{"id":1578,"date":"2023-12-11T12:51:12","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T12:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/?p=1578"},"modified":"2024-08-19T21:37:01","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T19:37:01","slug":"serato-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/serato-review","title":{"rendered":"Serato Review &#8211; Painful mediocrity at a premium"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<style>html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }<\/style><ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-serato\">What is Serato?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#user-interface-and-usability\">User Interface and usability<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#controller-support\">Controller support<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#cloud-sync-and-streaming\">Cloud sync and Streaming<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#stems\">Stems<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hot-cues-cue-points\">Hot Cues \/ Cue Points<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-serato-tying-to-be\">What is Serato tying to be?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#beat-grid-ouch-its-painful\">Beat grid: ouch, it&#8217;s painful!<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#where-is-the-cue-button\">Where is the Cue button?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#annoying-directories\">Annoying directories<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#quick-remarks\">Quick remarks<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pioneer-bought-serato\">Pioneer bought Serato<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#performance-tests\">Performance tests<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#is-serato-free\">Is Serato free?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#information\">Information<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#system-requirements\">System Requirements<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pros-amp-cons\">Pros &amp; cons<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion-is-serato-good-for-beginners\">Conclusion: Is Serato good for beginners?<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-serato\">What is Serato?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato is DJ software that allows you to DJ on your computer without any external equipment.<br>You can use an external controller which makes things much more comfortable to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato allows you to analyze your music for BPM, waveform, beatgrid and key.<br>The track you currently have loaded into your DJ decks is at the top of the screen.<br>Your collection is at the bottom of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc3410e69e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc3410e69e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview-960x540.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-overview.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can organize your music into crates (which is Serato-speak for &#8220;playlist&#8221;).<br>But you can also define Smart Crates, which automatically generates playlists based on certain criteria (like BPM or artist for example).<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"user-interface-and-usability\">User Interface and usability<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The interface looks OK, it&#8217;s not overly crowded, but not uncluttered either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I can quickly find what I&#8217;m looking for, and understand quickly what things do.<br>I call that the &#8220;bare minimum&#8221; for computer software.<br>Nothing that stands out, but nothing either that is overly annoying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some buttons are a bit on the small side, like the &#8220;play&#8221; button for example.<br>While this is one of the most important buttons of the whole software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This software is meant to be operated in dark damp clubs with sticky mouse surfaces.<br>A big button would make things just a little bit nicer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of software can have very complicated options screens, which can be quite overwhelming.<br>Luckily Serato does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But they could have taken better advantage of the available screen real-estate.<br>The options-panel looks a little bit &#8220;lost&#8221; in the sea of grey &#8220;nothingness&#8221;.<br>Again, nothing annoying, but not something to be enthusiastic about either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc3410f137&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc3410f137\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings-960x540.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-settings.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"controller-support\">Controller support<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato has an extensive range of controller, player and mixer support of different manufacturers, from Pioneer to Allen &amp; Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a controller (or want to buy one), I would check yours in the <a href=\"https:\/\/serato.com\/dj\/hardware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">compatibility list on Serato&#8217;s website<\/a>.<br>Because it doesn&#8217;t support all controllers, like Virtual DJ for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have an old Pioneer DDJ-RB controller, which isn&#8217;t supported by Serato for example.<br>(this isn&#8217;t a surprise because the &#8220;RB&#8221; in the model number literally stands for &#8220;<strong>R<\/strong>ekord<strong>b<\/strong>ox&#8221;).<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cloud-sync-and-streaming\">Cloud sync and Streaming<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Cloud support and streaming are hot topics for many DJs.<br>Personally, I don&#8217;t think <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/why-streaming-dj-music-is-stupid\">streaming is stupid<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regretfully, Serato doesn&#8217;t support Dropbox, Google Drive or Microsoft Onedrive like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rekordbox<\/a> does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It does however have streaming support for Beatport, Beatsource, Soundcloud and TIDAL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc3410faf4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc3410faf4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot-960x540.