The truth about Snapdragon X Elite compatibility with DJ software
What is Snapdragon?
The Snapdragon X Elite chip by Qualcomm is the new processor for Windows computers.
The ARM architecture of a Snapdragon processor is different than the x86 architecture, which was used by Intel and AMD for 40+ years.
Apple transitioned from x86 architecture to ARM in 2020 with the M1 chip.
Qualcomm tries to do the same thing for Windows.
Snapdragon processors are generally more energy efficient and more performant than their x86 counterpart.
This is why you want a Qualcomm ARM processor.
The problem
Because the architecture of ARM-based processors is fundamentally different than x86, software needs to be rewritten for the ARM architecture, including Windows itself.
This can be a lengthy and therefore expensive operation for developers, which is why a lot of companies want to wait it out to see if it catches on at all.
Apple ripped the band aid off quickly with the transition to M1 processors in 2020, by forcing the transition on manufacturers.
Which has the advantage of speed, but,
on Windows not … this transition can take years, if it is successful at all.
A lot of mainstream software was ready when the Snapdragon launched (see list here), but a lot of DJ software was not.
Emulation
To make the transition easier some x86 programs can still run on ARM with an emulator called Prism.
If your software runs at all, don’t expect the world in terms of performance.
Think of it this way: it’s better to have a program that is a bit sluggish, than not be able to run it at all.
But … timing is everything for a DJ.
This might be a problem for us, so we want native support.
Compatibility table
But what DJ app supports the Snapdragon X Elite processor?
| Software | Native | Emulation |
|---|---|---|
| Rekordbox | ❌ | ❌ |
| Serato | ❌ | ? |
| Virtual DJ | ❌ | ? |
| Traktor | ❌ | ? |
| Engine DJ | ❌ | ? |
| DJay Pro | ✔️ | – |
| DJuced | ❌ | ? |
As you can see, the support is absolutely horrible.
Only DJay Pro supports the Snapdragon processor.
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Breakdown by software
Rekordbox
The Snapdragon launched a month after the release of Rekordbox 7.
Rekordbox 7 had support for ARM on Apple for the first time.
It took them 4 whole years!
According to this Reddit post, AlphaTheta has no plans to transition at all in the near future.
So far for being called “Pioneer”.
Also emulation doesn’t seem to work according to this post.
Serato
According to Serato:
“Serato software is not currently compatible with ARM-based Windows computers.
This applies to all ARM-based Windows devices, including those with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X chipsets.
We currently do not have a time frame as to when we may support such devices, but we encourage users to get in touch to request support.” (source)
They are owned by AlphaTheta nowadays, so don’t get your hopes up that they will support it anytime soon.
