Mixxx

DJs are pretty intriguing. What they do is pretty interesting, mixing music and adding in effects of all sorts. Perhaps you once wondered, how do they do that? There's got to be some specialized program that they use, because mixing music on unsuitable software wouldn't look too fun.

They certainly seem to be having fun while mixing, so what kind of software would they use? Chances are, they have probably used, or are using, Mixxx: an app designed for DJing, whose modular design and comprehensive interface brings all their mixing needs into an open-source program.

The interface in this app is what you make of it. By way of the six tabs at the top of the layout, users can add multiple elements, based on their needs. Each of them has its own use, making this a very scalable program, that can be as potent as your mixing skills.

"Waveforms" allows you to probe deeper into your songs by analyzing their wavelengths, while "4 Decks" will double the number of tracks you can simultaneously combine, then mix with the help of the "Mixer" appendages.

"Effects" allows users to insert various effects into their tracks, such as reverb, auto-pan, and more. "Samplers" offers the functionality of being able to interweave the parts of a song with another's, whilst "MIC/AUX" accommodates up to 8 input devices.

Besides the highly customizable layout, the "Preferences" menu takes this even further. You can change the interface skin, with some even being capable of holding 64 samplers in their layout. The decks and waveforms, too, can be further changed and personalized to your liking.

There is also the option to broadcast your mixing directly within the app, to the Shoutcast and Icecast servers.

This is some very comprehensive, feature-rich software. It's the kind where you receive just as much as you put in, because with Mixxx, the DJing possibilities are practically boundless, thanks to its array of features and customizability.