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-just-a-screenshot.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stems\">Stems<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato can do automatic stem separation on existing tracks.<br>The Pro version without controller only supports Vocal and Instrumental separation.<br>With controller it supports Vocal, Instrumental, Bass and Drums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the sound quality is dirt-poor, and utterly unusable.<br>If you want to be &#8220;boo&#8221;-ed out of your DJ booth, USE THIS!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds like a badly compressed MP3 played under water while strangling a cat that is violating a violin that needs to be tuned.<br>Also the instrumental sometimes &#8216;bleeds&#8217; through the vocal and vice versa.<br>While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a>&#8216;s stem separation isn&#8217;t amazing, it sounds better than Serato&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately Serato doesn&#8217;t support playing stem tracks, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/traktor-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Traktor<\/a> does.<br>Stem tracks are separate music files for bass, melody, vocal that are played together so you can add or subtract them anyway you like.<br>This is the-way-to-go if you want high quality mixing capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc34110386&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc34110386\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"198\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal-960x198.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal-960x198.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal-300x62.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal-150x31.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal-768x158.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-stem-separation-vocal.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hot-cues-cue-points\">Hot Cues \/ Cue Points<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato does not make a distinction is Hot Cues and Cue Points, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\">Rekordbox <\/a>does.<br>(hot cues makes a track automatically start playing, a Cue Point does not)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a track is playing, it&#8217;s a Hot Cue, when it&#8217;s paused a Cue Point.<br>Which makes sense when you think about it.<br>Every &#8220;starting thing&#8221; is a Cue Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, Serato automatically generates Cue Points &#8230; but only when it feels like it!<br>It also automatically colors the Cue Point, which makes it instantly recognizable WHERE the Cue Point is in the beat-grid when you click it.<br>I like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc34110dc7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc34110dc7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"309\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-automatic-cue-points.webp\" alt=\"Hot Cues in Serato\" class=\"wp-image-2616\" style=\"width:556px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-automatic-cue-points.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-automatic-cue-points-300x116.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-automatic-cue-points-150x58.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-automatic-cue-points-768x297.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-serato-tying-to-be\">What is Serato tying to be?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>What is Serato&#8217;s Unique Selling Point?<br>I asked myself this question, because I struggle to grasp that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is not the industry standard, Rekordbox is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the most used, Rekordbox is<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the most user friendliest, because Virtual DJ is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the most compatible with hardware, because Virtual DJ is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the most professional, because Traktor is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the fastest, in fact it&#8217;s the slowest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the best looking software, Virtual DJ is.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s not the cheapest, in fact it&#8217;s the most expensive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On Serato&#8217;s website, they claim it&#8217;s the <strong>best <\/strong>DJ software.<br>But <strong>best <\/strong>at <strong>what<\/strong>?<br>Because I fail to come up with just <strong>one <\/strong>reason why you should buy Serato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I asked a DJ who used Serato for over 10 years: &#8220;Why should I use Serato&#8221;.<br>He couldn&#8217;t tell me either, it&#8217;s just what he is using.<br>Great sales pitch, dude!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only thing that Serato excels at, is being<strong> the slowest and the most expensive DJ software on the market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m not saying Serato is bad (because it&#8217;s not).<br>But it isn&#8217;t particularly good either.<br>There is just better software out there for less, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rekordbox<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/traktor-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Traktor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc341118db&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc341118db\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping-960x540.webp\" alt=\"Loop in serato\" class=\"wp-image-2679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-looping.webp 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beat-grid-ouch-its-painful\">Beat grid: ouch, it&#8217;s painful!<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Personally, I find the waveform display a little bit outdated.