How do you feel about turntables?

This is probably one of the best videos on this subject that I have ever seen. I started out back in my 20s DJing clubs on Technics and all vinyl and I instantly fell in love with that feel and style of mixing. There was nothing like it. I'm now 48. Over the years I ended up selling decks and talking myself into controllers and I would use them for a while and no matter how creative I could get with the music I just got flat out bored with them. Last year I swapped back to playing exclusively on turntables and it's been amazing. I have people come up to me and just like Nick said, they love that I'm rocking on decks and there is a respect you get for that and it's helped me get more gigs because it sets me apart where I live because everyone uses controllers (Not dogging here). Plus for me at least it's never boring, it's a different level of experience because you're interacting with the music while it is physically moving which you just don't get with CDJs or controllers. In the end it's not about what medium you use but it's what you enjoy using because you will be better when you mix on what you love mixing on. Great Video!

I started DJ'ing with vinyl 17 years ago. I will never get rid of my records, but I will also never go back to vinyl or DVS either. I learned beatmatching on crappy turntables with very low torque that stopped when you pointed at them. You needed to ride the pitch. Whenever I played on Technics or the newer tt's it all went automatically. Learning how to beatmatch on crap turntables make you really good at it. Then I got CD players (CDJ-800 and a Reloop something something) etc and I stopped buying vinyl. Then I got timecode but with the CDJ's. But now... Now I just use my DDJ-SR (but with Rekordbox because I hate Serato). I even use sync and quantise etc instead of manually beatmatching. Everything's in sync, locked together. :p It totally changed how I play my sets. I don't really miss the vinyl playing really. If I'd want to go oldschool I'll turn on my old gear, but since I've gone digital (7 years?) I never turned my turntables on again really. I recently bought new Ortofon Concordes, but only for digitizing some old records not available digitally as of yet.

I think you might be my favorite person in our industry. Keep being awesome

Man I just wanna say I really enjoy your content. Been binging for the past few days, great insights, great authentic vibe, great content!! Been djing for 23 years and still learned a ton from you man, especially on the business end. Thank you!

This is such a great video! My DJ crew uses turntables, and yeah there’s fascination from people whenever they see us with them. Many of us have controllers, and some ditched TTS completely, but all are DJs no matter the gear. Love your story and vibe; glad you stuck with the platters!

I started DJing in 2013. Started with a mix track pro 2. Then went to pioneer, finally ending up the last 4 years on a sx2. Now since June 2020 I been on turntables. Totally in love!! Nick, your stuff is super 🔥 Thanks for giving us a little background about your journey. Super dope

I picked up my first set of turntables start of lockdown and took the “traditional approach” to learning... i bought scratch vinyl and albums, learned the basics of beat matching, etc before I used serato and I’m so glad I did. In this time where things are easier with a controller, I felt more connected to the learning process with turntables. There were more challenges i felt I needed to overcome with turntables .... but this is just my experience not everyone is the same

What an awesome video. Thank you. I went from a laptop setup to Denon Prime 4 and almost gave up and sold it. I decided to dedicate that time to learn how to use a stand alone and now I'm in love. However, I do have that longing desire for some turntables. This fabulous story from you just inspired me to keep them in mind for my next DJ setup. 💗 thank you!

Thank you for all the help with getting my reloops and all your advice! I’m glad you made a video for people like me! (:

As an O’l Fart! Got my first 1200’s in 1985 Still have some black 1210 with a DJM 900srt Love mixing my old 80’s & 90’s house on the Technics!

Thank you! Because of this video I bought my first turntable a Reloop 8000 Mk2. I hope I fall in love with it the way you did with your set and maybe I will buy the second turntable.

Hey Nick this was an eye opener. I've been using a jog wheel controller and finally getting the hang of it. That being said I watch many videos of dj with turntables like yourself and it seems just a better way of mixing and scratching. I'm glad you explained the difference because I had no idea that there was a different learning curve for turntables. Great video and thanks.

Don’t have turntables. But have always wanted to mix on them. Slowly saving up for a turntable set up. Looking at getting a pair of Reloop 7000mk2 and a Numark Scratch Mixer. Thank you for this video Nick. More videos in this subject would be awesome.

