Mixing two tracks together is an essential part of a DJ’s job. Regardless of how creative and exciting our job is, it can get a bit repetitive with just cuing new tracks, beatmatching them, and finally creating a mix out of them.
Sometimes, you want to take it a bit further and introduce new elements to your DJ game, like two additional decks. Luckily, if you’re using Serato DJ Pro software, then this is possible.
In this article, I will explain to you how to get another two decks on Serato, and how you’ll benefit from four decks in total.
Why You Need Another Two Decks On Serato DJ Pro
There are more than a few reasons how a four-deck setup would benefit your performance. I suppose it’s obvious that another two decks will allow you to play four songs simultaneously. That’s fascinating and quite an improvement from the classical two-deck display.
But at the same time, DJs have been using the additional two channels to cue the tracks they want to play. You know how they say that a DJ is always at least 20 minutes ahead of the party? Well, having four songs cued in advance will take you at least 40 minutes ahead!
The Kind Of Setup You’ll Need
Serato DJ Pro is used by DJs to complement the DVS (Digital Vinyl System) which allows you to use turntables to mix, but select your songs from your laptop. Surely, you need a mixer or a controller to finish up this setup and have the DVS run smoothly.
If you have a DJ controller or another hardware option that has a four-channel capability, then you won’t have any problems applying an additional pair of decks. The best way to do it is to have a Serato controller or another approved piece of hardware.
With such controllers, you’re just a couple of buttons away from choosing between a two and four-deck display on Serato DJ. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the part where I will clearly outline what you should do in order to activate the other two “platters”.
Although it’s possible two get another two decks on Serato DJ even if you have a 2-channel DJ controller, I wouldn’t recommend it. I find it too complicated to use the fader all the time as you (or at least I) often find yourself working the wrong deck.
I’m just saying that a DJ controller with four-channel support will give you the best experience in this context. Again, not to confuse you, this is possible with two-channel controllers or mixers.
However, with a four-channel DJ controller, you’ll still have “only” two decks (physically), but each of the four channels will have its own EQ section, channel faders, volume buttons, etc.
Serato DJ Display Modes
Unlike the Lite version, Serato DJ Pro has four display options that it offers:
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- Extended
- Library
Each one of these will give you a unique experience. However, let’s get down to business and see how to get that 4-deck display.
After opening the Serato software, in the upper-left corner of the screen you’ll sport the display mode dropdown menu where you can choose among the four above-mentioned modes.
Right next to the display mode menu, four-channel controllers will have two boxes representing a two or four-deck display. Naturally, these will be marked with the numbers 2 and 4. Both work with every display mode offered in the dropdown menu.
The active deck, or the one that is playing the master track, will have blue borders, while the others will be gray.
Once you’ve set your preference, you can continue manipulating the songs via your hardware system. In other words, your job with the Serato DJ software is done. Now you use your mixer or DJ controller to work the deck you want.
FAQ
Can You Use Serato DJ Without Hardware?
Yes. Serato has introduced a lot of cool features throughout the years, one of which is the Practice Mode. This one will let you DJ on your laptop offline, without the need of a mixer or any other type of hardware.
There is plenty of information regarding the practice mode on Serato’s official website.
Can You DJ With One Turntable?
In Serato DJ, you can mix music with only one turntable, thanks to a superb feature called Instant Doubles. This will allow you to mix as if you have two turntables, although in fact, you only have one.