bmac16
I’m a long-time DJ and a big fan of VirtualDJ, especially with the recent innovations around stems and sampler improvements. However, one feature I strongly feel is missing is a true “Remix Deck” style workflow similar to what exists in Traktor Pro.
While the current sampler (even with stem support) is powerful, it functions more as a trigger-based tool rather than a fully integrated performance deck. What’s missing is the ability to treat loops, acapellas, and one-shots as structured, synchronized elements within a dedicated deck environment.
Key limitations today:
The sampler lacks a timeline-aware, deck-style workflow
No unified grid system for organizing and triggering loops cohesively
Limited ability to build layered, evolving mixes over extended phrasing (e.g., 32/64 bars)
No true “deck identity” for remix elements (as opposed to standalone triggers)
Requested functionality:
Dedicated Remix Decks that function as full performance decks (similar to Decks 3 & 4 usage in other platforms)
Clip-based grid layout (cells/slots) for loops, acapellas, and one-shots
Per-slot quantization, sync, and playback behavior (loop, one-shot, gated)
Tight integration with stems for real-time remixing and layering
Visual interface for managing and performing with multiple clips simultaneously
Why this matters:
This type of workflow enables DJs to go beyond traditional mixing and into live remixing—building tracks dynamically using layered elements over time. While VirtualDJ is already very close to this with its current feature set, introducing true Remix Decks would elevate it into a best-in-class performance platform for creative DJs.
I’m hopeful this can be considered for future development, as it would significantly enhance the performance capabilities of an already outstanding product.
Thank you for your continued innovation and support of the DJ community.
While the current sampler (even with stem support) is powerful, it functions more as a trigger-based tool rather than a fully integrated performance deck. What’s missing is the ability to treat loops, acapellas, and one-shots as structured, synchronized elements within a dedicated deck environment.
Key limitations today:
The sampler lacks a timeline-aware, deck-style workflow
No unified grid system for organizing and triggering loops cohesively
Limited ability to build layered, evolving mixes over extended phrasing (e.g., 32/64 bars)
No true “deck identity” for remix elements (as opposed to standalone triggers)
Requested functionality:
Dedicated Remix Decks that function as full performance decks (similar to Decks 3 & 4 usage in other platforms)
Clip-based grid layout (cells/slots) for loops, acapellas, and one-shots
Per-slot quantization, sync, and playback behavior (loop, one-shot, gated)
Tight integration with stems for real-time remixing and layering
Visual interface for managing and performing with multiple clips simultaneously
Why this matters:
This type of workflow enables DJs to go beyond traditional mixing and into live remixing—building tracks dynamically using layered elements over time. While VirtualDJ is already very close to this with its current feature set, introducing true Remix Decks would elevate it into a best-in-class performance platform for creative DJs.
I’m hopeful this can be considered for future development, as it would significantly enhance the performance capabilities of an already outstanding product.
Thank you for your continued innovation and support of the DJ community.
Posted 3 hours ago
locoDog
You haven't even tried the remix skin have you?
Posted 3 hours ago
DJ VinylTouch
This seems to be written or summarized by AI and has errors in its claims:
That is true, but AFAIK Traktor Remix Decks have no timeline either - it pretty functions as a sample launcher that can be synchronized to another deck or the master clock.
It is meant to roughly function like an light Ableton Session View in terms of sample clip launching.
Even wth that, you could in theory create a timeline with the Event Scheduler
Being a deck does have perks (e.g. using transport and pitch controls), but the way NI implemented it - it takes over a deck (imo that's deck wastage for a niche operation where 99% of the time you'll have the samples synced to something else).
There is a grid layout - check out the Sampler Sideview
Not sure what you mean by this. In both software cases, you trigger/turn off a sample when needed and when you do that + sample length determines the number of measures things are played for.
That is true, and the gains (transport controls) was stated before. What else do you gain from it being a deck?
Not sure of the benefits of this (wouldn't you want all samples to be quantized to a master deck on playback)?
Stem Swap Sampler or record the part you want to a sample slot and play it back.
