Midi Capabilities: Allows you to directly sync turntable with DJing Software to create cue points and effects directly on the turntable.Reverse –Makes the platter rotate in the reverse, again may not be necessary based on DJ software.May not be necessary if combining the turntable with a DJ software such as Serato. Key Lock and Master tempo – Another digital feature that is helpful in combatting the “chipmunksound” we get when playing vinyl at high speeds.
Digital output (S/PDIF, USB) – Allows you to directly connect the turntable to a computer or device with digital imput.Rotational Speed- Turntables come with options of 33 RPM, 45 RPM and sometimes 78 RPM.Since the Technic 1200s many turntables have added extra features that do make an impact on ranking depending on what you are looking for in a turntable. If something were to happen or you decided to put your dj career in the past, you should be able to get good value for them down the road. You want a turntable that if kept with care should retain its original value.
If I wanted to sell my Technics right now, they would go for just as much, if not more than they did 30 years ago. This couldn’t be more far from the truth. This is often an overlooked point because we often think the start up cost of djing is a sunk cost. We rank turntables that have a solid build, reputation and are somewhat bias towards time on the market. This is usually where the technics win out, they have a large proven track record and in my experience have required the least amount of maintenance. They come in straight and curved, with straight tonearms being known for tracking vinyl better but also creating more wear in vinyl. The tonearm creates the contact between the needle and record.Ī quality tonearm should help prevent skipping and, for DJs, should be able to withstand scratching and vinyl manipulation. The tonearm is the arm of the turntable that holds the cartridge and stylus. ‘For DJ turntables the pitch slider should be smooth and make quick or instant adjustments to speed for proper beat matching.Ĭertain turntables also feature greater ranges to allow for some interesting creative choices in mixes (playing songs at speeds they are normally not heard at). The pitch slider allows you to adjust the rotation speed of the platter, these are usually increments of +/- 8%, +/- 16%, +/- 25%, +/- 50%. The minimal torque we recommend is 1.5 kgf-cm. This is vital for properly beatmatching and holding a mix. Higher torque will also limit the amount the platter slows down when you’re holding a record still. A higher torque means the platter will reach its desired speed faster after manipulation or after initially pressing the start button. TorqueĪlong with the idea of Direct-Drive motor comes the important feature of torque. Belt-drive turntables should be used exclusively by audiophiles. This is essential for audiophiles trying to maintain the purity of their vinyl.Ī consistent theme throughout this website will be: DO NOT BUY BELT-DRIVE TURNTABLES FOR DJING. The isolated motor also results in less noise transmission to the tone-arm. The elastic belt absorbs shock and prevents vibrations that are generated by the motor. As a result, belt-drive decks have lower torque and fluctuations of platter speed are greater. The motor is usually located off-center which spins the platter using an elastic belt. In a belt drive turntable the platter sits on top of a bearing and is isolated from the motor. This is essential for djing as consistency in speed is required for beatmatching, mixing and scratching. This means lower wow and flutter (fluctuations) and less vulnerability to outside forces. The placement and direct attachment lends itself to higher torque and consistency in speeds. The motor usually sits under the center of the platter. In a direct drive turntable, the platter is attached directly to the motor. And a list of Best DJ turntables Under $500 is coming soon.īefore diving into the extensive reviews, some basics as to how we generated those rankings should be know.
I’ve done an extensive review of alternative DJ Turntables here. In previous reviews I’ve expressed that Technics are my number 1 choice, but if you can’t afford Technics or are just starting out dropping $2,000 may be a big investment into something you are not sure you’re going to stick with. For DJ purposes its going to boil down to what you feel is worth your money. We believe that these are the starting questions for anyone looking to buy a turntable. How much do you want in a turntable? What do you need in a turntable? What can you afford?