eJay DJ MixStation review

I've always wanted to be a DJ.

After all, the pay is pretty good - and all you have to do is overlap a couple of records in a way that sounds agreeable. The thing is, as any self-respecting DJ will tell you, it isn't that easy. First, you've got to have a great record collection, and then you have to seamlessly mix tracks by matching their tempos, creating a continuous beat to keep the dancefloor pumping.

However, salvation comes in the form of DJ MixStation. It's a DJ-style MP3 and .wav player that offers one-click beat matching - "for perfect transitions" - plus a collection of club tunes and endorsement from legendary British DJ Carl Cox.

First things first. The supplied tracks are reasonably varied, but there are only 20 of them, and none lives up to the task of setting the dancefloor on fire. You'll have to rely on your own tunes, then, but be warned that CDs and vinyl need to be converted to MP3 or .wav, and you'll have to get hold of another application to do that.

The mixer itself looks suitably funky, and locating and playing tracks is as easy as it should be. There are basic effects for sound mangling, plus the all-important cross-fader and pitch controls for mixing tracks together. It can even change a track's tempo without changing its pitch, which is more than real DJ equipment can do.

From then on, however, it all goes a bit Pete Tong. The Wizard button that's supposed to automatically match tempos gets it wrong most of the time - even with the supplied demo tracks! You can still do it manually, and the various displays certainly help, but the lack of hands-on control, a separate headphone mix or pitch nudge controls make it a challenge even for experienced DJs.

DJ MixStation doesn't deliver all that it claims, but is ultimately fairly entertaining, as long as you don't set your sights too high. However, it would take a more skilful virtual disc jockey than me to manage to get their £20-worth from it.

Author: Ben Pitt