A DJ turntable is a device used by DJs (disc jockeys) to play and manipulate vinyl records. It is an essential tool in the art of DJing, allowing the DJ to control the playback speed, direction, and sound of the record. In this article, we will discuss the various components that make up a DJ turntable.
1. Platter:
The platter is the circular surface on which the vinyl record rests. It is usually made of metal, plastic or rubber and is designed to spin at a consistent speed. The platter has a central spindle that the record is placed over and the speed of the platter can be adjusted to play the record at different speeds.
2. Tonearm:
The tonearm is a long, thin, curved metal arm that extends from the side of the turntable and holds the needle or stylus that reads the grooves on the vinyl record. It is designed to move smoothly across the surface of the record and the tonearm’s counterweight and anti-skate controls allow for precise control over the tracking force and stability of the needle.
3. Counterweight:
The purpose of the counterweight is to balance the weight of the tonearm and the stylus, so that the stylus applies the correct amount of pressure to the record’s grooves. The counterweight is often marked with a scale or gauge that indicates the amount of tracking force being applied. DJs can adjust the counterweight to achieve the recommended tracking force for their particular cartridge, which is usually specified by the cartridge manufacturer. Incorrect tracking force can cause distortion, skipping or damage to the record, so it is essential to set it up correctly before playing any vinyl record.
4. Cartridge:
The cartridge is a small electronic device that contains a magnet and a stylus. The stylus, also known as the needle, is mounted on the end of the tonearm and is responsible for reading the grooves in the vinyl record. As the stylus moves along the grooves, it creates an electrical signal that is sent to the mixer or amplifier.
5. Slipmat:
The slipmat is a thin, circular piece of felt or plastic that is placed on the platter. Its purpose is to reduce friction between the platter and the vinyl record, allowing the DJ to manipulate the record with greater ease. Slipmats come in a variety of designs and colors and can be customized to reflect a DJ’s personal style.
6. Pitch control:
The pitch control is a feature that allows the DJ to adjust the speed of the platter. This is important for beatmatching, which is the process of synchronizing the tempo of two different songs so that they can be played seamlessly together. Most turntables have pitch controls that allow for fine adjustments in tempo, typically ranging from +/- 8% to +/- 50%.
7. Start/stop button:
The start/stop button is used to start and stop the rotation of the platter. It is also used to cue up a record by placing the needle at the beginning of the track before it is played.
8. Brake:
The brake is a feature that allows the DJ to stop the rotation of the platter quickly. This is useful for creating sudden stops and starts or for slowing down the tempo of a track.
In conclusion, a DJ turntable is a complex device that consists of several components working together to provide precise control over the playback of vinyl records. Understanding the various parts of a turntable is essential for any DJ who wishes to master the art of vinyl DJing.