Basically, Smart Knobs group 2 or more functions onto a single knob, and Image-Line has included dozens of useful presets related to effects, EQ, the dedicated channel filter, track volume and the crossfader. The Smart Panels of Deckadance 2 decks are a nice new cosmetic addition to the software’s interface, but one of the particular Smart Panels, the Smart Knobs, represent a giant leap forward in Deckadance’s programmability and real-time performance potential.Įach deck can have two Smart Knobs active. SMART KNOBS – CUSTOMIZABLE MACRO CONTROLS Deckadance 2's Smart Knob editor window Like Deckadance’s other software controls, each Smart Panel control can be mapped to a MIDI controller from Preferences > MIDI Learn. Within a small space, the Smart Panels offer a full complement of looping controls, 8 cue points to set/trigger per track, a convenient set of beat grid editing controls, etc. You can set the decks to include 0-8 Smart Panels, which are small control panels for segments of deck functions, including Loop, Cue, Grid, DVS, Key, Smart Knobs and Tempo. On the Deckadance 2 top menu bar, buttons let you quickly toggle from 2 to 4 decks, and loaded songs get the delicious multi-color waveform treatment. The cleanly redesigned, modular Deckadance 2 interface feels more in line with the modern feel of Image-Line’s flagship software, FL Studio, but with an even better handle on clutter that can populate the FL Studio screen. There is, however, a short section on Effector below, just to show what the full version of Deckadance 2 should include. The version we looked at (beta 8) didn’t have the preconfigured controller support loaded that the commercial Deckadance 1.94 did, and also the Effector VST plug-in that will come included with Deckadance 2 was not part of the beta download. Occasisionally, Deckadance 2 beta wouldn’t load some of them, even through in previous sessions it would. Other BPMs showed up just fine, however, so it was inconsistent.Īlso, there were problems reading or finding some tracks in the iTunes library. For some tracks, the BPM info didn’t show up, even though they were analyzed/tagged in Mixed in Key and also loaded/analyzed by Deckadance itself. But the biggest problems we had with the beta revolved around the browser. Keep in mind that as this is a first-look preview of a beta software, we’re neither being overly critical of some of the bugs that we experienced, nor did we attempt to find a comprehensive list of bugs.
The Bottom Line: We have to reserve final judgment until the commercial version launches, but at the very least, Deckadance 2 plays a decent game of catch-up to the most popular DJ programs while adding some amazingly deep performance functionality that’s unlike anything else. Some missing controller and plug-in support in the beta. Some bugs and very glitchy playback in the current beta. The Bad: Sampler can’t route through effects. Infinitely creative Gross Beat effect built-in. Extremely flexible Smart Knobs with many presets. The Good: Efficient, customizable modular interface. Mac: OSX v10.4 (Universal Binary) or later G4 1.5 GHz or Intel Core Duo family 512Mb RAM CoreAudio drivers. PC: Windows 7, Vista, XP (SP2) Intel PIII 1 GHz or Althon XP 1.4 GHz 512Mb RAM DirectSound or ASIO compatible soundcard. Supported Audio Formats: MP3, Ogg, M4A, WMA, FLAC, AIFF, WAV (records to WAV)
Price: $179 (Club Edition) / $99 (House Edition)Īvailable: Beta available now to registered users commercial availability TBA Pre-Reviewed: Image-Line Deckadance 2 Beta DJ software
With a redesigned modular interface, 4-deck support, Smart Knobs, the slick Gross Beat rhythmic effect and other enhancements, Deckadance looks to give the giants of DJ software a run for their money for a second time. After many incremental updates, the version 2 beta has now reared its head to registered users. It’s been more than six years since Image-Line launched Deckadance 1.0.
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