Serato DJ Pro VS. Rekordbox USB - THE DEBATE IS FINALLY SETTLED!

Settling the ongoing debate! Which is better? Find out

[@Flightcoach]

this is an awesome video. I see you just started the channel, good luck with that i know how much work it takes to grow! I just got back into djing after a 20 year break. man the game has totally changed.

[@errorcode99]

Having just ordered a DDJ FLX6 for personal use, i found this comparison very helpful, thanks - Subscribed! I mostly mix on Rekordbox and CDJ/XDJ, but very interested in checking out Serato once the FLX6 arrives.

[@benelliottdj]

Glad I could help! Any videos you'd like to see? I need ideas for future videos

[@BassRocket]

Did it even sit flat on the surface you placed it on? The upgraded DDJ FLX6 GT is a seriously needed update/upgrade to the FLX6. I bought one a while back and ended up returning it because the quality was so disappointing. I ended up spending a few more hundred and got the DDJ-1000 model, it was well worth the money. I played the new FLX6 GT yesterday and think Pioneer did a good job on the updated FLX6 while staying at an affordable price.

[@alibenakhdim1511]

nice content, good luck for your new channel mate 🙌🏻

[@raywilliam1947]

Just what I was looking for, thanks for such a clear compare/contrast!

[@benelliottdj]

Glad its been helpful! Any other videos you'd like to see?

[@raywilliam1947]

@@benelliottdj Would love to see videos on your personal mixing style/things you find yourself doing often for transitions or tricks you have up your sleeve. It's hard to explain, there's a bunch of youtube DJ tutorials and content out there, but at the same time I feel like there isn't at all. Maybe bc I can follow along in the existing tutorials, but I lack the context of how you usually apply these transitions/effects in a set. DJ Carlo Atendido probably has the best tutorials right now, but even though he shows how the effects/transitions can be applied in a short set, I feel like he doesn't at the same time. Sets you hear at bars or clubs, you don't see the DJ doing a million things every second or transitioning songs every 30 seconds like he does. So I feel like his content lacks that realism. So one piece of advice would be to keep things real as we would see in a bar or club so we get that context, even if you might not be doing anything for a while as you let the song play. Right now I mainly learn by watching Twitch streamers which has helped my DJing more than watching any youtube video. Bc here I can see how they transition live and how music is actually played. But right now this is difficult bc sometimes from the viewing angle it's hard to see what they're doing (no over-the-shoulder POV) and they do things quickly in real time so hard sometimes to digest what they're doing

[@raywilliam1947]

Related to that, would love to see the effects you use and how you apply them. If you use echo, reverb, how and where do you use them? What beat fraction do you use, do you change the beat fraction based on different scenarios? If using echo, how do you make it sound less clunky due to the bass? All these questions I'm still a little unsure about best practice even after DJing for ~1 year now, bc I haven't found a good video on this yet. I've been using the DDJ SB3 (going to upgrade soon though) which only makes use of Serato software effects, and I only recently learned that there are hardware effects like low-cut echo on other controllers that sound MUCH better. None of these nuances were explained clearly in a video, so this would be super helpful for all experience levels given how foundational these effects are.

[@benelliottdj]

@@raywilliam1947 i could do that. I will say i havent watched the videos youre referencing, but in a headlining spot at a busy club you're mixing pretty quickly (for open format anyway), so 30sec- a min / min and a half per track is accurate, with a longer play every few songs so its not overwhelming

[@dj_terrazzo]

Great comparison video. Thank you! 🤘🏼

[@benelliottdj]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@severtone263]

This helped me a lot. Thank you

[@StefNistorXS]

Cheers mate. Very useful! 👏🏻 thank you 🍻

[@benelliottdj]

Glad you liked it. Gonna make more. Any videos you'd like to see?

[@elliotchocano9374]

For me serato! But i use both SERATO: weddings, clubs, bars Rekordbox: open decks, main stage Also dope last name 👌

[@kerenhaiweha6257]

This is so helpful. I’m just getting into the world of djing and I’m super nervous about it because I don’t know where to start. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@benelliottdj]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@DjFyma]

Looking forward to meet you one day ☺️

[@darc_harmoni4828]

You’re in the right place. Tons of info on KZbin. And…great DJs. Like this one.

[@alexischang8941]

ben this was so so SO helpful thank you so so much for making this !!!!

[@benelliottdj]

Glad to hear it!

[@mohammedsadiq7264]

great content. I subscribed. I think you deserve a lot more subscriber!

[@benelliottdj]

Much appreciated!

[@CalusCannabisChronicles]

This was sooooo helpful!

