GUI and First Look

www.webdeejay.it
PCDJ DEX REVIEW
GUI and First Look
Webdeejay.it recently acquired a full licensed copy of the PCDJ DEX program, and after
carrying out the usual registration procedures, – for once quick and intuitive - we were able
to quickly launch the software and start mixing.
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The first thing that one can’t help but notice is DEX’ GUI. The graphic user interface of this
program reveals itself to be extremely well done, intelligently planned and laid out, and last
but not least…pleasing to the eye. At first some DJs might find themselves a bit lost with the
overwhelming amount of options and features displayed on the screen; this can however be
easily customized since the guys at PCDJ clearly spent a lot of time and resources on making
sure that the visual experience of the software will be able to please and adapt to the user’s
personal needs.
As you can see, once the “GUI Options” button has been pressed, you will have at your
disposal a window where you will be able to control and customize a various array of visual
parameters; the customizations range from the general screen resolution, to the way
general features will be displayed on the decks.
As if that was not enough, PCDJ DEX also offers its users the ability to model or re-shape the
software interface, thanks to a bunch of totally customized skins, most of which represent
and recreate the various layout and controls available on the different and many natively
recognized controllers.
The fact that the software visual representation is totally customizable is in our opinion a
key factor due to the fact that it allows every single user to potentially understand and “get”
into the general workflow much more easily.
It is also important to mention that everyone can create his own personal skins thanks to
the in depth documentation which can be found directly on the PCDJ website.
As you probably saw in the first screenshot, DEX does offer a wide array of tools and
features; now that we have covered the visual aspect and the first impressions on the
software…it’ s time to get into details and truly understand what this program is capable of..
Playlist, File Browser and Music Management
The general file browser proved to be well constructed and most of all…functional. Finding
tracks or folders is simple and swift, which is obviously a blessing since a DJ can never waste
precious seconds while in a mix. On the left side of the file browser you’ll find the section
dedicated to folder browsing; it’s important to notice is the presence of the "Itunes" folder,
emphasizing the fact that DEX is indeed able to integrate and use tracks from your created
Itunes playlists. Among the usual browser options you will find the "logs" and "loaded song"
folders which will provide you with a history of played tracks. Through the "Drive" tab you
will also be able to select the location where to find tracks or folders from -ex: other harddisks or cds - while the "Add Favorites" button will allow you to easily add new folders and
tracks among our favorites.
Once your tracks have been loaded in the Directory section, you can see how the software
will provide you with a ton of useful info on each track, such as the BPM, length, Name,
Album etc etc. To load a track on one of the virtual decks, you can either drag them in
directly, or alternatively right-click on your mouse and choose the deck. Obviously you will
also have at your disposal a whole set of other options, which will help you improve the
general workflow even more, such as coloring each track - very useful to divide your
collection in genres for example - move the file, erase from the directory, edit the tags and
so on. To add a track to your playlist you will simply need to double-click on it.
Wrapping this section up we find a couple more interesting features which will help you
spot your tracks even more easily. We are talking about Smart-Playlists, which let you create
smart folders according to the "rules" and "filters" you specify, the powerful and precise
"search" bar - also activated trough the F1 button -, the preview function and obviously all
the various wait lists (Called “cases” in DEX).
Our judgment on this section can only be more than positive; we honestly only scratched
the surface here, but the way our music is handled is simply excellent and even the most
precise, "picky" and elaborate users will indeed be satisfied thanks to the many sorting
options available. Do check out the online manual for even more info.
Virtual Decks
At the core and heart of a virtual mixing setup, you obviously find your virtual decks where
all your songs are loaded into. At first glance, you can see a waveform represented – bear in
mind, this is not the overall and general waveform of the whole track - and a small arrow
indicating rotation. Obviously the overall round shape and the small arrow function as a
substitute for the good old Vinyl Marker, and will thus come in handy in scratching sessions.
