Can you get VirtualDJ on Android?

What is VirtualDJ?

VirtualDJ is a popular DJ software application first released in 2001 by Atomix Productions. It allows DJs to mix music, add effects, automate mixes, and perform many other DJ functions using a computer and DJ controller hardware (source).

Some key features of VirtualDJ include:

Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Support for a wide range of DJ controllers and hardware
Ability to mix audio, video, and karaoke tracks
Automatic beatmatching and syncing between tracks

Effects like loops, flips, pitch control, and more
Real-time sampler to add sounds and cues
Beatgrid editing for precision mixing

MIDI and HID controller mapping
Integration with DMX stage lighting
Recording mixes and broadcasting online

In summary, VirtualDJ provides professional tools and features to help DJs perform creative live mixes, productions, and sets.

VirtualDJ’s Popularity

VirtualDJ is one of the most popular DJ software programs in the world. According to a recent report, the global DJ software market was valued at $370 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to $434.83 million by 2030 (Source: DJ Software Market Report 2023). VirtualDJ holds a significant share of this market.

Industry estimates suggest VirtualDJ has been downloaded over 120 million times worldwide. With over 100,000 new downloads every month, it continues to be one of the most widely used DJ programs. VirtualDJ has an estimated user base of more than 1 million active DJs (Source: How to grab market share Native Instruments style).

VirtualDJ’s closest competitors are Serato DJ and Traktor Pro. While exact market share percentages are not known publicly, one analysis suggests VirtualDJ holds 35-40% of the global DJ software market. This is comparable to Serato DJ’s estimated 30-35% share and higher than Native Instruments Traktor Pro at 15-20%. Despite new competitors emerging, VirtualDJ has maintained its position as a top player in DJ software for over 20 years.

VirtualDJ on Desktop Platforms

VirtualDJ is available for Windows and macOS desktop platforms. For Windows, VirtualDJ 8 is compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 [1]. The Windows version has an easy installation process that guides users through the setup. Minimum system requirements include a 1 GHz Pentium 3 or AMD Athlon XP processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 50 MB of free hard drive space. For the best performance, a multicore Intel or AMD CPU with 4 GB of RAM is recommended.

On macOS, VirtualDJ supports OS X 10.7 and newer. The macOS download is a DMG file that also provides a straightforward installation process. System requirements are similar to Windows, needing at least a 1 GHz Intel processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 50 MB free hard drive space. For professional use, an Intel i5 processor and 4 GB of RAM is suggested [2].

Overall, VirtualDJ accommodates both Windows and Mac users with approachable setup on each platform. It scales from casual DJs using older hardware up to working professionals with modern multicore systems.

VirtualDJ on Mobile Platforms

VirtualDJ does not have an official app available on Android or iOS mobile platforms currently. VirtualDJ’s developer, Atomix Productions, had previously released VirtualDJ apps for iOS and Android but both were discontinued years ago and are no longer supported.

The iOS app, VirtualDJ Remote, allowed iOS devices to connect to and control VirtualDJ running on a computer. It enabled basics like browsing music libraries, loading tracks, and controlling play. The Android app, named VirtualDJ, provided similar remote control features but also included basic DJ mixing capabilities independent of a computer.

However, Atomix Productions stopped development on the VirtualDJ mobile apps in favor of focusing on the main VirtualDJ software for desktop operating systems. The iOS app was removed from the App Store in 2015, while the Android app disappeared from the Play Store around 2013.

So in summary, there is currently no official VirtualDJ app available on iOS or Android mobile platforms. The discontinued VirtualDJ mobile apps provided only basic functionality compared to the full desktop version anyway. Mobile DJs must look to alternative solutions for mixing music on a phone or tablet currently.

Challenges of VirtualDJ on Android

While VirtualDJ is extremely popular on desktop platforms like Windows and Mac, bringing the full VirtualDJ experience to Android devices poses some unique challenges.

One major challenge is the hardware limitations of Android devices compared to desktop computers. Android devices typically have less processing power, memory, and storage space than a desktop computer. This makes it difficult to port the advanced audio processing and effects that VirtualDJ utilizes. Android’s audio latency issues also make it harder to achieve the tight synchronization VirtualDJ is known for.

Developing optimized controls and interfaces is another challenge. The small touchscreens of Android devices require completely rethinking the VirtualDJ interface to be intuitive for finger-based controls rather than mouse and keyboard. Advanced DJ techniques like scratching, beatmatching, and effect manipulation need redesigned interfaces to work smoothly on a touchscreen.

According to a Qt developer forum post, these challenges have made porting the complex VirtualDJ software difficult so far. While solutions like the CrystaX NDK have shown some promise, bringing the full desktop experience to Android still requires substantial development work.

Workarounds and Alternatives

There are a few workarounds that allow you to use VirtualDJ on Android devices indirectly:

You can use VirtualDJ on a desktop or laptop computer and route the audio output to an Android device via WiFi using an app like VirtualDJ XDJ. This allows you to control VirtualDJ with physical DJ gear while hearing the audio on your Android phone or tablet.

