Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11

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The Pioneer DJ DJM-S11 software previously allowed users to enable the "Make Audio Available to Other Applications" checkbox to route audio directly into applications such as OBS or QuickTime. Later, the checkbox is locked until a Virtual Audio Device (VAD) is installed. On some operating systems like Windows this requires third-party paid software such as Virtual Audio Cable Lite. The change has created a retroactive cost and restriction for workflows that once worked out of the box.

Details

Original Behavior

Users reported that when using Serato DJ Pro with the DJM-S11 in 2022, the "Make Audio Available to Other Applications" checkbox could be enabled directly without requiring additional drivers. Once enabled, the DJM-S11 appeared as an audio source in OBS and other applications. This allowed both recording and streaming workflows to function directly.

Transition Behavior

According to user reports, systems where the checkbox had already been enabled prior to newer software versions may continue to work without prompting for a Virtual Audio Device. In contrast, fresh installs or new machines appear to require users to download and install a VAD before audio will pass to other applications. This suggests that earlier configurations may have been effectively “grandfathered in,” and that enforcement of the VAD requirement tightened over time.

Current Behavior

In the present version of Serato DJ Pro, the same checkbox appears locked. Attempting to enable it prompts the user to download and install a Virtual Audio Device. On macOS this is provided by Serato itself beginning in version 2.5.5. On Windows, users are directed to install Virtual Audio Cable Lite, a third-party paid driver. Without installing such software, OBS and similar applications no longer receive audio from Serato DJ Pro, even though the DJM-S11 is visible as a device.

Timeline

2020: Serato blog and support articles reference the need for a virtual audio device for live streaming.
May 2021: Serato DJ Pro 2.5.5 introduces Serato Virtual Audio for macOS, bundling the VAD directly.
2022: User reports indicate that the checkbox worked without manual VAD installation, allowing direct audio routing.
2025: Windows users find the checkbox locked until a paid VAD is installed, breaking prior workflows.

Company Position vs. User Evidence

Company Position:* Serato documentation and support responses describe the functionality as always requiring a Virtual Audio Device. They often attribute difficulties to operating system security changes or to users not enabling the correct permissions. The official explanation frames this as a matter of setup steps, not a loss of features.

User Evidence:* Users confirm that as recently as 2022 on macOS the checkbox worked without manual VAD installation. OBS and similar software could capture Serato audio directly. On Windows in 2025 the checkbox is locked and cannot be enabled without third-party software. This demonstrates that a workflow once possible out of the box has been restricted after purchase.

Evidence

Serato official support page: Getting Serato DJ Pro/Lite ready to Live Stream.

Consumer Impact

User reports describe implications for DJs who record or stream using OBS or other applications. What previously required only checking a box now requires installing and in some cases paying for third-party software. What previously required only checking a box now requires installing and in some cases paying for third-party software. Users who purchased premium hardware such as the Pioneer DJ DJM-S11, which retailed for over $2,300, with the expectation of ownership and consistent functionality, now face added costs and barriers.

One DJM-S11 user reported that their private set recording workflow, used extensively for personal playback, stopped functioning once the checkbox was locked. Even though the DJM-S11 appeared as a device in OBS, no audio was received. Attempts to use the recommended third-party Virtual Audio Device resulted in unusable output, as the trial version injected repeated “TRIAL” voice messages into the audio stream. This demonstrates that functionality once available out of the box was retroactively restricted, leaving paying customers without a practical solution unless they purchase additional software.

References