The orange outer ring is instead used to symbolize elapsed time –and obviously also the
remaining time - and will turn red once a song is near to an end, informing you of the
upcoming “danger”.
As soon as you hover your cursor on one of the decks, you will be presented to “the other
side of the medal” and given access to the usual series of commands which one would
expect to find on a regular CD Deck. You have the Play-Pause, the Cue button to set cues,
the “+” and “-“ buttons for pitch bending operations – those are on the right- and the “+” “–
“ buttons on the left side, to perform small and fine adjustments of the BPM. Wrapping this
up you have the Scratch and P. bend functions, which can be engaged by simply holding on
onto them and dragging your mouse in the direction you see fit.
The small gear-like button, present on the lower right corner, will actually grant you access
to another panel. Here you are able to handle various parameters such as startup and brake
time – to get that true Vinyl feeling. Through the central bar, you will instead be able to
adjust the level of zoom on the general waveforms, allowing you to have a even greater and
precise visual feedback.
4 Decks Playback
It should be mentioned that PCDJ DEX offers the possibility to use 4 decks at the same time,
thus increasing flexibility and giving you even greater freedom in terms of creativity.
By pressing the “FX” button (you can also activate the two extra decks trough the two
dedicated buttons present at the top of the screen…but not visible on this screenshot) you
will be able to activate and use the two extra decks. As you can clearly see, the 3rd and 4th
decks are not given as much space and visibility as their two “bigger brothers”, but you will
be able to handle and engage all the principal features needed to carry out a smooth mix
such as pitch control, cueing etc. You will also be able to loop the tracks, use the effects and
ride the equalizers, just as you would for the two principal decks.
We could not help but think that the two extra decks have been considered and
implemented only as a “bonus” feature –some functions such as the Hot-Cues are not
available - but we frankly would like to remind that there is only a very small handful of
mixing software out there offering two extra decks, and most of the times the 3rd and 4th
deck will anyway only be used to run loops, instrumentals, or acapellas…so we honestly did
not see the need of “advanced” controls over them. Again however, some of the additional
skins offered on PCDJ’s website offer fully functional 3rd and 4th decks – so if you need more
control over the extra decks you can find one that works best for you.
Hot-Cues and Cue points
As you all know, I, DJ Altered Ego, have always had a weak spot for Hot-Cues, so we
obviously could not skip this section. PCDJ DEX allows you to store up to 4 cue points - at
least with the default skin - in the dedicated Hot Cues slots - we will also be able to store
loops in these slots. Setting and saving a cue point is indeed a breeze, you will only need to
right click with your mouse during playback and then recall that same - now stored - cue
point whenever you want, by simply left-clicking on your mouse. The whole process is of
course aided by the detailed waveform, which allows you to visually pinpoint the exact
place where you want your cue point to be saved.
Mashing and chopping a whole track live is indeed fun, and definitively adds a whole new
dimension to mix sets, so it is needless to say that the fact that DEX comes equipped with
such a well-planned and fun to use hot-cue section, can only give this software even more
"points" in its favor. The only "complaint" or perhaps suggestion to add on the "wish-list" is
that it would be great to have a visual representation on the waveform, of where the HotCues have been stored. (Note: I’ve been told by PCDJ that this is slated for a future release)
BPM, Pitch Control, Pitch Range and Tempo Control
PCDJ DEX will by default analyze every track's BPM - such option can be deactivate in case
you are a "purist"- and will hand to you the results as shown in the above screenshot. Next
to the BPM number you can also find a percentage estimating the probabilities that the
software has correctly evaluated the Tempo of a track; we can generally say that the DEX
did reveal itself to be accurate enough most of the times. In case something does come up
incorrectly however, you will still have the option to use the "Tap" button to manually set
the BPM of a track. Pretty useless to explain the "Sync" feature, which will allow you to sync
up two decks, thus aiding you in the process in beat matching; like it or not…it is there, a
great help for all beginners and a great "enhancer" for all the "pros" wishing to spend their
time on something more creative than aligning two beats.