[@florentraffray1073]

best comparison I've seen, thank you

[@juansosa4634]

Best video on KZbin that explains these two digital software. Thanks!

[@benelliottdj]

Glad it helped!

[@djjosearroyo]

if you're using a nexus 2 kit or 3000s you can use rekordbox in export mode by connecting 1 usb cord to the back of any cdj to your laptop and use it as a usb drive

[@benelliottdj]

Didnt know this!

[@DJBennyswift]

I use Serato with my FLX10 and it’s really good, but, the I wish Serato had a preview track so I don’t have to load a track, I also use streaming services like Beatsource and Tidal, but on Serato you can only use one service at a time. If I load a song with Beatsource I can’t go to Tidal to search for a song without switching over and having Beatsource stop, or viceversa, but I can use my External drive in between any changes. Now with Rekordbox, I can preview a song without loading it which I really like and I can stream both Beatsource and Tidal back and forth all day and also use my external drive. I bought Serato suite right out because I didn’t want the subscription, so far I have the free version of Rekordbox but it’s limited and if I want to use it to its full potential, I would need to invest in the pro subscription.

[@afolabiadams2457]

Great analysis.

[@dragonflyd01]

This a great video. So clear and concsie and I finally understand the differences. My take away, learn both cause you'll run into both eventually.

[@benelliottdj]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, staying proficient on both is really the best option

[@ctnahmet]

If you are a professional DJ... Rekordbox(for preparation) + CDJ'S + USB, this is industry standards. Everything else is custom setup, you definitely face a lot of difficulties.

[@jawvees2585]

great and thorough video

[@skandral1339]

great video. subbed.

[@benelliottdj]

Much appreciated! I need to get on putting out more.

[@ashleyknight100]

Good video I didn't really know about serato and cdj

[@djsammie]

One good thing with rekorbox dj now, is that you can opt for dvs, hid mode or usb

[@benelliottdj]

for sure! Thats why i focused on just USB. I haven't personally used DVS or HID with rekordbox

[@djsammie]

@@benelliottdj you need to try dvs and hid mode with rekordbox, it's good.

[@ikechicoreralation]

Very helpful!

[@benelliottdj]

🙏

[@BassRocket]

Dude you broke it down clearly...thanks for posting this video...

[@benelliottdj]

Glad you enjoyed it👍🏻👍🏻

[@andrevdw747]

Great Vid Ben 👏🏻

[@djsubculture2786]

With the Pioneer Pro DJ purchase of Serato DJ Pro, the argument is now settled.

[@oursongs7554]

New channel. Subscribed. Do a review on headphone, does wireless phase out traditional wired type? Beginner, intermediate and professional like you. How many channels mixer would you recommend for 2 djms + 1 MK2 in home setting? Thanks in advance 😁

[@benelliottdj]

I only use corded headphones for DJing. Standard 4 channel mixer if you have 3 decks, unless you want to only use 2 of them. But I have 2 turn tables and 2 CDJ and a 2 channel mixer, so it's just user preference really.

[@rashodbacon]

Good perspective in this vid.

[@benelliottdj]

Glad you liked it!

[@dresdr3ams]

Awesome vid man, also Chicago based, i gotta catch one of your sets 🤙

[@benelliottdj]

Thanks! And yeah pop out my guy

[@marcosbabeto]

nice explanation and tips. 👍👍

[@benelliottdj]

Thanks! Any other videos you'd like to see??

[@marcosbabeto]

@Ben Elliott perhaps something about Mac vs windows for DJ.

[@f3niks]

Witch one is better for turntable mixing?

[@ISM_KITSUNE]

need a video on that app that lets you transfer your serato library to usb for rekordbox

[@benelliottdj]

Can definitely do that. It's called Lexicon. I'll do one this coming week.

[@DJUnprotected]

Great perspective! Some club owners are anti-laptop and I was always shy about not having mine with me. I just got Lexicon thanks to your other video on the software and feel better now that I know my tracks will be properly analyzed in the right playlists with Rekordbox lol..

[@benelliottdj]

Glad I could help!

[@codychavarria6088]

Do you know if virtual dj or Serato is compatible for the new beginner pioneer flex 4 or what would be the best program to use for all genres.

