Mixxx: a complete DJ booth that costs nothing and stays open
What it does
Mixxx is a full DJ application for Windows, macOS and Linux, released under the GNU General Public License. It analyses your music library for tempo and musical key, builds a searchable collection with crates and playlists, and gives you two or four virtual decks with the usual mixer controls. Hardware support is broad: many popular controllers are mapped out of the box, and mappings are written in JavaScript so unusual setups can be supported without touching the source. Recording, live broadcasting and a sampler bank are integrated rather than bolted on, which makes it a credible replacement for commercial DJ packages on a home setup.
The workflow
Point Mixxx at your music folders and let it analyse the files; analysis writes tempo, beat grid and key data into the library so tracks line up when you load them. Drag tracks to decks, then use the beat grid controls to correct any track whose detected grid drifts. Mixing uses the crossfader, EQ and filter per channel, with sync available when you trust the grid and manual beatmatching when you do not. Performances can be recorded to disk, broadcast to an Icecast or Shoutcast server, and shaped with effects units and hotcues stored per track.
Practical settings and limits
Audio routing is the setting that surprises people: on Windows the recommended backends are WASAPI or ASIO, and you may need to split the master and headphone outputs across two devices, which Mixxx supports explicitly. Latency is controlled by the buffer size in the sound hardware page; larger buffers are safe for mixing, smaller ones are needed for scratching and tight cue work. Analysis happens in the background and benefits from leaving the program open after a fresh import. Video mixing exists but is far less developed than the audio side, and stem separation is not built in.
Who should choose something else
If you need advanced video mixing, streaming overlays or the specific workflow of a commercial package you already know, a paid product may still suit you better. Live performers who want to trigger their own loops with heavy plugin processing should look at Giada, and producers who need to arrange full tracks rather than mix them should use a DAW such as REAPER or LMMS. Mixxx is strongest where the job is beatmatched playback of a library with a controller attached.
- Best for
- Bedroom and club DJs who want a free, mapping-friendly DJ application with recording and broadcasting built in.
- Good to know
- Split master and headphone outputs across two sound cards in the sound hardware settings if you lack a multi-output interface.
How to get started
- Download the 64-bit Windows installer from the official Mixxx download page.
- Install it, launch Mixxx, and let the setup wizard pick your audio backend and devices.
- Add your music folders so the library analysis can read tempo, beat grid and key data.
- Load a track to each deck, nudge the beat grid if the detected grid drifts, and practise a mix.
- Open the sound hardware preferences to route master and headphone outputs, then try recording a short set.
Questions & answers
Is Mixxx really free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU General Public License, with no account, subscription or feature unlock.
Which audio backend should I choose on Windows?
WASAPI is the safe default for most users; ASIO is worth trying when you need the lowest possible latency with a dedicated interface.
Can it record my mix?
Yes, the built-in recorder writes your set to disk, and the broadcasting panel can stream to an Icecast or Shoutcast server.
