Beatport DJ web app lets you mix and prepare sets on any computer
Seasoned veterans and newcomers alike can DJ and prepare sets in the browser on any computer.
The public beta for Beatport DJ, the web app from music marketplace Beatport that combines music discovery with mixing, has gone live.
The browser-based, MIDI-compatible software allows DJs to effortlessly explore and stream tracks from Beatport’s massive catalogue. Each track can be loaded onto one of the two decks to mix with many of the features expected from industry-standard DJ’ing software.
Within Beatport DJ, users can assemble playlists of tracks from their Beatport collection, along with new ones they’ve found whilst navigating the app. The Discover section displays the Beatport Top 10, DJ Charts, Beatport Playlists, trending artists and labels and the top 10 genres right now.
Beatport DJ might not be a go-to DJ app for performance, but it’s designed to be an ideal tool for set preparation. Being browser-based, the app can be used by anyone on any computer, meaning any DJ that has five minutes to spare at the office or on a commute can test out some tracks in a mix. The app is optimised for Google Chrome, but it can be used on other browsers like Safari, albeit with a degraded experience.
We managed to get an early preview of the software and it’s impressive to see how much can be achieved in the app. Tracks can be automatically synced, keeping everything in time even when skipping to a different location in the song. A slider and indicator will let you manually adjust the tempo, with the option to keep everything in key via the settings menu.
The standard three-band EQ is onboard along with a low/high-pass filter, plus an effects engine with 10 different effects, including reverb, pitcher, echo, reverse, slicer and more. These can be controlled via an XY pad that can be adjusted and locked to a specific position.
Eight hot cues and a looper can be applied to a track. The positions of hot cues are recalled every time the track is loaded. If a hot cue is set up when a loop is active, Beatport DJ will register the hot cue with the loop.
MIDI compatibility allows DJs to hook up controllers from Hercules DJ, Pioneer DJ, Denon DJ and Serato for hands-on mixing, either onstage or pre-performance. Controllers can be connected via USB connection or Bluetooth.
Producers and DJs can upload their own tracks to the web app, although they will not be saved in the database. The feature is designed to quickly let artists hear their music within the context of a mix before they get behind the decks.
For DJs starting out, a host of tutorials are included in the app, getting them up to speed on the main features. There is also an automix feature, in which the app will automatically perform track-to-track mixing on a playlist. This feature is designed to enhance the music discovery journey. This isn’t yet as convincing as a mix performed by a pro, but the software is in its early stages.
The pros have already tried out the software, with Pete Tong saying: “This is a game-changing product that will instantly redefine music discovery for DJs”. World-renowned DJ, Tiesto adds: “[Beatport DJ is] a breakthrough! This is an incredible innovation for DJs of all experience levels.”
All existing Beatport Link, Link Pro and Link Pro+ subscribers will have immediate access to Beatport DJ. Existing Link partner integrations will continue, which includes Algoriddim djay, Denon Engine OS, Hercules DJUCED, Pioneer DJ rekordbox and WeDJ, Serato DJ, PCDJ, TRIBE XR.
Jonas Tempel, founder and chief revenue officer of Beatport says: “We designed the software to solve the cumbersome workflow challenges of music discovery and building LINK playlists. In every way possible, we have exceeded our goals with this project.”
Beatport DJ is available now to all Link subscribers at dj.beatport.com. Beatport is currently offering a free 30-day trial of any Link subscription tier at link.beatport.com.
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