Here’s a look at some great free DJ software programs, with features and functionality that range from basic to professional, to work hand-in-hand with the best turntables. You don’t need any extra hardware to use this DJ program, but Mixxx does support MIDI control if you have any external DJ equipment. There’s also vinyl control. Mixxx has a range of real-time effects. Record your creations in WAV, OGG, M4A/AAC, FLAC, or MP3. The program also offers iTunes integration and BPM detection to sync the tempo of multiple songs instantly. For a free DJ tool, Mixxx is a feature-rich program that’s worth a serious look. With MixPad, create unlimited audio, music, and vocal tracks, and record single or multiple tracks at the same time. MixPad includes free sound effects and a music library with hundreds of clips at your disposal. Craft your own beats or start with a sample pattern using the beat designer. Add instruments and effects through VST plug-ins or use a built-in metronome. Mix to MP3 or burn the data to a disc. Upload your work to SoundCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. MixPad is free for non-commercial, home use only. It has versions for Windows and macOS, and also offers iPad, Android, and Kindle apps. Record live music with Audacity as well as computer playback. Convert tapes and records to digital files or put files on discs. Edit WAV, MP3, MP2, AIFF, FLAC, and other file types, plus cut, copy, mix, and splice sounds together. You can even record calls with Audacity. The program interface isn’t difficult, but there is a learning curve. You’ll have to click things and try out various options to get the most functionality out of Audacity. Advanced options such as samplers, slip mode, snap, quantize, key detection, MIDI control, time-code control, and HID integration aren’t available in the free version. The free version allows you to record and edit only a single one-minute audio track, however, and the most powerful features are reserved for the paid version.
