CortexDJ

Overview

CortexDJ is DJ software that analyzes music stored on your computer and turns a selected folder into a beatmatched set. It suits DJs who want AI-assisted preparation while retaining access to live-deck controls. Its local-library approach is appealing, but streaming-service collections are out of scope.

Analysis identifies key, energy, BPM and song structure, then uses that information to sequence tracks and shape a set. The maker says your library, mixes and analysis stay on your computer.

Key features

Analysis and set building

CortexDJ detects Camelot key, energy, exact BPM and song structure, and re-anchors beatgrids to kick drums. It arranges tracks harmonically, shapes an energy curve and uses transitions including filter sweeps, echo throws and bass swaps. If it cannot lock a track’s beatgrid confidently, it excludes the track from the auto-mix and flags it to you. That is a sensible guard against unreliable transitions, though it can mean a set does not use every track in the folder.

The software works with local MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A/AAC and OGG files. Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL libraries are not supported, making CortexDJ a poor fit if those services are the center of your collection. It does not provide music licenses, so recording or streaming a set does not settle the rights question.

Decks, controllers and exports

Live decks include EQ, effects, loops, hot cues and pads, and you can take over controls while the AI is mixing. Pro detects and maps listed Pioneer/AlphaTheta, Hercules and Numark controllers; other class-compliant USB MIDI devices can be configured with MIDI learn. That gives controller users a route beyond automatic mixing, but controller support is a paid feature.

Pro also adds audio and HD video recording and live-streaming to YouTube, Twitch and Facebook. Every tier can export rekordbox XML with beatgrids, hot cues and crates, as well as Serato-readable M3U8 playlists and crate files. Serato hot cues are not exported, a meaningful limitation if those cues are part of your established workflow.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and is described as free forever for home use. It includes analysis, AI auto-mix and mashups, live decks, rendered mixes and rekordbox and Serato exports, for up to two computers. There is no trial clock or credit-card requirement. It is a substantial starting point for home DJs, but does not include the Pro controller, recording, streaming or priority-support features.

Pro costs $7.45 a month and covers up to two computers. It adds MIDI controllers, audio and HD video recording, live-streaming and priority email support; you can cancel anytime. Choose it if you need those capabilities without a one-time commitment.

Lifetime costs $127, paid once for one key covering up to two computers. It includes Pro and future Pro features, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It is the option for buyers who prefer a one-time payment and expect to use the Pro feature set over time.

Platforms

The desktop app supports 64-bit Windows 10/11 and macOS on Apple Silicon, with the macOS version in beta; about 8 GB of RAM is listed. A separate browser mixer is also described as beta and is not the full app, so browser access should not be treated as equivalent to the desktop product. Every license key works on up to two computers.

Who it's for

CortexDJ is best suited to DJs with local music libraries who want analysis and automatic set building alongside the option to intervene on live decks. It is less suitable for users who rely on Spotify, Apple Music or TIDAL libraries, or who need a mature browser-based version. DJs planning to publish or stream mixes should also account for music licensing themselves.

Pros and cons

• Local analysis: The maker says the library, mixes and analysis stay on the computer, which suits DJs who want their music workflow kept local.
• Useful safeguards: Uncertain beatgrids are excluded from auto-mixes and identified, rather than silently used for questionable transitions.
• Exports across tiers: Even the free plan exports rekordbox data and Serato-readable playlists and crates, though Serato hot cues are omitted.
• Streaming-library gap: Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL collections cannot be used as libraries.
• Platform caveats: The Apple Silicon desktop version and browser mixer are beta, and the browser mixer is not the full app.

Alternatives

For a broader look at AI DJ Software, compare options by platform and workflow. Choose djay if you want an option spanning Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, with a free download and optional PRO subscription. Offtrack is another freemium choice for Android, iOS and macOS.

SetPrep is worth comparing if its free allowance of three mixes a month or its £5.99 a month Pro plan fits your needs. AuraJam is a web-based alternative, with five free exports a day and a small mark on those exports. automixer.ai offers a web plan with three projects, six tracks per project and five exports a month for free.

Consider Mixbridge if you want a free option on iOS or the web. PulseGrid is a free alternative spanning Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows. CRATELAB is another freemium option for web, Windows and macOS.

Verdict

Choose CortexDJ if your music is stored locally and you want automated harmonic set building without giving up manual deck control. Its free home-use plan makes that workflow easy to try, and its exports remain available across tiers. Look elsewhere if your library depends on Spotify, Apple Music or TIDAL, or if you need a full browser app rather than a beta mixer.