10545
Our member Angel Burgos writes: “Decided to take my Technics 1200s out of their boxes again! Long time fan of vinyl and would like to transition to digital. Would like to continue using my turntables and mixer to get accustomed to using DJ software. I got Mixvibes Cross DVS with the software and timecode vinyls from a friend, but I know I need a sound card, and would like one that won’t break the bank (around US$100). Any recommendations?”
Digital DJ Tips says:
Making the switch to a digital vinyl system. Digital DJ software and digital vinyl systems have changed the face of DJing. There will always be people that prefer two mix real pressed vinyl and argue that it sounds better etc. Those DJ's can stick to the traditional real vinyl set-up if that's what they like. Mixvibes is a pioneer of digital DJing and a leading publisher providing intuitive music and video performance apps on Mac, PC, iOS and Android.
As you already have software and timecode vinyl, you don’t need to spend much here. You need a sound card (“audio interface” to give it its posh name) with at least “4-in 4-out”: That means four separate inputs (i.e. two stereo inputs) and four separate outputs (ie two stereo outputs). that lets you plug your two turntables into it, and it into your mixer.
They’re actually surprisingly hard to find nowadays on a budget as most are designed for musicians and have guitar and microphone inputs and other stuff DJs don’t really need; however, you can get on Google and search for Mixvibes’ own U-Mix44 (now discontinued, but still out there) and others such as the ESI Maya44, Electrix EBOX44, or DJ Tech Soundbox Pro. Again, these can be hard to find but they are out there, and all will do the job.
- Mixvibes In 2003, the first version of the famous Digital Vinyl System software (Mixvibes DVS) was released. These revolutionary systems enable to mix and scratch digital files with timecoded vinyl and CD with any ASIO soundcard.
- Mar 08, 2014 Cross is a digital vinyl and MIDI DJ software for Windows and MAC platforms. MixVibes drew from its experience in audio engine and vinyl control design to deliver a new pro-DJ product that brings more efficiency and simplicity to the mix.
- Cross is a digital vinyl and MIDI DJ software for Windows and MAC platforms. MixVibes drew from its experience in audio engine and vinyl control design to deliver a new pro-DJ product that brings more efficiency and simplicity to the mix.
Mixvibes Digital Vinyl Siding
General advice on buying DVS
So what if you are thinking of doing this and don’t have anything yet? Well, in that case, Mixvibes is a good choice: Mixvibes DVS – software and timecode vinyl/CD image – plus one of the audio interfaces listed above should come in at around $250, all-in.
But if you want to use another system, Traktor is very popular and you can buy the Traktor Scratch A6 pack that has everything you need in it (audio interface, timecode vinyl/CDs and software) for US$299: for Serato DJ,the same price will land you the new Denon DS1, which also has all you need to get going. Of the other big names, Virtual DJ software works with any timecode vinyl and suitable sound card you can get your hands on, although the software itself is expensive to buy at US$299 on its own (you can get a cut-down version of the software along with Virtual DJ’s own timecode vinyl for $99 apparently, to at least get started).
Finally, don’t discount end-of-line: There are some bargain Serato Scratch packages out there right now (Serato Scratch Live was the previous “version” of Serato’s DJ software; it’s now called Serato DJ, but you can get the new software free if you own the old, so no worries there). Or you could go secondhand; just make sure you get the software licence of the system you buy if you do.
Video talkthrough
Got any advice to add to this? How did you make the switch from analogue to digital using your own gear? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. If you’d like a question answering, feel free to ask it on the Digital DJ Tips forum.
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Mixvibes was founded in 1999 by Eric Guez in Paris, France.
![Mixvibes Digital Vinyl Mixvibes Digital Vinyl](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126062356/984268857.jpg)
First releases
In 2003, the first version of the famous Digital Vinyl System software (Mixvibes DVS) was released. The revolutionary systems enable to mix and scratch digital files with timecoded vinyl and CD with any ASIO soundcard. Collecting the first comments and advice from the best DJs in the world and scratch champions, the DVS Pro was released in 2005 with top notch and real innovative features.
![Mixvibes Mixvibes](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126062356/649419101.jpg)
Innovations
Verbatim Digital Vinyl
Along the years, Mixvibes has pursued its innovation focused strategy, investing in audio research and development on products like the VFX Control, a video solution to mix video like music. It then launched Cross, a cutting-edge cross platform, cross technology DJ software. The first aim of Cross was not to add complex features but to reintegrate DJs’ music as the centrepiece of his performance. Rewritten from scratch, the latest version of Cross brings Mixvibes’ know how and experience to Mac OSX and Windows users. DJs can now control video at their fingerprints, sample their music and use VST instruments.
Mobile apps and new products
Since 2012, Mixvibes has released critically acclaimed apps Cross DJ and Remixlive, allowing DJs and producers to create everywhere. In early 2017, the product range has been completed with Remixvideo, an intuitive VJ software that can also be used as a plugin with one’s favorite DAW. Since 1999, Mixvibes products have been used by over 10 millions DJs and musicians worldwide thanks to you. We are very happy to receive advice, feedback and ideas from you on your ideal future digital DJing!