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rekordbox <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/engine-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Engine DJ<\/a> have a much more modern look with blue and yellow colors.<br>Nevertheless, it does the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I noticed that every track I loaded is off-beatgrid.<br>Often it EXTREMELY wrong, like in this case (click to enlarge)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc34111f51&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc34111f51\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"73\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong-960x73.webp\" alt=\"Serato beatgrid wrong\" class=\"wp-image-2619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong-960x73.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong-300x23.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong-150x11.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong-768x58.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-beatgrid-wrong.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And all the other tracks the beatgrid is shifted a couple of milliseconds too early (click to enlarge).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc341128b2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc341128b2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"198\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid-960x198.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid-960x198.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid-300x62.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid-150x31.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid-768x159.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-most-tracks-slightly-off-beatgrid.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I tested the same tracks on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\">Rekordbox<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a>, but these were recognized correctly.<br>And I thought Rekordbox was often wrong &#8230; but this is next level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This must be a bug!<br>It&#8217;s very annying, because also the cue points it sets automatically are slightly off!<br>Also making clean loops is next to impossible with with a beatgrid that is shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that I have to edit EVERY SINGLE of the 1500 tracks in my library.<br>Time consuming, and not a very fun task!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The missing Cue button doesn&#8217;t make your life easier.<br>On top of that, I&#8217;m missing a metronome to correct the beatgrid, which makes it even more annying.<br>You need sometimes audible feedback to make sure your beatgrid is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this is a bug (which I suspect it is), it a so basic.<br><strong>It is painfully sloppy for software that asks a premium and boasts to be &#8220;the best DJ software&#8221;<\/strong>.<br>Especial when the competition is <strong>better <\/strong>than <strong>&#8220;the best<\/strong>&#8221; when it comes to a basic feature for DJ software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato doesn&#8217;t phrases or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/dj-terminology-glossary#phrases-phrase-mixing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">phrase mixing<\/a> visually (you are always do it by ear of course).<br>Phrases make it easier to make perfect transitions if (besides key) phrases are aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem\">Free DJ tips in your inbox?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus gift I will send you a <strong>FREE <\/strong>E-book on how to kick-off your DJ career!<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- MailerLite Universal -->\n<script>\n(function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){\nvar c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return \"number\"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);}\nf.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i);\nvar _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()\/1000000));\n_.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https:\/\/static.mailerlite.com\/js\/universal.js', 'ml');\n\nvar ml_account = ml('accounts', '1691580', 't0j5q7h5d7', 'load');\n<\/script>\n<!-- End MailerLite Universal -->\n\n<div class=\"ml-form-embed\"\n  data-account=\"1691580:t0j5q7h5d7\"\n  data-form=\"6052713:y7m2e8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-is-the-cue-button\">Where is the Cue button?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>I looked everywhere, but the absolute basic feature I miss is the cue button.<br>When quantize is enabled it would allow me to start a track at a quantized position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is very useful to set Cue points exactly on the beat.<br>Or to start a track exactly on the beat.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"annoying-directories\">Annoying directories<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Ever since I installed Serato, I end up with unwanted &#8220;_SERATO_&#8221; directories all around my computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems that every drive and every directory that Serato can get it&#8217;s grubby little fingers on, it want to leave a note &#8220;I was here&#8221;.<br>It&#8217;s like a dog urinating in every corner of your house to mark it&#8217;s territory.<br>I don&#8217;t like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato is far from the only software that does this (like you can see in the screenshot below).<br>What is wrong with having a library file in your app-data directory, like Rekordbox does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"363\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-_serato_-directories.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2653\" style=\"width:506px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-_serato_-directories.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-_serato_-directories-300x136.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-_serato_-directories-150x68.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-_serato_-directories-768x348.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-remarks\">Quick remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato asks if you want to backup your library every time you want to exit the software.<br>It&#8217;s annoying but useful at the same time.