Virtual DJ Analog Mixer License: Everything You Need to Know
What is Virtual DJ and why do you need an analog mixer license?
If you are a music lover, a hobbyist, or a professional DJ, you might have heard of Virtual DJ, one of the most popular and powerful DJ software in the world. Virtual DJ allows you to mix music, video, and karaoke on your computer, using your mouse, keyboard, or any compatible controller. You can also access millions of songs, videos, and karaoke tracks from various online catalogs and streaming services. You can create amazing mixes, remixes, mashups, transitions, effects, loops, samples, cues, scratches, and more. You can also record, broadcast, and podcast your mixes to share them with your audience.
Virtual Dj Analog Mixer License
But before you start mixing with Virtual DJ, you need to know if you need a license or not. The answer depends on whether you are using Virtual DJ for personal or professional purposes. If you are just playing at home for yourself or your friends, and not using any professional equipment like a controller or a mixer, then Virtual DJ is free. You can download it from virtualdj.com and use it without any limitations.
However, if you are using Virtual DJ professionally (as defined in the EULA: if you earn money using Virtual DJ), or if you want to use some professional equipment with it, then you need to purchase a license. A license will unlock all the features and functions of Virtual DJ, as well as give you access to updates and support. A license will also allow you to use Virtual DJ legally and avoid any potential issues with copyright infringement.
One of the professional equipment that you might want to use with Virtual DJ is an analog mixer. An analog mixer is a device that allows you to blend multiple audio signals into one output signal. It usually has knobs, faders, buttons, switches, EQs, filters, effects, etc. that let you control the volume, tone, balance, pan, etc. of each input signal. An analog mixer can give you more flexibility and creativity in your mixing style.
But if you want to use an analog mixer with Virtual DJ, you need a separate license called an Analog Mixer License (AML). This is because using an analog mixer requires a different setup than using a controller or a sound card. You need to have two separate outputs from your computer: one for each deck of Virtual DJ These outputs are then connected to the inputs of your analog mixer, and the output of your analog mixer is connected to your speakers or headphones. This way, you can use the knobs and faders of your analog mixer to control the volume and EQ of each deck, and use the crossfader to blend them together. You can also use the effects and filters of your analog mixer to add some spice to your mix.
But this setup also means that Virtual DJ cannot detect the position of the knobs and faders of your analog mixer, and vice versa. This can cause some issues with synchronization and feedback. For example, if you move a knob on your analog mixer, Virtual DJ will not reflect that change on its interface. And if you move a knob on Virtual DJ, your analog mixer will not respond accordingly. This can create confusion and inconsistency in your mix.
To solve this problem, you need an AML. An AML is a special license that allows Virtual DJ to communicate with your analog mixer via MIDI signals. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and it is a standard protocol that allows electronic musical devices to exchange data. With an AML, Virtual DJ can send MIDI signals to your analog mixer, telling it what position each knob and fader should be in. And your analog mixer can send MIDI signals back to Virtual DJ, telling it what position each knob and fader is in. This way, you can have a perfect synchronization and feedback between Virtual DJ and your analog mixer.
How to get a Virtual DJ analog mixer license?
If you want to get an AML, you have two options: you can either buy it separately, or you can get it as part of a bundle with other licenses. The price of an AML depends on whether you are a home user or a professional user.
If you are a home user, meaning that you do not earn money using Virtual DJ, then you can buy an AML for $49. This will give you a lifetime license for one computer. You can also get an AML as part of the Home Plus Analog Mixer bundle for $99. This will give you a lifetime license for one computer, plus an additional license for one controller of your choice.
If you are a professional user, meaning that you earn money using Virtual DJ, then you can buy an AML for $19 per month or $199 per year. This will give you a subscription license for unlimited computers and controllers. You can also get an AML as part of the Pro Infinity bundle for $19 per month or $299 per year. This will give you a subscription license for unlimited computers and controllers, plus access to all the online catalogs and streaming services of Virtual DJ.
You can purchase an AML from the official website of Virtual DJ here. You can also purchase an AML from inside the software by clicking on the "Buy" button on the top right corner of the interface. You will need to create an account or log in with your existing account to complete the purchase.
