The Best DJ Pool’s in 2024 – 5 Record Pools for DJ Music
If you’re a DJ or among the many aspiring professional DJs, you’re going to need some music. Which is why you’re going to need to find the best digital music pool for you.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at five of the best record/DJ pools on the market. Whether you’re looking for intros, outros, acappella, or original edits they allow you to download high-quality, DJ-ready versions of tracks that are sure to help get the party started!
Click on the links below to jump to our five recommendations:
What is a DJ Pool or Record Pool?
Record pools, often referred to as DJ pools, are subscription-based services that provide DJs with a curated selection of music tracks for use in their performances.
DJs use these music tracks for a variety of purposes including exclusive remixes, edits, and pre-releases. Through skill and with creativity, music artists create seamless transitions, unique sets, and new music trends. Having a library of high-quality audio files suitable for professional sound systems, live performances and legal new music creation is essential.
The best and most reputable music pools operate legally by obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions for the music they distribute. These licenses ensure that DJs, who are subscribers to these pools, have the legal right to use the music in their performances, broadcasts, or other public settings. The licensing agreements typically cover aspects such as performance rights, mechanical rights, and reuse rights.
Music pools work closely with record labels, artists, and content creators to secure the appropriate permissions for the tracks in their catalogue. This legal foundation is crucial for both the music pool and the DJs who subscribe to it, as it ensures that copyrighted material is used in compliance with intellectual property laws.
DJs using tracks from reputable music pools can have confidence that they are accessing music legally and are contributing to the fair compensation of artists and rights holders through the subscription fees paid to the pool. It’s important for you to review the terms and conditions of the music pool you choose to ensure an understanding of the licensing arrangements and comply with any usage restrictions.
While many pools primarily focus on providing audio files, some do offer video files as well. These video files can include music videos, extended mixes, or visual content accompanying the music tracks. The availability of video files often depends on the specific DJ pool and the types of content curated.
If video content is crucial for your DJ performances, it’s advisable to check the features and offerings of different record pools to find one that aligns with your preferences. Some DJ pools may specialise in video content, while others may prioritise audio files. Additionally, the quality and formats of video files may vary, so it’s essential to ensure that the DJ pool you choose meets your requirements for both audio and video content.
What Makes the Best DJ Pools?
Using a DJ pool is particularly popular in the electronic dance music (EDM) and DJ communities. Here’s an overview of record pools, their benefits, and what to consider when choosing one:
Early Access to Music
Record pools often receive music releases before they are widely available. DJs can access new tracks and remixes early, giving them a competitive edge in their performances.
Diverse Music Selection
DJ record pools offer a diverse range of music across various genres, from techno to hip hop. This allows DJs to explore and integrate different styles into their sets, catering to a broader audience.
High-Quality Files
Record pools provide DJs with high-quality audio files, ensuring optimal sound reproduction during performances. Common file formats include WAV and MP3 at various bit-rates.
Remixes and Edits
Many record pools offer exclusive remixes and edits of popular songs, allowing DJs to create unique and customised sets.
Feedback and Ratings
Some record pools provide a platform for DJs to leave feedback and ratings on tracks. This can be valuable for both DJs and artists to gauge the popularity and quality of a particular song.
Convenience
Record pools simplify the process of music discovery and acquisition for DJs. Instead of searching multiple platforms for the latest tracks, DJs can find them conveniently in one place.
The 5 Best DJ Pools
1. DMS
$400 – $680 AUD Yearly
Direct Music Pool (DMS) just might be the most expensive DJ record pool on this list. That being said, it ticks all the boxes you want in a quality DJ record pool.
Whether you’re looking for intros, acapella outs, samples, loops, hype edits, remixes, transitions or more, if it’s going to make your DJ performance better, the DMS DJ Pool has it. With one of the biggest catalogues of any DJ pool, Direct Music Pool has decades worth of songs of all the most popular genres. Contrary to a number of similar services which tend to favour EDM more than hip hop or RNB and vice versa.
