The Super DJ Software MiniReviewz Thread

[scancode]

Hi guys! I've been testing a lot of DJ Software lately, here are the ugly results!

[scancode]

Basic Info

App Name	DJ Surface
App URL	http://www.djsurface.co.uk/
App Version Reviewed	V1.0.6 Trial
Test System Specs	Intel Pentium E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.0 GB RAM Windows XP Professional SP3 nVidia GeForce 8600 Realtek HD Audio Onboard Sound C-Media USB Audio Interface ASIO4ALL 2.9 Breakaway Live 0.90.90
Supported OSes	WinALL
Support Methods	http://www.djsurface.co.uk/help/contact.aspx
Upgrade Policy	?
Trial Version Available?	20 minutes mix time.
Pricing Scheme	£30/license
Reviewer Donation Link	Donate to scancode, the reviewer
Relationship btwn. Reviewer and Product	None at all, thankfully!

Intro:

After the DJ Legend disaster, I decided to try DJ Surface. I'm starting to think that all apps starting with 'DJ' are crap. This one at least features a working pitch control. I really like the fact that it has unlimited decks and a pretty much native (unskinned) user interface.

It requires a multichannel soundcard, but doesn't let you use different soundcards for different channels (or to preview tracks)

It lacks scratching functions and effects, and the fact that you have to stop a track to set cue points, loops and such makes this app useless for live remixing.

The three band EQ works, and the tempo control actually changes the speed without distorting the sound a lot.





Who is this app designed for:

Begginers, or people who really don't know better


The Good

The speed changing algorithm works well.
The nonskinned user interface.
Unlimited decks.

The needs improvement section

The menu bar. We normally expect a menu to pull down when we click a menu bar item.
Lacks features.


Why I think you should use this product

I don't.


How does it compare to similar apps

Better than DJ Legend.


Conclusions

Wouldn't use it even if I got a free license.


Links to other reviews of this application

http://download.cnet.com/DJ-Surface/9241-18502_4-11006118-1.html

[scancode]

Basic Info

App Name	PCDJ Red Mobile
App URL	http://www.pcdj.com/
App Version Reviewed	1.0 build 7147
Test System Specs	Intel Pentium E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.0 GB RAM Windows XP Professional SP3 nVidia GeForce 8600 Realtek HD Audio Onboard Sound C-Media USB Audio Interface ASIO4ALL 2.9 Breakaway Live 0.90.90
Supported OSes	WinALL
Support Methods	http://pcdj.com/index.php/support/
Upgrade Policy	?
Trial Version Available?	Time-limited
Pricing Scheme	$99/license
Reviewer Donation Link	Donate to scancode, the reviewer
Relationship btwn. Reviewer and Product	Future customer?

Intro:

I had a bad experience with PCDJ before, due to their DRM solution, that stated in their EULA that only one reactivation would be given before having to repurchase, so I didn't even try the app. When starting to write this reviews, I decided to give PCDJ Red Mobile a second chance. They seem to have switched DRM providers, and the new EULA is your average one.

Now to the app.

This is the most basic of PCDJs offerings, and, to be honest I fell in love with it.

The interface is simple, and once you learn the keyboard shortcuts you'll be mixing in no time.

The manual is short, 30 pages at most, and is clearly written.

The app supports ASIO, multichannel soundcards, and two separated, DirectSound compatible cards. You can also use a single soundcard and use two mono outputs.

Effects are simple to use, and pretty much preconfigured.




Who is this app designed for:

Anyone from a bedroom DJ to a small club jockey

The Good

The interface is simple, soundcard support is awesome, looping is accurate and easy to use.

The needs improvement section

Add a sampler, scratching, a couple more effects, and you have a winner.

Conclusions

Try it, you'll love it.


Links to other reviews of this application

http://www.pcdj.com/News/mobile_beat/rm_mb_review09_09.jpg

[scancode]

Basic Info

App Name	DJ Mania
App URL	http://www.pjncomputersolutions.com/pjn-applications/app/dj-mania.html
App Version Reviewed	Unknown
Test System Specs	Intel Pentium E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.0 GB RAM Windows XP Professional SP3 nVidia GeForce 8600 Realtek HD Audio Onboard Sound C-Media USB Audio Interface ASIO4ALL 2.9 Breakaway Live 0.90.90
Supported OSes	WinALL
Support Methods	Hell
Upgrade Policy	?
Trial Version Available?	Nope, it's free.
Pricing Scheme	$0/license
Reviewer Donation Link	Donate to scancode, the reviewer
Relationship btwn. Reviewer and Product	Victim?

Intro:

Unfortunately, I won't be able to review this app, too busy puking. Please refer to the attached screenshot.

[mouser]

Nice work scan! 

[scancode]

Basic Info

App Name	DJ Legend
App URL	http://www.clevermicro.com/djlegend.html
App Version Reviewed	V6.01 Trial
Test System Specs	Intel Pentium E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.0 GB RAM Windows XP Professional SP3 nVidia GeForce 8600 Realtek HD Audio Onboard Sound C-Media USB Audio Interface ASIO4ALL 2.9 Breakaway Live 0.90.90
Supported OSes	WinALL
Support Methods	http://www.clevermicro.com/contact_us.html
Upgrade Policy	?
Trial Version Available?	Yup. You can't control deck 2, 7-day trial.
Pricing Scheme	€25/license
Reviewer Donation Link	Donate to scancode, the reviewer
Relationship btwn. Reviewer and Product	None at all, thankfully!

Intro:

This application is, by far, the worst DJ software I had the pleasure (?) of trying. The user interface is obnoxious (buttons look disabled when they aren't, took me a few minutes to figure out the playback controls), the help file seems written by a trained monkey, the effects are clichéd and can't be configured, and it looks as if the main purpose of the program was to remind you about your trial period. The BPM engine is a joke, and fails even on the simplest dance music.





Who is this app designed for:

Masochists and anyone who'd like to waste €25.


The Good

It didn't destroy my computer after installing it.


The needs improvement section

Everything. Seriously.


Why I think you should use this product

Because I hate you.


How does it compare to similar apps

It doesn't.


Conclusions

Waste of money and time. Worst app so far.


Links to other reviews of this application

I found none so far.

[KynloStephen66515]

Oww...i cant stop laughing at some of the comments on your reviews rofl

5 Stars man, 5 Stars