Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ - Which is best in 2022?
The age-old question: Should I use Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ? Let's face it: selecting which platform to use is one of the most difficult aspects of growing and flourishing as a DJ.
When you're aiming to put on an amazing show, you'll need software that can aid you with things like sound collection and organization. Serato DJ and Rekordbox DJ are excellent choices for this task.
The only issue? There are a lot of professional reviews out there raving about the advantages of one platform or the other. However, finding comparisons to assist you to choose one tool over another is difficult.
That is why I am here to assist you; to bring you this head-to-head comparison, I dug deep into both the Rekordbox and Serato platforms.
Let’s dive into Serato DJ or Rekordbox DJ – Which Should I Use?
This article will cover the following topics:
An Intro to Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ
For the modern DJ, both Serato and RekordBox DJ are regarded as dependable and practical solutions. They're on the cutting edge of the industry, providing high-quality technology to a number of well-known artists.
Serato first debuted in the mid-2000s, and since then, it's developed alongside the DJ landscape, providing access to everything from turntables to DJ controllers and media players.
Pioneer DJ's Rekordbox software was created to assist DJs in organizing and exporting tracks to USB devices. In addition, RekordBox DJ has a performance mode that allows you to spin using your laptop and a DJ controller. Serato and its functionality and aesthetic are very similar.
You'd probably have a hard time telling the two apart at first glance.
Serato and RekordBox both let you organize your music library, save cue points, alter FX elements, and view tracks with graphic waveforms. Both alternatives are stable (albeit one is superior in this case), and they both receive regular updates from developers, which is really useful in the event that something goes wrong.
So, what distinguishes these tools? Let's look at it more closely.
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ: Features
Let's have a look at the things that these two platforms have to offer.
Serato's built-in feature set is already rather impressive. There are, however, a number of expansion packs available. For example, Serato Video has an in-built video editor that allows you to add synchronised sets to your system in minutes.
Serato Flip allows you to swiftly and easily remix your tracks for playing, while Serato DVS connects CDJs and turntables to timecode discs and vinyl. Serato FX for FX customisation, Serato Pitch and Time for pitch altering, and more are all available.
Working with RekordBox is eerily similar to working with Serato. rekordbox, on the other hand, only supports a limited number of controllers: 22 controllers, 12 mixers, and 10 CDJs.
You'll discover a sampler, FX tools, edit and remixing tools, and more in the RekordBox program, which is similar to Serato Flip. You'll also get a version of Pitch and Time, which aids in track transitions.
Rekordbox also has a number of extension packs that are similar to Serato, such as RekordBox DVS, which includes scratch timecode control and timecode vinyl setup. There's also RekordBox Video and RMX effects for visual effects. Serato DJ is a little more extendable than RekordBox, but it provides you more bang for your buck right out of the box. Serato DJ is, in my opinion, ideal if you only want to mix on laptops and controllers. rekordbox, on the other hand, is the way to go if you're seeking for a more retro vibe with Pioneer CDJs. It's ideal for creating CDJ playlists as preparation software.
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ: Hardware
Serato is arguably one of the most comprehensive DJ software options available today. Serato is used by almost every controller that isn't made by Native Instruments or Pioneer. This implies that you have a lot of options. Serato has 53 controllers, 16 mixers, and four distinct interfaces to choose from. Integration with up to 14 accessories, such as FX controllers, is also possible.
The distinction between Serato and RekordBox is akin to that between an Apple and a PC. One confines you to its own habitat, while the other is more adaptable.
If you're going to be mixing on Pioneer CDJs, RekordBox is pretty much your only option. RekordBox is a laptop-based expansion of Pioneer's free music preparation software. RekordBox will appeal to a lot of professionals because Pioneers are titans of hardware in the DJ business.
For CDJ mixing, RekordBox reigns supreme, although its versatility is severely limited—Which DJ system is the best?
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ: User Interface
The interface of Serato DJ is remarkably similar to that of RekordBox DJ. The interface is much darker and more serious in appearance than options like Traktor.
Serato's user interface is jam-packed with information, including in-line vertical waveform displays and a plethora of options. It takes some time to get used to the software, but you'll get the hang of it eventually. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours to experiment.
Serato's browser is one of its best features. The Smart Crates method enables you to instantly locate the tunes you've improvised for your show.
RekordBox, on the other hand, has a highly professional appearance, with a very sleek and minimalist appearance. A lovely touch is the side-by-side track view.
The RekordBox interface is wonderful since you can use it even if you're not connected to a deck or controller. This means you may experiment with different musical combinations at any moment, even if you're just relaxing on the catch.
Although both interfaces are remarkable from an objective standpoint, RekordBox is nicer in my opinion because it is much cleaner and can be used without a controller.
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ: Stability
DJs will always need to maintain their stability. When your software is stable, you don't have to worry about problems like gigabytes becoming stuck or libraries getting corrupted. Most current software is fairly reliable thanks to years of patching and tweaking.
Serato is a relatively stable program that runs on a variety of older PCs. You may also use it with a MacBook Pro 2011 as an example. If like me, you haven't refreshed your laptop in a while, Serato should suffice.
RekordBox, on the other hand, is based on the Pioneer framework, which hasn't always been seen as reliable. This system wasn't meant to be used in real-time, and it showed. However, the UI is considerably better and more reliable today.
Overall, I think the Serato DJ is a little more dependable.
Serato DJ or RekordBox DJ: Pricing
Aren't we all on a budget?
If you buy a high-end controller, you can get a full Serato DJ license for free. However, for $129, you may purchase Serato Intro and upgrade to Serato DJ. Expansion packs range in price from $29.99 to $99.99.
If you want to get the DJ Essentials Club Kit package for $169, it will include the Serato DJ software.
RekordBox is completely free to use. This is the software you'll need to transfer your music to a USB drive without using a computer. The price of RekordBox DJ, on the other hand, is $139. Expansion packs can cost anywhere from $10 for more FX to $159 for video.
RekordBox DJ is included for free with every Pioneer controller, even the cheapest ones on the market, according to the Pioneer brand.
Finishing Thoughts
It's a difficult decision.
In many aspects, RekordBox and Serato are quite similar.
They can provide access to many of the same capabilities and have a user interface that is equivalent.
Serato DJ Pro, on the other hand, is likely to be your first pick in the DVS world. It can work with a wide range of hardware, and you can customize your system's functionality as much as you want. You may even be able to be set up for a reduced cost. RekordBox, on the other hand, comes highly recommended if you're looking for the perfect CDJ setup. With RekordBox, it's much easier to access Pioneer CDJ solutions, and Pioneer makes it simple to get your gigs started with just a USB stick.