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EQ is found under the decks rather than with the main mixer functions.

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When it comes to making Windows-based audio software, Image-Line certainly has plenty of experience. The company made their name with FruityLoops - a basic loop sequencing tool - and this later evolved into the fully-fledged DAW that is FL Studio. Now its sights are on a different market, namely the software DJing one.

Before you start to worry that Deckadance has been created by a bunch of 50-somethings trying to ‘get down’ with a younger generation, let us assure you that it was designed from the ground up by DJs for DJs. In fact, the basic layout will be familiar to almost anybody who has used any DJing software; there are only so many practical ways for form to follow function when it comes to applications like this, and there’s no point being different just for the sake of it. So, what features does Deckadance have?

Features

Like so many of its rivals, the software is built around two virtual decks. Each of these can accept files in MP3, WAV or OGG format. This might sound OK, but in this day and age, when there’s a variety of other formats being exchanged in cyberspace, we expected slightly more flexibility here.

Each deck has tempo analysis functions and auto-syncing, so beat-based mixing is incredibly simple in Deckadance. However, there’s much more to modern mixing than beat-matching, so you also get some handy looping tools (simply set the length value, engage the Loop button and you’re off). These actually work really well, and have a pleasantly ‘organic’ feel.

The loop function can be engaged at the exact moment you activate it rather than the nearest beat. Furthermore, with the Relooper you have a far more sophisticated looping tool: this slices the loop rhythmically and enables you to rearrange the looped audio currently playing back in the playback buffer. You can opt for organised mayhem or click the Randomize button, then add master effects for total sound mangling.

The results are very impressive, and quite useable, but we would caution against overusing this type of relooping effect. You might love it, but punters are likely to tire of it fairly quickly.

Unsurprisingly, Deckadance also has a full complement of mixing functions. You’ll find 3-band EQ and kill switches on each channel, and there’s a very comprehensive monitoring section. This even enables split-cue monitoring to ensure smooth mixing every time.

Speaking of monitoring, this obviously requires a multiple output soundcard. In fact, Deckadance can support up to six stereo output channels - Master Mix, Deck A, Deck B, Monitor, Loop Sampler and VSTi - which is pretty impressive. It’s ideal for people who prefer to use their laptop as a simple playback device and mix using a hardware mixer.

The output list we’ve just given you should have given away the fact that Deckadance has plenty more cool features in its arsenal. The first of these is a sample player: this enables you to place samples and loops into eight sample slots, or even to record them from the playback of Deckadance.