iPad, and picked right up on the Mac. It seems like Pioneer now has a cloud solution that goes two steps further. First, it eliminates the need for iTunes, the old clunker program to which I may be shackled until one of us dies. Second, it lets you DJ in the club with nothing but internet access and something you know - your account credentials. I would find that very appealing if I frequented clubs. I do not trust the other services examined in this video, as I have tried moving a music library between streaming services in the past and it was a complete nightmare. With djay’s proprietary on-the-fly beatgridding and incompatibility with MixedInKey tags, I can only assume moving my library out of djay would be like migrating streaming services all over again.
Hey Mark, I'm the developer of the DJ Conversion Utility (DJCU). DJCU can convert from djay Pro AI (macOS) to most other DJ software, so you're far from being locked out. There is another app, the DJ Conversion Utility Streaming (DJCU/s) which does the same for tracks on streaming services (Tidal, Beatport and Beatsource are supported). So you got options :)
Hi Mark.. I’m about to get into this and as Djay Pro has come a long way recently, was thinking of going with Apple. Do you mind if I shoot you a few questions ?
Downloaded Mixo on Android and Mac. It's in Beta and looks promising. I mentioned before that I recently changed from Rekordbox to Engine Dj (SC6000 prime price point is a no brainer for someone on my budget) and what I did was use the Record box App to edit, cue point etc , on the fly and then import into Engine Dj...it works but I'm excited by Mixo...if lexicon had a mobile app, (they say its coming) I'll check it out....One of my fave prog tracks of all time "My Lexicon" -Sander Kleinenberg...my fave remix is the Eelke Kleijn Space Mix.... Thanks for this great info Phil, perfect timing. Much appreciated 👌
Thanks for this great video. So if I use both Rekordbox and Serato (for a variety of reasons), I would have to continually re-do the cue points and beat grid each time I used the two platforms independently, correct? Thanks again everyone.
I found Lexicon to be a good replacement for Crate Hackers. Basically, I'm not into Hip-Hop, EDM, or wedding DJ style stuff; I only ended up using the Spotify and text import feature. Lexicon does that a tad better and why pay monthly for both? The Smartlist feature is also pretty good but I miss a couple of options from iTunes like song limits, etc.
So in your experience, what's the best software in terms of music analysis accuracy (bpm, key, beat grid, cue points, etc.), Including Mix in key and the likes? I have thousands of tracks that would need to be analyzed, sorted, etc. as I'm getting back into DJ'ing from a time where there was no software 😊 Also, is there any way to protect the files correctly prepared in Serato for instance, from getting reanalyzed by one of these external softwares (sorry for the noob question 😅)? Really appreciate the efforts you put into all your videos, thank you so much!
1. Serato, Rekordbox are the best two 2. Yes you can lock the tracks, the DJ software keeps its own database so you can analyse in lots of software without “overwriting” any other
Excellent info man,.quick question,.so say I choose Serato for my library ,cut up my tunes,create the hot cues,stems,etc,.,.can I download my library with all the work put into it on a usb storage device,so basically the same idea as the cloud apps but on hardware.
Hey Jay, developer of DJCU here, exactly this was the main topic of my latest AMA live stream for DJs. The playback is right in my TH-cam channel and I talk you through all the steps, and warn you about the differences.
These subscription prices are prohibitively expensive. I wonder how long before they re-examine these subscription models bearing in mind everything else we subscribe to. This should be a buy one time deal and pay for upgrades if you want/need them in future versions. Not value for money in my book. I’m out. 😢
Any advice on the following would be much appreciate it. In virtual DJ, I use hashtags in the comment field to organize my music files. I’m always thinking of new hashtags to add to new and old music files such as #FemaleVocalist, #Baritone, #Hybrid, and etc. As you can imaging many of my older files can have a very unique series of hashtags from any other files that I have. When dealing with a high number of files which all have different series of hashtags unlike each other, how can I add a hashtag to thousands of files at the at once, that all might have the new hashtag I want to updates in common? Any software or anything within the software that will allow me to make these changes?
Biggest problem I've found with itunes (Apple Music) now is that it crashes on exit and doesn't save all the time now. I've been using it for 11 years now and my library is over 1TB, I think it's just too big now for apple music to handle well. I think I'll give mixo a go.
Slightly off topic Phil....Are there any good programs that sort or analyse tracks by bit quality to filter out poor quality tracks in your library as downloads can sometimes be lower quality ie 320kbps sounds more like 128kbps. Also is there anything that could master those poor quality tracks to something more playable quality ?