[@benelliottdj]

I can't speak to that

[@nickloss2377]

i'm sure someone has already corrected you on the instant doubles thing. But if not: You dont need Serato or any computer of that matterfor instant doubles. That is a feature built in to CDJs. The procedure varies a little between the CDJ models, but the more recent ones just need you to press and hold sync for the duplicate track to start playing on the target CDJ. Just make sure both CDJs pare connected to the Pro DJ LINK network

[@djs1279]

THE DYNAMICS FROM SERATO IS UNCOMPARBLE TO REKORDBOX. SERATO THE BEST SOUND NOW ! I have licens for VDJ, SERATO, TRAKTOR AND REKORDBOX....i bought them just to be sure that I have the best dynamic sound. Serato has ! No other. I tested in very complex situations. I spent a lot of money for that and maybe this could help. If you don t hear the difference ......😢

[@GroundBeatDe]

hi, i use Traktor :D hahaha (i think im the only one)...but i have too say that Serato is superior than Rekordbox, only the effects on Rekordbox seems to sound better at high volumes :D. I make my playlist still on itunes, so i can import it to rb and then make my usb drives for the cdjs. (Personally i like the interface of rekordbox, its like traktor, but i dont stare too much to the computer, so it doesnt make a difference when playing with serato) Well, at the end it doesnt matter what you use, just do it right. :D. ..great video man!

[@bboymac84]

Serato has its flaws too. You can only use one streaming service at a time. Every other dvs software can handle MiniPlayer streaming service at the same time

[@benelliottdj]

Definitely! Both have their flaws. I tried to highlight those, but I don't use the streaming services, so this is a great point I wasn't aware of.

[@Whyme103]

I don’t Dj much anymore however I started with Virtual Dj just using a laptop. I have Serato of course but it seems V Dj runs smooth, cpu friendly and more options imho.

[@djthomaskub]

Cool, I am buying an upgraded controller, and this is making me jump to serato from rekordbox! Cheers!

[@andrequedanca]

Still using Traktor here!

[@redresonant9296]

Why not use Rekordbox in the many other modes (HID, library, DVS) when bringing laptop, no need for extra serato licenses or lexicon. Only thing missing is Stems... they just released a "basic" version on rb6

[@elliotchocano9374]

I never though about this! I guess the answer would be I personally think serato wave forms are much easier to read and understand. But I might try this for a while and report back as I'm trying to learn rekordbox

[@adriano6k]

What do Dancehall Reggae/Soca DJs prefer? 🤔

[@benelliottdj]

Hmmmm, I can't speak to that

[@djelmomix]

They prefer Serato. Dancehall mixing transitions is usually at a higher pace. It's kinda hard to go through a set with that kind of mixing using a USB Drive, so its almost always Serato. Unfortunately it was software like Serato and Virtual DJ that caused the dancehall mixing transitions to become so high paced, and these days people are so used to it being played like that, that it would be hard to go back to what I would consider a more acceptable pace. If you are also playing Soca and Reggae then you are somewhat of a multigenre DJ and most multigenre DJs use software like Serato.

[@benelliottdj]

@@djelmomix that's exactly why I prefer Serato for open format, mixing so quick is tougher on USBs

[@msetsebastian3370]

@thegame👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@DJMarcoDetroit]

yo he usado ambos programa en equipos PIONEER, tanto de alta gama como los de media GAMA y lo mas importante de ambos programas, no es la cantidad de opciones que te de una plataforma en comparacion con la otra, lo que realmente buscamos en primera instancia es ESTABILIDAD que no se cierre el programa en un set en vivo, que no te de error, que no se vaya el audio, y entre ambos programas SERARTO es sin duda esa ESTABILIDAD que el DJ busca, que aun REKORDBOX esta lejos, incluso siendo nativo de los equipos PIONEER siempre da mas error que SERATO

[@petervrolijk5788]

You give the suggestion that you can not plug in your laptop to the cdj 2000 but that is not true. So you dont have to use a stick. But so e extra stick is good for a backup. These days recordbox als have STEMs and you can lifestream music. (Pioneer is since a few months also the owner of Serato😊)

[@benelliottdj]

Actually didn't say you couldn't plug in to the CDJ2000, I actually reference it with HID mode. Also this is covering Serato DJ vs Rekordbox USB, not Rekordbox software! But yes I'm aware Rekordbox now owns Serato. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.

[@h0riz0n89]

Can you explain the mixer setup of a serato mixer? I personally am rekordbox. That's just me. But I understand the reasons why people would choose serato. But serato mixer setups makes me scream internally. Can you help make sense of it? Lol

[@benelliottdj]

Are you referring to a full on Serato controller, or the audio settings for using a mixer with Serato/Club kit?

