Turntable Tips

A lot of people getting into DJing grew up with CDs or even MP3s, so turntables may seem like mysteries. Here are some turntable tips:

Getting Started With Turntables

For a basic turntable setup, you'll need two dj turntables, a dj mixer and dj headphones. This will get you what you need to practice. Once you're ready to perform, you'll need to add an amp/speaker system.

There are three connections you'll make for each turntable: power, RCA jacks (the turntable output) and ground. Plug everything into a common power strip to keep things simple. The RCA left and right from each turntable plug into inputs on your DJ mixer. The mixers will have at least two channels - you'll connect each turntable to its own channel, and then you can use the cross-fader to fade between the two turntables. There's one more connection to make, the grounds. There should be a ground wire that comes off your turntables and connects to your mixer. Turntables are grounded to avoid low-pitched hum.

Once you've got the turntables wired up, just plug in headphones and you're ready to start practicing.

Good Turntables

This comes down to preference, but it's hard to go wrong with Vestax turntables. If you get a really good turntable, you won't find yourself wanting to upgrade down the road..

Technics are another good brand. They are probably the most commonly used turntables, mainly because they are consistent and reliable. The Technics 1200 series are standards.

The Vestax PDX-2000 series are considered by many to be even better than the Technics. The PDX turntables were designed from scratch to be DJ turntables.

Belt-drives VS: Direct-drive

In general, avoid belt-drives. Direct drives can be had fairly inexpensively, and do a better job for DJing.

Stylus Replacement

This depends on how much you use the turntable, and how you're using it. Scratchers can trash stylus pretty quickly. Listen for the high-end frequencies - they will start to get blurred or dull. Your stylus may become more prone to clicks and pops, also.

Keep a spare stylus, and if in doubt, swap it to see if you notice a improvement in sound quality.

Positioning

Keep your turntables away from your speakers, especially subwoofers! The sound vibrations coming out of your speakers can make your turntable platter vibrate - very bad!