If you are a DJ or music enthusiast who enjoys mixing and scratching, you might encounter the problem of needing a DJ turntable.
A high-quality DJ turntable can provide precise control and manipulation of audio tracks, allowing you to create unique and dynamic sounds. Additionally, a good turntable can also enhance the sound quality of your vinyl records, providing a warm and authentic audio experience.
Finding the best DJ turntable can be challenging due to the abundance of options available in the market. There are various factors to consider, such as build quality, motor performance, tonearm design, and cartridge type.
Additionally, different DJs have varying preferences and needs, making it difficult to determine the best turntable that can cater to everyone’s needs.
We have reviewed numerous DJ turntables and can assist you in selecting a turntable that is truly suitable for your specific needs. By considering factors such as your budget, skill level, music genre, and performance requirements, we can recommend a turntable that will provide you with the best value and performance. Whether you are a beginner or a professional DJ, we can help you find the right turntable to take your DJ skills to the next level.
Contents
Top 5 Turntables for Djing
1. Numark TTUSB Turntable with USB Audio Interface – Best DJ Turntables For Beginners
The Numark TTUSB is an LP-to-digital converter that can convert 45s and 33s.
This turntable includes the software EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter that walks you through the procedure for turning your LPs into digital audio files.
You plug your turntable into your personal computer via USB as well as the software takes you to step by step through the procedure.
This feature mechanically divides them for you and finds the silences between songs. The program split the tunes, which is fine as you can allow the record to play and walk away without needing to tend to it the whole time it plays up.
You can add the metadata to every tune, like the group name, tune, album, and year after the LP is digitized.
The Numark TTUSB has all the makings of an excellent converter turntable.
It comes with a belt drive motor to lessen sound during conversion, from jumping anti-skate management that keeps the needle, and a counterweight to help set the proper amount of pressure from the stylus on the phonograph record.
Besides, it has a pitch; if you have to make small alterations to the sound of your record, correct the slider on the tabletop.
The Numark TTUSB has many of the characteristics you’d need from a converter turntable. The applications it comes with make it simple to get right to converting for first-timers.
The ease of operation improves the attractiveness of this USB turntable, especially for beginning users.
2. Stanton T.62 MKII Professional Direct Drive Turntable – Best Cheap Dj Turntable
Based upon the Stanton Top Selling Favourite for DJs and Vinyl fans alike, the T60, the T62 is an easy-to-run, direct-drive turntable greatest for DJs of any musical taste or experience degree.
The T62 MKII features a powerful motor with strong torque and a straight tonearm, which notably offers superb mixing skills for scratch DJs.
The T. 62 also comes geared up with the superb Stanton 500. V3 cartridge, along with a high-quality slipmat for extra control, offers the most effective setup for efficacy and perfect audio.
Among matters, you may be attempting to locate in this turntable is the ease of audio and transferring vinyl to mp3 format, and although there are a lot of turntables out there which do this immediately, a lot of the testimonials for all those turntables as well as the sound quality, give a lousy conversion in the good quality.
With the Stanton T62, you’ll discover quality the most effective it could be.
It is an excellent turntable for those who love phonograph records, and in the event, you are a DJ or a conventional music fan, you need to add this to your collection of music gear.
3. Crosley C200 Direct-Drive Turntable with S-Shaped Tone Arm
For anyone seriously interested in spinning vinyl, the Crosley C200, the best turntable, is perfect for you.
With a metallic-black finish and brushed steel hardware, this looks as good as it sounds. Exclusive for you to the Crosley C200 is a digital pitch control, enhanced tonearm regarding skip resistance, and an adjustable electronic braking system.
The digital pitch control makes it easy to adjust the pitch and keep it in which you are interested and constant from the turntable to the turntable. You can change between +/-8 and +/-16 at the touch of a button or reset the pitch to zero.
The increased tonearm helps alleviate skipping, has a built-in anti-skate adjustment, and is particularly height adjustable making it well-suited for scratching.
You may also fine-tune the braking speed to create this Crosley C200 stop as rapidly or slowly as you need, and also, the high-torque motor makes for quick start-ups (0.07 seconds from stop to full speed).
