I transitioned from Rekordbox and Serato to Virtual DJ, and I am also a producer. I often use an oscilloscope that assigns colors according to frequency for precise mixing and production. The only aspect of VDJ that feels somewhat lacking to me is the waveform display. I really hope VDJ can update to include colored waveforms. Currently, the waveform display in VDJ looks quite cheap.
That said, I still use it frequently in clubs and appreciate its functionality. From a visual standpoint, the waveforms seem imprecise and outdated, even though they are not. VDJ is the best DJ software I’ve ever used, bar none. Its capabilities, especially its high degree of customization, are beyond my expectations and can keep you engaged for a long time.
I’m merely expressing my hope for an updated waveform display. When I use stems for mixing, I would love to see corresponding frequency bands and waveforms, similar to Serato. That would be incredibly cool. Thank you to everyone working hard for this community and to such a fantastic DJ software company.
That said, I still use it frequently in clubs and appreciate its functionality. From a visual standpoint, the waveforms seem imprecise and outdated, even though they are not. VDJ is the best DJ software I’ve ever used, bar none. Its capabilities, especially its high degree of customization, are beyond my expectations and can keep you engaged for a long time.
I’m merely expressing my hope for an updated waveform display. When I use stems for mixing, I would love to see corresponding frequency bands and waveforms, similar to Serato. That would be incredibly cool. Thank you to everyone working hard for this community and to such a fantastic DJ software company.
Posted Sat 03 Aug 24 @ 7:45 am
use the dropdown for Layout and go to Waveform Display for the waveform option, then open Options and search waveform and experimental.
the manual's section on waveform would also be some suggested reading: https://www.virtualdj.com/manuals/virtualdj/action/search.html?search=waveform&categories=virtualdj
the manual's section on waveform would also be some suggested reading: https://www.virtualdj.com/manuals/virtualdj/action/search.html?search=waveform&categories=virtualdj
Posted Sat 03 Aug 24 @ 8:37 am
Thank you, but when I first started using Virtual DJ, I was already using this mode. I am aware of the colored waveform display according to frequency, but the same display indeed doesn’t look as intuitive and comfortable.
Posted Sun 04 Aug 24 @ 9:58 am
Of course, this is just my personal opinion and doesn’t represent everyone’s view. I just think that compared to Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, and Djay (all of which I have used, and although I don't want to admit it, I find Rekordbox 7's waveform display the closest to the real oscilloscope's waveform effect and coloring), Virtual DJ's display in the same mode doesn't look as intuitive and accurate as the others. This is just my personal viewpoint, and I only hope that VDJ continues to improve!
Posted Sun 04 Aug 24 @ 10:06 am
Can you post some side by side examples of the same track?
Posted Sun 04 Aug 24 @ 2:22 pm
Here is my example (I've deleted Traktor as I don't use it often). First, we have Virtual DJ. I'm not saying Virtual DJ's display is bad, but compared to other software, it always has a somewhat cartoonish and outdated feel. Additionally, the coloring in some areas doesn't look as precise. However, I must say that Virtual DJ has an impressive feature that other software doesn't: the ability to adjust the waveform display size with great flexibility. This is something I find very remarkable.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:36 am
Next is my "ex," Rekordbox 7. Although I really don't want to admit it, Rekordbox was indeed the first DJ software I encountered and used. Its waveform display is, in my opinion, the closest to that of my oscilloscope.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:38 am
Next is Serato. Although Serato looks different from all other software, its display is visually pleasing, which might be due to the software's aesthetic design. Additionally, Serato's stems separation feature allows the waveform to display the corresponding stems of a track.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:42 am
I recently used the latest version of Djay Pro, and it also left a strong impression on me. However, I believe the only areas where Virtual DJ might fall short compared to Djay Pro are in design and marketing. Virtual DJ is not inferior to Djay Pro, but the two software have different aesthetics and feel. This might be because I was a graphic designer before becoming a DJ, so I might be more sensitive to these aspects. (Djay Pro has extremely accurate grids and can detect tempo changes with 90% accuracy.)
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:47 am
Since I haven't downloaded Traktor, I can't do a test with it. If others have it, they can share their experience. Lastly, here is my oscilloscope. As I do a lot of mixing and mastering, an oscilloscope is an essential part of my workflow. It allows me to visually see and analyze frequency bands, saving me a lot of time and reducing the need to repeatedly listen and judge, which can be very tiring for the ears. (The smaller waveform displayed below is in stereo, while my oscilloscope is set to show the mid/side display.)
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:52 am
The example song in all the pictures is "Still D.R.E" by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg. Although I'm using RGB waveforms for testing, the color mode I am most accustomed to is this one. Over 95% of the clubs here use RGB waveforms, so this is just my personal and local habit, and it doesn’t represent all regions.
I started this forum discussion in the hope that Virtual DJ could invest in improving its visual aesthetics. I believe this would be a fantastic decision because, in my opinion, it is the most powerful DJ software on the planet. It’s time to give it a visual upgrade to make it more beautiful and appealing. This is just my subjective opinion. I know there are many skins available, and I've tried many of them—they are all impressive and cool, and I am very grateful to the creators. However, I believe that only the Virtual DJ company can enhance the waveform display, and I trust they can do it even better.
