DJ Turntables

If you're just getting started as a DJ, one of the first questions you need to ask is if you want to use turntables or not. While dj turntables have been the gear of choice for decades, many djs are turning to CD players, MP3 players, computer mixing, and control surfaces.

There are a lot of advantages to using virtual mixing, including portability, ease of use, cheaper music options and special effects. However, there's a lot to be said for working with dj turntables.

• Using dj turntables is the traditional route. You gain an tactile understanding of the mixing process by using LPs and turntables.
• Many feel that learning on turntables gives you a better understanding of mixing that can help you even if you go virtual later.
• There's a lot of cheap vinyl available
• No problems with computers or funky software
• It's very visual, and what people expect

The last item is very important. People are used to the idea of a dj working with dj turntables. Also, there's an entertainment factor of watching a skilled dj work the turntables. Watching somebody work on a computer is inherently boring, most people see that at work everyday, so laptop dj's have that challenge to deal with.

DJ Turntables

Turntables are another place where you get what you pay for. A $100 turntable and a $600 turntable may look about the same from the outside. However, dj turntables get abused pretty seriously, and the more expensive ones are built to take the abuse.

Here are some things to look for in a dj turntable:

Good brands - Numark, Vestax, Stanton and Gemini all make well-respected dj turntables, and each brand has their devotees in the dj world. With any of these names, it's hard to go wrong if you get one of their better turntables.

Here are some other things to consider:

• Drive - all the better dj turntables have direct drive. There are cheaper belt-drive turntables, but they aren't recommended for djing.
• Pitch adjustment - dj turntables have a pitch adjustment that basically speeds or slows the record down. This is done to let you get a good beat-match between two records. Most can change the speed up or down by 8-10%. It's not extremely useful to change speed much more than that with a dj turntable, because the sound can get munchkinized!
• Torque - torgue is a measure of the strength of the turntable motor. It's best to have a high-torque turntable - this will ensure that your records get to speed quickly and run steady. A high-torque dj turntable should stand up to your abuse better, too.
• Tone arm - some djs have a preference as to the shape of their tone arms. This mainly affects people that want to "scratch" their disks. This is personal preference, get what you prefer, or don't worry about it.

If you want to get the best around, it's hard to go wrong with one of the top Vestax DJ Turntables.

Beginners should consider the relatively Complete DJ Systems that come with a dj turntable and dj mixer. Good ones run $400-600, and give you decent dj turntables and a dj mixer. Many include a set of dj headphones.

Check the DJ Turntable page for features and information on good dj turntables.