Ever felt the urge to spin some tunes and get a crowd moving? Maybe you’ve seen DJs at parties or festivals and thought, “I want to do that!” The world of DJing can seem exciting, but when it comes to picking your very first turntable, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know where to start.
Many beginners get stuck trying to figure out which turntable is best for them. They worry about spending too much money on something they might not use, or buying something that’s too complicated to learn. It’s easy to feel lost in all the technical jargon and confusing features. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there!
In this post, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll help you understand what makes a good beginner turntable and what features really matter. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident about choosing your first set of turntables and be one step closer to dropping your first beat. Get ready to learn!
Our Top 5 Dj Turntables For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dj Turntables For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. Numark Party Mix II DJ Controller with Lights
Rating: 8.9/10
The Numark Party Mix II DJ Controller with Lights is a fantastic all-in-one system for anyone starting their DJ journey. It’s a complete Serato Lite DJ system that’s easy to set up and use with your Mac or Windows computer. You get two DJ decks to control your music, a built-in audio interface, and it’s plug-and-play, meaning you can start mixing right away.
What We Like:
- It comes with exciting built-in LED DJ lights that match your music.
- You get all the essential DJ controls like Sync, Play-Pause, and Cue buttons.
- The large touch-sensitive jog wheels give you great control over your tracks.
- Performance pads let you add effects, set cues, loop, and use a sampler.
- You can easily browse and load your music with the library controls.
- It lets you stream millions of songs from services like Apple Music and SoundCloud through Serato DJ Lite.
- You can connect headphones to practice and speakers for your audience.
- The integrated mixer has a 2-band EQ, channel faders, and a crossfader for smooth mixing.
What Could Be Improved:
- For more advanced DJs, the features might feel a bit basic.
- The built-in sound quality is good for beginners, but audiophiles might want an external sound card later on.
This controller makes learning to DJ fun and accessible. It’s a great way to get hands-on with your music and start throwing awesome parties.
2. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 — Ideal DJ Controller for Learning to Mix — Software and Tutorials Included
Rating: 8.7/10
The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK2 is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to learn how to DJ. This black controller comes with everything you need to get started, including software and helpful tutorials. It makes learning the basics of mixing super easy and fun.
What We Like:
- The Beatmatch Guide with lights makes it simple to keep your beats in sync.
- You can get really creative with the STEMS feature to make unique mixes.
- It works with popular music streaming services like Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud GO+, and TIDAL.
- Learn from the best with videos from the DJ Academy.
- It includes Serato DJ Lite and DJUCED software, and it’s also ready to use with Serato DJ Pro.
- It’s a great value for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- For advanced DJs, it might lack some of the deeper features found on professional controllers.
- While streaming is great, some users might prefer to have their entire music library locally stored.
This controller truly lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring DJs. It’s an excellent starting point for building your skills and having a blast creating your own music mixes.
3. Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Compact DJ Controller with 2 Decks
Rating: 9.4/10
The Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is a compact DJ controller that packs a serious punch for its size. It’s designed for DJs on the go who need reliable gear. This controller comes with Serato DJ Lite, making it super easy to start mixing right away. Its small size means you can take it anywhere, and it still has all the important features you need to get your mix sounding great.
What We Like:
- It’s super portable and easy to carry around.
- It works with both Mac and Windows computers.
- You can use it with other DJ software too, like Virtual DJ.
- It has a built-in audio interface with headphone and main outputs for easy hookups.
- The touch-sensitive jog wheels and pitch faders give you great control for blending and scratching.
- You can stream millions of songs directly from popular services like Apple Music and SoundCloud within Serato DJ Lite.
- Four pad modes let you control cue points, loops, and samples to add cool effects to your mixes.
- The design is sleek, and the backlit controls look awesome and help you see in dim lighting.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very advanced DJs, the features might be a little basic.
- The included Serato DJ Lite is a good start, but upgrading to the full version would unlock more advanced features.
Overall, the Numark DJ2GO2 Touch is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate DJs who want a portable and feature-rich controller. It offers a lot of value and helps you get creative with your music.
4. VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to spin some tunes and become the ultimate party starter with the VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer! This awesome toy lets kids step into the shoes of a real DJ, mixing beats and creating their own unique soundscapes. It’s packed with fun features that encourage creativity and musical exploration.
What We Like:
- The DJ turntable lets kids scratch and mix like a pro.
- With 15 built-in songs and over 2000 sound combinations, there are endless ways to get creative.
- Kids can record their own sound effects to add a personal touch to any song.
- Saving music samples and adding light effects makes for a super cool DJ party experience.
- Bluetooth and audio cable options allow kids to connect their own music playlists.
- The built-in music game helps kids fine-tune their DJ skills.
- It’s designed for ages 5 and up, making it a great gift for younger aspiring musicians.
What Could Be Improved:
- The batteries included are for demo purposes only, so new batteries are needed for regular play.
- A music player, audio cable, and headphones are not included, meaning extra purchases are necessary to use all features.
The VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer provides a fantastic platform for young ones to express their musical talents and have a blast. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce them to the world of music creation.
5. Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller – Graphite
Rating: 8.7/10
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-deck Rekordbox and Serato DJ Controller in Graphite is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to start DJing. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to learn and practice your mixing skills. This controller works with both Rekordbox and Serato DJ software, giving you flexibility in how you play your music. Its sleek graphite finish looks great and it’s built to last.
What We Like:
- It’s very easy to use, even for beginners.
