DJ equipment tips: Choosing DJ turntables

Getting your first set of DJ turntables can be a hard process.This is due to the fact that you can't DJ and therefore can't evaluate turntables for your needs and budget. Turntables are one of the most important pieces of DJ equipment.

For a long time (20 years) Technics Turntables have been the safe (but expensive) option. I got a set of Technics turntables when I started and I have never regretted the buy.

However over the last few years there have been a number of quality turntables released from Numark, Vestax and Gemini that not only rival but excede the performance and features of the Technics SL 1200/1210.

This page is for those new to DJing who want some good tips for selecting turntables. I'll take you through what I think are the best turntables on the market for DJing.

Bear in mind that I don't scratch so if you want a guide to what decks are good for scratching you are out of luck my friend.

1. Drive mechanism:

There are two different types of turntables. Expensive direct drive and cheap belt drive. Direct drive is far superior and I won't consider any belt drives here.

2. Torque:

This is the strength of the drive on the platter. More torque is better, it makes your start ups faster and lets you make precise changes in the mix. Manufacturers claim torque figures but do you know what 1.5 Kg/m feels like? Technics turntables have plenty of torque for mixing and the Vestax PDX 2000s have even more. Once you get certain level of torque the limiting factor becomes you skill at mixing.

3. Pitch adjustment:

All the turntables below allow you to adjust the tempo of tracks by adjust the speed of the platter. Some allow you to adjust it more than others. The + or - 8% that Technics turntables have is plenty.

4. Tone arm:

Straight tone arms are apparently better for scratching since the needles will jump less. Jumping needles is a real pain in the ass when your in the mix so I am all for things that reduce it. However, my Technics turnmtables have an "S" shaped arm and they never jump when I have needles in good condition on them.

Now let's look at the different DJ turtables that are currently available

Technics SL 1200/1210 MK2/MK3 Turntable (approx. $399)

You can get Technics SL 1200 (silver) or SL 1210 (black) varieties. There are also MK3 versions that have a few minor changes. I totally recommend Technics turntables as they have a proven reliability record. They have plenty of torque and accurate pitch adjustment. They are standard DJ equipment in clubs and thus if you practice with these you will have no trouble playing out.

This is the turntable that recommend you get:

Technics SL-1210MK2 Turntable Black If you're a DJ, the Technics SL-1210MK2 Turntable is the one to own. A quartz synthesizer direct-drive turntable featuring total quartz-locked continuous-pitch adjustment up to ±8%. 0.01% wow and flutter, -78dB rumble. Precision-molded aluminum die-cast cabinet finished in black. Heavy rubber base absorbs vibrations. Very high torque for quick starts, highly sensitive low-mass tone arm with gimbal suspension

Vestax PDX-2000 Turntable (approx. $499)

This is a serious piece of DJ equipment. I have used one and the torque is great. It can also reverse the platter and has greater pitch adjustment than the Technics. the stop times can also be adjusted for extra fun. Owning these would certianly make mixing more entertaining.

If you have the money then I would totally recommend getting these. The only problem is that if you get used to this luxury turntable when you have to use something else you will miss all your features and torque.

Vestax PDX-2000MKIIPro Turntable The PDX-2000MKIIPro direct-drive turntable features a redesigned platter that has been lowered to 7mm (0.27") and given a flatter edge surface for easier beatmatching and performance play. Also, the slipmat slips better thanks to the 6 canals on the platter's topside. The tone arm features Dynamic Balance technology with a spring-loaded weight system that allows you to adjust the tonearm to the weight and balance you prefer. The tone arm seems almost glued on and your needle will seem skip-proof to the vinyl. The height adjustment system allows accurate arm height setting and makes it easier to return to a preferred height setting. The floating suspension system gives you superior anti-howling.Fast and accurate beatmatching adjustment with a 100mm (3.93") ±10% fine pitch control fader, without the center indent. The fader movement on the PDX-2000MKIIPro has been tightened in order to allow smaller and more accurate pitch adjustments. The Ultra Pitch fader controls the pitch range by ±50%. Combined with the fine pitch fader, a total pitch control of ±60% is possible. The PDX-2000MKIIPro features .5-second startup time thanks to a high-torque direct-drive motor. This powerful motor is controlled by an accurate digital servo, making pitch adjustments instantaneous. The futuristic design features a high-density molded body for the best possible acoustic sounds

Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable (approx $399)

I have not used this turntable. I have heard from people I trust that they are good responsive decks. They are definitely expensive enough to be good.

They apparently have really high torque and thus would be precise. I have included them here to make this list complete. Numark has also recently released the TTX2s which have a few new features.

Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable The Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable delivers 3.7kg torque for instant reaction and utmost stability. World's first truly multidirectional turntable is impervious to external noise and vibration with both rubber feet and a silicon rubber base that is bolted to an anti-resonant core. Control button and pitch fader cartridges can be reversed for battle mode. Straight, die-cast tone arm assembly can be swapped with included S-shaped arm without tools making the Numark TTX1 Turntable an ultra-versatile mixing and skratching tool

Gemini TT-04 Direct Drive (approx.$299)

This is a reduced cost turntable that is perfect for the beginner. It has enough torque and all the new features at a reduced cost. These would be fine for learning and even playing out at parties.

Another positive thing is when you use something better your mixing can only improve. Gemini also makes other models in a wide range of price and features.

Gemini TT-04 Direct Drive Turntable CPU controlled platter motor generates 5 kg of torque in the feature-laden TT-04 direct drive turntable.

Numark TT200 Direct Drive Turntable (approx. $200)

This is a beginners turntable. It is fine for learning in your bedroom. I have had a quick go on this and found it totally sweet.

There was a slight lack of torque which made me start tracks behind the beat and push too hard when making adjustments. However, after a while I got used to them and could do some good beat mixes.

It was a little hard to be precise with them. One good thing is that if you learn with these moving onto better gear will be a dream.

Numark TT200 Direct-Drive Turntable At the heart of the Numark TT200 Direct-Drive Turntable is a direct-drive, super-high-torque motor with 33/45/78rpm speeds plus reverse. Designed for battle and club settings, it comes with a straight tone arm and accepts an optional S-shaped arm. User-replaceable pitch fader (±10%) and optional removable aluminum light. Rugged construction features include a steel top, rubberized base, aluminum platter, plus detachable power and audio connectors to ensure it'll be around for the long haul.