In order to perform all those necessary tiny pitch adjustments, you just need to use the
classic and regular virtual pitch fader, placed at the left of each deck. You will also be able to
make even more precise adjustments, trough the + and - buttons, or by simply altering with
our mouse the numerical value located at the bottom. The various pitch ranges available
are 4%-8%-16%-24%-50%-100%; you will thus be given a large choice of calibration, and will
be able to use the wider ranges available to create some interesting effects or to simply
switch smoothly between very different genres...the possibilities are literally endless...
Gone are the days where simple minor alterations in the tempo would cause your favorite
MC to sound like a chipmunk; wrapping this section up we found that much needed and
extremely appreciated "Tempo Control". This feature will allow you to modify the tempo of
a track, without actually altering its key. We can state and report that the quality of the
algorhytm is definitively more than up to standards and will manage to keep the quality of
your sound "loyal" quality-wise. Things do of course get pretty "muddy" when switching the
range to 50% or 100%...but that is absolutely understandable.
Looping
PCDJ DEX did honestly literally surprise and blew us away in this area. The dedicated looping
section is indeed powerful and flexible. To select the length of a loop you will simply need to
press the correspondent number, and we can immediately see from the screenshot, that
DEX easily reaches the "micro loops" area, allowing you to create those interesting and cool
"stutter" effects; and why not? If properly combined with other effects...even create our
own wobbly bass lines etc. According to our experience, as long as the BPM has been
detected or set correctly, the software will automatically get the timing right most of the
times. Another thing important to notice is that we will be able to jump trough different
loop lengths at will...without having to pass through the intermediate lengths, a loop of 8
beats can instantly turn into a loop of one beat; this indeed does give you the opportunity to
play around with your loops "Live" and create some pretty interesting routines.
Where things do get extremely fun, is in this section represented above. An 8 beat loop is
not enough? Fair enough…double it trough the "x2" button. Ah...16 beat and you are still
not satisfied? Great…then double it again!!! You got it...DEX places almost no limits and will
allow you to loop even a whole track if you wanted to. Obviously the same process can be
carried out inversely by simple pressing the "1\2" button which will half the length of your
loop and will easily transport you in the micro loop area...as far as 0.5 ms ; important to
mention...all of this without crashing.
To all of this, you can add the ability to reduce or increase the length of a loop trough the +
and - buttons - and they do it real fast and well...trust us - or alternatively, directly move the
whole loop around the track as one sees fit thanks to the dedicated buttons.
We think you understood by now, the looping capabilities of this software are amazing,
quick to use and learn...and extremely fun to engage right in the middle of your gigs.
Effects
PCDJ DEX does also bring to the table an interesting effect section. The "pure" effects
available are here reported:
- 3 band Eq
-Flanger
- Echo
- Gapper
- Filter
- Bit Crusher
- Vst Effects
We are pretty confident that most of our readers are already familiar with the effects
mentioned, but in case you are interested, for a more detailed description of each single
effect, please check out the manual available online.
As you notice, the overall choice and number of effects available might at first look seem
not so "rich"; however, this is counter-balanced by the fact that it is possible to stack up to 4
different effects per deck, thus increasing the number of possible combinations
exponentially. The effects will usually sync up automatically with the beat and we can
generally say that they do sound more than legit -especially the filter and the equalizer - and
some such as the flanger and the echo have a lot of parameters to play and experiment
with.
It is fundamental to bring to light the fact that DEX will allow you to load any of our favorite
VST effects, and that it will also let you visualize - if available - the GUI of the VST effect itself
and control it trough Midi. This does prove to be an extremely interesting feature which
surely will add even more flexibility and power to the effects section. The number of VST
effects available on the market is almost mind-blowing...so once again...the only limit is your
imagination.
The Keyboard
This interesting feature will supposedly change the key of the file, up and down, based on
semitones represented by the keyboard keys.
