There are many other people who make turntables, however, there a reason we will only cover these three models. If you have a question about a specific model not covered here, post it to the forum -- thats what it's about. Starting DJs who aren't sure if they want to drop $400/unit for a professional turntable should look into the low-end DJ turntables from Gemini. These units aren't the best in the world, but in terms of bang for the buck, they're a good option. The Gemini XL-BD10 is a belt driven turntable which can be purchased for less than $100/unit. It has +/-8% pitch control so you can do true beatmixes with it. This sort of turntable is fine for learning how to work your music and get the hang of putting together a good mix. Gem Sound makes a line of turntables that are much similar to the Gemini series, and according to a Gemini dealer, GemSound is actually a bit easier to deal with.
Another option for the beginning DJ. The Technics SL-1200 Mk II and SL-1210 Mk II turntables are considered professional level equipment. There is a common misconception that the only difference between the 1200 and 1210 is their color, however, both models have been seen in both silver and black. The true difference is in the 1210's ability to switch voltages for use in European countries. Both decks sport a high torque motor and use direct drive instead of belt drive. This results in a faster spin up time thereby providing means to do instant starts. The pitch slider allows for +/- 8% pitch and is extremely accurate. They are also known to hold their value for long periods of time due to their sturdy construction.
For more information, check out the Technics SL-1200 FAQ at http://www.djmix.com/mixpoint/1200faq.html
Gemini XL-1800Q IV is Gemini's attempt at the 1200 level market. It features anti-skate adjustment, pitch control, adjustable tone arm, feather-touch start/stop, strobe illuminator, pop-up target light, XLR lamp adapter, and a S-shaped tone arm. The units are cheaper than the Technics, however, many say that they aren't as pleasant to work with. If you're tight for money, get behind a pair and feel them yourself before making a decision.
Record Cleaners (Special thanks to Aaron Grier (agrier@reed.edu) for sharing this information on the BPM mailing list) Dirt usually manifests itself as crackles, pop, and increased noise, whereas a worn-out stylus typically sounds like the high-end has dropped out. The best record juices won't leave any residue on the records. The worst ones will leave a layer of "gunk" in the grooves, and possibly draw plasticisers out of the vinyl itself making it brittle. The folks on rec.audio.high-end have shared cleaning recipes which generally consist of 75% water (deionized, filtered), 25% ethanol (everclear), and some photo-flo (wetting agent). For those of you who are more interested in pre-made cleaning agent, there have been positive reports with Discwasher D4 juice and a pad. Another suggestion is to use rubbing alcohol and felt cleaner. Once the record is clean, place a few drops of WD40 on the corners to return the moisture to it. Remember to do this last step VERY carefully. Don't forget that bad needles can be the cause of record damage as well. Protect your vinyl -- replace needles every few months. Your vinyl is your lifeline in this industry, take care of it.
Needle
Care and Tone Arm Adjustment -- (Written by DJ
Ellis Dee)
1.) Mount the needle carefully, plug into mixer and make sure you attatch
the grounding wire to eliminate hum and noise.
2.) Backoff main tonearm weight all the way to end.
3.) Move tonearm in position as if you are going to put the needle
on the record. Don't worry if it the tone arm sticks in the upward position
-- remember: the weight is all the way back.
4.) Slowly turn the weight until the tonearm balances parallel with
the deck. Make sure its exactly balanced and level.
5.) Adjust the skating so the tonearm doesn't sway to either direction
but just sits there perfectly still. This will probably be "0".
6.) Move the black ring on the very front of the main weight until
"0" is at the top. You are now at 0 grams tracking weight.
7.) Adjust the height ring of the tonearm assembly to about 3 so "3"
matches up with the red line. Now lock the assembly down with the locking
lever. You can mess with the height later once you feel more comfortable
mixing.
8.) Although it depends on what style of music you plan to work work
with and whether or not you plan to scratch, a good starting place for
the tracking weight is 3 grams. To set the weight, move the main tonearm
weight counter clockwise until it reads 3 at the top. Make sure to put
your finger underneath the tonearm so it doesn't it the platter and damage
the needle. The more weight you track at, the better the needle stays in
the groove. However, the additional weight will wear down both the needle
and the records. Everything is a trade off...
9.) Now you're ready to go! Its a good idea to buy a bubble level (easily
available at hardware supply stores) and adjust the rubber feet to insure
your decks are parallel to the ground. This helps keep the needle in the
grooves.
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