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Forum: Wishes and new features

Topic: Remix Decks option feature
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.
 
Posted 3 days ago @ 12:43 pm
You haven't even tried the remix skin have you?
 
This seems to be written or summarized by AI and has errors in its claims:

bmac16 wrote :

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


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)

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)


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)


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


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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Buddy, I used Chat GPT to help tell the difference between what I've expereicend between VDJ's sampler and Remix Decks. Sorry it didn't meet your standards. With that said, Virtual DJ continues to be the innovator in the DJ software industry and I'm just saying this option would be a nice add on. Knowing Traktor is on its last legs this is a feature no other software currenrlt has. In the past, VDJ adopted functionality from Pioneer and Serato which is why I brought it up as potential "Feature Wish". If you are not interest that is fine but let's keep the comversation civil
 
@bmac16 apologies...there is value in what you are saying.

It's just that the specifics on what's deficient is the desire and often that gets lost in a general statement like "Software A implements feature X this way and VDJ doesn't, make VDJ do that", without an attempt to say what workflows are missing compared to the suggestions. I've made that mistake too, especially when I just came across (from using Rekordbox, Traktor and Serato at that time).

There is a good chance for this to be a good improvement to introduce, especially with recent Native Instruments status news and Traktor users potentially looking for a new home.
 
Thank you DJ Vinyltouch. That was all I was noting. Using decks 3 & 4 to truly sync with the main tracks and use the existing functionality of VDJ's sampler by creating acapella, Kicks, percussion, and so on could be additional value for creative DJ's like myself. Leveraging a deck rather than the sampler, you could use the EQ's to filter out certain aspects of the sample to remix live. In Traktor Pro's remix decks for example you can actually scratch the sample into your mix. You can filter out each individual sample. there are so many possibities as a feature. I truly believe VDJ is the most innovative DJ software out there and I've used them all. Adding Remix decks could help gain more users of Traktor Pro and other platforms.
 
I'd suggest you give the existing functionality a try. You might be surprised what can be done.

Also bear in mind VDJ can use VST and VSTi so you can run e.g. Maschine VST alongside your track(s). I use my Maschine+ to overlay percussion etc. and that can be synced via Link.