Not sure on the first (you can probably sort by file type on most ID3 editors, maybe even Music/iTunes), and no you can't "fix" low quality formats/music files.
Paying every month for an half assed piece of software… Serato, rekordbox, virtual dj, they all have very powerful ljbraries. You dont need no BS software that will crash your computers.
Very informative Phil, as usual. I’m one of those old times DJ’s from the Dawn of djaying in the 70’s as a schoolboy. Been active ever since so not much I haven’t seen. I don’t need any of the cloud based storage services (although I do have Dropbox on which I store my engine music- only because I had Dropbox previously). iTunes is fine for me and does all I need- as in your vid, I don’t do the cues, loops etc, except for on the fly and in the heat of the moment so don’t need to store them. Been doing things by ear and following the vibes, it’s all instinctive and less mechanical, I approach every function as a fresh challenge and have no ‘one size’ type of playlists for functions. However, I appreciate it’s a generation thing and the type of crowd one caters for. My generally ‘older’ customer aren’t into all the fancy stuff and as long as the dance is hyped up, and the couples getting down, it’s all good and a success.
Lexicon is great and i can see the appeal for gigging djs but its just way to expensive for hobbyists, i would love to use it insted of engine but cant justify the cost. I just sigh up for a month once a year to tidy my library up
hmmh. kinda useful video to know that itunes is probably still the only alternative I wanna use really. I'd be ok with any app that creates itunes library really, but can't have one with itunes store on same computer. =/
I kinda hate new itunes versions though since there's so much stuff I don't need on top of organizing music. Old itunes versions were my nr1 choice for 10 good years, but they removed the store from it a while ago and I need it every now and then. You also will have problems with old itunes, if you use iphone and need to connect it to same computer.
I once tried one conversion software, but it just ruined half of my library instantly. luckily I had some sort of backup. always do backup when you test these. or do the testing on other device.
Rekordbox is kinda only dj software that gets the struggle of organizing tens of thousands of tracks. Other ones I've tried are not very good in organizing music really. You need to have a good UI for that. My friend used to do this through normal windows file system, but I don't like the idea of having duplicate files of same song.
@@digitaldjtips free? No. A set price? Yes. Monthly? Definitely not. It doesn't have anywhere near the benefits nor breathe of anything with a subscription model (ie. Netflix, Amazon, Xbox Game Pass, etc). You pay for a program and your hardware does all the work. Its not going through their servers to analyze and keep the cues. Our hardware does it. So what am I paying monthly for? (Updates aren't a reason)
![[Full] 4 ต่อ 4 Celebrity EP.922 | 10 พ.ย. 67 | one31](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zmV5HRIxIBI/mqdefault.jpg)
Unfortunately, the subscription method of payment is a no go for me….
But you can cancel anytime 😤🤦🏾♂️
Same. It’s a non-starter.
It’s a shame. In this day and age i’m conditioned such that it was one of the first things I thought looked for, half-expecting to see a “rate” and not a “price” and a rate is what I got😔. I appreciate what the software aims to do but subscriptions have gotten out of hand.
@@OneOkami claim it in taxes
I agree. I'm happy to pay a subscription for services but not for a piece of software that is a tool essentially. Or give a fixed cost for this version, then charge an optional upgrade fee every year for the new and improved features
This is tuition! Thanks Phil!
I am a djay Pro AI user, and I use iTunes to organize my library, then djay in iCloud to sync cue points and beat grid adjustments across my devices. This is part of what locks me into djay. Unless you are using different dj software, or don’t like the lack of customization for things like variable-tempo tracks or djay mistaking the key, it’s simply sufficient, and comes with a robust built-in backup. This system is part of what allowed djay to grow in capability with my needs - that I started on an iPad, and picked right up on the Mac. It seems like Pioneer now has a cloud solution that goes two steps further. First, it eliminates the need for iTunes, the old clunker program to which I may be shackled until one of us dies. Second, it lets you DJ in the club with nothing but internet access and something you know - your account credentials. I would find that very appealing if I frequented clubs.
I do not trust the other services examined in this video, as I have tried moving a music library between streaming services in the past and it was a complete nightmare. With djay’s proprietary on-the-fly beatgridding and incompatibility with MixedInKey tags, I can only assume moving my library out of djay would be like migrating streaming services all over again.
I’d go with Djay if it worked with my Traktor Kontrol S5.
Hey Mark, I'm the developer of the DJ Conversion Utility (DJCU).
