Spin the Beats on the Cheap (click to embiggen)

There are two camps in the world of DJing--analog purists and the cutting edge digital folks. While the purists will hold on to their vinyl like a child clutching its favorite toy, the digital folks are out there looking for the best way to rock the house while attempting to stay out of the poor house. With all the software and hardware aimed at digital DJs, it's easy to get fooled into thinking you need a few thousand dollars in equipment to bring the noise. The latest update to djay by Algoriddim will give you the power to rock the beats without breaking the bank.

For the beginner, djay is a painless entry into the world of DJing. For veterans, it's a wonderful addition to your arsenal that doesn't skimp on features. For $50, you're given a surprisingly powerful piece of software. Djay interacts with your existing iTunes library, offering instant access to any DRM-free music you have on your machine. The interface looks like a typical DJ setup with two turntables and a mixer. Drag songs from the music library in the app onto the turntables and they become virtual records complete with album art (if available) while the track name appears above the album with the time elapsed and time left. Helpful if you're in a dark room trying to figure out what song is on each virtual deck.  

Fans of multi-touch will appreciate the quick gestures to fade between songs and the digital scratching. While virtual scratching has a ways to go before it replaces the feel and control of scratching a vinyl record, djay does a commendable job recreating the feeling via multi-touch on the track pad. As tracks are added to the mix, the app quickly displays the BPM to help you determine whether the song will work in the mix, or if you need to speed up, or slow down the track for a seamless mix. The Sync button will help match the BPMs of the two songs, or you can adjust it manually.

The new audio engine handles scratches, variable speed, and reverse admirably even going so far as to replicate the braking sound of a turntable that has been stopped while the needle is still in a groove. The smooth slow-down of the song will spark memories in those of us old enough to remember vinyl. The software ships with audio effects and an EQ to get the sound just right.

If you're tired of mixing and need a break, you can use the Automix feature, build a playlist and let the application take care of the mixes while you cruise the party.

Djay 3 will be available from algoriddim on September 29.