When Pioneer’s quirky little WeGO controller came out, I noted that compatibility with algoriddim’s djay software was inevitable. And almost 4 months later, here we are – the WeGO finally gets cosy with djay for Mac. And a very nice setup it is too.
Here’s the words:
Mix it up on the move: the compact DDJ-WeGO DJ console now supports DJing from iTunes with Algoriddim djay and djay LE for Apple Macs
11th December 2012: Aspiring DJs can now mix their favourite tracks direct from their iTunes library, as Algoriddim djay and djay LE join the line-up of DJ software supported by Pioneer’s DDJ-WeGO controller.
DJs already using djay can simply connect the DDJ-WeGO to their Apple Mac and use the console’s pre-assigned controls to access the software’s popular features. Or DDJ-WeGO owners can download djay LE – designed exclusively for use with the DDJ-WeGO – free of charge, and enjoy all the software’s mixing and scratching functions, as well as advanced features such as Hot Cues, samples and loops.
Download info
- djay LE is available free of charge from December 2012 at http://www.algoriddim.com/djayLE
- The latest version of the full djay software is available from the App store (13.99 GBP / 17.99 EUR). Customers who already own djay must upgrade to the latest version to use the DDJ-WeGO.
- DDJ-WeGO firmware must be updated to Ver 1.05 to be compatible with djay, which is available at http://www.pioneerdj.com/support
Key features of the DDJ-WeGO
Hands-on experience of DJing with VirtualDJ LE and now djay and djay LE software
Beginner DJs can use the console’s tactile, ergonomic controls to manipulate their chosen software’s features and functions for a truly interactive experience. The DDJ-WeGO will be compatible with a variety of software packages to suit any DJing style.Pulse Control lights add a visual element to learning to mix
Inherited from Pioneer’s popular DDJ-ERGO controller, the Pulse Control lights guide DJs through their performance and add a visual element to the DJ experience:
- LED channel faders: Red LEDs in the WeGO’s channel faders show the beat of the track playing to help aspiring DJs keep time. And the intensity of the light reflects the sound output levels, so they’ll know if they’ve left a track playing after the mix.
- Mix Pulse (VirtualDJ LE only): Lights around the jog wheel show the beat of all the tracks in play. The lights shine more intensely the closer the match, so novice DJs can easily see how their skills are progressing.
- Launch Pulse: A red light travels from the Load button to the jog wheel when a track has loaded successfully so DJs know when a track is ready to play.
- FX Pulse: LED light patterns around the jog wheel show which effects and filters they’ve engaged. And the lights get brighter as the effects and filters are applied more intensely.
- Jog FX: The DDJ-WeGO’s effects can be further manipulated by scratching and spinning the jog wheel to add another layer of richness to the sound.
Five colour options and customisable lights for a personalised controller
Available in black, green, red, violet and white, there’s a WeGO model to suit every personality. And the console’s jog wheel LEDs can be customised, with seven stunning colour options to choose from. Further personalisation of the WeGO is possible as users can blend their own colour combinations on the jog wheel LEDs.Portable, compact design for easy transport and simple set up
No bigger than a laptop, the WeGO is compact, lightweight and portable. Set up is simple as the DDJ-WeGO is completely powered by USB; just one cable connecting the console to a laptop or compatible device is all that is needed to get going. Plus, the strategically positioned side panel connections allow cables to be hooked up to the sides of the controller rather than the back, so DJs won’t have to worry about cables snaking across their laptop keyboards.
Other features
- High-quality design for clear sound reproduction
- Built-in sound card
System requirements – djay, djay LE
Supported OS – Mac OS X v10.7/10.6/10.5 Intel® processor platform
I’m a fan of djay – not just because I make their promo videos, but because it’s an incredibly intuitive piece of software. It just works, and when paired with controllers like Vestax’s Spin, it makes sense. So I wasn’t sure what to expect when pairing the left field WeGO with djay. But it does still work, and work well. Like djay, rather than having pretensions of being pro, it’s pure fun and very endearing. I plugged and played for a while and loved it. This will feature in my soon-to-come Pioneer WeGO review.
Something I can’t work out – why is there a djay LE version? I may be wrong, but as far as I can see this is identical to the regular version except the WeGO needs it to work. It doesn’t seem to be LE in any way at all, so why not just put out v4.1 that’s WeGO ready?
Anyway, WeGO owners can grab djay LE, or 4.1 or whatever it’s called right here, but don’t forget to upgrade your firmware too. Have fun – I did.