I understand and respect the request (there are definitely gaps compared to Traktor's Remix Decks), but objectively, I would ask you to put forward a use case, outside of deck transport usage, that you can't achieve currently with the Sampler or with VirtualDJ in general (through scripting/other features) - maybe tthey can update the sampler to do it.
bmac16 wrote :
The sampler lacks a timeline-aware, deck-style workflow
The sampler lacks a timeline-aware, deck-style workflow
That is true, but AFAIK Traktor Remix Decks have no timeline either - it pretty functions as a sample launcher that can be synchronized to another deck or the master clock.
It is meant to roughly function like an light Ableton Session View in terms of sample clip launching.
Even wth that, you could in theory create a timeline with the Event Scheduler
Being a deck does have perks (e.g. using transport and pitch controls), but the way NI implemented it - it takes over a deck (imo that's deck wastage for a niche operation where 99% of the time you'll have the samples synced to something else).
bmac16 wrote :
No unified grid system for organizing and triggering loops cohesively
No unified grid system for organizing and triggering loops cohesively
There is a grid layout - check out the Sampler Sideview
bmac16 wrote :
Limited ability to build layered, evolving mixes over extended phrasing (e.g., 32/64 bars)
Limited ability to build layered, evolving mixes over extended phrasing (e.g., 32/64 bars)
Not sure what you mean by this. In both software cases, you trigger/turn off a sample when needed and when you do that + sample length determines the number of measures things are played for.
bmac16 wrote :
No true “deck identity” for remix elements (as opposed to standalone triggers)
No true “deck identity” for remix elements (as opposed to standalone triggers)
That is true, and the gains (transport controls) was stated before. What else do you gain from it being a deck?
bmac16 wrote :
Per-slot quantization, sync, and playback behavior (loop, one-shot, gated)
Per-slot quantization, sync, and playback behavior (loop, one-shot, gated)
Not sure of the benefits of this (wouldn't you want all samples to be quantized to a master deck on playback)?
bmac16 wrote :
Tight integration with stems for real-time remixing and layering
Tight integration with stems for real-time remixing and layering
Stem Swap Sampler or record the part you want to a sample slot and play it back.
I understand and respect the request (there are definitely gaps compared to Traktor's Remix Decks), but objectively, I would ask you to put forward a use case, outside of deck transport usage, that you can't achieve currently with the Sampler or with VirtualDJ in general (through scripting/other features) - maybe tthey can update the sampler to do it.
Posted 3 hours ago
groovindj
Agreed the stem swap functionality of the sampler is pretty good - if you've done the prep. You can tell it which stems to replace (or not), what key your sample/loop is in (so it matches the track) etc.
Where using decks as samplers wins is waveforms, tag info, gain, EQ and FX per deck. The missing feature is looping. If you load a looped sample to a deck, the deck doesn't recognise it as looped.
Where using decks as samplers wins is waveforms, tag info, gain, EQ and FX per deck. The missing feature is looping. If you load a looped sample to a deck, the deck doesn't recognise it as looped.
Posted an hour ago
DJ VinylTouch
They could make the deck a remix deck if they wanted (they already have sort of done that for Stem Swap functionality) and import + show sampler state, add an internal timeline for sample activations (I forgot about the Step Sequencer mode), etc. It's just the ROI vs if you can actually do the workflow with what is already available. @locodog also suggested his Remix skin - I'll have to admit I have not tried it, but I'll check it out now to see.
Posted 23 minutes ago
bmac16
I've tried the remix skin and no it's not the same. I agree it's a workflow enhancement and it comes down to ROI. If you are a house DJ such as Danny Tengalia who uses remix decks for live Remixing its a great tool. I figured I throw it out there to see if this is something others would want.
Posted 18 minutes ago
locoDog
I hate it when people just whine 'make it like that one'
At least have the decency to explain what you're finding so different.
I won't read it, but between your last posts and your GPT first post it'll be the most effort you've put into the thread.
At least have the decency to explain what you're finding so different.
I won't read it, but between your last posts and your GPT first post it'll be the most effort you've put into the thread.
Posted 10 minutes ago