Serato DJ licensing questions

As I see it:

1) No. You DO have to have Serato-certified device (this can be a sound card, a mixer or a controller) attached in order to have two deck control. If you don’t have it attached, you can still start up Serato, but it will be in one-deck preparation/offline mode.
2) Sort of, see also answer 1). You can use it, but only in preparation mode. To make the analogy with RekordBox, WITH controller/sound card/mixer attached it is full DJ Software like RB DJ, WITHOUT something attached it’s more like RB.
3) I think that is right.
4) I’ll leave this one to others to answer.
5) Yes, I believe you can use your copy of the software with any certified controller.
6) I am not sure if you have to “unregister” your controller, since I only have one at the moment, but I believe you can have various controllers that use the license.

Hope that helps. Anyone else to add/correct?

1. Do I absolutely require to have a DJ controller attached to the computer when using Serato DJ

Honestly, Yes. While what Vintage says is true, you should have one as not all functions can be triggered by software alone.

2. Can I use JUST Serato DJ software on the computer (like I can with Traktor) to work?

Sort of, but I would not recommend it, as it is pretty useless in that form. It is made for use with Controllers and that is where it shines.

3. I bought Serato DJ software (50% off). How often can I install it and on how many computers? (Some people say I have 2 installations: 1. on your productive computer and 2. on a 2nd – backup- computer)

Yes, correct 2 installations. However if one of your devices is being retired, you can transfer the license to a new device. So no worries, it is not bound forever (like some Microsoft licenses).

4. If it is only possible to register the Serato DJ software with a Serato compliant HARDWARE (i.e. a DJ Controller), then why is the Serato DJ software available as standalone?

There are 2 sorts of Serato controllers:
First are Serato – Ready. They usually come with Serato Intro in the box. So the controller is usually on the cheaper side and the company did not pay for the full Serato license. So if you want to use the full Serato DJ system you need to buy a license.

Second are “Serato Included”. Those are usually more higher end controllers, where the controller company already has purchased the Serato license for you. With those you only have to download Serato and Serato will work as soon as you connect the device.

5. I do not own (currently) a Serato compliant DJ controller. But if I buy later a controller which includes Serato DJ or Serato DJ Intro, can I use my already existing Serato DJ purchase to work with that controller?

Yes it wont matter however.

6. Once registered Serato DJ with “a” Controller, say Pioneer, can I later switch to another, say Numark, Controller or is the registration with Pioneer using up my registrations, so it then requires an additional license of Serato DJ to purchase when I want to use another DJ Controller?

You can switch controllers whenever you like. There is an “deactivate with this device” button in Serato. You do that, then connect the new device and activate again. There is no limit on how many times you can do that.

You are welcome buddy, glad we could help.