<br>1. Because you can never quit the software accidentally.<br>2. Remembers you to backup you library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To quickly change BPM, you can click on the BPM and drag it up or down.<br>I would like more software to have this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato supports different key notation: Camelot, Open and Classical key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m also missing a small waveform display in front of the track name in a playlist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The analyzing works weird.<br>Sometimes tracks are analyzed on import, sometimes not and you need to click on the &#8220;analyze&#8221; button.<br>I&#8217;m not sure what I missed here&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69dfc34113ef4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69dfc34113ef4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art-960x540.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art-960x540.webp 960w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/serato-review-with-album-art.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pioneer-bought-serato\">Pioneer bought Serato<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>AlphaTheta (formerly known as Pioneer DJ) <a href=\"https:\/\/the-drop.serato.com\/announcements\/alphatheta-corporation-acquires-serato-audio-research-limited\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bought Serato<\/a> back in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato wasn&#8217;t doing that well, and I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if AlphaTheta would eventually &#8220;swallow up&#8221; Serato&#8217;s technologies and left it to die.<br>Like a scavenger, pick the meat of it&#8217;s bones (use what they can use) and leave the carcass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might be in a year, maybe five, time will tell.<br>Of course, this is all pure speculation.<br>AlphaTheta said that they would maintain the brand name Serato, <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that the beatgrid is off, is very sloppy, and very telling of where AlphaTheta&#8217;s priorities lie.<br>I think investing in Serato license is a risk; going the Rekordbox route is a safer bet.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"performance-tests\">Performance tests<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>I tested how Serato performs on my computer.<br>These tests were done on a freshly rebooted Intel Core i9-X 10th gen processor with 64GB RAM memory, NVidia RTX 3080 and a PCIe Gen 3 NVME SSD:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td>CPU normal<\/td><td>3%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPU peak (analyzing)<\/td><td>96%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GPU<\/td><td>19%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Memory<\/td><td>5000 MB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Memory peak (analyzing)<\/td><td>3000 MB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Startup speed<\/td><td>17s<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Analyzing 1000 tracks<\/td><td>6m 3s<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Serato is an absolute memory hog.<br>Of all DJ software that I tested, Serato used the most.<br>The memory usage during analyzing dropped, which was really weird and I can&#8217;t explain why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also the CPU usage and GPU usage is quite extensive in my opinion compared to other software.<br>Also the startup speed of Serato is the slowest of all DJ software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words: Serato is very resource intensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My explanation for this is, Serato has been around since 1999.<br>I think they still have a lot of old legacy code in their software and never bothered to reprogram it.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/engine-dj-review\">Engine DJ<\/a> is much newer and blazingly fast.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\">Virtual DJ<\/a> is even older (1996) and blazingly fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPU and memory usage of Traktor, you can find in my article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/best-processor-for-djing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best CPU for DJing<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/ram-memory-dj-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how much memory you need for DJing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem\">Free DJ tips in your inbox?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a bonus gift I will send you a <strong>FREE <\/strong>E-book on how to kick-off your DJ career!<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- MailerLite Universal -->\n<script>\n(function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){\nvar c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return \"number\"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);}\nf.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i);\nvar _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()\/1000000));\n_.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https:\/\/static.mailerlite.com\/js\/universal.js', 'ml');\n\nvar ml_account = ml('accounts', '1691580', 't0j5q7h5d7', 'load');\n<\/script>\n<!-- End MailerLite Universal -->\n\n<div class=\"ml-form-embed\"\n  data-account=\"1691580:t0j5q7h5d7\"\n  data-form=\"6052713:y7m2e8\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-serato-free\">Is Serato free?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>There are multiple versions of Serato, which is a bit confusing in my opinion.<br>One is free.<br>Here is an overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serato DJ Lite<\/strong><br>The free version, with limited features.<br>This version looks completely different than the Pro\/Suite version<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serato DJ Pro<\/strong><br>Misses some essential features, like EQ mixing and effects.<br>Serato pushes you towards an expensive subscription on <a href=\"https:\/\/serato.com\/dj\/pro\/buy-dj-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">their website<\/a>.<br>Subscriptions are a tax on the stupid and the poor.<br>When you are smart, you can buy a perpetual license, for example one on Amazon: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4amEDBh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check latest price on Amazon<\/a> (affiliate link).