Another option is using remote control apps like VirtualDJ Remote to control VirtualDJ running on a computer from your Android device. You won’t hear the direct audio output, but can queue up tracks and control playback.

If looking for a native Android DJ app as an alternative, some top options include:

djay – A versatile DJ app with Spotify integration, remix decks, sampler, and wide format support.

Edjing Mix – Allows live mixing and remixing with effects, loops, and cues. Integrates with SoundCloud.

Mixvibes Cross DJ – Professional DJ app with 4 deck mixing, effects, samples and video mixing capabilities.

While not VirtualDJ itself, using these Android DJ apps provide similar functionality and mixing capabilities on mobile.

Android Features for DJs

Android has several built-in features that DJs can take advantage of for mixing music. The operating system supports low-latency audio, which is crucial for DJs to pre-listen and beatmatch tracks in their headphones while the main mix plays on the master output. This low-latency audio enables a near real-time audio experience.

Android also allows apps to access the microphone input, enabling DJs to mix in audio from external sources or use microphone features like “talk over” to make announcements over the music mix. DJ apps can tap into system audio like notification sounds and ringtones as well for creative mixing.

Many Android phones and tablets include a built-in SD card slot, which DJs can utilize for expanded music storage and access to their full music library. Android’s connectivity protocols like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct also allow DJs to stream music libraries wirelessly from laptops, tablets, and cloud storage.

In terms of hardware support, many DJ controllers and mixers integrate with Android devices via USB-OTG (USB On-the-Go) or wirelessly over Bluetooth. Brands like Pioneer DJ, Numark, Denon DJ, and others offer controllers and mixers designed or compatible with Android devices. This allows DJs to control DJ software with physical knobs, buttons, jog wheels, and faders.

With the right DJ software and hardware support, Android provides powerful features and capabilities for mobile DJing. DJ apps and hardware makers continue to optimize the Android DJ experience as the platform evolves.

The Future of VirtualDJ on Android

While there is currently no official VirtualDJ application for Android, the future looks promising for a release. According to a comment on the VirtualDJ forums, the developers are actively working on an Android version and it is in early stages of development. Though no definitive timeline has been given, the developers have hinted it could be ready within a year or two.

VirtualDJ’s Product Manager DJ FlipFlop has mentioned in the forums that Android support is a highly requested feature and the developers aim to eventually create a polished, optimized Android app. However, porting the complex desktop software to Android poses challenges and takes significant development time. The team wants to ensure the Android version maintains the full feature set and performance that makes VirtualDJ popular before release.

In summary, an official VirtualDJ Android app is in early development but may still be 1-2 years away from an initial launch. The developers are prioritizing creating an excellent mobile DJ experience on par with the desktop product. Android users eager to use VirtualDJ on mobile may need to continue relying on workarounds in the meantime, but can hopefully look forward to a fully-featured release in the foreseeable future.

Tips for DJing on Android

Although VirtualDJ is not natively available on Android, you can still DJ and mix music directly on your Android device. Here are some tips to optimize your workflow and setup:

Recommended Hardware and Accessories

While you can DJ directly on a phone or tablet, having the right accessories can greatly improve your experience:

Get a stand or mount to prop up your device at an easily viewable angle.
Consider connecting an external USB audio interface for improved sound quality.
A portable battery pack helps avoid draining your device’s battery during long sets.

Use a Bluetooth receiver to connect headphones wirelessly.
A carrying case or bag keeps your gear protected while on the go.

Optimizing Settings and Workflow

Make sure to configure your Android device for the best possible DJ experience:

Close any unnecessary apps running in the background.
Enable Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruptions.
Adjust audio output settings for optimal sound quality.

Organize your music library and playlists for quick access.
Reduce animations and visual effects to improve performance.
Use a file manager to directly access files and folders.

Save cue points, loops, and other info to your tracks.

With the right gear and optimized settings, you can unleash your DJ skills on Android without VirtualDJ.

Conclusion

While VirtualDJ is not officially available on Android devices, there are still some workarounds and alternatives DJs can use. The main challenge is that VirtualDJ relies heavily on keyboard and mouse controls that are not well suited to mobile touchscreens. However, as mobile hardware continues to improve, we may see optimized versions of VirtualDJ hit Android in the future.

For now, Android does have some built-in audio features like EQ controls that DJs can take advantage of. There are also a few VirtualDJ-style apps available, though they lack the full feature set. Serious DJs may want to use Android alongside a laptop or desktop setup running VirtualDJ. With the right accessories, it’s possible to integrate Android devices into more robust DJ rigs.

While not ideal yet, Android still enables basic DJing capabilities for mixing music on the go. As developers optimize apps for mobile DJing, the experience will only get better over time. For now, DJs should manage expectations when trying to use pro-grade software like VirtualDJ on Android devices.