DJs are rising stars across both smaller venues and the world stage, opportunities are increasing rapidly and so are the technological tools and equipment available to them, including some of the best free DJ software platforms for Mac that we are about to discuss in more detail here. Download and install the best free apps for DJ Software on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks.
We all know that when it comes to computers Mac is the superior machine in terms of basic performance, but is it the best DJ laptop? There are many factors that make a laptop a solid piece of DJ equipment, and the brand name isn’t always it. But for the sake of argument let’s say Mac makes the best laptop for DJs; what particular Mac laptop is the best?
Best Dj Program For Mac
Before we talk about which is the best laptop it is important that you consider what your needs are as a DJ. Do you require a monster screen? Superfast processor? Loads of memory? No matter which laptop you think is the best, it must be the best for you.
MacBook Pro
MacBooks, in general, do a very good job of running most DJ software so you need to look more closely at the specs to decide which one you want to be your DJ laptop.
The Pro offers between 8 and 16GB of onboard memory and as much as 512GB of additional storage. But with cloud access you don’t have to worry too much about storing everything you need. However you do want to make sure you have enough memory to run basic computer functions as well as enough to allow the DJ software to run at optimal speed.
Next you want to make sure you have all the connections you need. The MacBook Pro laptop offers several different connections including microphone, HDMI, USB ports and a SDXC card slot.
MacBook Air
Ah, the MacBook Air has DJs all aflutter because it is a dream for DJs looking to travel from gig to gig without a big load. Whether you choose the 11 or the 13-inch display you’re looking at less than 3 pounds worth of laptop. That alone gives the MacBook Air the edge among Mac laptops for DJs.
Even though the MacBook Pro does offer a slightly faster processor than the 1.7 and 1.8GHz dual-core processor, it isn’t a significant improvement to forget just how light the aptly named Air is. While you may not enjoy the small screen size on the Air, it does give you more than enough space to see what your DJ software is doing.
This particular Mac laptop offers DJs several USB ports, which is pretty much all you need these days as a laptop DJ, but it also comes with several other inputs and outputs if you need them, but alas, no Ethernet so if you need it, forget the MacBook Air.
iPad
Best Macbook For Dj
Ok so the iPad doesn’t fit the strict definition of a laptop, but it does fill a gap in the DJ world for the superlight DJ on the go. With new software made specifically for Apple’s operating system, iOS, this tablet is quickly becoming the new alternative to the traditional laptop. Of course there are still issues, such as the relatively small screen but with 128GB of storage many mobile DJs find the tiny display a small price to pay.
There are no DJ controllers, DJ software and even apps to accommodate DJing from a mobile device so whether you have a big to prep for or just a house party, the iPad can get the job done with a USB.
So, which is better…
Unfortunately that is not a question I can answer for you. Personally I prefer the MacBook Air for my DJing but that’s just me. If you’re still learning and want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you’ll probably lean toward a larger screen with the MacBook Pro. And because of the security (Kensington lock compatibility) offered on the Pro you may feel safer leaving your expensive equipment among hundreds of inebriated partygoers to go fetch a drink.
While many DJs don’t feel comfortable with the lightness and slimness of the Air, the Pro isn’t so much larger that you’ll pull a hamstring lifting it. If you’re liking for lightweight but not Air light, consider the iPad. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack but substantial enough you don’t have to treat it like crystal goblets.
Best Dj Apps For Mac
If you’ve never used a Mac laptop before for DJing or anything else you should definitely take a trip to your nearest Apple store to make sure you have a full grasp of the new machine. It’s easy to use—I promise—but if you’ve been a Windows person all your life, there will be an adjustment period that shouldn’t take place during a gig.
One final word on Mac laptops for a DJ is that these machines are pricier than your average laptop…by a lot. If you have a very strict budget there are other laptops that can get the job done so you can get everything you need as a DJ. Get what you can and when the paid gigs start rolling in…upgrade!
I hope I helped you figure out which Mac laptop will help you as a DJ. Email in the box below to get access to Free video DJ lessons that will answer all of your questions on how to become a disk jockey!
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Digital DJ Tips reader Felipe writes: “I’m a Colombian follower and a few days ago I started thinking about buying a new DJ laptop, and read your post 8 Little-Considered Factors When Choosing A DJ Laptop. But I can’t understand why everybody uses a Mac for DJing. I’m not a big fan of Mac, but I want the best for my DJing. Can you tell me what Macs have that make them so popular with DJs? What do they have that’s so special against Windows laptops?”
Digital DJ Tips says:
Ah, the Mac vs PC question. As we teach at the start of How To Digital DJ Fast, many DJs choose Macs because they just want something to do the job needed to be done by a computer in a digital DJ set-up, something that does it with the minimum of fuss. Macs fit the bill, because OS X is often felt to be an easier operating system to use that Windows for non-expert users.
With a Mac you are guaranteed a high standard of construction, and they have universal audio drivers so you don’t need to mess around installing ASIO drivers to get your computer’s sound card to work with them, as you have to for some hardware when using it with a PC. Macs are also pretty much free of computer viruses, unlike Windows.
Having said that, Macs generally cost more than similarly specified PCs, and as you say they are not to everyone’s taste. If you prefer using Windows, can’t afford a Mac, and choose carefully, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t DJ with a PC – and many DJs do exactly that. After all, the actual components inside are often identical.
The bottom line is that DJs want absolute reliability, because their performances are mission-critical and they don’t want the computer part of the equation to let them down. In my view, that’s why those who can afford it tend to end up using Macs. But it’s by no means necessary to do so.
So, Mac vs PC. What model of computer and operating system do you use to DJ with? What made you make your choice? Have you ever switched from Mac to PC, or the other way? What made you do that? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
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