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With a lot people wanting to get in DJing and sampling, there is a lot of search for the best turntables for sampling.
Sampling is an important part of your craft as a DJ or producer and sooner or later you will need to learn this art.
And it is only normal that you find something that will make your job much easier
The truth is that as a DJ or a producer, you demand much more from your turntable than the normal person.
You definitely want something that allows you to sample vinyl records without much stress.
You also want something is durable and has a strong tonearm and motor that generates the right amount of torque.
Sampling is a very unique art which most people especially producers are going into these days.
You can literally pick up a box of old vinyl records and make a hit from them simply by sampling.
But with all the brands out there today, making a choice for the best turntable can be confusing.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 5 turntables for sampling in the market today, tips to consider before making a choice, how to sample vinyl records and some tips to take your sampling game to the next level.
Our Top 5 Best Turntable for Sampling
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB Turntable – Editor’s Choice
- Technics SL-1210M5G Turntable
- Numark TTX Professional Turntable
- Pro-Ject Sampling Turntable
- Pioneer Pro DJ Direct Drive DJ Turntable – Premium Choice
Things to consider before making a purchase
1. Should I get a direct drive or belt drive turntable?
This is probably the most important factor you need to consider before getting.
But one thing you need to know is that whichever you get is a personal choice.
There is no difference in sound quality, the only thing is that most people prefer direct drive turntables because they are much ideal for scratching.
So if you are going to be combining scratching as well as sampling vinly records then you should go for direct drive turntables.
2. What is your budget?
The next factor you need to consider is how much do you have to spend.
Like most things when making a purchase, you get what you pay for.
So if you expect to get a quality turntable that is durable and suitable for sampling then you should be ready to spend some cash.
3. How durable is it?
One of the most important things you should consider is that the turntable should be of solid construction, has a high powered motor that gives a lot of torque and an accurate needle that tracks correctly and gives you pitch.
So make sure you go for something that is durable and will last for a long time.
You do not want something that breaks downs after a while.
4. How many start buttons does it have?
Most turntables come with two start buttons while others have just one.
The difference between the two of them is that those with two buttons make them easily adaptable to a variety of setups and configurations.
Also this is a personal choice but it is advisable that you go for the turntable with two start buttons as this gives you more flexibility and options when working with it.
Our Top 5 Best Turntable for Sampling
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB Turntable
This is one of the most common and widely used turntables in the market today.
It comes with a USB output that easily allows you to connect it directly to your computer or PC.
It has a built in preamp that lets you connect it to equipments such as your PC, home stereo or powered speakers, that do not have a dedicated turntable input.
It has a fully automatic belt that can operate at speeds of 33 ⅓ and 45RPM
It is anti resonance and has a die cast aluminium platter that makes it very durable and not susceptible to rust.
If you are looking for a turntable to kick off your sampling skills, then this is the ideal choice for you.
2. Technics SL-1210M5G Turntable
This is one of the pricey models of turntables in the market today.
It has metallic black finish and brushed steel hardware which makes it aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
It has a digital pitch control which helps you easily adjust the pitch.
It also has an improved tone arm for skip resistance and an adjustable electronic braking system.
It comes with built in LEDs that illuminate the pitch indicator and stylus. This is very convenient for when you are working in a dark environment.
It comes with a dust cover, slip mat, user’s manual and warranty information.
3. Numark TTX Professional Turntable
The Numark TTX Turntable is a USB professional turntable that helps you quickly convert vinyl to digital audio.
It has a unique user adjustable ultra high torque motor that makes it ideal for both sampling and scratching.
It has a patented interchangeable aluminium tone arm that comes in both the straight and S- shape.
It has a key lock which helps in maintaining the key while you are changing the tempo.
This is a sleek and attractive turntable which is ergonomically built and weighs just 28 pounds.
It is well built with a solid core that helps reduce vibration and background noise and also helps reduce friction.
4. Pro-Ject Sampling Turntable
This is the ferrari of turntables.
It has an 8.6 inches carbon tonearm that gives it an aesthetic and eye pleasing design.
It has an increased platter size which helps it carry more weight without breaking or damage.
It has a unique precision belt with synchronous motor which gives it that smooth sampling and scratching ability
It has a new Soborthane motor suspension that helps to keep vibrations and background noise to a minimum.
Its Ortofon 2M Red cartridge helps to deliver exceptional tracking and recovery of the musical nuances found within vinyl grooves.
5. Pioneer Pro DJ Direct Drive DJ Turntable
This is a high torque direct drive that ensures stable rotation and exceptional control
It has a heavy mass and die cast chassis which helps to prevent resonance and vibrations. This is especially good if your equipment is placed on a table or surface with your speakers and mixers that vibrate a lot.
It has a multi tempo control which easily lets you increase or decrease the tempo and also has a reset that reverts the track to their original tempo.
It has interchangeable power and audio cables that helps you easily connect your turntable to power supply and other audio equipments
It has gold plated RCA jacks that ensure low impedance and delivers amazing sound quality.
How to sample vinyl records
Here are some tips to help you easily sample records and keep your sampling skills up
Conclusion
In your search for the best turntable for sampling, you need to consider the fact that you need something that is built to last and of high quality.
Also remember that when it comes to sampling , you also need a turntable that has a motor with enough torque and stability to prevent resonance and vibration.
If you have any comments, please leave them in the comments below.
