Archive for August, 2009

20 August

Where Will You Find the Best DJ Turntables Packages?

Both beginner turntablists and established DJs can make full use of DJ turntables packages, especially when you consider the convenience and practicality of making use of such packages. Turntables, mixers, sound cards and sometimes even turntable emulation software come bundled in with these packages, which makes for some really good deals. Some people, however, have a bit of a problem actually finding a place to buy these packages. As such, here are a few places to buy DJ turntables packages:

Your local audio and music shops are good places to start. Look around town, browse the ads and check each audio and music shop for packages, and you will find maintaining and upgrading your turntable a snap. The problem here is that not all people have access to audio and music shops that stock DJ turntables, which can then be solved by going to the one place where people and boundaries meet together: The Internet.

Search engines are your best friend. Simply key in the words ‘DJ turntables packages’ and you’ll be presented with a list of websites that specialize in selling the hardware. The problem here is that you need to know your stuff about turntables before you buy them off the Internet. Package content and pricing are two factors that take high priority, while brand name and authenticity are two others that will seal the deal. You need to choose where you shop on the World Wide Web if you want to find a good place from which to buy your packages.

DJ equipment sites come more recommended than auction or commerce sites. Such DJ equipment sites specialize in this particular niche, which means they develop a reputation based on the quality of their products and services. Auction and commerce sites, on the other hand, are more interested in a sale than providing quality goods, which is something you do not want if you are serious in your pursuit of good packages.

So there you have it, three basic places where you can find the best DJ turntables packages. They are good places to start your hunt, as long as you keep your wits about you and make a smart and informed purchase.

DJ Manny
Creative Commons License photo credit: laffy4k

19 August

What to Use on DJ Turntables to Scratch?

DJ turntables were never designed to scratch, until one day when a certain DJ going by the name of ‘Grand Wizard Theodore’ tried to stop a vinyl record when his mom came calling. The result is the scratch that we know and love today, which was popularized by Theodore’s mentor Flash.

As time passed, however, technology has come to emulate the distinct sound of a scratch as the art has become more and more popular. Most digital turntables nowadays have a built-in vinyl emulation software to come up with the scratching sound. So what, exactly, does all of this have to do with what materials on DJ turntables to scratch?

If you want to go for the traditional analog turntables, then you may want to get professional scratch cartridges for protecting your records. These cartridges are used to spray a thin layer of protective material on records, which definitely helps to prevent wear out on the long run. The quality of your scratch cartridge will determine the longevity of your vinyl records on DJ turntables, which is why you should spare no expense when it comes to cartridge quality. Stick with high-quality brands brought from DJ and turntablist supply stores, and you’??ll make sure your records last a couple of years even with hard use.

On the other hand, digital DJ turntables already have plates designed to emulate scratching. If you use digital turntables, your music will come in digital format as well. The plates then serve as ‘controllers’ that can be spun and scratched at will, even without the presence of a record to scratch in the first place. This option is definitely useful for the DJ who does not want to collect a couple of identical vinyl records to keep in stock.

Of course, the DJ turntables themselves are your primary tool in scratching. Each DJ has a particular preference for the scratch produced by a turntable, and both analog and digital turntables definitely have their own unique ups and downs when it comes to scratching. This is a purely subjective experience, and each aspiring turntablist is just going to have to get used to one type of turntable or another

Turning The Wheels
Creative Commons License photo credit: Pernell

19 August

What Else Do You Need Besides Turntables for DJs?

Turntables for DJs are the main tools of a DJ that the crowd can spot at first glance. What they don’??t see, however, is the variety of little things that a DJ or turntablist has lying in and around their work area.

Which is why a good DJ or turntablist needs these other extra thingamajigs with them to make the most out of their performance:

Sound card

These little puppies are essential, as they manage the flow of sounds between the turntable and the PC. Get one with at least two stereo-in and two stereo-out plugs and outlets for high quality performance.

Mixers

Mixers are responsible for mixing audio signals to come up with a unique sound, which is then processed and released by the sound card. These are usually levers or dials that fine tune certain sounds.

Laptop with DJ software

Most turntables for DJs are digital in nature, which is why you will need a laptop with DJ software like Virtual DJ to manage sound production. This software works with the sounds to receive, analyze and refine them in digital format.

Time coded vinyls or CDs

Time coded vinyls or CDs are specially-designed disks that contain both the music and the time codes necessary for the music to be interpreted and manipulated by the turntable.

Headphones

Headphones are essential, as the DJ may not be able to hear the finer notes and distortions of music when the club or party is getting really lively.

Needles

If you have analog turntables for DJs, then you will need strong and reliable needles to prevent any breaking, skipping or jumping. Just make sure your turntable has straight tone arms to help prevent jumping on the turntable’??s end.

Cables

Cables are specially important for digital turntables. USB cables, RCA cables and other such cables usually come packaged with the hardware, but you need to make sure you have the right cables plugged in the right ports and outlets.

Extra turntable

Two turntables for DJs, one on the left and one on the right, can produce some really wicked sounds. Just make sure you are ambidextrous if you want to try this out.

So with these things, DJs can make the most out of their performance.

Studio 3
Creative Commons License photo credit: connorsallee