well i like 2 programs that are really easy called Virtual Dj ver 1.2 and AtomixMp3 are 2 programs which allow you to match the bpms from to songs just by clicking a button.... its the easiest that i have found.... but i havnet found a program that always you to record with the exeption of BpmStudio.... but the problem with most djing programs.. is that you have to match the Bpms manualy that isnt a real big deal to do probably be more fun but .... but i dont see how you could make the mix flow if you dj it live and want to record it i dont see how you could do that with out messing the live miz up....if anyone knew how please reply.....but to Rockster reply .... i think you can still download the demo version of Virtual Dj at www.Virtual-dj.com its a demo for only 10min but you can find the crack for it at www.astalavista.com i think thats what its called and type in Virtual DJ
and make sure you download the crack for Version 1.2.....and that should change the demo into the full version!!.... and for you record while djing it live...just get a sound recorder thats good.... i hope the program works for ya have phun!!
Regards,TranceCLuber

Virtual Turntables is the best IMHO... it doesnt let you record, but you can just use a mini-stereo jack to connect the line out to the line-in on another soundcard, and use the record feature
Messy, but it works...... and you need 2 soundcards to properly mix on a computer anyway (one for mic and one for speakers)

Now if only I had any DJing skills..... where can I find some of those?

you mentioned that you need two soundcards to mix properly. one for the mic and one for the speakers. what is the mic used for?

To mix decently, you do need two soundcards. One for each channel of the mix. It supposedly will work with one and a special adapter that splits your channels. However, the adapters I've seen allow some of each channel to seep into each other so you can hear the other channel in the background. Anyway, even if it did work, you'd be mixing in mono, and that's no good.

Of course, for serious mixing (at least, serious enough to do live), you'd need two computers and a mixing board. Not much different than two turntables at that point. An idea I've pondered trying out. I think showing up live with two laptops would be cool, what do you guys think?

Erm yeah, I should try to be awake when I post replies.
I meant one for the speakers and one for the *headphones*, I don't know where I got mic from! You can do it with 1 sound card, but then headphones and speakers are both mono....

I can't really see the advantage of 2 computers over 1, it'd be a bit hard to jump back and forth between them IMHO.... but having the bass control lag by 1 second or so is a major pain in the ass, it'd be better if it was actually on a mixer. Hmm... and does anyone other than me think that having winamp plugins (especially AVS) would look really cool on a big screen at a rave?
I can't see why one computer wouldn't do for serious mixing at a party, etc to be perfectly honest.... computer + turntable(s) would be a nice setup though

The problem with computer mixing is that unless you have some serious hardware (ie expensive), the delay between pushing faders, adjusting EQ and so in is just too big. You lose the real-time element. You can pick up a DJ mixer for £150 or less.

when using a real dj mixer, can you mix any two sound sources. are mixers restricted to vinyl, or is that just the most popular format. also, how many channels can you typically mix on low-end mixer.

First, mixers are not limited to turntables. You could conceivably mix two tape players if you wanted to.

Second, by using two computers vs. one, you can use a real mixing board. This allows you to use both hands (rather than being forced to use one function at a time) and as already mentioned, removes some of the possibility for lag.

Missed a question. In answer, low end mixers from radio shack typically have inputs for 3 - 4 sources.

How do ya connect ur comp with your mixboard.
I have had a soundlab DSM 5 for years (its a piece of crap I know) but I never used it and since ya can easily download vinyl on mp3 I thought I might connect it to my comp and get a CD player and see if I can mix those 2...can anyone tell me how to get the comp on the board?