The Lowdown

Promo Only is a DJ download pool that has a vast library of the latest tracks from a broad range of genres. Most importantly, all downloads are fully licensed and they are yours to keep forever. The Pool app is easy-to-use, albeit a little basic. Overall, this is a very good service for professional mobile and wedding DJs.

Video Review

First Impressions / Setting up

POOL opens up in a basic app window and it is immediately clear how it works. — The Pool app opens up in a window and it is immediately clear how it works.

After the short time needed to set up Pool, the app window opens. Pool has a very clear and basic design; the overall feel is of an old school P2P client. The different functions like search, downloads and preferences are all logically positioned on tabs at the top of the app.

It’s worth noting that Promo Only doesn’t just focus on “standard” club and bar genres like EDM and hip-hop. Mobile DJs will be pleased to hear that Christian, country and Latin are also featured.

In Use

Double clicking on a release causes the track to start playing in the built-in player. — Double-clicking on a release causes the track to start loading in the built-in player at the top.

If you want to view more information about a track, a simple click is enough to open up a menu at the bottom. From there you can choose from different versions and preview the entire songs. The track will only start when fully loaded but you can force it along by clicking the “play” button.

Clicking the “More Information” tab will open the artist’s or label’s website within the app, which is always handy. If you want to send a track to the download queue, you just tick the little check box. Easy peasy.

Charts & Playlists

There are a variety of charts and playlists to choose from depending on your genre of interest.

The “Charts & Playlist” tab contains monthly top 20s from several genres. For DJs that don’t have the time to preview the tracks one by one, there is a handy batch download option.

Search function

Searching is simple and there are a variety of parameters to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

The search function works without a hitch and you can use a variety of search parameters to find exactly what you need. You can also filter your search by BPM range.

Downloads

Your chosen tracks will start to download immediately. — Your chosen tracks will be sent to the appropriate tab and start to download immediately.

Any of the tracks you “tick” will be sent here and begin to download immediately. There are options to pause and queue them for later and you can also save your download queues.

TrackTrends

TrackTrends is probably the best feature of the Pool app. DJs are invited to anonymously upload setlists from their chosen DJ software to Promo Only. This data is then used to form an online chart showing exactly which tracks DJs are playing at their events.

Conclusion

Promo Only has a vast library of the latest tracks (no oldies here) from a broad range of genres. Mobile DJs will be pleased to hear that Christian, country and Latin music is featured. VJs will also be happy with the amount of HD video on offer. Most importantly, all downloads are fully licensed, high-quality and yours to keep forever.

The Pool app is easy enough to use, albeit a little clumsy and basic; it could do with a revamp at some point. The TrackTrends feature is brilliant though. This will help DJs make informed decisions on which tracks really are library essentials. The fact that Serato Scratch Live is still featured in the TrackTrends section is further evidence that the app needs an update.

Overall, Promo Only is a good value and honest service for professional mobile and wedding DJs who need the latest hits and remixes for their gigs.

Promo Only Online Record Pool Review

Christian Yates