Other features include long-lasting, built-in blue LEDs to illuminate the pitch indicator and stylus. The stylus features Kick Cancel and Anti-Skip functions, and the pitch controller is easily replaceable. An arm-end scale creates quick weight adjustments.
This fully manual unit has been heading strong since the’ 70s and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Apart from Gold Ltd. Model Technics turntable is the one to produce any DJ the envy of the block.
Extended pitch flexible functions, braking adjustment configurations, long-lasting LED illuminator lights, and increased anti-skating make an amazing analog machine/ DJ instrument completely.
The quality build is superb and designed to outlast anything out there in the competitive market.
4. Stanton T92USB Direct Drive DJ Turntable
Turntable purists will always say that vinyl is the best. While vinyl will never completely go out of style, the convenience of being able to put your entire music collection onto a flash drive the size of your thumb is something few DJs can resist today.
The only dilemma is how do you convert all that nifty vinyl you own onto a small, high-quality digital audio file?
One method is investing in a good quality audio card for your computer and combining that with recording software and a phono-to-line preamp that will make the modern line inputs of your computer’s audio card talk to the old-school phono outputs of your turntable.
Another method is to purchase the Stanton T92 USB turntable, which simplifies everything by combining a turntable, a computer audio card, a phono-to-line preamp, and recording software bundled into one tidy product. It’s an excellent tool for both aspiring and professional DJs.
The production value of the Stanton T92USB turntable is high. It has a sleek design, measuring 17 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep, and 5.5 inches tall. It abandons a more traditional, all-metal body and is instead built with high-grade plastic, making it much lighter than most turntables.
The Station T92 contains a mode selector switch for 33, 45, and 78 RPMs, dual start and stop brakes, a reverse button, pitch control with selectable 8 percent and 12 percent ranges, and a key-lock mode designed for digitally modifying a song’s speed independent of its pitch.
A USB port is on the back, which allows you to connect to your computer, and it has stereo RCA outputs with a switch for phono or line impedance. Last but not least, it has a S/PDIF coaxial digital production and a power switch.
As far as programs go, the Station T92 comes bundled with two. Specifically, Audacity and Cakewalk Pyro 5. The former is an open-source audio recording/editing program and is not recommended for novices because of its numerous powerful features.
Users simply looking to archive their LPs, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs will opt for the latter, which is more intuitive. (For example, you can record one side of an LP and later clean and separate tracks, converting them to any format you please.)
When connecting the Stanton T92, you shouldn’t encounter programs. The USB audio drivers will be recognized immediately and installed themselves. Afterward, you install the recording software, and you’re on your merry way after choosing the option to “Make CDs from your cassettes and LPs.”
Buyers beware. However, that sound quality can only be as good as the sources themselves (i.e., old, scratchy records will produce old, scratchy MP3s, WAVs, WMAs, etc..) By default, the audio card records 16-bit at 44.1khz.
Because of its capability to double as both a recording and a playback interface for your computer’s audio, the Stanton T92 allows you to instantly play back the results of your digitally recorded vinyl through its RCA outputs.
Allow you may simultaneously mix your computer’s audio and your turntable’s audio into the same output, which will bridge both analog and digital.
How To Choose The Best DJ Turntables
When it comes to selecting the right DJ turntable, there are several essential factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Build Quality: Look for a turntable made with high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use and last for years.
- Motor Performance: Choose a turntable with a strong motor that provides consistent speed and torque, allowing for precise mixing and scratching.
- Tonearm Design: Look for a turntable with an adjustable tonearm that can accommodate different types of cartridges and allow for accurate tracking of the record grooves.
- Cartridge Type: Select a turntable that is compatible with a range of cartridges, including both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) options.
- Pitch Control: Consider a turntable with pitch control features that allow for fine-tuning of the playback speed, critical for beatmatching and mixing.
- Anti-Skating: Choose a turntable with an anti-skating mechanism that counteracts the inward force exerted on the tonearm, ensuring accurate tracking and preventing wear on the record grooves.
- Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive: Decide whether you prefer a direct drive or belt drive turntable, as each has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the turntable, especially if you plan to transport it frequently or have limited space.
- Price: Determine your budget and look for a turntable that provides the best value for your money.
- Brand Reputation: Research the brand and read reviews to ensure that the turntable has a good reputation for quality and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Turntable
As a DJ or music enthusiast, you may have questions about DJ turntables. Here are some common questions and their answers:
- What is the difference between a direct drive and a belt drive turntable? Direct-drive turntables have a motor directly connected to the platter, providing fast start and stop times and stable speed control. Belt drive turntables use a belt to connect the motor to the platter, providing smoother playback and lower noise levels.
- What is the best cartridge type for a DJ turntable? A moving magnet (MM) cartridge is the most common type used in DJ turntables due to its durability and affordability. Moving coil (MC) cartridges offer higher fidelity but are more expensive and fragile.
- How important is tonearm length in a DJ turntable? Tonearm length affects the tracking ability of the cartridge and should be considered when selecting a turntable. A longer tonearm provides better tracking for larger records, while a shorter tonearm is better for smaller records.
- Do I need pitch control in my DJ turntable? Pitch control allows for precise adjustments of the playback speed and is critical for beatmatching and mixing. It is highly recommended for DJs of all skill levels.
- What is anti-skating and why is it important? Anti-skating is a mechanism that counteracts the inward force exerted on the tonearm, ensuring accurate tracking and preventing wear on the record grooves. It is essential for maintaining sound quality and prolonging the life of your records.
- Can I use a DJ turntable to play digital music? While most DJ turntables are designed for playing vinyl records, some models come with digital connectivity options that allow for playing digital music files.
- How much should I spend on a DJ turntable? The cost of a DJ turntable can vary widely, but it is important to invest in a high-quality turntable that can withstand heavy use and provide accurate playback. A budget of at least $300-$500 is recommended for a quality DJ turntable.
- Can I use a DJ turntable for scratching? Yes, most DJ turntables are designed with scratch DJs in mind and provide the necessary features and performance for scratching and other turntablism techniques.
- How do I maintain my DJ turntable? Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the stylus and dust cover, and lubricating moving parts, is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging the life of your turntable.
- Do I need a preamp for my DJ turntable? If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you do not need an external preamp. However, if your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to purchase one separately to properly amplify the signal.
How To Connect Dj Equipment
No matter how passionate you are about being a DJ, entertaining the crowd may be difficult if you have no basic understanding of audio equipment.
All DJs need to know how to connect DJ equipment before taking their first paying or free gig. Connecting DJ equipment is quite easy with a little preparation.
First Things First
Most DJ equipment will have detachable cords. These need to be marked with the name of the equipment they will be used to connect.
If one USB cord goes to the turntable, a small piece of masking tape can be used to mark that cord with the appropriate machine.
Color coding the cords is another option. Just remember to place a dot of color on both the cord and the bottom of the machine.
After the cords have been sorted – there are five steps to connecting DJ equipment.
Step 1 – Plug it all in. Turn off all DJ machines and plug the equipment into a power strip with a surge protector. The electrical strip also needs to be powered down before plugging in the kit.
Step 2 – Connect the music to the mixer. The music source should be connected to the mixer using audio outputs and inputs. The cord should be plugged into the music output and the mixer input.
Step 3 – Connect the mixer to the amplifier. The mixer will feed the music into the amplifier. The cord needs to be attached to the mixer output and the amplifier input.
Step 4 – Connect the amplifier to the speakers. The amplifier needs to be connected to the speakers so the guests can hear the music. The cord should be connected to the amplifier output and the speaker’s input.
Step 5 – Check the sound. Once all pieces are connected, turn on the power strip and all machines. Once booted, check to ensure the sound quality is correct.
Once all equipment is working properly, tape down all cords on the carpet with duct tape, colored duct tape can be used to match the carpet color.
The tape keeps the cords safely close to the carpet or flooring, so nothing comes unplugged and no one trips on the ropes.