In the world of digital DJ software, there are a handful of top-level choices available to you. One of the best choices for beginner/intermediate level DJs is VirtualDJ. Perhaps a bit simpler than some of its competitors, that means it’s reasonably quick to get started.
In this essential “getting started with Virtual DJ” kick start guide, we will have you getting accustomised with VirtualDJ in no time at all. Due to the fluidity of VirtualDJ compared to other software available on the market, the time between installing and spinning the first track is pleasantly meager.
Logging in to your VirtualDJ account
The first thing you will have to do when getting started with the Virtual DJ software is you will need to log in to your account using your virtualdj.com account or connect to one of the available mediums (Facebook, Microsoft ID, WeChat, Google).
By connecting an account to VirtualDJ, you will gain access to its user community and endless addons/plugins. It also gives you the ability to podcast via their website, as well as accessing CloudLists, Ask the DJ, and more.
Audio setup (Controller, External Mixer & Digital Players)
With your VirtualDJ account now connected to the software, you are ready to start setting up the virtual DJ audio and one step closer to your first mix.
VirtualDJ’s easily navigable settings menus make it as simple as possible to configure anything you need within the software. Starting with the audio tab on the left-hand side of the menu screen, you will see a combination of buttons and drop-downs to choose from – based on your hardware setup.
This screen also gives you the ability to save configurations, meaning you can switch from one to another within a couple of clicks. Let’s take a look at two of the most common DJ layouts, depending on the hardware you may have available to you:
Controller
Perhaps the easiest of all DJ software setups. If you are wanting to get started with Virtual DJ, a DJ controller with a built-in mixer, you will only need the controller and any speakers/headphones you want to use.
Connect your controller to your computer via USB – ensuring all audio leading out of your controller is connected. Making sure you have already downloaded and installed all appropriate drivers/firmware before proceeding, open VirtualDJ, and then head to the audio tab within the settings menu.
Set the output to Speaker + Headphone and select your controller (that should have now appeared) from the hardware section. Making sure both buttons are highlighted – and you can see the master/headphones outputs listed below – click on Apply at the bottom of the screen.
When it comes to mapping, (like most of its competitors) VirtualDJ comes with a database of in-built presets for most major controller manufacturers. You can check if your controller is supported by visiting their website.
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External Mixer & Digital Players
Getting started with this aspect of Virtual DJ a little more complex. If you want to use an external mixer and independent decks, you will need an audio interface or soundcard with at least 2 stereo outputs. You will also need an Analog Mixer or Pro Infinity License to use this configuration.
When using this setup, bear in mind that (within VirtualDJ) the interface mixer controls will remain untouched. This is because analog mixers have no way of sending a digital signal back into VirtualDJ.
Connect the outputs of your audio interface or soundcard to the corresponding channel inputs on your external mixer. Ensuring you have already downloaded and installed all appropriate drivers/firmware before proceeding, open VirtualDJ, and then head to the audio tab within the settings menu.
Set the output to Separate Decks and select your and select your audio interface or soundcard (that should have now appeared) from the hardware section. Making sure both buttons are highlighted – and you can see the correct outputs listed below – click on Apply at the bottom of the screen.
The Interface
When it comes to using VirtualDJ, (much like its competitors) there is a choice of different preset interfaces available – Starter, Essentials, Pro & Performance. You can easily jump from one to another using the Layout drop-down at the top of the main screen.
Although the level of depth each interface preset contains may vary, they are all made from the same essential elements – the waveform bar, left and right decks, mixer, sampler, and browser.
Before actively playing inside VirtualDJ, we would encourage you to familiarise yourself with the different presets and choose one that suits your preference.
Importing music
Importing your music is possible via different methods, the easiest being simply dragging and dropping it from a folder on your machine. VirtualDJ’s comprehensive browser section makes it as easy as possible for you to browse your entire system, as well as navigate third-party app playlists or supported file formats.
Its depth is deceptive because of its simple feel, forgiving you to be fooled by its lightning-fast indexing and searching capabilities. You can import music and craft playlists/crates within VirtualDJ, removing the need to use other programs – e.g. Rekordbox.
Our Final Thoughts on Virtual DJ
In just a few simple steps you’re ready to get started with VirtualDJ at home, at a private function, or even a major club space. VirtualDJ’s simplicity strips back all of the technical CPU-demanding aspects of some of its competitors, allowing you to focus on what you do best – providing the jams.
There are more creative aspects to VirtualDJ as a DJ software – like video mapping and karaoke tools – which make it as versatile as you need it to be, but it also holds its weight as a straightforward plug-and-play platform.
You will now have all of the tools you need to get started with VirtualDJ, along with having our essential kick-start guide to reference – should you encounter any snags or pesky tech gremlins.
We will circle back in the not-too-distant future to take a deeper dive into VirtualDJ’s more complex features and functions, but for now… happy spinning, and if you need any help getting started with Virtual DJ be free to reach out on our social media.