- You can use it with two popular DJ software programs: Rekordbox and Serato DJ.
- The controller is lightweight and portable, so you can take it anywhere.
- It offers great value for its price.
- The Smart CFX feature adds cool effects with a single knob.
- The Smart Fader makes smooth transitions simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some advanced features found on more expensive controllers are missing.
- The jog wheels are a bit smaller than on professional models.
- Limited availability can make it hard to find at times.
The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 is an excellent starting point for aspiring DJs. It provides the essential tools you need to get creative with your music and develop your skills.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your First DJ Turntable
So, you want to learn to DJ and spin some tunes? That’s awesome! Getting started with DJ turntables can seem a little tricky, but this guide will help you pick the perfect one. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes a good turntable, and how to use it.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re starting out, some features are more important than others.
Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive
- Direct Drive: The motor connects straight to the platter (the spinning disc). This makes the turntable spin up fast and keeps the speed very steady. It’s great for scratching and mixing. Most beginner turntables use direct drive.
- Belt Drive: A rubber belt connects the motor to the platter. It’s usually quieter and can be cheaper. However, it takes longer to reach full speed, and the belt can wear out.
Torque
- Torque is how strong the motor is. High torque means the platter spins quickly and doesn’t slow down much when you touch the record. This is important for scratching and beatmatching. Look for turntables with at least 1.0 kg/cm of torque.
Pitch Control (Tempo Slider)
- This slider lets you speed up or slow down the record. You need this to match the tempo of two songs. A wider range (like +/- 8% or 10%) gives you more control.
Start/Stop Time
- This controls how quickly the platter starts and stops. Faster start/stop times are better for quick mixing and scratching.
Anti-Skate and Counterweight
- These help keep the tonearm in the groove of the record. Proper adjustment prevents skipping and record damage. Most beginner turntables have these.
Important Materials
The stuff your turntable is made of matters.
Platter Material
- Aluminum: This is common and good. It’s strong and helps keep the speed steady.
- Rubber or Felt Mat: This sits on top of the platter. It protects your records and helps reduce vibrations.
Tonearm Material
- Aluminum: This is a good choice. It’s light and strong.
- Carbon Fiber: Even lighter and stronger, but usually found on more expensive turntables.
Chassis (Body) Material
- Plastic: Can be okay for very basic models, but it might feel flimsy.
- Metal or Wood: These are sturdier and help reduce vibrations, making your sound cleaner.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a turntable sound great or not so great?
Vibration Control
- Good turntables have rubber feet or special isolation systems to stop vibrations from speakers or the floor from messing with the sound. Cheap turntables might not have this, leading to a muddy sound.
Motor Quality
- A smooth, powerful motor keeps the speed accurate. A bad motor can cause the pitch to waver, making your music sound off.
Build Quality
- A solid, well-built turntable feels good to use and lasts longer. Wobbly parts or cheap plastic can make mixing difficult and reduce sound quality.
Cartridge and Stylus (Needle)
- The cartridge holds the stylus. A better cartridge and stylus will pick up more detail from your record, giving you clearer sound. Many beginner turntables come with a decent starter cartridge. You can always upgrade later!
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your turntable, and how will it feel?
Learning to Mix
- For beginners, a direct drive turntable with good torque and a responsive pitch slider is best. You’ll practice beatmatching (making two songs play at the same speed and in time).
Scratching
- If you want to scratch, you need high torque and a durable tonearm. Direct drive is a must here.
Casual Listening
- Even if you’re not aiming to be a pro DJ, a good beginner turntable can let you enjoy your vinyl collection with great sound.
Portability
- Some turntables are smaller and lighter, making them easier to move around.
Connectivity
- Check if it has a built-in phono preamp. This lets you connect directly to speakers or a mixer without needing a separate phono amplifier. USB output is also handy for recording your mixes to a computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the most important feature for a beginner DJ turntable?
A: The most important features are direct drive for quick start-up and good torque to keep the speed steady. A responsive pitch slider is also key for mixing.
Q: Do I need a belt drive or direct drive turntable?
A: For DJing, especially scratching and precise mixing, direct drive is highly recommended. Belt drive is more common for casual listening.
Q: How much torque do I need?
A: Aim for at least 1.0 kg/cm of torque. Higher torque means more power and better control when manipulating records.
Q: What does “pitch control” do?
A: Pitch control, often a slider, lets you change the speed of the record. This is essential for matching the tempo of different songs when you’re mixing.
Q: Is a built-in phono preamp important?
A: Yes, it’s very helpful for beginners. It means you can connect your turntable directly to your speakers or mixer without needing an extra piece of equipment.
Q: Can I scratch on any beginner turntable?
A: While you can try, turntables designed for scratching have higher torque and more robust tonearms. Look for models specifically mentioning scratch capabilities.
Q: What’s the difference between a cartridge and a stylus?
A: The stylus is the needle that reads the record groove. The cartridge holds the stylus and connects to the tonearm. A better cartridge and stylus mean better sound quality.
Q: How do I know if a turntable is well-built?
A: A well-built turntable feels solid and doesn’t wobble. It should have good vibration dampening, often with rubber feet.
Q: Should I buy a used turntable?
A: You can find good deals on used turntables, but be sure to check that everything works correctly. A new turntable often comes with a warranty.
Q: What else do I need besides a turntable to start DJing?
A: You’ll need headphones, speakers, and a DJ mixer. If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp, you’ll also need a phono amplifier.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.