DJ Turntables
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Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 Hybrid Direct Drive Turntable with DVS
Hybrid Direct Drive Turntable with DVS, Magvel Clamp, Adjustable Record Weight, OLED Display, Serato and rekordbox Compatibility, 4 MIDI Performance Pads, Step Pitch, Tempo Range, Hot Cue, Sampler, USB-C to Computer, Phono Out, and 3 Brake Speeds
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About DJ Turntables
Whether you're an old-school DJ with crates of records, a hybrid DJ who spins timecode vinyl, or a music lover with a massive collection of LPs, Sweetwater carries the turntables you need. You'll find everything from simple belt-drive record players with USB connections to battery-powered models for the portable scratch scene and high-power direct-drive DJ turntables that will satisfy even the most competitive battle DJ.
Belt-drive vs. direct-drive turntables
The first thing any seasoned DJ looks for in a DJ turntable is the motor, specifically the drive mechanism. There are two categories of drive mechanisms on the market: belt drive and direct-drive. Belt-drive turntables are generally intended for consumer uses like music playback and archiving. They're far less expensive to produce than direct-drive motors, but they typically don't hold up to the wear of platter manipulation required by scratching and other forms of turntablism. Recently, new belt-drive motors have emerged that do hold up to extensive wear. You'll find those primarily on portable DJ turntables.
Modern direct-drive DJ turntables hold up to the extreme punishment of continuous platter manipulation. Professional DJs here at Sweetwater consider this style of DJ turntable an essential component of any serious traditional or hybrid DJ setup. In addition to being far more powerful and forgiving than belt-drive DJ turntables, direct-drive DJ turntables often offer special functions you can use to customize their performance. For instance, some include controls for torque and brake speed, and the pitch/speed control is usually more accessible to make beat-matching easier.
A word or two on tonearms
When Sweetwater Sales Engineers talk to DJs about direct-drive DJ turntables, they often get the question of which is better, S-shaped or straight tonearms. Many hardcore scratch DJs insist on straight tonearms since they're far less likely to skip or jump out of the groove than S-shaped arms, especially during intense turntablism. The tradeoff is that they're hard on your vinyl, unlike S-shaped tonearms.
S-shaped tonearms are gentler on your records than straight arms, and they prevent your styli from wearing out. However, you must use a lighter touch when scratching with S-shaped tonearms. Ultimately, it's all about your taste, priorities, and DJing style.
Turntable speed, USB capabilities, and more
Make sure your DJ turntable can handle the speed of your records. Most of the DJ turntables we carry can handle 33, 45, and 78 RPMs, but you'll want to double-check or sort using the filters on the left side of this page. If you're archiving vinyl or, in some cases, using timecode vinyl to control DJ software, a USB connection can be extremely useful.
Check to see if the DJ turntable you want includes a cartridge and headshell. If you need help, take a look at the ones we carry and find a stylus setup that works for you. If you happen to wear out your stylus, you can count on Sweetwater's Fast, Free Shipping to get you a replacement before your next gig.
"Well, Well, Well, How the Turntables..."
If you have any trouble at all finding the perfect DJ turntable for your needs, don't neglect your most valuable resource: your Sales Engineer! We live and breathe gear and would be happy to help you sort out any questions you may have.