The Mixer
Obviously your virtual DJ setup would be useless without a virtual mixer. Right in the middle
of DEX's layout, you find the mixer with all the typical controls and parameters one would
expect to find on a hardware mixer; Gain, 3 band EQ - by pressing on "fader\Eq you will
have access to full frequency kill buttons -, volume faders, pan control, cross-fader and
obviously dedicated cue buttons for monitoring as well as volume control in order to adjust
volume in headphones. We can clearly see how the software precisely represents every
different form of sound in a different color - this will clearly be another significant aid in the
mixing process -; it is however to be reported, that in case you prefer non-color-coded
waveforms, you will be able to switch back to regular waveforms by simply adjusting your
preferences in the options window.
By pressing the "Wave" button, you’ll have access to another type of waveform. This form of
visual representation will instead come in handy when in need of aligning two tracks' beats.
The "2\4" button located right above the mixer will instead activate two extra full mixer
channels which will be able to be used in conjunction with the 3rd and 4th deck.
The "misc" button will allow you to access one more panel. Represented and available are
various sets of controls and customizable parameters such as:
- The general VU meter, the "clipping" and "limiter" indicators
- A REC button which will allow us to record our sets in either Wav, Mp3 or Ogg format
- Control over the speed at which the virtual cross fader moves
- Cross fader curve adjustment or alternatively, choice over the available presets
- Adjustment of the 3 band EQ cuts
- Volume of the cue master output and of the loaded VST effects
We can't help but come away with a very positive review of DEX’s mixer section; the many
customizable options - cross fader curve, Eq, etc - will indeed satisfy and keep the "pros"
busy, while at the same time all the precise visual feedbacks coming from the waveforms
will surely make life easier for beginners.
Sampler
PCDJ DEX also offers a very solid, interesting and fun sampler. You have 5 available slots
where you will be able to save samples. These samples can be loaded and taken in a bunch
of different ways:
- The first method is by dragging your chosen file inside one of the 5 slots, directly from a
playlist, directory, window explorer or even the decks.
- Second method is achieved by simply looping a track, and then extrapolating that same
loop trough the "Get Loop" button
Once your sample has been loaded, you will simply need to press the "Play" button to fire it
off and "Stop" to arrest it. An off-beat sample would have probably been useless, so we are
more than glad to report the fact that the sample will be able to be played in time and in
beat with the main track or even with the other samples; to do this you will simply need to
press the "Match" button or alternatively, manually adjust the BPM trough the virtual
rotaries or by altering the numerical value. Every single slot also comes equipped with a full
3 band EQ, useful to avoid potential frequency conflicts.
As specified and mentioned in the manual, at the moment the sampler only offers limited
control trough midi or keyboard and the guys at PCDJ are still working on it in order to
expand it and make it even more powerful in general; the foundations and premises of this
sampler are already very solid and well-planned...so we can only expect great improvements
in the future.