[@h0riz0n89]

@Ben Elliott I'm referring to the controller/mixers that are setup for Serato. I look at it and my mind goes why. I look at say a Pioneer DDJ 400/800/1000 and the 900NXS/2/A9/V10 like those setups layouts make sense. Serato had always been explained to me as the scratch DJs software go to. Granted I could just Google it I suppose. But there's a lot more going on in Serato mixers at times then one's geared towards Rekordbox or DenonDJ gear.

[@shabbakhepra4423]

I heard great things about cdjs as I'm 1 who only used controllers.... but after watching this, imma stick with controllers.

[@benelliottdj]

Problem is most clubs use CDJ setups, at least in Chicago, Houston, Scottsdale, Vegas, etc.

[@TRSTkills]

Honestly not sure guys praise rekordbox and USBs. I played on USBs (someone else’s usb) for the first time yesterday and it was lame and had me worrying more about the next song, searching, etc rather than reading a crowd and the actual stuff that matters. In my opinion, going from serato to USBs is a downgrade.

[@benelliottdj]

Agreed! But I also did open format on USBs for quite a while before Serato, and still drop a set on them here and there. Searching is definitely my biggest issue with it.

[@Baton.D.SKATman.D]

Good video for clueless sheep record box in my humble opinion came about for djs to organise there tracks for use on pioneer kit hence the name record box. Serato is a rane product or software developed initially as a digital vynil system (dvs). Both softwares have there places in the market. But both are developed initially for different intended uses or compliment different dj skill sets

[@benelliottdj]

Clueless sheep? Lol everyone has to start somewhere! And if you watch the video, you just summarized what the video says. There's NOT one better than the other, just different uses and preferences.

[@Baton.D.SKATman.D]

@benelliottdj sorry my bad square hole round peg I'm a traktor boy really

[@NonnyStrikes]

KZbin Premium, aux, prob solved for minimal requests. Understand you can't use features on the board, but for the single requests, you don't nec. have to. (call me a noob if you want, but it works anytime I play) I've also never had issues with quality.

[@fry292]

Nah bro the debate is never settled because DJing is about personal preference to some extent, right?

[@benelliottdj]

Agreed!

[@DustinHopkins-tg3ys]

3000 has mcp wich is faster usb will play emergency song no so you can restart other cdj you can also stream now so you can play at anytime from dropbox or from the cloud nothing wrong with serato but lot less can go wrong with usb if preped right

[@BohemPlus]

Serato has always been goated

[@user-xe1yg5rj6l]

Serato beats Rekorbox in terms of speed, latency and an overall DJ program. Rekordbox SOUNDS better! WARMER. Im an open format DJ. When im doing hip hop, afrobeats, Rnb, old Skool, oldies and or commercial hits, I use Serato. When its just house music - Its Rekordbox. Sounds more crisp. Bass is well rounded not scattered as it is with Serato. Serato also has way better AI with stems than RB. Anybody else find Serato's sound a little metallic with the highs and a little noisy/less warm? Even with 320 MP3's, WAV and AIF files?

[@moebetta72]

Traktor Pro 3. And with izotope on board, even their Stem Seperator will be superior.

[@djsubculture2786]

When it eventually happens.

[@fabiandiaz2994]

Virtual dj es el mejor

[@oldstyleanalog6459]

Too many pros cons overheating shit breaking down and so on.Do it old school.Have a emergency plan.Take ur vynils and ur 1200s.And some good needles.wala.DONE

[@haroldharris145]

Bro do you not know that rekordbox has a laptop software that's like Serato but better. I actually thought that's what this video was going to talk about.

[@benelliottdj]

Of course I know that, if you watch the video or read my replies to previous comments, the debate in the club scene is not between the laptop version of Rekordbox vs Serato, it's using rekordbox USBs or Serato

[@jgonz3542]

Dude, I really wanted this to be a good video but you didn't "settle" anything. you didn't even compare RB to Serato, you only took one part of RB due to your limited knowledge. I appreciate you taking the time but the other folks who comment on this now think that RB is limited to USBs. Nice try; clearly bias. Good luck to ya.

[@benelliottdj]

My guy, I said in the beginning that this is about Rekordbox USB. I personally have never heard anyone argue about rekordbox software, and here in Chicago it's not widely used (in fact Ive never seen it used). But hey take care.

[@benelliottdj]

its even in the title lol

[@HALFAMAZINGTV]

I have to say, i had the same original question, but reading the details in the title makes a difference 😅.

[@mkivst180]

you are comparing apple to orange😅 instant double not available in rekordbox? hmm

[@benelliottdj]

@@mkivst180 agreed, but in the club scene the debate is not over which software to use on your laptop, its USB vs Serato. What the video or read the comments and youd know that🤷🏻‍♂️