So awesome! The first time I touched the decks in 2006 I fell in love instantly and had my first set 2 months later. There was nothing in the world like waking up in the morning and turning everything on and just creating. Also coming home at 4am all geeked up and showing your friends! That was the only time I could scratch double time back then... 4am... GEEKED 😜

Thanks for this video bro! Love that you use turntables at your gigs! I first started on turntables and fell in love with them! Keep winning my bro!

I used turntables for years, then moved on to cd's and now laptop and controller, but i think it would be fun to get into it again! Thanks man!

Great video! I started playing on a SX in 2014 then got CDJ2000nxs and a S9 in 2018. I just bought a set of Technic 1210 M5gs a few months ago and I’m in love! I still prefer the cdjs when playing house music but you can’t beat turntables when it comes to hip-hop!

I’ve been a Dj since 2000. I’m 36 and went to a rave In Seattle at 15 yrs old. Fell in love with it from first sight. Worked my ass off all summer and bought a pair of belt drive Gemini’s. No KZfaq. No serato. Taught myself to mix and it took FOREVER. Both my parents told me I was wasting my time and money. Fast forward 10 years and I made it my career. I’m one of the top djs in the PNW and have played with the most famous Dj’s in the world. I don’t use them at weddings though. I have, but it’s such a pain in the ass to lug them around everywhere. If I had an assistant I’d be more inclined, but the controllers are clutch for my mobile events. Your vids have inspired me for the last year, 2021 I’m gonna start brining my techs and S9 to some gigs this year. Mad respect, nick. Best mobile dj vlogger on KZfaq. If you’re ever in Portland, Oregon I have a guest room w your name on it, bro.

Yes more turn table videos. I've been on the fence for years wanting to switch over. Lol I also started on PCDJ. Love the content Nick

Bro, salute. I started back on those numarks with jog wheels as well lol. Moved into tables, cdjs, controller, and now back to tables. I prefer the feel over all else as well. Keep up the great work my friend!

I started out on turntables back in 85-86. I loved them. How ever because as you stated the cost to maintain them is mad crazy. I don't get gigs like that anymore. I love using a controller. It's cheaper, faster setup, and easier maintainability. Although I need to invest in a backup just in case of a "failure "

First gig in 86’ , Brooklyn NY, Technics, trash mixer and Vinyl, no more than 2 crates. Dj’d around the world and back for 30 years and evolved with the technology along the way. No longer gig, retired, but in my studio are 2 Technic MK7s and Pioneer S-11 connected to a MacBook Pro. I share this just to say, once turntables get into your system, good luck getting them out. Also big props on doing the weddings so well, people have no idea the diverse business and people skills needed to excel at weddings. Hats off to you young man, love watching the passion and the enjoyment.

Nice vid big bro! Got a set of 12’s setting in my office that I’m wondering whether to start bringing out. I think you’ve convinced me to have a crack🤙🏼

Awesome vid. I started out with turntables. I remember my very first set was a pair of Gemini belt drive TT’s. Yup. Belt Drive. Though I couldn’t scratch, because you know... belt drive... I learned how to beat match and I got really good at it. Then I finally got a pair of Technics 1200’s!! A bit more of a learning curve but I got the hang of it quick! Years later, I regretted getting rid of them because they needed some repair (this was before I knew how to repair electronics). I now use a controller and want to get back to turntables.

So interesting! I learned myself how to DJ back in '94 on turntables with belt drive. Later on a new world opened up when I got introduced to the Technics SL1200 MK2's. I didn't DJ for 21 years. Got back on DDJ 1000 controller last April. Love it! But there's still that craving for that real vinyl, so when you say... I fell in love with the turntables, I know exactly where you're coming from. :-) Keep up the good stuff! Love your channel!