Dex used with Timecode
One of the strength points of this software is obviously its flexibility. At such a convenient
price, DEX is in fact capable of being used in conjunction with almost every time-code signal
available in the market:
Here is reported the list of the time-code signals supported at the moment:
-Virtual DJ Time Code
-Traktor Scratch Time Code
-Final Scratch Time Code
-Serato SSL02 Vinyl Time code
-Serato SSL02 CD Time code
-Ms Pinky V2-V4
In order to be able to use a specific time-code we will first need to download the
corresponding plug-in at the following link: http://pcdj.com/index.php/software-extras/dexdownloads-freebies/
We won't get much into details on how to set everything up because the PCDJ guys have
already taken care of that and created a very useful guide, available at the following link:
http://pcdj.com/index.php/support/dex_timecode/
Midi control and integration with the American Audio Dp2
DEX can effectively be used and controlled by pretty much every midi controller available on
the market. The list of natively recognized controllers is the following:
-PCDJ DAC-3
-PCDJ DAC-2
- Denon Controllers (HC4500, S1200, HS5500, HD2500, and 3700)
-Numark Total Control
-Stanton DaScratch
-EKS Otus
-EKS XP10 / XP5
-Hercules RMX
-Hercules DJ Console MK2
-Hercules DJ Control Steel
-Hercules DJ Control Mp3 E2
-Vestax VCI / VCM-100
-Behringer BCD 2000/3000
-Allen&Heath Xone:2D
-American Audio DP2
-DJTech Controllers – iMix, iMix Reload, Kontrol One
-Numark NS7
-Reloop Digital Jockey
-Stanton DaScratch
-Vestax VCI-100
-Vestax VCM-100
-Wii Remote Glove
Almost every controller on this list has its own documentation which will explain you how to
set everything up and how the developed mapping works. We obviously could not test
every single mapping available and judge on their effective quality, but having a quick look
around the PCDJ forums we did spot a couple of happy customers. Most of the developers
and people working on the PCDJ project have a very open and friendly attitude towards
users and it is not uncommon to find them around in the forums looking for some feedback
and "advice", so in case you find yourself not fully satisfied with a mapping...try leaving a
small comment in the wish-list or opening a new thread (only in case it has not been opened
yet...use the search function) and probably whenever they will have time they will get back
to you and try to satisfy your needs.
Obviously no one knows better than yourself what you truly need; developing a personal
mapping for your controller is in fact an extremely straightforward process in DEX and won't
require too much time, so it advisable you also try that route. For more info please do check
out the DEX manual.
American Audio Dp2
Here we are, finally discussing the second part of the review, this time covering the
American Audio Dp2 controller. The controller obviously comes in bundle with the software
at a very convenient price - the bundle is available both with the Le version of DEX or with
the Full one -.
The controller has been developed in a rack format with the following dimensions: 483 x
132 x 74,8 mm.
To be quite frank, we did expect some sort of light plastic toyish controller, but we
were surprised when we actually found in our hands a very sturdy, rugged, heavy and solid
tool. The controller's case seems to have been built of what looks and feels like metal which
lets us know that the Dp2 will definitively hold its ground and resist for quite a long time.
All the buttons have been projected and built of what seems to be a very light almost
"spongy" plastic; for now they do fulfill their duties just fine, but we heavily recommend to
keep a light touch or we believe they might start losing something in terms sensitivity. They
do also seem to have a pretty long "travel", which might decrease overall responsiveness.
All the faders generally didn’t impress us; they seem to be built of a lighter plastic and give
the impression they might break. For the $299 USD price we honestly weren’t expecting any
better, as long as you will treat them well...they won't cause any problems.
It’s a different story altogether for the mixer section. The potentiometers turn smoothly and
seem to have been built with heavily refined, black plastic which gives a nice feeling when
touched.
Being a controller with an integrated Sound card, let's now go and observe the rear panel
and see what is offered:
• USB Input
• Headphone Jack
• Microphone Jack
• Channel 1 & 2 RCA Outputs
*Control Start and Power Output
We can immediately say that, as expected for this price, the built-in soundcard is not one of
the best around, but very comparable to the ESI products (Gigaport AG, Maya 44 USB). The
sound does tend to get distorted a bit at higher levels, the lower frequencies seem to lack
that much needed "punch" while the mid and high frequencies are in our opinion not very
defined. After all, as already mentioned, for such a low price one could really not expect
wonders; you will be able to go as far as home parties, small pubs or clubs, but for larger
venues we advice to invest the saved money to eventually buy an extra independent
external soundcard which will be able to truly express the good audio quality that DEX
brings with itself.
Thanks to the supplied power adaptor, the headphone output doesn’t run the risk
of having low output volumes - which can be extremely annoying and problematic while in
the mix - and will allow the users to crank it all the way up to " exceedingly high" when
needed.
We were not able to fully test the MIC output, but we will get on to that as soon as we have
time and will update you about it.