What’s more, DMS ensures every song uploaded is encoded at either 256 or 320 kbps. They also have a team who are constantly crawling new tracks and getting rid of the garbage, so you don’t have to.
With such a wide range of music edits, you’re guaranteed to find something you like. But if you don’t find what you want, you can submit requests to the editing team so you can get exactly what you’re looking for.
Another thing that makes DMS so good is the fact they have a state of the art mobile app for both iPhone and Android. So you can look for new music whenever it suits you, rather than having to be planted in front of the computer. Plus, it even syncs with DropBox for easy access.
As we mentioned earlier, the only drawback to this service is the high price point. There are however, three tiers of membership you can choose from. But bear in mind, the starter and semi-pro package both have some download restrictions on what you have access to each month.
2. DJ City Pool
$125 AUD Quarterly
Not to be confused with the DJ store you know and love, DJ City is one of the most popular DJ pools to date.
You’ve got new music added each and every day spanning all the most popular genres of the moment. So whether it’s house, EDM, hip hop, RnB or trap, you’re bound to find something you like. They also have convenient “Top Downloads” and “Hot Box” sections that give you a good indication of what’s popular and which tracks are gaining popularity both in your area and around the globe.
DJ City’s in-house production team also works to create a ton of new edits and redrums. But also source exclusives from up-and-coming artists from places like Soundcloud. Most of the tracks you’ll find on DJ City are of high quality, with very few sub-par tracks slipping through the tracks. Powerful search filters also help you find exactly what you’re looking for whether it’s a certain BPM, instrumental, acapella, redrum, hip hop beat etc.
It’s one of the more affordable services available–the only downside being that it’s a quarterly subscription. So you don’t have the luxury of jumping from DJ pool to DJ pool each month. Tracks do get removed eventually as well, so you won’t be able to build up a backlog of tracks without downloading them somewhere.
Like DMS, DJ City also has a mobile app that’s extremely user friendly and is a great perk of using this service.
BPM Supreme
$22.99 USD / $34.60 AUD per month
Another fantastic record pool for DJ’s is BPM Supreme. What makes this DJ pool so unique is that subscribers get access to audio as well as video files. So it’s definitely the best subscription service if you also do video mixing or VJing.
Again, BPM Supreme has a great team of in-house producers who work on exclusive BPM Supreme edits you won’t find anywhere else. While there’s also a huge back catalogue of tracks that is sure to keep you satisfied!
It’s also one of the more affordable options when it comes to record pools at just over $22 USD or around $35 Australian per month.
Digital DJ Pool
$20 USD / $30 AUD per month
At a similar price point to BPM Supreme, we should not forget Digital DJ Pool.
One thing you have to love about this DJ record pool is the cleanliness of the user interface. Some of the options of record pools of this list feel a little outdated when you head to their website. Digital DJ Pool, on the other hand, has taken great pride to deliver something that’s clean and easy to navigate.
Updating new music each and every day across multiple genres, you always have access to the latest tracks. They’re also all high-quality 320kbps MP3s and feature cue points, ID3, BPM and tags.
So once they’re loaded up in your DJ software it’s easier than ever to find what you’re looking for. Like all on this list, you won’t just find radio edits. But also intros, clean/dirty track versions, acappella, edits and remixes!
Another great selling-point for Digital DJ Pool is the fact they offer a “try before you buy” option. Allowing you to use the service for 5 days for only $1. If you love it, sign up, and if you don’t try something else!
iDJ Pool
$50USD / $70AUD per month
Starting out as the Illinois Music Pool, iDJPool is now another one of the most popular DJ pools around. There’s nothing fancy about the website layout, however iDJPool shines by having a wide range of music.
Unlike many others on this list flooded with either EDM or hip hop, this record pool offers a greater selection of rock and country classics. So it’s probably going to be more your cup of tea if you’re a DJ who specialises in weddings. Of course, there’s still plenty of EDM and hip hop tracks as well.
