VirtualDJ is a comprehensive digital audio workstation (DAW) and DJ mixing software developed by Atomix Productions. The latest version, VirtualDJ 2026 b8985, introduces advanced AI-powered features like real-time track separation (stems) and AI-generated lyrics, making it a powerful tool for both aspiring and professional DJs. It supports a wide array of hardware controllers and is free for non-professional home use.
In This Article
Quick Start & Pro Tips
Optimizing GPU Acceleration for Stems 2.0
- Navigate to the main settings by clicking the ‘Gear’ icon.
- Select the ‘Options’ tab and search for ‘Performance’.
- Locate the ‘GPU Acceleration’ setting and ensure it is set to ‘On’ or ‘High’.
- For Stems 2.0 processing, verify that your dedicated NVIDIA or AMD video card with at least 4GB VRAM is selected in the ‘Video’ tab settings, not the integrated graphics.
Why: Enabling GPU acceleration offloads the intensive real-time track separation (stems) processing from the CPU to the dedicated VRAM. This is critical for maintaining low latency. It prevents audio dropouts during live performance, especially when mixing high-resolution video files like .mkv or .mp4.
Advanced Audio Routing and ASIO Configuration
- Go to Settings > Audio Setup.
- In the ‘Outputs’ section, select ‘External Mixer’ or ‘ASIO Driver’ for professional setups.
- Map the ‘Master’ output to channels 1-2 and the ‘Headphones’ output to channels 3-4 on your multi-channel soundcard or external audio interface.
- Adjust the ‘Latency’ slider in the Advanced Routing area to the lowest stable value (e.g., 5ms) to minimize delay between controller input and audio output.
Why: Using a dedicated ASIO driver and configuring the outputs in the Advanced Routing section ensures low-latency, multi-channel audio output, allowing the DJ to pre-listen (cue) tracks in their headphones while the master output plays through the main speakers, which is essential for professional beatmatching and mixing.
Customizing Controller Mapping with VDJScript
- Access the Settings > Controllers tab.
- Select your connected MIDI controller from the list.
- Click ‘Edit’ to open the mapping editor.
- Use the VDJScript language to create custom actions, such as mapping a single button to execute a complex command like `deck 1: loop 4; deck 2: stem vocals off` for instant acapella creation.
Why: VDJScript provides power users with granular control over the software’s functions, enabling the creation of complex, multi-step actions and custom performance pads that go beyond the default MIDI mapping, significantly enhancing live remixing capabilities.
Download VirtualDJ 2026 b8985
Size – 462 MB
Windows
Download VirtualDJ for Windows – x64
Download VirtualDJ Addon for Windows
Mac
What You Need
Recommended
- OS: Windows 11 / macOS 12 or newer
- Processor: Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 7 or better / Apple Silicon M1 processor or better
- RAM: 8 GB RAM or more
- Disk Space: null
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050 (4GB VRAM) or RTX (6GB VRAM) / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or better (for Stems 2.0)
| Software Name | VirtualDJ |
|---|---|
| Version | 2026 b8985 |
| License | Free (for home use) |
| File Size | 462 MB |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS |
| Language | Multi-language |
| Developer | Atomix Productions |
| Homepage | www.virtualdj.com |
| Last Updated | January 6, 2026 |
Key Features
- Real-Time Stem Separation (Stems 2.0): Utilize advanced AI technology to separate any track into its core components—vocals, instruments, kicks, and hi-hats—in real-time for creating perfect live mashups and seamless transitions.
- AI-Powered Lyrics and Playlist Generation: Automatically generate and display lyrics on the waveform for popular songs, and use the new AI prompt feature to create custom playlists by typing natural language requests into the ‘Ideas’ section.
- Extensive Audio and Video Mixing Support: Mix both audio tracks and video files, supporting a multitude of formats including karaoke, with options for stunning visuals and dual-screen output for a second monitor.
- New Pro FX Engine and Smart Sampler: Access over 120 new pro-grade audio effects and transitions, along with a Smart Sampler that supports both audio and video samples, synchronization, and instrument banks for on-the-fly remixing.
- Plug-and-Play Controller Compatibility: Offers native plug-and-play compatibility with over 290 different DJ controllers and mixers, featuring auto-detection and setup for a wide range of hardware.
Questions & Answers
Is VirtualDJ 2026 b8985 free to use?
Yes, VirtualDJ is free for non-professional home use. Professional use, such as connecting to a MIDI controller or using it in a club, requires a paid license (Home Plus or Pro Subscription).
What are the hardware requirements for using Stems 2.0?
For optimal performance with the Stems 2.0 feature, the recommended hardware includes a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 (4GB VRAM) or better, or an Apple Silicon CPU (M1 or better) with 16GB RAM on macOS 13 or newer.
Does VirtualDJ support external DJ controllers?
Yes, VirtualDJ offers native plug-and-play support for over 290 different DJ controllers and mixers, with automatic detection and setup.
Discover more from Software Wave
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.