Turntables For Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
If you’re looking to get started with turntables, you’re in luck! With the amount of technology coming out of the woodwork, there are plenty of options to choose from. Turntables are part of an entertainment system that involves playing vinyl records. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or already familiar with turntables, this guide will walk you through all the things you need to know about buying and using them today.
What is a turntable?
A turntable is a device that plays vinyl records. The turntable has a platter, which is the round part on which the record sits. Below the platter, there are two rotating needles called the stylus. One stylus (the record player needle) is connected to an arm that moves it up and down.
The other stylus, the drive belt spins around with the platter, moving along an arc-shaped groove in the vinyl. As the record player needle moves up and down while spinning, it creates vibrations that cause these tiny bumps on the surface of your record's groove to move as well. These bumps are what create sound when they go across the drive belt.
Do I need one?
Do I need a turntable? It depends on what you want to do. If you're using turntables as a hobby and just want one to listen to and play records at home, then no, it's unnecessary. But if you want to DJ or make music with turntables, then yes, it is necessary.
Before purchasing a turntable there are some things that you should consider first. The first thing is the cost. You will find many different types of turntables that range in price from $100-$2000+, so figure out what your budget will be before buying anything so that you don't overspend or end up compromising on quality.
How do they work?
As the record spins, a needle follows the grooves in the record. As it does so, its vibrations are transmitted to a transducer which converts those vibrations into electrical energy. The electric signal is then sent through a wire out of the turntable and into an amplifier. The speaker system amplifies this signal and transmits it as sound waves that vibrate at various frequencies corresponding to different musical tones
Which one should I buy?
If you're new to DJing, you'll want a turntable that's easy to learn. For the novice DJ, we recommend the Audio-Technica AT-LP60 or the Numark PT01USB. These entry-level turntables are user-friendly, have built-in preamps, and allow for a smooth transition from vinyl to digital files. Plus, they're compatible with most DJ software programs like Serato and Traktor. If you're an experienced DJ who wants to buy your first turntable on a budget, we recommend the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB Turntable.
How do I set it up?
Setting up a turntable is an easy process, but it does require some basic knowledge about how the device works. The first thing that you need to do is make sure that your turntable is connected properly and ready for use.
You'll want to plug the power cord into a wall socket and the other end into your device's power input port. Next, connect the audio cables by inserting one end of a cable into each of your speakers' audio outputs. Finally, find the ground wire and insert it into one of your speaker's grounding ports.
Troubleshooting
The most common issue with turntables is that the needle skips or won't play records. If this happens, the needle may be in the wrong position or damaged. If your needle is damaged, try flipping it over and trying again. If this doesn't work, try replacing it with a new needle.
Another common issue is that when you turn on your machine and start playing a record, there's static coming out of the speakers. To fix this, make sure all connections are securely plugged into both the back of your amplifier and the front of your turntable. Make sure none of the cables are frayed or broken as well. You might also have an old speaker that needs replacing!
How do I use it?
A turntable is a device that reads the grooves in the vinyl and outputs an audio signal (sometimes require an Audio Art Cable too). It's an amplifier with a built-in speaker. To use it, you set the needle on the record, set your stylus on top of it, and start spinning it at 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM depending on what type of record you're playing.
The needle will vibrate as it moves through the grooves in the record, picking up vibrations from each sound wave that makes up a song's waveform. This vibration causes tiny air pressure changes, amplified by the speakers connected to your turntable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting into the world of turntables can be a really rewarding experience. If you're interested in going down this path, I hope this post has given you some helpful insights. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today!