DJCU can convert from djay Pro AI (macOS) to most other DJ software, so you're far from being locked out.
There is another app, the DJ Conversion Utility Streaming (DJCU/s) which does the same for tracks on streaming services (Tidal, Beatport and Beatsource are supported).
So you got options :)
"the old clunker program to which I may be shackled until one of us dies" < love this!
Hi Mark.. I’m about to get into this and as Djay Pro has come a long way recently, was thinking of going with Apple. Do you mind if I shoot you a few questions ?
Fantastic content as always Phil!!! TY!!
Glad you enjoyed this
Loved you class…please tell me how can I use lexicon to just get my genre for 1300 karaoke tracks that did not come with my downloads.
Downloaded Mixo on Android and Mac. It's in Beta and looks promising. I mentioned before that I recently changed from Rekordbox to Engine Dj (SC6000 prime price point is a no brainer for someone on my budget) and what I did was use the Record box App to edit, cue point etc , on the fly and then import into Engine Dj...it works but I'm excited by Mixo...if lexicon had a mobile app, (they say its coming) I'll check it out....One of my fave prog tracks of all time "My Lexicon" -Sander Kleinenberg...my fave remix is the Eelke Kleijn Space Mix.... Thanks for this great info Phil, perfect timing. Much appreciated 👌
My Lexicon is a gorgeous track! I once DJed with Sander, nice guy, turned up in flip flops.
@Digital DJ Tips Totally and that's so cool that you got to spin with him🙌 👌
I stop the stream as soon as I heard subscription-based only. Not for me.
No you're right, sub services are not for everyone.
Thanks for the Info
No problem!
I don’t mind the apps people tired of subscriptions
Thanks for this great video. So if I use both Rekordbox and Serato (for a variety of reasons), I would have to continually re-do the cue points and beat grid each time I used the two platforms independently, correct? Thanks again everyone.
Yes, unless you use a third-party app to sync them - DJCU for Mac is good, MIXO can do it, Lexicon DJ worth a look too.
When you use DJCU does it save your FLIPS and Loops ?Thank You good stuff
Loops, yes, flips, no
Great review, Mixo for $7 seems like a great deal. When you play the music from Mixo locally, is it streamed from their cloud?
No, it's on your Dropbox (which has a local copy)
Good vid again Phil and a decent addition.. but tidal sub, restream, mixcloud, soundcloud...all mounts up!
Oh it does for sure!
Does Lexicon export your saved loops and hot cues in Serato ?
Not sure but I'd guess so
Sadly you can use phone data to DJ. Ughhhh Djay is still winning period!! I did a whole gig with Djay no issues! Used tidal.
I use Serato Dj on my laptop & Djay on my IPad can lexicon be used for Djay on my iPad . Because Djay doesn’t read my iTunes library
djay should read your iTunes library. Lexicon is currently Mac/Windows only.
I found Lexicon to be a good replacement for Crate Hackers. Basically, I'm not into Hip-Hop, EDM, or wedding DJ style stuff; I only ended up using the Spotify and text import feature. Lexicon does that a tad better and why pay monthly for both?
The Smartlist feature is also pretty good but I miss a couple of options from iTunes like song limits, etc.
Lexicon 3 stars
Thanks
Is there a library software that allows you to export from a iPad to usb key so don’t have to use laptop?
It's not as simple as that, and no, can't think of an easy way to do this for DJing
@@digitaldjtips don’t see no reason why pioneer can’t do this as the newer iPads are all running on Apple m chips now
So in your experience, what's the best software in terms of music analysis accuracy (bpm, key, beat grid, cue points, etc.), Including Mix in key and the likes?
I have thousands of tracks that would need to be analyzed, sorted, etc. as I'm getting back into DJ'ing from a time where there was no software 😊
Also, is there any way to protect the files correctly prepared in Serato for instance, from getting reanalyzed by one of these external softwares (sorry for the noob question 😅)?
Really appreciate the efforts you put into all your videos, thank you so much!
1. Serato, Rekordbox are the best two
2. Yes you can lock the tracks, the DJ software keeps its own database so you can analyse in lots of software without “overwriting” any other
@@digitaldjtips thank you, much appreciated 👍
Excellent info man,.quick question,.so say I choose Serato for my library ,cut up my tunes,create the hot cues,stems,etc,.,.can I download my library with all the work put into it on a usb storage device,so basically the same idea as the cloud apps but on hardware.