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Serato DJ Suite<\/strong><br>Includes Essential features like EQ mixing, effects, tempo sync (time stretching), and some niceties like key sync, DVS and video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally I think you a better off with a Virtual DJ license.<br>It is cheaper than the Suite and if you include the cost for a controller, you have a controller for $100 or so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A complete comparison list with other software you can find in my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/best-dj-software-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the best DJ software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"information\">Information<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>Price<\/strong>: $10\/m, $15\/m, $250 \/ $500 perpetual &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4amEDBh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">check latest price on Amazon<\/a> (affiliate link)<br><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong>: Serato<br><strong>Website<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/serato.com\/\">serato.com<\/a><br><strong>Download demo:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.native-instruments.com\/en\/products\/traktor\/dj-software\/traktor-pro-3\/demo-and-downloads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/serato.com\/dj\/pro\/downloads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"system-requirements\">System Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>What do you need for Serato<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td>OS<\/td><td>Windows, Mac<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CPU<\/td><td>Intel Core 5, 7, 9 (6th gen or more, 8th gen preferred)<br>Ryzen 5 3000 or better<br>Apple M1 or higher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Memory<\/td><td>8GB RAM, 16GB preferred<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Storage<\/td><td>15GB Hard disk\/ SSD (recommended)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GPU<\/td><td>2GB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monitor<\/td><td>1280&#215;720<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Misc<\/td><td>Internet connection<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Supported file types: .MP3, .OGG, .FLAC, .ALAC (mac only), .AIF, .WAV, .WL, .MP3, .MP4, M4A (fixed and variable bitrate). <br>No DRM protected music files.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros-amp-cons\">Pros &amp; cons<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2714\ufe0f wide controller support<\/td><td>\u274c Small buttons<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2714\ufe0f automatic Hot Cues<\/td><td>\u274c Beatgrid often wrong<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2714\ufe0f drag BPM up\/down<\/td><td>\u274c CPU, GPU, memory intensive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u2714\ufe0f streaming support<\/td><td>\u274c SSLLOOOWWWWW<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u274c No cue button<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u274c No cloud storage support<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u274c Expensive<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td>\u274c No metronome when editing beatgrid<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-is-serato-good-for-beginners\">Conclusion: Is Serato good for beginners?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Serato is not very good for beginners.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/virtual-dj-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virtual DJ<\/a> in my opinion is much better, because it takes you much more by the hand and guides you through DJing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest downside to me is that you need the Suite to get proper functionality, which is quite expensive.<br>The software is also slow and very system resource intensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the flawed track analysis leading to wrong beatgrids is the absolute dealbreaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/rekordbox-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rekordbox<\/a>, you have maximum compatibility with hardware (because it is industry standard).<br>No, Rekordbox is not the best DJ software in the world, but has an infinitely better value proposition because it&#8217;s free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/best-dj-software-apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complete overview of DJ software with performance and feature comparisons<\/a> looks at other DJ software in detail.<br>Or check out my DJ software buying guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-deejay-plaza wp-block-embed-deejay-plaza\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"kKlP7AFmze\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/dj-software-buying-guide\">Buying guide: DJ software<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Buying guide: DJ software&#8221; &#8212; DeeJay Plaza\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/articles\/dj-software-buying-guide\/embed#?secret=z5D9ycRbX3#?secret=kKlP7AFmze\" data-secret=\"kKlP7AFmze\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What is Serato? User Interface and usability Controller support Cloud sync and Streaming Stems Hot Cues \/ Cue Points What is Serato tying to be? Beat grid: ouch, it&#8217;s painful! Where is the Cue button? Annoying directories Quick remarks Pioneer bought Serato Performance tests Is Serato free? Information System Requirements Pros &amp; &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2657,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,51],"tags":[48,37,36,55,50],"class_list":["post-1578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dj-software","category-serato","tag-dj-software","tag-mac","tag-pc","tag-serato","tag-windows"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/thumbnail-v2-review-serato.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1578"}],"version-history":[{"count":86,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5807,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1578\/revisions\/5807"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.deejayplaza.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}