Great video Nick in 89 my first turntables where Gemini belt driven. You wanna talk about no tork but I learned. In 1992 is when I finally saved enough to buy my first set of technic 1200s was amazed by that tork and I had to get use of mixing. Vinyl was the key back than you had to buy records to mix. I loved to go to different record stores but boy it was not cheap 100 would get like 11 records. Numark dn88 ---denon cdj 3500----denon cdj 3700----pioneer sx2-----pioneer sz2. I'm a controller dj nowadays for me it's about time when I work my events. Actually looking for a shop table to set up my controller and turntables. Nothing can compare to a turntable.

Nothing beats a pair of Technics. Been using them for over 35 years. Still have all my vinyls with a turntable setup, but I don't bring them out. I own a DJM/CDJ NSX2 setup for mobile gigs. I have a small Denon controller for small gigs. I own a Rane 72/12 setup but it wasn't giving me that turntable feel even though I tried, so now i'm selling the Rane equipment. I started DJ on a laptop back in 1999 with Alcatech BPM Studio Pro. Best thing I did moving over to computer based DJing, BTW, even though i'm an old schooler, I still love all the videos you make. Very energetic & positive. Thanks.

Started on entry controller then upgraded to 1200s+Numark Scratch with Phase. Used that setup for at least a few years. I love my turntables but dealing with wind and random Phasr fallouts are a bummer sometimes. I’ve been using the Rane One the last few months at live events and I’m loving it. It’s cool to have that vinyl feel with controller convenience. I’d bring out the turntables for the right event though.

I like your videos ! Lots of good info ! Thanks !

I've got one Technics 1200 that I practice scratching on, I'm saving up for a second, plus a proper mixer (right now I'm just running it through my Sx3, which is slightly awkward). I really love the feel of the turntable though. Can't wait until I get the full set up so I can practice mixing and beat juggling.

Great video!! I've been a turntable dj since the late 80's and I love them. But I also own a pair of pioneer cdj's which I hardly ever use. I bought the cdj's because most clubs nowadays use them but for my personal gigs I always bring my 1200's. But I agree with you that it doesn't mean you're any less of a dj if you don't use turntables. Just use what feels comfortable for you.

That's a great story man. Thanks for sharing!

Dont know why im just now seeing this for the first time but my admiration of you just went from 1000 to 1000000. You keep it so fking real. Thank you Nick! OG shit all the way.

Dope video man! No idea you’d so recently started learning turntables!

GREAT VIDEO, turntables are super fun, like your vidoe style , keep it up mate 🎉

7 years doing weddings and really thinking about getting turntables over my controller. This really helped man thank you!

Great video. I'm teaching my girls how to beat match on some 1200s but all they want to do is scratch. Lugging them around is no big deal when we use to carry 10 crates of records around back in the 90s.

Man I love your vids!!! Keep them comin!!!

Glad you kept your turntables. I started with belt drive turntables and the torque was non existent lol next I finally landed a club a gig with technics and I couldn’t make blends to save my life because the torque was so strong lol! I now have the reloops and the torque is crazy

When I first got into mixing , I used turntables. The last 10 years I’ve been using controllers and CDJs. You got me thinking Nick. Dayuuummm. I’m gonna check out some turntables.

I started when you started and I started with cd J's. Your story sounds like my life. Great story man..

Thanks for the info, and knowing is half the battle 💯

Enjoyed your video. I started on vinyl (didn't have any other choices then) and enjoyed all of the new technology along the way as it came out. However, I eventually came to the same conclusion as you that I get bored to death when DJ'ing with a controller. Although not as convenient, I use turntables (or Rane 12's) for myself because it is just more fun to me.

Spent my first 7 years on a controller. I used Digital Dave’s turntables at an event and was hooked! I will say for me it wasn’t to hard of a switch. I believe using the NS7 and being used to moving platters before making the switch helped a lot!

Cool video. I've only realy ever played on Technics as far as turntables go so I'm pretty confident if I plan on playing someone else's gig. I was planning on buying a couple more tech's but now you got me thinking I might need to look into possibly buying a couple higher torque tables just in case I end up in front of a pair.

I learnt how to dj using Technics 1200s , i started djings 30 yeas ago, yeah its a lot i know. Now I prefer using a dj controller at my gigs, because they are easy to carry around, lighter, smaller you dont need a full bunch of vinyl cases and the most important thing to me is that very few clients are eager to pay the extra cost of a vinyl dj. Nice video Nick!!

