DJ Mixer Express

DJ Mixer Express is a piece of software that uses digital track decks to mix new creations from existing MP3 files. With this software, you have the freedom to mix how you want.

If you've ever used an interface for an audio software suite before, the UI for DJ Mixer Express will feel quite familiar. On the top portion of the app screen is a collection of the most common and useful tools and functions an audio suite of this caliber should have. There are controls for filters, speed, volume, pan, and there are two virtual decks.

On the lower half of the app screen is a series of timelines for each track that is currently playing along with a complete library of all your music content. The software is meant to feel as close to the real thing as possible, so DJs who have neglected to transition fully into the digital world won't have any issues transitioning now.

The virtual decks behave exactly as physical decks would in the same circumstances. You can even scratch the decks to produce that classic raspy sound. It is a bit cumbersome to have to manipulate the controls with the mouse through the top of the app window, but you'll get accustomed to the change relatively quickly.

Your library that shows up on the bottom of the app window has an excellent and precise search function that certainly overcomes the dull nature of the music database.

DJ Mixer Express wouldn't be a complete mixing software suite if it didn't include a number of professional-grade audio filters. These advanced filters are just the start for the software, however. It also features a number of amazing effects like delay and brake reproduction. To add the finishing touches and help finalize your creation, the software includes a number of preloaded instrumental loops and an auto-panning function.

One issue that DJs of all experience levels tend to deal with is discerning the BPM rate, or Beats Per Minute, of a song. Without this knowledge, it is nearly impossible to seamlessly mix two audio sources. To help with this, DJ Mixer Express can detect the BPM rate of songs so you don't have to worry about it. Even veteran DJs will love this feature.

Perhaps the most annoying feature of this software is that it is a free trial for a full paid version that has the complete functionality of the suite. With the trial version, you don't have to pay a dime, but you also only get to use the software for 20 minutes before the trial is complete. This provides you with enough opportunity to try out the functions and general utility of the app, and you may have time to start your first project, but you almost certainly won't finish it in the allotted time. This might prompt you to upgrade to the full version if you feel the software is worth the effort and your money.

DJ Mixer Express sets you up with simple digital decks that create hypnotic mash-ups of your favorite songs. Anyone who has used DJ Mixer Express's interface will know how to use the audio tool because it is similar to other tools. At the top part of the screen, you have features and options that you might expect from an audio tool, and there is volume, two virtual decks, and speeds. In the lower section of your screen, you have a database for your music, and the timelines will show the individual tracks that are being played.

Even DJs who have not entered the digital age will not find that this feels foreign, and apart from the option to manipulate everything at the top of the screen, it also has a cursor. It works a lot like how you might expect with the physical decks. In fact, you can even "scratch" like you might with a physical deck. At the bottom of the screen, you have a record library, and where it lacks for tactile joy, it more than accommodates with a brilliant search function.

DJ Mixer Express uses a host of filters that are combined with other effects like delay and brake reproduction. Some of the other additions include loops, auto panning and extra polish to the creation. With these programs, you also have automatic BPM detection, which becomes a valuable tool, whether you are a veteran DJ or a newly starting expert. This software has been built for everyone who wants to make music and become a DJ.

The unfortunate side of DJ Mixer Express is that it only gives you 20 minutes to play with the tools, and it gives you enough to start, but it does not give you enough to finish the project. The developers apparently assumed that after just 20 minutes of using their software, you would buy it. To be fair, the 20 minutes does give you a taste of what it has to offer, and it leaves it up to you to decide if this is the software for you.

With a robust level of features, you have easy-to-use software that is both affordable and intended for a wide selection of fans of music radio. The advantage of this system is that you can automate the more common tasks, such as beat mixing. You can also control the mix and adjust it so that you have volume for each deck. With the various audio effects, you have endless levels of creativity that you can apply. iTunes will integrate flawlessly with your favorite videos and songs. All you have to do is drag and drop. It also lets you get creative with your own musical tastes. When it comes to audio formats, you have a whole host of formats that are supported.