Which DJ turntable is the best to buy? DJ turntables in 2021, according to Skilz DJ Academy
When it comes to purchasing turntables, DJs have a plethora of alternatives these days, with the market enjoying a rise in expansion and innovation in tandem with the vinyl revival. There are several aspects to consider when determining which DJ turntable is perfect for you, including the type of music you play, the price range you're looking for, and the functionality you require. We've rounded up some of the greatest alternatives in the guide below, whether you want an old-school workhorse or a hybrid digital turntable that can pull stunts that would blow a 90s raver's mind.
TECHNICS SL-1200/SL-1210 MK2
This is a classic. Despite being produced in 1979, this turntable has endured the test of time and is still a favorite of many DJs after more than four decades. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that some modern turntables do, but for an analogue DJ who just wants to mix vinyl records, these won't let you down. It is strong, trustworthy, and pinpoint because to the high torque, sliding pitch control, quartz-controlled direct drive motor, and substantial base from which the platter is isolated. As you might expect given the deck's popularity, it's known for its durability. Because production of this version of Technics ceased in 2010, you'll have to look for one secondhand or persuade someone to sell theirs.
RELOOP RP-8000 MK2
The Reloop RP-8000 Mk2 is a hybrid analogue/digital mixer designed to work with Serato DJ Pro. The digital feature of the deck adds a whole new set of capabilities to the deck, in addition to the vibration-resistant build and adjustable torque and pitch control you'd expect from a solid scratch turntable. It boasts eight big, colorful LED pads down the side that can control any MIDI compatible DJ software as well as MIDI keyboards, allowing you to “play” your turntable; it's a turntable and an instrument in one!
Find out more via reloop.com
TECHNICS SL-1210 MK7
If you're looking for a fresh new and more modern Technics deck, the SL120 MK7 is the most recent addition to the popular series. It's a cutting-edge turntable with a magnetic coreless direct drive motor that's highly reliable and doesn't require parts replacements, providing powerful torque and precise rotation over long periods of time, and a two-layer platter structure that eliminates unwanted resonance and harmful vibration with vibration-damping rubber across the back surface. It features the sturdiness and reliability seal of quality assurance that distinguishes Technics decks, just like the MK2.
Find out more via technics.com
PIONEER PLX-1000
Pioneer looked set to make a strong claim for the new industry standard turntable with the release of the PLX-1000 in late 2014 - A-Trak bought a pair. Before Panasonic announced its planned revival of Technics in 2015, tracking back on its discontinuation of the series in 2010, Pioneer looked set to make a strong claim for the new industry standard turntable with the release of the PLX-1000 in late 2014 - A-Trak bought a pair. It's a superb turntable that compares favorably to Technics and is much less expensive.
Its tempo control, which can be adjusted to +/- 16% and +/- 50% in addition to the conventional +/- 8% range, and flexible interface, which uses stereo RCA connectors rather than hardwired wires, make maintenance easier.
A high-torque direct drive, a hefty zinc chassis that suppresses interference from resonance and vibrations, and a rubber-insulated S-shaped tonearm that absorbs external vibrations and decreases howling effects round out the package.
Find out more via pioneerdj.com
STANTON ST.150 M2
Stanton announced totally updated variants of its ST.150 and STR9.150 turntables at NAMM 2017 that "went back to basics when re-engineering these turntables from the ground up," according to the company. With a low resonance base and a sleek aluminum frame that is 6 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, the ST.150 M2 looks the part. The drive motor, which has a 4.5kg motor torque, includes 33/45/78 speed options, including variable pitch control in the +/- 8%, 25%, and 50% ranges, as well as the ability to play records backwards.
Find out more via stantondj.com
DENON DJ VL12 PRIME
The Denon DJ VL12 Prime's main selling feature when it was first released was its adjustable "highest-in-industry 5kgf/cm torque," which made it ideal for DJs who wanted to mix, scratch, and cut with their turntable. The adjustable pitch range of +/- 8%, 16%, and 50%, as well as the ‘easy grip/brake' chamfered platter, provide tremendous record manipulation adaptability and a tactile feel. Furthermore, the multi-colored glowing LED platter ring looks fantastic, which is an extra plus considering scratch DJing is a visually appealing style.
Find out more via denondj.com
Are you already a DJ? Now it's time to learn the traditional art form of DJing with vinyl.
Join our on site Vinyl DJ course. You'll be able to use, beatmatch, and mix vinyl like a pro at the end of these lessons. You will have a complete comprehension of the art.
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