Great Video Nick!!

This video was so helpful. Thank you

What's up, Nick! I just stumbled on your channel and I like your content. Keep up the good work. I also own a pair of the Reloop RP7000 MK2's. In case you are not aware, you can also use the Reloop turntables as "low torque" as well. On one of the small knobs on the turntable that says, "Classic" that will give you a feel of a low torque technics 1200 turntable as well and you can practice mixing on that level. Whenever you're at a venue that has 1200's, you will already be prepared. Play around with the torque knob. I am glad Reloop added that feature so you have the best of both worlds of mixing.

I started on turntables in the late 80s. As I got older and moved away from djing, I'd use controllers for fucking around at home and they worked out great. It was easy to bring a controller outside on the deck during the summer months with some headphones. The countless hours of mixing Algoriddim Djay sets from my phone while sitting on the toilet.... With the current live streaming craze, I decided to dig out my turntables and an old 62 mixer. I'm having a hard time relearning. It amazes me that something that was so fluent to me now seems so difficult to once again try to master. I normally love the fun factor of your videos and usually get a great laugh from them (DJ Dick John), but will use this vid to help motivate instead. You do a great job of engaging with your viewers in both your vids and streams. Thanks for what you do...

I Learned how to dj on Technic 1200s back in 95 now use I ddj 1000 but I plan on getting some more turntables again . Best of both worlds 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

Totally feel it. My first time I tried turntables my transitions weren't really transitions: The old song ended before I was able to transition it to the next track. But I learned it soon. The best tip for me was, to do to the tempo adjustment trick: Speed on the platter of the new song's deck and see if it beat matches now. If so, you need to go faster. Otherwise, slow down. That tip changed everything!

First off...I didn't know you were a fellow NJ native like myself... Great video...I love hearing your growth and experiences using turntables...I started on vinyl and learned much later on to use controllers and media players. I use turntables when I want to interact with my set and my controller/stand alone when I just want to mix. Also, regarding the torque... Your not wrong with what you said... But left some stuff out. There's 2 kinds of torque, start up and continuous. Yes start up is great for mixing and also for scratching... But continuous is what makes the Technics stand out. It keeps that same torque even under heavy use and pressure.

Same thing happened to me when I first started using technics 1200s. I remember putting them away and going back to my belt drive turntables. Just like you, one day I set them back up and I started to get it. Fast forward to today I'm using the Rane Twelves. I don't care if you use the controller doesn't make you a real DJ one way or the other is what you do and how you do it.

I had a similar journey all the way down to the exact hurcule controller. Got 1200mk2 to learn, switched to numark TTXs for the higher torque and loved them so much I sold the 1200s. They stopped making the m44-7s so I switched to Rane Twelves (which I love and hate). I got bored djing with controllers. I dont know what to do with my hands lol. I need that constant adjustment and risk that a mix could fall apart at any time lol. Great video as always bro you had me laughin!

Great video ! Please, can you make a short showing how to adjust torque on Reloops in order to emulate Technic's? So grateful !!

Dope stuff. I love cdj jogs, but there is a very specific feeling to getting down on 12s. Tomorrow night, I’ll put away my xdj xz and rock my 12s & s9.

I have a pair of Technics MK2s sitting in my garage. I used the Serato box for 10 years with controlled vinyl to mix. Great feeling but I never learned how to scratch and this video motivated me to practice analog and learn how to scratch. I want to get a DVS mixer so I can mix digitally eventually. I have my little Roland 202 controller for gigs time being.

I’m in the middle. I use the rane twelves for gigs because the tone arm needle thing scares me! I don’t think phase was out when I got mine, so I went with the twelves and I absolutely love em!

Love watching your videos they're very informative vids but I have had my tech1200 since 2000 also have the records as well 😆 but can I use my 1200 on the S9, or do I need the modern turntables?

Great video Nick!

Great Topics NicK!

This is the realest turntable video out there.

Lol shout out to Vito! Him, Eddie Edge & Johnny B great guys. Great video, I went on a similar path as you when I jumped from turntables to digital. I initially learned on technics from my dad when I first started back in college in 02’

Great video Spin!

