Review: Mashup 2 by Mixed in Key

Mixed in Key is back at it again and this time they've brought the DJ community Mashup 2. Mashup 2 is the latest big update to Mashup, Mixed in Key's best-selling DJ software that allows you to create mashups in five minutes or less. Mashup 2 offers DJs the ability to be more creative with their mashups and create exclusive tracks for their sets using the software's easy to use ultra-fast audio editor.

Mashup 2 is a highly useful software and purposeful DJ tool for Mac and Windows. The core of the software remains the same as the original Mashup; the software's main function is to beat match two or more tracks and save the results as a new audio file. As a big fan of Mixed in Key products, I was excited to try out Mashup 2's new features. When I opened Mashup 2, I was pleased to see that the GUI of the software is still minimal and maintains Mashup's clean, modern design. Its thoughtful layout makes it simple for DJs to get started creating new tracks.

Mashup 2.0 uses the latest key detection from Mixed in Key 6.0. When songs are added to the software they are automatically analyzed and the key, tempo and harmonic compatibility of the tracks are displayed in the Song List.

One of my favorite new features is the ability to add plug-ins to individual tracks. On a Mac, you can use any Audio Units plug-ins you have installed and on Windows, you can use any of your VST plug-ins to add FX to each song. This one new feature really opens up the door for creative possibilities. 

Mixed in Key has been steadily incorporating segment editing abilities into more of their applications, including Mashup 2. A segment is a short piece of audio that can be created by splitting tracks at the playhead position. Segments can be re-arranged in the Audio Editor, which adds a remixing component to the software; it's now more than simply a tool for creating mashups. You can effectively use these segments to create your own remix of a song and use this new version as one of the layers for a mashup. 

In Mashup 2.0, up to twenty tracks can be added at a time and another useful new feature is the ability to select and move multiple tracks at once. If you need more space for track editing, simply press Hide Song List in the bottom right hand corner to expand the Audio Editor. 

Each individual track now has its own set of controls for automating left and right panning, in addition to other automatable parameters including: Volume and Lo, Mid and High EQ. I was impressed by how far Mashup 2 has progressed its audio editing capabilities; with the addition of plug-ins and pan automation, DJs can create some pretty slick sounding mashups. 

Mixed in Key has revamped their software to make even easier for the next generation of DJs to create mashups and tracks for their sets that are uniquely their own. The new Mashup 2 update makes it easier than ever for DJs to quickly edit and rework songs from their collection into something new. This is another solid piece of software from Mixed in Key; it looks great, is easy to use and most importantly, is highly useful. Best of all, it's priced at only $39 (the price includes updates up to version 2.99). At this price, Mashup 2 is affordable for every DJ's budget. Thanks to Mashup 2, I expect we'll be hearing lots more mashups in sets and on SoundCloud in the months to come!