2. Fundamentals

In contrast to traditional DJing, digital DJing refers to performances employing digitized tracks and files. Formats in frequent use are WAV, FLAC, MP3 and AAC, to name only a few, which replace or are used in addition to more traditional media, e.g. audio CDs and vinyls.

A computer equipped with plenty of storage is usually the centre of a digital DJing setup. The file formats mentioned above can be played back from this computer. As long as DJing software has been installed, files in all common formats can be played back. Digital playlists are thus a smart replacement for cumbersome cases full of CDs or vinyls. In addition, such software often offers a wide range of additional features, such as real-time audio effects, virtual decks and mulit-channel mixing desks.

Native Intrsument's Traktor, Serato DJ, Virtual DJ, Ultramixer and Deckadence by Image-Line are some renowned DJ programmes.

To allow the audience to hear the sound signals, the computer needs to send them to an extrernal sound system. This is done via a sound card, nowadays usually known as the audio interface.

Although most software features can be controlled directly on the computer, many digital DJ setups include an external hardware controller which allows the DJ to control the software more conveniently and sometimes even adds control options. In many cases, these controllers come with integrated audio interfaces.

Depending on the scope of their functions, DJ controllers may be divided into the following groups:

• Laptop
• Controller
• DJ Mixer
• CD Player
• Turntable
• PA
• Light