Introducing: DJ.Studio Next - Your Chance To Preview Hot Features

If you’ve been following DJ.Studio for a while, you’ll know that our development team is constantly working (hard) to improve, upgrade, and expand the software. With regular updates, our DJ.Studio software is always evolving. 

If you know anything about software development, then you’ll understand how complex this can be - every time you add a new feature, you run the risk of breaking something. Also, you need to get your new features tested thoroughly before introducing them into the main version - ensuring that they run smoothly, and feel great to use. 

These are a couple of the main reasons that we’re excited to introduce DJ.Studio Next: a beta-style preview version, where users can get a sneak peak at all the upcoming features and changes to the app.

This isn't just a simple beta; it's a parallel version of our app that gives you access to unreleased features. But it comes with its own set of rules and a specific mission. This is your complete guide to becoming an early adopter.

In this article I’m going to explain how to access DJ.Studio Next, what to expect, and I’ll also answer some of the common questions we get!

TL;DR - DJ.Studio Next#

• DJ.Studio Next gives you early access to upcoming features. 

• This gives us a chance to test the performance and user experience of new features before sending them live. 

• DJ.Studio Next is available to all users - on the side of the live version. 

• Get started with DJ.Studio Next today!

What Exactly is DJ.Studio Next?#

First, let's clear up the biggest question: Is this "Next" or is this "Version 4.0"?

The answer is both.

• DJ.Studio 4.0 is the massive upcoming version, packed with new features and improvements.

• DJ.Studio Next is the mechanism, or the "prerelease channel," that lets you test 4.0 today.

Think of "Next" as our public test kitchen. It’s where we’re putting all the new ingredients and experimental ideas. It's not the final, polished dish we serve to the world; it’s the raw, evolving build for the pioneers who want to taste the future right now.

And that future includes some serious upgrades. With Next, you'll be the first to test the brand new AI Stem Separation models, new visual timeline, new beatgridding system, and more in Version 4.0.

How to Use DJ.Studio Next Safely on Your Machine#

This is the most important part of the guide. We know you can’t risk your main workflow, so we designed Next to run alongside your stable version. But to do this safely, you must follow these rules.

Rule 1: It Runs Side-by-Side (Black vs. Yellow)#

Installing Next does not replace your current DJ.Studio. It installs as a totally separate application. Here’s how you tell them apart:

• Your Stable App: Keeps the classic Black Icon. This is your workhorse (currently version 3.1) and is fully reliable.

• DJ.Studio Next: Gets a brand new Yellow Icon. This is your experimental lab (testing version 4.0).

Rule 2: WARNING: Do NOT Run Both Apps at Once#

This is essential. While the apps live in separate folders, they are not designed to be open simultaneously. Think of them as two DJs who can't be in the booth at the same time.

Using them one at a time ensures your database remains uncorrupted. If you find a bug in the Yellow app, shut it down completely before opening the Black app to finish your work.

Rule 3: Your Settings Start Fresh#

Because DJ.Studio Next is a totally separate application, your custom preferences will not carry over. Any settings, folder locations, or other preferences you configured in your stable app will need to be set up again in the Yellow (Next) app.

Rule 4: Your Database: Shared by Default, Separate by Choice#

By default, the Next app points to your main DJ.Studio database. This is great, as all your existing mixes and mashups are ready to go.

However, if you want a truly sterile "lab" to play in (which we recommend for serious testing), you can easily change this.

1. Open the Yellow (Next) app.

2. Go to Settings > Folders > Database Location.

3. Point this to a new, empty folder anywhere on your computer.

Pro-Tip: You can simply copy your existing database file into that new folder. This lets you safely experiment on clones of your projects without risking your main work at all.

Rule 5: Your Mission: The "4.0" Secret Password#

You will find bugs. That’s the entire point. When you do, we need you to report them.

1. Click the speech bubble icon in the bottom-right of the app.

2. In your message, you MUST type “4.0” somewhere.

This is the secret password. Our AI support bot (DJai) is trained to see that tag, immediately bypass the standard queue, and route your issue directly to a human agent on the 4.0 team.

How Do I Get Access to DJ.Studio Next?#

Ready to jump in? We’ve unlocked the door.

1. Download the latest version here: https://dj.studio/next

2. Install it (it will install alongside your current version).

3. Launch the new Yellow icon and sign in with your normal DJ.Studio credentials.

4. Want to chat with other pioneers? Join the special Discord Channel open just for Next users.

Why We're Doing This (The Win-Win)#

Our internal team tests everything, but our lab can't replicate your studio. We can’t guess your unique workflow, your specific hardware setup, or the creative ways you’ll push the software to its limits.

We need real-world feedback from actual DJs to sand off those rough edges. Internal testing finds code errors; community feedback builds better features.

By giving you early access, we get invaluable data to make the final 4.0 release bomb-proof. In return, you get to play with the next generation of DJ tools (like the new stems) months before anyone else and directly help shape the final product.

CRITICAL: The Road Ahead & How the Upgrade Path Works#

This final point is essential, so please read it carefully. To ensure you get the final, stable version of 4.0, you MUST keep BOTH apps installed.

Here is how the development cycle works:

• CURRENT SITUATION:

  • Black App = DJ.Studio 3.1 (Stable)

  • Yellow App = DJ.Studio 4.0 (Testing via "Next")

• FUTURE (When 4.0 is ready for launch):

  • Your Black App will ask you if you wat to update your stable to become DJ.Studio 4.0 (The New Stable).

  • Your Yellow App will then become the testbed for DJ.Studio 4.1, and the cycle begins again.

This means if you delete your Black (stable) app thinking the Yellow app replaces it, you will not receive the official stable 4.0 update when it lands. You need both. 
If you already removed the black app, You can download the latest 3.1 version with this link for Mac M1+/silicon and for Mac Intel and Windows via this link.

This is more than a beta program; it’s an invitation to join the development team. We’re excited to see what you create (and what you break).

Download DJ.Studio Next, jump into the lab, and let’s mix the future together.