Once you have purchased an AML, you need to activate it on your computer. To do this, you need to open Virtual DJ and go to the "Settings" menu on the top left corner of the interface. Then go to the "Licenses" tab and click on the "Login" button. Enter your email and password that you used to purchase the AML, and click on "OK". Your AML should be activated automatically.
If you want to deactivate your AML from your computer, you need to go back to the "Licenses" tab and click on the "Logout" button. This will free up your license for another computer. You can also transfer your license to another computer by logging in with your account on that computer. How to use Virtual DJ with an analog mixer?
Once you have activated your AML, you can start using Virtual DJ with your analog mixer. But before you do that, you need to decide which mode of operation you want to use: internal mixer mode or external mixer mode. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you need to choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Internal mixer mode
In internal mixer mode, Virtual DJ acts as the main mixer, and your analog mixer acts as a secondary mixer. This means that Virtual DJ controls the volume, EQ, crossfader, effects, etc. of each deck, and sends the final output signal to your analog mixer. Your analog mixer then receives the output signal from Virtual DJ and adjusts it according to your settings. You can use the knobs and faders of your analog mixer to fine-tune the volume and EQ of each deck, and use the effects and filters of your analog mixer to add some extra flavor to your mix.
The advantage of internal mixer mode is that you can use all the features and functions of Virtual DJ, such as loops, samples, cues, scratches, etc. You can also use the online catalogs and streaming services of Virtual DJ to access unlimited music, video, and karaoke content. You can also record, broadcast, and podcast your mixes with Virtual DJ.
The disadvantage of internal mixer mode is that you have less control over the sound quality and latency of your mix. Since Virtual DJ is processing the audio signal before sending it to your analog mixer, there might be some degradation or delay in the sound. You also have less flexibility and creativity in your mixing style, since you are relying on Virtual DJ's internal mixer.
External mixer mode
In external mixer mode, your analog mixer acts as the main mixer, and Virtual DJ acts as a secondary mixer. This means that Virtual DJ sends the raw audio signal of each deck to your analog mixer, without any processing or modification. Your analog mixer then controls the volume, EQ, crossfader, effects, etc. of each deck, and sends the final output signal to your speakers or headphones. You can use the knobs and faders of your analog mixer to control the volume and EQ of each deck, and use the crossfader to blend them together. You can also use the effects and filters of your analog mixer to create amazing mixes.
The advantage of external mixer mode is that you have more control over the sound quality and latency of your mix. Since your analog mixer is processing the audio signal directly from Virtual DJ, there is no degradation or delay in the sound. You also have more flexibility and creativity in your mixing style, since you are using your analog mixer's features and functions.
The disadvantage of external mixer mode is that you cannot use some of the features and functions of Virtual DJ, such as loops, samples, cues, scratches, etc. You also cannot use the online catalogs and streaming services of Virtual DJ to access unlimited music, video, and karaoke content. You also cannot record, broadcast, or podcast your mixes with Virtual DJ. How to set up Virtual DJ and your analog mixer for each mode?
Now that you know the difference between internal mixer mode and external mixer mode, you need to know how to set up Virtual DJ and your analog mixer for each mode. The setup process is not very complicated, but it requires some attention and care. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Connect your analog mixer to your computer
The first step is to connect your analog mixer to your computer using the appropriate cables. You need to have two separate outputs from your computer: one for each deck of Virtual DJ. These outputs are usually labeled as "Master" and "Headphones" on your computer's sound card or audio interface. You need to connect these outputs to the inputs of your analog mixer, using RCA, XLR, or TRS cables, depending on the type of connectors on your devices. You also need to connect the output of your analog mixer to your speakers or headphones, using the same type of cables.
Here is an example of how to connect your analog mixer to your computer:
Computer
Analog Mixer
Master Output (L)
Input 1 (L)
Master Output (R)
Input 1 (R)
Headphones Output (L)
Input 2 (L)
Headphones Output (R)
Input 2 (R)
Output (L)
Output (R)
Note that this is just an example, and your setup might be different depending on the model and brand of your devices. You should always refer to the manuals of your devices for more information and guidance.
Step 2: Configure your audio settings in Virtual DJ
The second step is to configure your audio settings in Virtual DJ according to the mode of operation you want to use. You need to open Virtual DJ and go to the "Settings" menu on the top left corner of the interface. Then go to the "Audio" tab and select the appropriate option from the drop-down menu.
