Tips for Choosing DJ Turntables

So you've decided to take the plunge and get your first set of DJ turntables. Whoooa! Not so fast my friend. Don't spend any money until you have a firm idea as to what type of DJing you will be doing. We'll get to that in a moment.

But let's take a look at the most common turntable for DJs - the Technics SL 1200/1210.

The Technics SL 1200/1210 has a long history. They were first used in radio stations for DJ's (when radio personalities and DJs were the same person) to play the 12 inch single play and long play records. This was a move from the 45's. Since then the Technics Turntables have been the choice for most DJs who are getting their feet wet. This turntable was and is still my only choice for DJing.

For the most part turntables are made the same way. They have the same parts. When choosing your DJ turntable make sure you consider these features.

Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive - Direct drive has a better torque meaning you have better control over how fast the record will start and stop. The cheaper, less superior belt drives give you less control because it looses torque in the transfer of power from the belt to the plate. Simply put the more control, the better.
Tone Arm - The tone arm has a long neck with an “S” shape arm at the end where the cartridge gets connected. At the base of the tone arm is the height adjustment. Use this to adjust your tone arm up and down in conjunction with the anti-skate mechanism for proper tone arm balance.
Anti-skate - At the base off to the right of the tone arm there is the anti-skate mechanism. It gives the tone arm just enough balance as not to skip when playing.
Counterweight - The counterweight is located at the end of the tone arm and is used to give the proper balance for the tone arm itself as not to damage the needle when playing your vinyl.
Pitch Control - The pitch control needs is a must because the 33 and 45 RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) settings are not enough. Your pitch control should be on the right hand side and have a +/ - range of 8%.

But what if you want to develop a highly specialized skill in the art of DJing? There are any numbers of DJ turntables you can choose from. Technics SL-1210MK5.

We'll look at a few below. There are three types of DJs for the most part. Below is an overview of the more popular DJ turntables. There are Club DJs, Battle DJs and Mobile DJs. We'll start with Club DJs since that is the most common.

Turntables for Club DJs

Technics SL1200-MK2 Turntable Silver

The Club DJ uses any number of DJ turntables. The most common being the Technics SL 1200/1210 Turntables. That's because they are known to be very reliable, durable and can take a beating. The 1210 is the black color model.

Technics SL-1200MK2 Turntable Silver

I've had my pair since 1994 and they still play like new. This DJ turntable is direct, responsive and cues incredibly fast. This gets my highest recommendation. There are other models such as the MK5 Pro and the M5G Pro which offer a greater range of stability and control.

Here's a picture of my temporary DJ production station. In this picture is my Akai MPC 3000 and one of my Technics turntables.

Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center

In order to sample I have my Technics turntable going into my stereo unit. Then I take the phono out of my stereo unit to the input of my MPC 3000. My MPC gets connected to my Akai DPS 24. Then the DSP 24 is connected to the CD input of the stereo unit so I can hear what I produce.

Click here to see a picture of my Akai DPS 24

Here are the best DJ needles for Club DJs.

Sidebar: I tend to stay away from the "DJ In A Box" stuff. Most of them are drive belt mechanisms and will not hold up long term. However, if you insist and you're on a tight budget may I suggest my cheap DJ equipment page. Any one of these DJ turntable sets in a box can get you started quickly.

Learn more about Gemini Turntables.

Turntables for Battle DJs

Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable

I have to admit that I have not used this Battle DJ turntable so I can't give a fair evaluation of it. I can only tell you from the testimonial of other DJs is that they rave about it for several reason. It has a straight tone arm which is ideal for Battle DJs especially when they do their turntable tricks.

Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable

This turntables sole purpose is to scratch and do tricks.

It has a higher torque than the Technics SL 1200/1210 and a greater control range. A sure shot for any up and coming Battle DJ. With interchangeable parts you can Tweak the machine to your hearts content. More turntables for Battle DJs

You need DJ needles for those turntables. Get great information on DJ needles and cartridges here.

CD Turntables For Mobile DJs

Pioneer CDJ-1000MK2 Pro CD Player

In general terms mobile DJs actually uses 2 types of DJ equipment. They use Technics SL1200 DJ turntables and they also use 2 single pro DJ CD turntables hooked up to a mixer. Essentially all you do is replace the turntables with CD players but not just any CD player. These guys use special pro DJ CD turntables that emulate DJ turntables.

Pioneer CDJ-1000MK3 CD/MP3 Player

The reason why mobile DJs use these special pro DJ CD turntables is because CDs are easier to transport than large crates of records. Not to mention those heavy cases for the DJ turntables.

My friend is a Mobile DJ part-time and he uses a more expensive CD player for his sets. He uses a pair of Denon CD players. I play with them whenever we get together but I believe you can be just as profitable as him with a less expensive pair made by American Audio called American Audio PSX CD Player with FX.

When selecting your pro DJ CD turntables make sure your jog shuttle wheel is big, you have level control, big counter display and effects that can make for a great mixes.

If you prefer DJ turntables then go with a proven brand in Technics DJ turntables. You can get away with an inexpensive DJ mixer but with DJ turntables you need reliability and durability.

Yes, Stanton and Numark make great DJ turntables as well but make sure you stay away from the belt drive systems and get a direct drive system. You'll appreciate the power and control for cueing your vinyl.

Get more information on DJ CD Turntables.

More Resources:

How Turntables Work
Learn How To Use Turntables

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Tips for Choosing DJ Turntables

Turntables for Club DJs

Turntables for Battle DJs

CD Turntables For Mobile DJs

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