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DJ Software sound quality

PostPosted: 01 May 2021, 20:39
by DJMaraScott
To my ear: almost all DJ software and especially the major ones, compress or alter the audio. Tracks sound more detailed and three dimensional, with better dynamics when payed with the native audio player (Apple Music) or (windows media player) etc.
Mixvibes is one of the better sounding software to my ear, and that is really why I am here. The major DJ software brands don't sound as good to me, (Virtual DJ, Serato, Traktor, Algoriddm, Rekordbox DJ, last time I checked). I'd like to hear other people's opinion and have some discussion on this.

Re: DJ Software sound quality

PostPosted: 01 May 2021, 22:08
by RoJeC
The way of working between DJ programs and audio players is completely different. Audio players play original track via a small buffer. Sometimes with some minor options.

DJ programs usually load full tracks with very litle audio buffer to make it possible to have instant changes to the audio buffer (FX, start, stop, jump, loops etc etc). This requires a totally different audio engine.

And just like with audio hardware audio engines have there own characteristics.

To make this a usefull topic also the used hardware (speakers) and bitrates/quality are part. If you're not in a studio setting a lot of this is hardly audible.

Re: DJ Software sound quality

PostPosted: 03 May 2021, 04:23
by DJMaraScott
The frustrating part for me is that over the last 20 years, it seems DJ software has gotten more feature rich and reliable, but at a cost.
Got instance, when Serato went from scrath live to DJ, they changed audio engines. To me, it doesn't seem to matter much on DJ software these days the quality of the file. Anything over 128 mp3 seems to be at or above the resolution of the software engine.

Re: DJ Software sound quality

PostPosted: 03 May 2021, 09:31
by RoJeC
At least with Cross this is not true. Over 20 years ago 128 was the 'normal' rate. Over time I re-ripped my CD's because of the audible quailty difference. On the one side due to my improving soundsystem which made me hear more detailed and of course due to reducing storage costs and faster laptop/PC.
And appx 5 yrs ago I did it once more by redoing it towards the 1000bps.
Especially live instruments become more natural.

Very important in this is to always use the original high Q source. As it is impossible to improve low Q to high Q with a program.

What I have experienced more is that modern soundsystems (like amps) and arrays do strip sound from the 'analoque' experience. For my ears to the level of having like killed sound.