If they could add a feature similar to Serato's, where the corresponding waveforms are displayed when using stems for mixing, it would be a game-changer.
I started this forum discussion in the hope that Virtual DJ could invest in improving its visual aesthetics. I believe this would be a fantastic decision because, in my opinion, it is the most powerful DJ software on the planet. It’s time to give it a visual upgrade to make it more beautiful and appealing. This is just my subjective opinion. I know there are many skins available, and I've tried many of them—they are all impressive and cool, and I am very grateful to the creators. However, I believe that only the Virtual DJ company can enhance the waveform display, and I trust they can do it even better.
If they could add a feature similar to Serato's, where the corresponding waveforms are displayed when using stems for mixing, it would be a game-changer.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 8:57 am
This is just my personal opinion. I also work in the education sector, teaching others how to DJ. I’ve noticed that beginners generally prefer interfaces or displays with "rich colors." I’ve tried explaining different waveform display effects to my students, and most agree that RGB waveforms are more intuitive and provide more realistic information. The RGB waveform display offers a lot of visual information, which can speed up the mixing process. When I open Djay Pro, its default display is RGB, and its promotion also highlights this feature. For large music festivals, I adjust CDJ-3000s to display in RGB, based on other DJs’ requests as well.
I believe that in the future, the display effect could be a factor in whether new DJs choose to try out a particular software. While it may not be a decisive factor, I am sure some people might choose not to use VDJ because of its display effects.
I believe that in the future, the display effect could be a factor in whether new DJs choose to try out a particular software. While it may not be a decisive factor, I am sure some people might choose not to use VDJ because of its display effects.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 9:17 am
i dunno. never had waveforms - or software - when i started. less of a worry for people using their ears i guess.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 11:59 am
Personally I find colour waveforms distracting. I use the "mono" single colour to show the overall peak of the wave.
Each to their own I guess.
Each to their own I guess.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:03 pm
I was looking at this earlier and thinking that I can't really see much difference between the various examples. To me they're all just waveforms. They all have some colours. OK and.....what?
If I was presented with these pictures without knowing which software they were from, I would not be able to say which one is from Serato or which is from Rekordbox etc.
Maybe if it was explained in more detail what is supposed to be "wrong" with the VDJ waveforms that's "correct" or "better" in the others...
If I was presented with these pictures without knowing which software they were from, I would not be able to say which one is from Serato or which is from Rekordbox etc.
Maybe if it was explained in more detail what is supposed to be "wrong" with the VDJ waveforms that's "correct" or "better" in the others...
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:23 pm
Let me explain that when I first started DJing, I relied entirely on my ears for performances. While waveforms can sometimes be a bit distracting, for me, they’re just part of the song’s information, so it’s not a big issue.
The purpose of starting this forum discussion is to express a hope that the RGB waveform system display could be upgraded. This would make it more intuitive for beginners comparing DJ software to choose the more visually appealing option. The feedback I’ve received consistently indicates that VDJ’s display isn’t as comfortable or rich as Djay Pro or Rekordbox.
I might not be able to describe or compare it perfectly with words, but my goal is simply to encourage more people to try and use VDJ.
The purpose of starting this forum discussion is to express a hope that the RGB waveform system display could be upgraded. This would make it more intuitive for beginners comparing DJ software to choose the more visually appealing option. The feedback I’ve received consistently indicates that VDJ’s display isn’t as comfortable or rich as Djay Pro or Rekordbox.
I might not be able to describe or compare it perfectly with words, but my goal is simply to encourage more people to try and use VDJ.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:40 pm
I would love to do a comparison to see which is better, but I’ve noticed that most people in the forum have been using VDJ for a long time. Even if I did a comparison, most would likely prefer what they are accustomed to rather than a new display effect. I still hope for a new system where the display effect is updated, but the old version is retained. This way, long-time users are accommodated, and new users can directly experience the new interface.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:43 pm
If you prefer the waveform colors to be frequency based instead of stem based, make sure to set the waveUseFrequencies option
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:45 pm
Adion wrote :
If you prefer the waveform colors to be frequency based instead of stem based, make sure to set the waveUseFrequencies option
I am using this mode, and to be honest, I have tried all the modes. None of them have completely satisfied me, but I am able to get used to them when performing. I just want to promote this software and make it easier for others to try it out.
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:47 pm
Adion wrote :
If you prefer the waveform colors to be frequency based instead of stem based, make sure to set the waveUseFrequencies option
I recommended Virtual DJ to my DJ colleagues and friends. They were all amazed by the software's capabilities, but none were willing to switch because they felt the interface was not comfortable enough. Specifically, they found the waveform display to be too outdated and felt it made the software look cheap, even though that is not the case. I can get used to it because I appreciate having more features, but many people prefer a more visually appealing and comfortable interface.(I have already shown them how to change to the corresponding display mode.)
Posted Mon 05 Aug 24 @ 12:53 pm