If you’re running a laptop to DJ, you need software. Unless you’re spinning vinyl or playing back files from a USB on a set of decks, you need a DJ program which allows you the basic functions of crossfading and EQing. But their limitations are what often cause DJs to feel the need to pay for the full experience. Music preparation software is one thing, but playback and learning performance DJing are another. And these tools are getting expensive.
Price experiments
Some DJ software is free. Both Rekordbox (for standalone Pioneer DJing) and Engine DJ (for Denon and Numark) are free. But at this point in time, the idea of a product is shifting away from industrial-era physical goods to intellectual property. It’s a brave new world, and developers are experimenting with price. Nobody knows exactly what the products are actually worth, because the market for new and specific DJ software is still so new and volatile. So bear in mind that pricing products is a bit of a crapshoot, even from the point of view of those making them.
How much does DJ software cost?
There are two ways of paying for software: outright purchase or monthly subscription. The price for the leading brands ranges from $49 a year (djay Pro AI) to $399 outright (Serato). Traktor, one of the most popular platforms, comes in at $99 outright, which could be considered a good average price. When you purchase the accompanying hardware, some features may require you to upgrade for an additional cost. For example, purchasing the Numark NS4FX controller ($499) requires a full version of Serato ($299), and can’t be used with Serato DJ Lite.
Is expensive DJ gear worth it?
There are a ton of features available to DJs these days. Key and beat sync, cloud-based music collections, video mixing, lighting control. So yeah, it might be worth it if you’re resourced enough to use the gear to put on a show that earns a lot. But to justify the costs of these top-tier solutions, you really need to be thick in the game of DJing ‘and fairly connected to the key promoters in your regional scene.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a flex and you can afford to drop $1000 on gear, it’s a fantastic feeling. Being able to control the energy in a room from a single console is a reason to get up in the morning. But the gear isn’t what you need to achieve that feeling. Magic is made when you’re passionate about the tunes you’re playing. People sense it. Wanna get there quicker? Master Serato DJ performance with our Serato DJ Course.