MIXOLOGY 101

Here is a typical, basic, vinyl DJ setup. The two turntables are connected to a mixer which controls the stereo output to the rest of the sound system. While one record is playing the DJ can cue up another record and can blend, scratch, or drop it in when ready.

Spinning Wheels
Most professional DJs and nightclubs use Technics 1200 series tables. There are other less expensive DJ turntables made by companies such as Gemini, Vestax, Lineartech, KAM, and Soundlab, but they are less popular than the enduring, Japanese-made Panasonic/Technics tables. DJ turntables differ from standard consumer models - they have quick response start, stop, and pitch controls, highly accurate revolution speeds, increased vibration dampening, and durability. These very necessary features allow DJs to quickly cue up and start songs, and adjust their speed with the pitch controls to match beats for smooth, uninterrupted transitions and layers. Most songs have a steady tempo which can be calculated as bpm (beats-per-minute with pitch set at 0). Increasing or decreasing the pitch will speed up or slow down the bpm accordingly. Every turntable can be tuned according to a DJ's preferences. You can add slipmats, adjust the tonearm weight, height, anti-skate setting, and most importantly choose the cartridge and stylus. The cartridge system determines the sonic quality and tracking ability, ensuring great sound and less skips during playback, or while cueing or scratching a record. Each turntable provides stereo output through a pair of standard RCA (phono) plugs. While these look like normal connectors you might find attached to tape decks or CD players, they carry a low signal level that needs to be raised to a standard line level with a preamplifier usually found in DJ mixers or turntable-ready home receivers.

Ready To Mix
There are a number of DJ mixer brands to choose from: Rane, Numark, MTX Soundcraftsmen, Gemini, Vestax, Peavey, Lineartech, GLI, Phonic, Ecler, Intimidation, Citronic, Made To Fade, Soundlab, and more. All companies make various models each with different input, output, and effects capabilities. There are battle mixers for performance DJs, and even mixers with built-in equalizers and samplers. The (discontinued, but working) Numark DM-1150 is an example of a basic DJ mixer. At the minimum, a mixer will have at least two phono (turntable) inputs, two line level inputs, microphone input, headphone output, master output, and slide switches for crossfading and in and out levels. You need a good pair of headphones to preview any of the inputs. The mixer's master output is connected to the sound system, usually one or more amplifiers that power the speakers. A complete DJ setup will include a monitor near the mixer to hear the overall mix without any of the room delay or echo.

Hear Wax
And of course the most essential ingredient in the mix is the vinyl. Record vinyl comes in a few formats. The 12-inch and 7-inch are the most popular. 10-inch records and picture disks are less common, but still around. Every record is made for playback at a certain speed measured by rpm (revolutions-per-minute). Early 10-inch records were 78 rpm. 7-inch singles, primarily sized for jukeboxes, are known as forty-fives because most are 45 rpm. The slower 33-1/3 rpm speed and larger 12-inch diameter was created for more playback time on each record, although there are still many 45 rpm 12-inch singles. Most DJ turntables, including the Technics 1200 and 1210, only play records at 33-1/3 and 45 rpm. Keep your records in good playing condition - use record cleaners and other archival supplies to keep them clean and protected.

Start - Stop
Besides technical ability, song selection and knowledge are a DJ's best and most important qualities. Technical prowess requires practice; the rest is the result of education, research, and a little amount of luck.

Info mixed by Gerry Villareal, gerryv@massive.com.