Hey Jay, developer of DJCU here, exactly this was the main topic of my latest AMA live stream for DJs. The playback is right in my TH-cam channel and I talk you through all the steps, and warn you about the differences.
Cool man I’ll take a look ;)
Lexicon does the cloud backup too
It does indeed, as mentioned
These subscription prices are prohibitively expensive. I wonder how long before they re-examine these subscription models bearing in mind everything else we subscribe to. This should be a buy one time deal and pay for upgrades if you want/need them in future versions. Not value for money in my book. I’m out. 😢
Like all businesses, it'll all come down to the numbers.
Any advice on the following would be much appreciate it. In virtual DJ, I use hashtags in the comment field to organize my music files. I’m always thinking of new hashtags to add to new and old music files such as #FemaleVocalist, #Baritone, #Hybrid, and etc. As you can imaging many of my older files can have a very unique series of hashtags from any other files that I have. When dealing with a high number of files which all have different series of hashtags unlike each other, how can I add a hashtag to thousands of files at the at once, that all might have the new hashtag I want to updates in common? Any software or anything within the software that will allow me to make these changes?
You should look at bulk ID3 editing software - maybe MP3Tag could do it? (Google it)
Biggest problem I've found with itunes (Apple Music) now is that it crashes on exit and doesn't save all the time now. I've been using it for 11 years now and my library is over 1TB, I think it's just too big now for apple music to handle well. I think I'll give mixo a go.
Slightly off topic Phil....Are there any good programs that sort or analyse tracks by bit quality to filter out poor quality tracks in your library as downloads can sometimes be lower quality ie 320kbps sounds more like 128kbps. Also is there anything that could master those poor quality tracks to something more playable quality ?
Not sure on the first (you can probably sort by file type on most ID3 editors, maybe even Music/iTunes), and no you can't "fix" low quality formats/music files.
Paying every month for an half assed piece of software…
Serato, rekordbox, virtual dj, they all have very powerful ljbraries. You dont need no BS software that will crash your computers.
Bit simplistic (none of those apps have all the features here, hence the reason for this type of software). You don't have to go for it!
Very informative Phil, as usual. I’m one of those old times DJ’s from the Dawn of djaying in the 70’s as a schoolboy. Been active ever since so not much I haven’t seen. I don’t need any of the cloud based storage services (although I do have Dropbox on which I store my engine music- only because I had Dropbox previously). iTunes is fine for me and does all I need- as in your vid, I don’t do the cues, loops etc, except for on the fly and in the heat of the moment so don’t need to store them. Been doing things by ear and following the vibes, it’s all instinctive and less mechanical, I approach every function as a fresh challenge and have no ‘one size’ type of playlists for functions. However, I appreciate it’s a generation thing and the type of crowd one caters for. My generally ‘older’ customer aren’t into all the fancy stuff and as long as the dance is hyped up, and the couples getting down, it’s all good and a success.
Thanks for sharing and keep on rocking, manchah1!
Lexicon is great and i can see the appeal for gigging djs but its just way to expensive for hobbyists, i would love to use it insted of engine but cant justify the cost. I just sigh up for a month once a year to tidy my library up
Good tactic!
Would be nice to get some AI to help out with the library organisation and backup. Managing your library is never the easiest thing about DJing
True!
hmmh. kinda useful video to know that itunes is probably still the only alternative I wanna use really. I'd be ok with any app that creates itunes library really, but can't have one with itunes store on same computer. =/
I kinda hate new itunes versions though since there's so much stuff I don't need on top of organizing music. Old itunes versions were my nr1 choice for 10 good years, but they removed the store from it a while ago and I need it every now and then. You also will have problems with old itunes, if you use iphone and need to connect it to same computer.
I once tried one conversion software, but it just ruined half of my library instantly. luckily I had some sort of backup. always do backup when you test these. or do the testing on other device.
Rekordbox is kinda only dj software that gets the struggle of organizing tens of thousands of tracks. Other ones I've tried are not very good in organizing music really. You need to have a good UI for that. My friend used to do this through normal windows file system, but I don't like the idea of having duplicate files of same song.
I was super excited till I saw the 7 bucks a month. That's unfortunate.
What, did you expect it to be free?
@@digitaldjtips free? No. A set price? Yes. Monthly? Definitely not. It doesn't have anywhere near the benefits nor breathe of anything with a subscription model (ie. Netflix, Amazon, Xbox Game Pass, etc). You pay for a program and your hardware does all the work. Its not going through their servers to analyze and keep the cues. Our hardware does it. So what am I paying monthly for? (Updates aren't a reason)