Sampling turntables have been the cornerstone of hip-hop music for decades. They can be used to sample sounds from a variety of sources, then loop and manipulate them into rhythms and melodies. They’re a vital component for any producer who wants to use samples in their work. But before you start shopping for one, you should consider what you need it for-are you going to do live performances or just use it at home? Do you need something with high fidelity sound or will good enough be good enough? Once you’ve answered these questions, finding the perfect sampling turntable is easy!
High Fidelity Sound
Many sampling turntables have high-quality audio reproduction suitable for any studio environment. Not only are these turntables made with vinyl records in mind, but they’re perfect for producing digital songs out of samples too. Whether you go for a good sample vinyl turntable or a turntable with onboard effects, you’ll be able to produce incredible sound without giving up too much in terms of price. Make sure to check that your prospective turntable has a suitable headshell and cartridge combination to match the way you want to sample.
Live Performance
If you’re going to be performing live, chances are you won’t have access to a studio environment. In this case, you must find an affordable turntable with all of the same features as above but without unnecessary bells and whistles. Having the ability to create unique samples is great for live shows, so look for a sampling vinyl turntable with variable start and brake settings. Higher-quality brands tend to offer more options in terms of stylus size and weight like Jico, so make sure they can handle any gigs where you might use it on smaller stages, bigger stages, or even stadiums!
On-Board Effects
There are turntables out there that have built-in effects like reverb and delay, which can give your samples some extra depth during mixdowns. Even if you’re not going for this type of turntable specifically, many sampling turntables will provide these capabilities as well as all the knobs and dials needed to tweak your sounds. This makes it easy for newbies to dive into sampling turntables and still sounds great even when they don’t use additional effects units. On-board effects should also be integrated into your workflow so you can easily incorporate them into loops and beats. If you prefer to have all your effects in one place, this might be the way to go!
Types Of Turntables
Now that you’ve decided what exactly are the main features are that are must-haves for your needs, it’s time to narrow down potential turntables even further by choosing a brand. Each manufacturer has its unique strengths, so make sure to consider the following factors when making your decision. The first factor is the price as sample turntables don’t have to break the bank but they do come with a range of different price tags. When deciding how much to spend, think about whether or not you need anything fancy or if simple is good enough. When it comes to the turntable platter, make sure to choose a brand that uses high-quality materials like aluminum or rubber. As for the Motor Drive System, choose brands with belt drive or direct drive, which will affect the sound quality and price of your sampling turntables.
The turntables that are most commonly used in the music industry are the ones that provide high-fidelity sound. These turntables can be found in all shapes and sizes, from the classic-looking Technics SL-1200 to modern models like the Vestax PDX-2000. The price range is also impressive, starting around fifty dollars for a consumer model and going up to thousands of dollars for professional use.
Style And Design
Finally, don’t forget about the design of your turntables when looking at all that’s available. Make sure it’s one that you feel comfortable handling when performing live, or simply something that will fit well in your studio. Check out the dials and knobs to make sure they’re easy to reach during performances, especially if you plan on using silence/vinyl brake features. Also, look for a weighty construction because lighter units aren’t as durable during transportation or can even be knocked over by accident! Other things to consider are things like whether or not the pitch control is suited to your style of music (for example, hip-hop producers should avoid units without 100% pitch) and where you’ll keep this unit in your studio (if it’s on the floor, make sure to get one with a slipmat).
You should have an idea of what kind of features are important for your specific needs. Whether you need something simple for your home studio or more developed options if you plan on performing live shows, there’s a perfect sampling turntable out there just waiting for you!