If you want to use internal mixer mode, you need to select "Internal Mixer" from the drop-down menu. This will tell Virtual DJ to use its own internal mixer and send the final output signal to your analog mixer. You also need to select the correct sound card or audio interface that you are using, and make sure that the master output and headphones output are assigned correctly.
If you want to use external mixer mode, you need to select "External Mixer" from the drop-down menu. This will tell Virtual DJ to send the raw audio signal of each deck to your analog mixer, without any processing or modification. You also need to select the correct sound card or audio interface that you are using, and make sure that each deck output is assigned correctly.
Here is an example of how to configure your audio settings in Virtual DJ for each mode:
Mode
Audio Settings
Internal Mixer Mode
External Mixer Mode
Note that this is just an example, and your settings might be different depending on the model and brand of your devices. You should always refer to the manuals of your devices for more information and guidance.
Step 3: Test your setup and start mixing
The third step is to test your setup and make sure that everything is working properly. You need to load some tracks on each deck of Virtual DJ and play them. You should be able to hear them on your speakers or headphones, and control them with your analog mixer. You should also be able to see them on the interface of Virtual DJ, and control them with your mouse, keyboard, or controller.
If everything is working fine, then you are ready to start mixing with Virtual DJ and your analog mixer. You can use the knobs and faders of your analog mixer to control the volume and EQ of each deck, and use the crossfader to blend them together. You can also use the effects and filters of your analog mixer to add some spice to your mix.
If you are using internal mixer mode, you can blue icon next to each deck indicating that they are in headphones mode. You can also use the "Mix" knob on the top right corner of the interface to adjust the balance between the master output and the headphones output. You can also use the "Cue" button on the mixer section of Virtual DJ to send the audio signal of the selected deck to your headphones.
Here is an example of how to use headphones for pre-listening and cueing:
Deck 1
Deck 2
Note that this is just an example, and you can use headphones for pre-listening and cueing according to your preferences and needs. You should always refer to the manuals of your devices for more information and guidance.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned what Virtual DJ is, what an analog mixer is, and why you need an AML to use them together. We have also learned how to get an AML, how to set up Virtual DJ and your analog mixer for each mode of operation, and how to optimize your performance with some tips and tricks. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you, and that you have enjoyed reading it.
If you are interested in trying out Virtual DJ with your analog mixer, you can download it for free from virtualdj.com and use it without any limitations. If you want to purchase an AML or any other license, you can do so from here. If you need more information or support on Virtual DJ, you can visit the help center, the forum, or the wiki.
Thank you for reading this article, and happy mixing!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on Virtual DJ and analog mixer license:
Q: What are the benefits of using an analog mixer with Virtual DJ?
A: Using an analog mixer with Virtual DJ can give you more flexibility and creativity in your mixing style, as well as more control over the sound quality and latency of your mix. You can also use the features and functions of your analog mixer to enhance your mix, such as effects, filters, EQs, etc.
Q: What are the drawbacks of using an analog mixer with Virtual DJ?
A: Using an analog mixer with Virtual DJ can also have some drawbacks, such as requiring a separate license (AML), a different setup than using a controller or a sound card, and some limitations in using some of the features and functions of Virtual DJ, such as loops, samples, cues, scratches, etc.
Q: How can I tell if my analog mixer is compatible with Virtual DJ?
A: Any analog mixer that has at least two stereo inputs and one stereo output should be compatible with Virtual DJ. However, some analog mixers might have more features and functions than others, such as MIDI capabilities, effects, filters, EQs, etc. You should always check the specifications and manuals of your analog mixer for more details.
Q: How can I get more help or support on Virtual DJ?
A: If you need more help or support on Virtual DJ, you can visit the help center, where you can find tutorials, videos, guides, FAQs, etc. You can also visit the forum, where you can ask questions, share tips, get feedback, etc. You can also visit the wiki, where you can find more information and documentation on Virtual DJ.
Q: How can I give feedback or suggestions on Virtual DJ?
A: If you want to give feedback or suggestions on Virtual DJ, you can use the "Feedback" button on the top right corner of the interface. This will open a form where you can rate your experience with Virtual DJ, write your comments or suggestions, and attach screenshots or files if needed. You can also contact the developers directly by email at contact@virtualdj.com. dcd2dc6462