The dance club just isn't the same without a swift DJ spinning vinyl and mixing the hottest jams until 2 a.m.—at least until now. MixMeister Express 5 from MixMeister Technology is the latest in a family of apps that claim to transform music files into custom mixes, complete with beat matching, normalized volume, and pitch-correct tempo adjustment.

At MM5's core is a patented beat-matching algorithm that automatically balances tempo and volume as it fades between songs. The result, mostly, is a hip transition that sounds professionally mixed on stage. Some songs have lengthy intros, though, and don't sync as well, which is why MM5 also facilitates custom mixing with manual beat adjustment, sample overlay, looping, and nondestructive editing.

Though MM5's feature set may sound intimidating for novices, it is simultaneously powerful and extremely easy to use. Getting started is as easy as importing your MP3s into MM5's catalog, dragging a few files into the playlist, and listening to the generated mix. If there are awkward transitions, simply zoom into the timeline and cut out the vocal intro or manually drop the secondary bass line to avoid competing beats. You can also edit on the fly while your playlist runs.

MixMeister also sells an advanced version of the same package called MixMeister Pro 5 ($190). Geared toward more demanding users, the Pro package features catalog management, real-time VU meters, beat-mixed overlay loops, and support for a second sound card, which is used for previewing a mix before it goes live. Both versions come with built-in CD-burning software to transfer mixes directly to disc.

Express is plenty powerful for budding enthusiasts. It incorporates the most important features of MixMeister Pro and doesn't burden the user with too many advanced controls.

MixMeister Express 5 requires Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP, a Pentium II 400MHz, 128MB of RAM, and a sound card. Use a beefier system if you have it, though, as MixMeister's automatic BPM calculator and plot generator run in the background.

by Chris Angelini