I have no idea how Mixvibes find the time to do all the things they manage to release, but in less than 12 months, they’ve produced an Android version, Added MIDI control / Soundcloud and Mixcloud integration, struck up a deal with a smart device hardware maker, and still found time to make their desktop software fully 64-bit.
And now there’s a new release for Android, which adds a few new features, bringing it up to feature parity with the iOS version. The four main new additions are fairly hefty:
- A waveform view, similar to Traktor DJ’s layout, which allows you to scratch tracks.
- Separate tabs for decks meaning you can mix and match deck views as needed.
- Built in key detection when you analyse your collection.
- Synced loop sampler with new sound packs.
All in all, that’s a fair amount of additions to the app! And it’s free to existing users.
Here’s the full press release details:
Paris, France – October 23, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DJing on Android catches up to iOS with Cross DJ 2.0
The 1st pro DJ app on Android introduces its 2.0 version: Waveforms, separate tabs, key detection & synced sampler. Featurewise, the gap between DJing on Android and iOS doesn’t exist anymore.
Waveform view
This all new view allows for better music visualization, scratching on the waveforms and accurate cue setting. On top of that, 2 options provide advanced users with new actions:
- beatgrid editing directly on the waveform
- zoom with a simple pinch;
Separate Tabs
A and B decks eventually gained their independence. A simple swipe gesture displays a different panel on the left and on the right. Adjust the EQs on one side, while applying an effect on the left. This enables you to create stunning combos that were never possible before on Android.
Key detection
Cross DJ now detects the key of the tracks. This is useful for harmonic mixing, i.e. mixing tracks that sound well together.
Synced sampler
Dedicated drum loops triggered on the sampler are now synchronized to the main decks. They play at the same BPM as the track currently playing. Best of all, this update brings 3 new soundbanks: FX Shot, Drum Loops and Drum Loops 2.
Pricing & availability Full version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixvibes.crossdjapp
Free version with IAPs: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixvibes.crossdjfree Full version is $9.99 / 8,99 € / £6,99 Update is free for all current users.
Main Features
- Accurate BPM detection of your music, down to the last decimal.
- Stable Sync: one press, and the 2 tracks never go out of phase.
- Split Mono: Pre listen your music tracks before mixing them.
- Customizable, manual pitch range (4, 8, 16, 32, 100%) + progressive & manual pitch bend.
- Accurate Beat grid editing: make any track sync properly.
- Quantize feature: hot cues and loops are automatically set on the beat.
- Smart seek: Tap on the waveform to fast forward & get a seamless jump.
- Automix: let Cross DJ mix your tracks and play music automatically, from any sources.
- External mixer: control EQs and crossfader with hardware mixers.
- Low latency: music reacts instantly to your actions.
- Extremely realistic scratch sound as on real turntables.
- 15 effects (Bi filter, Low pass, Hi Pass, Delay, Echo, Phaser, Flanger, Cut, Roll, etc.)
- Keylock mode: change BPM without affecting the tone.
- Key detection: detect the key of the songs and know which tracks sound good together.
- No load time when starting up the app.
- Autogain: automatically equalizes the levels of 2 tracks.
- 2 turntables, full fledged 3 band EQ mixer with DJM EQ preset.
- Sampler: 14 sample banks + possibility to record your own samples.
- Mix Soundcloud: Explore, play and mix all SoundCloud.
- New Waveform view: scratch & see the music + set cue accurately.
- New Separate tabs: swipe to display different panels on each side.
- Quantized loops: loops triggered with the sampler are synced to main player.
- Crossfader with 3 modes: cut, autofade, normal.
- Compatible with MP3s, AAC, FLAC and more.
- Multiple sorting options: sort your library by title, artist, album, BPM or length.
- Navigation by folder.
- Large control pads: XY effect pad, 16 hot cues pads.
- HQ live recording of your mixes.
- Optimized for mobile & tablet.
Minimum configuration required
- Android 4.1
- 4″ screen
- RAM 1GB
- Dual core processor
My take
Having had a quick play, the new features are there and work well. The horizontal waveforms will make quite a few people happy, and are responsive, with pinch-to-zoom (LOL Apple patent). For the tablet/phone form factor, it makes makes a lot of sense. Key detection and the beat synced sampler are less significant, but help take away some user difficulties.
OK, the tabs thing is very cool, allowing you to have different windows for each deck, like EQ on deck A and FX on deck B. This makes a HUGE difference to workflow and means less jumping between different screens while you mix. It’s such a significant boost that along with the decent track analysis, I’d seriously consider hooking this up to DJ impromptu at a party. I had a play for about 20-30 minutes, and overall felt comfortable mixing, even on a touch screen. I did notice a few stutters when loading tracks or using loops, but they were few and far between.
One thing that’s definitely missing from the app still, is a way to set a default music folder, so you don’t have to keep moving from the drive root to find your tunes. In fact, I asked Mixvibes if they’d add that. Which they hopefully will. They’re pretty awesome like that.
Cross DJ for Android is $9.99 / 8,99 € / £6,99. You can also get a free version with in-app-purchases.
What do you think of the update? Have you got the guts to play out with it?