Started on Stanton cd changers, went to pioneer cdj600s, I dabbled with vinyl it was fun but went to the SX (now sx3) controller and stayed there. 4 channels, compact easy in and out and can keep up with the others.

very complete and useful

started on tables, always kept them because of actual record collection but moved to 2000's for playing out because it was easier to show up to clubs with flash drive. Few years ago, dumped everything but 12s and S9. I have recently considered if I should dump the s9 and get a controller with good phono pre amps to gig with and play records at home.... because set up and multiple cases etc. I just dj'd a wedding vendor expo over the weekend and you are correct about the perception of tables. I never really thought about it because I've pretty much always used them for anything not club-related. I think a small controller for home use to sort music and set cue points etc would be helpful... but for paid gigs, I think I'm going to stay where I'm at. Especially while upping prices, that premium look and feel I think helps to justify the ask.

Hercules RMX 2 with virtual dj back in the day. I feel you ! good times great content

I love this guy. Bro your such an inspiration

Nick the more information you share the better definitely do some more videos like 👍 this I’m interested in turn tables thank you man

Good video. Rane 12 is another great option. all the dopeness and none of the stress (bass feedback, needle wear, nasty fingerprint wear and tear lol)

Back in the days as a radio dj, I always worked with vinyl. The Technics SL1200mk2 are called high torq then. What you do is find the start point of a song on the record and then spin it 1/4 trunk backwards. Now the fun part comes. You have to learn your timing. You always start the turntable a bit earlier so that the record song starts exactly on time after a jingle or in the mix.

Best video from you I have seen Very transparent I'm a new dj but grew up watching djs spin vinyl I am waiting on my Rane one upgrading from sb3 I would do turn tables possibly you present some great insights

Started in 96 with Technics, moved to digital in mid 00s until recently. Bought a Rane One, and now I'm in my Happy Medium world.

Enjoyed this video. I didn't even know hi torque was a thing!! Always used technics 1210/1200 surely the slipmatt solves the torque?

Great vid, Nick. However, regarding low/high torque on TTs, are you not familiar with the reason for a slip mat (with a piece of plastic paper mat under it)? It allows you to hold the record or time-code vinyl in place while the platter spins underneath, thereby allowing the track to start instantaneously as soon as you release it.

started out on turntables but after a few years my mixing skills werent improving so i jacked it in that was 20yrs ago ,but a few months ago i aquired a pioneer controller and my mixing skills have come on leaps and bounds,i'll never go bk too vinyl.

Brilliant I love this.

I went from using turntables to a controller and I love the switch over. I use to trash talk controller djs but now I’m proud to be one of them. 😂

Spot on 100% PC-DJ Red was my 1st system. now Rekordbox with RB-dmx for my lights.

Currently going through this right now actually glad I found this video. About 22 years ago I had some 1210s I sold them got out of dj scratch stuff and never went back. Last summer I picked up the rane one …my love for Djing came back after watching a lot of guys on Twitch. Got my beat matching down , simple scratches , i though ok I’m doin good… but I really wanted turntables so I picked up a used pair of numark NTX 1000‘s but they sat for months before I was to get serious about the tables after hooking everything up I went to do a mix and everything was off and I’m like WTF lol.

I been using the Shure White Labels for decades. Too me they are the best. I absolutely LOVE them!🔥🔥

Great video. I have a question, when you have to pitch bend what is your technic? Do you push/pull on the platter? Push/pull on the vinyl? Spindle? Pitch fader ride?

I started on turntables back in the 80’s as a kid. Then did the same digital journey as you mentioned. Made my way back to turntables. Djing on turntables turns on a creativity switch in my head. It’s hard to explain. I recently was shopping for a controller for those easy gigs etc. Went to guitar center and played with 5 or six of them. Just could not it. The feeling is just not there. Glad your enjoying djing on turntables bro.

