Why do DJs still use turntables?

They want to challenge themselves as DJs

If you want analogue records to blend together perfectly, you have no other choice than to carefully beat match them yourself. Arguably there's no bigger challenge in DJing than learning to beatmix so you can play great DJ sets on two turntables

turntables

Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating new music, sound effects, mixes and other creative sounds and beats, typically by using two or more turntables and a cross fader-equipped DJ mixer.

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Turntablism - Wikipedia

with a box of vinyl.

Why do people still use turntables?

Superior Sound

While the technology to reproduce sound has improved, the records themselves haven't changed very much, and for a good reason: superior sound. With vinyl, you get an analog sound that reverberates and creates a warm sound you can't find in any other medium.

When did DJs stop using vinyl?

With the introduction of Pioneer's first CDJ player in 2001, followed by various CDJ types coming onto the market, each more sophisticated than the last, DJs stopped using vinyl as much and the medium became a niche.

Do you need turntables to DJ?

If you're opting for the tactile, high-quality sound of vinyl DJing, you'll need a set of the best beginner DJ turntables to get started. The best beginner DJ turntable setup — also known as a turntable deck — won't just include the record players. Your equipment should also include headphones, a mixer and speakers.

Can I DJ with just a laptop?

You can DJ without a controller or any other equipment but your laptop! Laptop DJing is a great option for those who want to try mixing music on their computer without any expensive equipment. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection to get started.

the number 1 reason why DJs HATE using turntables

Do I really need a turntable?

Turntables Make for a Better Listening Experience

A turntable contributes to a better listening experience. From unwrapping the album to putting it on the platter to cranking it up through the headphones, it gets you prepared for something special; great music being played the way it was intended.

Does anyone DJ with vinyl anymore?

Yes, believe it or not, there are still DJs out there who started on vinyl, and who still do it, and for whatever reason, have seen no reason to change. They don't need to be the “dinosaurs”, either – a small number of DJs still choose to start on turntables and stick with them.

When did vinyl become unpopular?

Vinyl records experienced a sudden decline in popularity between 1988 and 1991, when the major label distributors restricted their return policies, which retailers had been relying on to maintain and swap out stocks of relatively unpopular titles.

Is vinyl making a comeback?

The comeback of vinyl record sales in the US continued for the 15th consecutive year, as revenues grew 61% to $1.0 billion in 2021. In comparison, the last time vinyl sales exceeded $1 billion was way back in 1986!

Why do vinyls sound better?

The sound of vinyl records arises because the grooves on the record allow for an open, resonant quality. Conversely, digital formats by their nature compress sound, disallowing the open space that allows the warmth, richness, and depth to arise.

Does vinyl still sound better?

Vinyl has its own, distinctive sound, filled with surface crackle, pops and distortion that people love. Calling it 'better' probably isn't accurate, but there's certainly nothing else like it.

Is it harder to DJ with vinyl?

You might of heard that it's really difficult to learn how to mix with vinyl. It's true that it's much harder and requires more practice than beat-matching with digital players but it's still easy for everyone to learn. That's if you are taught properly!

Are CDs making a comeback?

But while vinyl has been getting all of the attention, another physical format – the CD – has been growing in popularity as well. Last year CD sales grew for the first time in 20 years. According to RIAA data, CD sales jumped to 46.6 million in 2021 – a 47.7% increase from 2020.

Does a better turntable actually sound better?

A good turntable can achieve impressive playback specs given how long ago the discs themselves became standardized. However, compared to the basic specs of an audio CD, the difference in performance is quite clear: digital is objectively more accurate and consistent.

Why are turntables coming back?

The Audio Quality Is Legendary

The sound is warmer and more immersive, and none of the elements are compressed in the way that they are with digital tracks. The analog format adds richness and depth to the music, which many people feel is more analogous to a live performance than when listening on other devices.

Does playing vinyl degrade it?

The more you use your records, the more they will deteriorate. Like anything physical, the friction between two surfaces will gradually add wear and tear (in this case the contact of the stylus on the record's grooves). On top of this, you'll also have the handling of the records and how often you move them around.

Is the vinyl fad over?

In an age of fleeting digital pleasures, vinyl has quenched a thirst for tangible assets. For each of the past 15 years, sales of new vinyl have gradually increased. In the first half of 2021 alone, 17m albums were sold — an 86% jump from 2020.

Is vinyl worse quality?

Vinyl is far more high-quality. No audio data is lost when pressing a record. It sounds just as great as the producer or band intended. There's another, far superior reason why vinyl is better than lossy digital formats.

What is it called when a DJ rubs the vinyl?

Scratching, sometimes referred to as scrubbing, is a DJ and turntablist technique of moving a vinyl record back and forth on a turntable to produce percussive or rhythmic sounds. A crossfader on a DJ mixer may be used to fade between two records simultaneously.

What are vinyl DJs called?

Turntablists, also called battle DJs, use turntables and DJ mixer to manipulate recorded sounds to produce new music. In essence, they use DJ equipment as a musical instrument. Perhaps the best-known turntablist technique is scratching.

Who owns the most vinyl?

Doug Smith (born 1958): over 100,000 items, including 45s, 78s, LPs, wax cylinders, etc.

Do CDs sound better than vinyl?

From a technical standpoint, digital CD audio quality is clearly superior to vinyl. CDs have a better signal-to-noise ratio (i.e. there is less interference from hissing, turntable rumble, etc.), better stereo channel separation, and have no variation in playback speed.

Why are vinyls so expensive?

At the heart of the issue is simple supply and demand. Consumer demand for vinyl records continues to rise, and quite simply, the current production capacity is struggling to keep up with the thirst for records.

How long do vinyls last?

Your vinyl records can last anywhere from a year or two and up to well over 100 years. If you're aiming for the latter, it really comes down to how well you care for your record collection.