After months of speculations and leaks, they’re finally here: Serato just announced the release of its Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite apps, which are brand new overhauled versions of Serato DJ and Serato DJ Intro respectively. The major update to both apps include a raft of new features: Practice Mode lets you mix with two decks and a crossfader without any hardware connected, making it perfect for testing out blends and practising when you’re on the move. An overhauled high-resolution user interface makes its way to the apps, which means you now get crisp text that’s easier to read and sharp graphics.
Other features include the ability to have even larger Serato music libraries thanks to the included 64-bit support that lets Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite access and make better use of your computer’s memory and processing. Finally, Serato DJ Pro also gets a new 2×4 cue point layout that mirrors what you’d usually find on a contemporary DJ controller.
This is the update that Serato users have long waited for: the new Practice Mode gives you two virtual decks, tempo and sync controls, a crossfader and access to your entire Serato DJ library. It’s handy for prepping before a show and practising your mixes without the need for any hardware to “unlock” it. It’s such a far cry from Serato DJ’s previous Offline Mode, in fact, that Serato even suggests that you can mix with Practice Mode in a pinch in case your controller malfunctions during a gig (you won’t be able to use headphone cue, of course).
The other new feature that Serato users have been clamouring for is hi-res display support: the overhauled graphic interface now comes with razor sharp text and a flatter look that places Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite squarely into 2018. Say goodbye to those jagged fonts and blurry controls (finally!).
These are welcome updates to both apps, and it’s nice to see Serato step up and offer these features to both Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite. Watch out for our review of them soon. Check out the promo videos below.
Promo Videos
• Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite are now available, and are free updates for existing users. Check the Serato site for more details.
What are your thoughts on these new updates? Revolutionary, or unnecessary? What updates would you like future versions of Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite to have? Lets us know below.
Joey Santos