My cousin and DJ partner learned from using turntables. When he taught me, he told me to use a controller to learn how to DJ. I started with WeGO 4 using Virtual DJ. After a year, I brought the DDJ 400 with Rekrobox. Currently, I use the DDJ 800 and still use Rekorbox software. Have I played with CDJs at gigs? Yes, I have and didn't have an issue. Have I thought of learning to play with turntables, of course, I have but there are three things that prevent me from going forward. 1. the cost: Owning 2 turntables and a mixer are super expensive. I won't be able to afford it plus the extras. Also, I would have to purchase DVS from RB and get a Phase so I won't use needles. 2 Reloop turntables are $1200; a mixer will cost at least $1200 and the 900 Nexus 2 is $2300. The RB DVS control vinyl is $15 apiece. When it is all said and done, I will be spending close to $3,000 or $4000 for equipment just to play vinyl. With the supply shortage, no guarantee it will be in stock. 2. space. I use an old desk for my DJ gear. My controller, desktop, and laptop with monitor and stands. I would have a purchase a larger DJ table and I can't afford that right now. 3. time. I would have to start from scratch learning to play vinyl. I only started DJing about 4 years ago and it is a hobby. An expensive one at that. Things have cost more which forces me to purchase my music once a month now. I simply don't have the time to learn vinyl. Someone may feel I am making excuses. For me, there is my choice to be smarter. Maybe one day I may learn how to play vinyl and see how it is. For now, I will stick to my controller and plan to get a stand-alone pro in 2023. I do appreciate this video and respect DJs who choose to play with turntables. As much as you love them, I love playing on controllers!

Funny after 42 years of spinning in clubs I just decided to start bring my turntables to the club and because I play alotta classics I’m gonna bring some crates of vinyl. I think the cool factor will resonate with my crowd and like u said it will start a buzz! I still have 3,000 records.

I watch your videos allot and use your tips etc... I DJ on the side in North West Ohio and I don't use a controller or turntables nor ever tried using them! I want to try it out tho. I do use Serato DJ Software though.

That's why I bought the Audio Technica 1240XPUSB decks. They come with headshells and needles and are the same super OEM motor thats in the PLX-1000 which doesn't and the Reloop 7000 mk2 which doesn't come with needles either. The ATs also come with a slipmat, 45 adapter, and dust cover shell. Pretty dope turntable and it's built like a tank with great resonance dampening....

Love all of your videos Nick. Would you recommend Rane 12’s to get same experience as your Reloops?

Excellent video !! If a person can't find the Reloop 7000 mk2s - are the Reloop 8000 Mk2 as good? Nick are you using Serato DVS Control Vinyl, and or Searto with Phase Dj Software? Which one do you prefer? I want to go back to Turntables. I have 2 Technique 1200 mk2s. But i like the added features on the Reloop Turntables. If anyone has any advice, pros&cons, and or experience - I'm all ears for advice.

The beauty of learning on decks is that you will be able to mix on anything afterwards.

i agree. controllers can get a little boring at events. TT can be a pain. Thx for making the video!

YES!! I bought a basic audio technica low torque.. COming from Nummark V7.. Needles kept skipping.. Added the penny to needle still get bouncing.. Could never get the static out of the sound using my sl3 box. SO I returned it and picked up the ns7iii. So the lesson is I needed to give it a like a year.. Def looking at the RANE 12's. They key is to really get the feeling of what your doing and take lessons.. DEf dont but the sub under the table lol

I use 1200s & Denon SC6000s connected to the X1850. I also have CDJ 400s .& A rotary mixer. You have to be versatile and be ready for anything.

Nice info!!

Great video. I learned on a controller, then switched to Rane 12s. I love them. Big learning curve....and I'm still learning. Maybe you can give some basic tips about your techniques for "nudging" to speed up and slow down a track using turntables to adjust and get your beat matches tight if you release a track too early or late. Sometimes I struggle with this adjustment and the track skips forward (like a forward stab scratch) rather than speeding up. Thanks.

Nice video! Very real.

good explainer...i started with Technics MKII's and now on CDJs. They seem to get some looks, way more than a controller dj because you can have them side by side, instead of the missionary position (cdj-mixer- cdj) Controllers are nice but they are as common as a DDJ1000 or what I call the current Members Only jacket.