There are also two separate methods for downloading. You can either use FTP which is great for bulk downloading of songs, or the traditional web browser method.
If you’re a Virtual DJ user, you can subscribe to this service directly through your DJ software and even stream songs straight from the record pool to your decks!
The downside is that iDJPool is another option that sits on the more expensive side of things. So unless you’re really into the music selection here, I’d advise choosing one of the other four options on this list.
DJ or Record Pools vs Direct Music Service (DMS)
What is a Direct Music Service?
A Direct Music Service (DMS) typically refers to a subscription-based music platform that caters to DJs and music professionals, providing them with a curated selection of music tracks for use in their performances. Similar to record pools, a Direct Music Service is designed to offer DJs convenient and legal access to high-quality music.
While both Direct Music Services and DJ Pools serve the needs of DJs by providing curated music content, there are some nuanced differences between the two:
Audience Focus
DJ Pool
Traditionally, DJ Pools have been primarily focused on DJs and their music needs. They often offer a broad selection of tracks, including remixes, edits, and versions specifically tailored for DJ performances.
Direct Music Services
DMS platforms may have a broader audience, catering not only to DJs but also to other music professionals, including radio stations, music supervisors, and venue owners. This broader focus may influence the types of content available on the platform.
Content Exclusivity
DJ Pools
Many DJ Pools are known for providing exclusive content, such as pre-releases, remixes, and edits that may not be widely available to the general public.
Direct Music Services
While DMS platforms may also offer exclusives, their primary focus might be on delivering a diverse range of high-quality music for various professional purposes, potentially beyond DJ performances.
User Interface and Features
DJ Pools
DJ Pools often tailor their platforms with features specifically designed for DJs, including feedback systems, charts, and tools for seamless integration with DJ software.
Direct Music Services
DMS platforms might emphasise features that appeal to a broader audience, including radio professionals and music supervisors, with functionalities that go beyond the immediate needs of DJ performances.
Subscription Models
DJ Pools
Both DJ Pools and DMS platforms commonly operate on a subscription-based model. DJs pay a regular fee to access the curated music content and download tracks within the terms of licensing agreements.
Direct Music Services
The subscription models for DMS platforms may be structured to accommodate a wider range of users, including those with different professional needs beyond DJing.
Industry Relationships
DJ Pools
DJ record pools often have strong relationships with DJs, record labels, and artists, focusing on providing a platform that directly serves the DJing community.
Direct Music Services
DMS platforms may engage with a broader network of industry professionals than DJ record labels, aiming to provide a one-stop solution for various music-related needs across different sectors.
Summary
In essence, while DJ Pools are specifically tailored to the needs of DJs, Direct Music Services may have a broader scope, encompassing a variety of music professionals and purposes. The distinctions between the two can vary, and the specific features and offerings depend on the individual platforms within each category.
Finding the Right DJ Record Pool
Choosing the right digital music pool for you ultimately comes down to what you need musically, what you’re looking for from your direct music service, and your preference of DJ pool design.
However, not every DJ pool offers the same options. Some might provide unlimited downloads, multiple genres and a wide music library. Others might have less audio and video files available, limitations on access or downloads, or just a music library that doesn’t suit your needs.
To help you, here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when considering the best DJ pools for you.
Does the music library have the right selection?
Ensure that the record pool offers a diverse and extensive selection of music that aligns with your preferred genres and style.
Are the available track versions of sufficient audio quality?
Check that the record pool provides high-quality audio files. The availability of formats like WAV can be essential for professional DJs.
Does the direct music service interface have a user-friendly design?
A user-friendly interface makes it easier to navigate and discover new music. Look for a platform with an intuitive design and easy download options.
Is the content exclusive and are there unlimited downloads options with this DJ pool?