In order to start using the American Audio Dp2, you will first need to install the drivers available for both 32bit and 64bit - and once done that, install DEX. To get everything up
and running, you will simply need to set the various necessary parameters.
Once in the "general" tab, we will need to check the "Midi" box
All there is left to do now is press the XML config button, choose the Dp2 controller from
the scroll down list and press "Connect" and afterwards "Ok". That's all? Yea...that is all!!
Connecting the hardware to the software is extremely easy and you will be ready to start
mixing in the blink of an eye.
After having tested out the synergy between the controller and DEX, we can generally assert
that the developed mapping is more than functional. Probably the Dp2 itself does not
manage to bring out the full potential of this great software but you will have access and
control over all the necessary and most important functions such as Play-Pause, Cue, Pitch
Bend, Pitch-Lock, Scratching, Pitch and Volume control, Tap, Sync. To sum it up, you won't
be forced to miss or sacrifice any vital feature and will be able to indeed carry out and
perform smooth mixes without problems.
The dedicated sampler section seems to be working well, but as stated earlier in the review,
there is still some work to be done regarding midi implementation and control over the
many sampler's parameters.
Control over the loop section proves to be quick and intuitive and is handled by the In, Out
and Reloop buttons. Thanks to the + and - buttons we will also be able to increase or reduce
a loop's length.
Control over the internal effects is probably something which did leave us a bit puzzled
honestly; we found it a bit confusing and not always working as we expected...it is
definitively something we would personally put on the "wish-list" of things to be improved.
We suggest personal remaps.
One unfortunate item in regards to the mixer section; due to the controller’s structure and
layout, it was only possible to map a 2 band EQ - low and high frequencies...no mids - . This
does prove to be a pretty crucial aspect, so we highly recommend to re-map the mixer
section at your own will, maybe by even "recycling" the MIC volume knob in case you don’t
need it, and eventually try to reassign the Master volume somewhere else.
One very pleasant thing to report is that most of the controller's buttons will illuminate once
triggered, thus giving us that much needed visual feedback; fundamental in all dark
environments such as clubs.
Conclusions
You probably thought - and we actually thought also..- that you would never be able to see
the end of this review...but finally we are drawing our conclusions. We can sincerely say that
PCDJ DEX did surprise and impress us; we did start off a bit skeptic but we actually found a
rich spoil of useable functionality awaiting in this software. DEX is stable, filled with
interesting and powerful features cured in almost every detail. Some sections such as the
looping and browsing ones are indeed top notch, and in our opinion surpass and outclass
many other softwares in that sense. Features such as the sampler, the two extra decks, Hotcues, and the possibility to use VST effects will simply boost and enhance creativity to the
max, allowing every single user to create unique sets and performances. The flexibility that
Dex offers in terms of timecode is superb - and at a more than reasonable price we dare say
- and the fact that many midi controllers are already natively recognized will definitively get
you up and rocking the crowd in split seconds.
The great customer service and the constant confrontation that users have with the
developers and people working behind PCDJ will be sure to keep this software updated,
allowing DEX to always stay ahead of the game and "future proof".
The controller sold in bundle, the American Audio is Dp2 is a great choice for the price at
which it is sold. The overall external build quality is compact and "tough"...the buttons and
faders not so much...but hey...they work just fine. The internal soundcard could not
honestly have been better for this price range, but it is a solid start. The overall integration
between the software and the controller is good, all the most important "CDJ-like" functions
work great, some minor tweaks and remapping sessions will instead be necessary for the
mixer and effect sections.
We conclude saying that PCDJ DEX is performance software that is definitively worth the
money - and probably even more - and really does not have anything to envy to other more
"known" DJ applications out there - probably it would be quite the opposite.
P.S. Another small "bonus" that this software offers it's the karaoke plug-in which will for
sure please many mobile Djs. Check it out at the following link:
http://pcdj.com/index.php/products/karaoki/
Thanks, and keep spinning:
DJ Altered Ego
www.Webdeejay.it