Some record pools specialise in providing exclusive content, such as pre-releases and remixes. Consider whether the pool offers the type of content you are seeking.
Is the DJ record pool compatible with your equipment?
Ensure that the record pool is compatible with your DJ software and equipment. Some pools may offer integration with popular DJ software platforms.
Are there any legal or licensing issues with the music library?
Verify that the record pool operates legally and provides the necessary licenses for the music it distributes. This ensures that you can use the tracks in a legal and compliant manner.
What does the feedback and reviews about the DJ record pools indicate?
Consider whether the record pool fosters a community where DJs can share feedback and insights. This can be valuable for networking and staying informed about industry trends.
What are the cost and subscription plan options of the digital DJ pool under consideration?
Evaluate the cost of the subscription and the available plans. Some record pools offer tiered pricing based on the level of access or features provided.
Making the Most of your DJ Record Pools
Making the most out of a DJ pool involves not only efficiently accessing the music it offers but also leveraging its features and resources to enhance your DJing experience. Here are some tips:
Explore the Catalog
Take the time to explore the entire catalog of the DJ pool. Don’t just stick to familiar genres; broaden your horizons to discover new tracks and styles that can add diversity to your sets.
Stay Updated
Regularly check for new releases and updates. DJ pools often feature the latest tracks, remixes, and edits. Staying current with the platform ensures that you have access to the freshest music for your performances.
Utilise Feedback Features
If the DJ pool provides a feedback system, use it to share your thoughts on tracks. This not only helps the pool curators understand the preferences of DJs but also contributes to the overall community feedback.
Create Playlists
Organise your favorite tracks into playlists based on mood, energy level, or specific events. Having curated playlists makes it easier to prepare for different gigs and keeps your sets dynamic.
Download High-Quality Files
Prioritise high-quality audio files, especially if you’re performing in professional settings. Look for formats like WAV for optimal sound reproduction.
Explore Exclusive Content
Many DJ pools offer exclusive content, such as pre-releases and remixes. Take advantage of these exclusives to stand out and offer unique experiences to your audience.
Check for DJ Tools
Some DJ pools provide DJ-friendly tools like intros, outros, and acappella. These tools can be invaluable for creating seamless transitions and adding your own creative touch to the music.
Connect with the Community
If the DJ pool has a community or forum, participate in discussions, share your experiences, and learn from other DJs. Networking within the DJ pool community can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Understand Licensing Agreements
Familiarise yourself with the licensing agreements of the DJ pool. Ensure that you comply with the terms and conditions regarding the use of downloaded tracks in your performances.
Integrate with DJ Software
If the DJ pool offers integration with popular DJ software, take advantage of it. This streamlines your workflow, allowing you to easily incorporate downloaded tracks into your sets.
Stay Professional
Treat the DJ pool as a professional resource. Respect the work of the artists, labels, and the DJ pool itself. Abide by copyright laws and use the music legally in your performances.
By incorporating these tips into your approach, you can maximise the benefits of a DJ pool, enhancing your music selection, and ultimately elevating your DJing skills and performances.
Need a Hand Finding the Best DJ Pools? Contact DJ City Today
In the dynamic world of DJing, access to the right music through DJ record pools can make or break a performance.
The Record/DJ Pools we’ve examined in this article stand out as beacons of musical innovation, offering not only a diverse selection but also exclusive content that propels DJs to the forefront of sonic creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping into the DJ booth, these pools provide a curated space where music meets mastery. So, as you embark on your musical journey, remember, the beats are only as good as the source—choose your Record/DJ Pool wisely and let the music speak volumes at every gig!
If you would like some assistance with anything and everything DJ record pool related, reach out to our team right here at DJ City. We’ve been in the game since 2000 supporting up and coming Aussie DJs and performers. We’re not just in the business; we practically live and breathe it.
Our goal is to assist you in finding exactly what you need for your gig. Whether you’re after gear or advice, count on us to bring our industry know-how to the (turn)table.
