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Last updated: 26 Nov 2021
Drop The Catchiest Beats With The Best DJ Turntables
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- 1 Numark Party Mix DJ Turntable
- 2 Hercules DJControl Starlight Turntable
- 3 Numark DJ2GO2 Touch DJ Turntable
- 4 Numark Mixtrack Pro FX DJ Controller
- 5 Pioneer DJ Turntable
- 6 Hercules Control DJ Turntable
- 7 Hercules Inpulse 200 Compact DJ Turntable
- 8 Pioneer DDJ-SB3 DJ Turntable
- 9 Pioneer DDJ200 DJ Turntable
- 10 Pioneer DDJ-SB3 Turntable
During the 90s, some hip-hop DJs introduced a 'scratching' sound by quickly moving the vinyl forward and backward manually - they moved the platter physically and called the resulting sound effects 'turntablism'. The industry then responded with a digital turntable that now DJs all over the world use to not only create that particular scratchy sound but also hundreds and thousands of sound effects! In this article, we went above and beyond to scour through the finest beginner DJ turntables for 2021.
We've put together a list for you and answered the internet's most frequently asked questions about buying and using this fundamental DJing gadget. Let's begin!
Detailing the Premium DJ Turntables for Beginners for 2021
1
Numark Party Mix DJ Turntable
– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP
This 2 channel DJ controller for Serato DJ Lite that’s compatible with both PC and MAC is a complete party set! It comes with a 1/8 headphone output, 1/8 main output for connection to PA systems, speakers, and mixers.
Moreover, the mix controls, 4 pad modes, auto/manual looping, playback, and more – they’re all to-die-for features and if you’re just starting out, this is an excellent turntable!
Pros
- Comes with Serato DJ Lite for PC & MAC (DJ software)
- It has built-in cool lights helping you create the accurate party atmosphere
- Has an onboard audio interface
- Can be used by professionals as well
Cons
- It comes with a limited time license for the Serato DJ Lite
2
Hercules DJControl Starlight Turntable
– Runner-Up
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THE SCOOP
This perfect DJ controller by Hercules also comes with Serato DJ Lite, has a speaker and headphone outputs, lets you control the lights; RGB and strobe effects, and more! It’s compact and easy to carry wherever you want. The best part? It’s excellent for both beginners and professionals!
Pros
- The knobs and pitch faders are super high quality
- Comes with bass/filter EQs, pressure-sensitive jog wheels, and more
- Great for parents trying to test the true interest of your musically inclined offspring without breaking the bank
Cons
- Again, you’ll have to buy the Serato DJ’s license separately
- Might be a bit complex/high-end gadget for beginners
3
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch DJ Turntable
– Contender
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THE SCOOP
The DJ2GOG by Numark is an ultra-portable, feature-packed, compact 2 channel DJ turntable! It offers MIDI mapping for use with other popular DJ software as well (including the Virtual DJ).
Offers connectivity with PA systems, headphones, and speakers. Comes with 2 DJ decks with a crossfader, pitch faders, touch-capacitive jog-wheels – in short, gives you access to all the scratching and blending effects on your fingertips!
Pros
- Lets you stream millions of tracks directly from SoundCloud, TIDAL, and more
- Comes with 4 pad modes for total control of cue-points
- It’s great for preparing tracks, doing mixes, and checking how sounds blend together
Cons
- The new model does not work with DJay Pro
4
Numark Mixtrack Pro FX DJ Controller
– Most Versatile
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THE SCOOP
This is the last Numark DJ Turntable on this list – this one has made it thanks to the large 6-inch capacitive touch jog wheels, dual pad triggers, dedicated instant loop controls, and more! It comes with a microphone input jack, headphone output, and RCA output to connect to speakers!
Pros
- It comes with a 3-band EQ, filter knobs, crossfader, and channel faders
- You can buy it in two variations; 2 decks and 4 decks with jog wheel displays
- Great backup for a professional and gives ample growth room to a beginner
Cons
- The jog wheels may not be very precise with scratching
Buying Guide: DJ Controllers
Shopping for any instrument or music gear is thrilling, let alone a DJ turntable - you're excited what more can you get your hands on. How can it help you improve your sound?
This newly-hit inspiration through the instrument peaks highs at the time of purchase, only to plummet down. Unless you're investing in a good one out there that actually helps you long-term.
With DJ turntables, things are tricky. Newbies may just see a big platter and a random big knob just lying there. Then there's a discussion as to whether you want to mix tracks using traditional vinyl, the old school way, or if you've gone semi-digital.
While we won't be covering it all in this section, we'll cover enough to help you differ reliable from the rest. Let's dig in!
Do I Need an Amplifier for My Turntable?
Turntables don't come with built-in speakers so they have to be connected to external speakers.
Your speakers may be powered or passive; in the case of powered speakers, those ones have an amplifier built-in so there's no need to buy an amplifier there.
However, if you have passive speakers, you may have to buy a separate amplifier depending upon your needs.
If you'll be playing in front of a crowd, it's important to have an amplifier by your side to get the best bang out of your buck. If you're only practicing, a speaker could help make ends meet but you'll eventually have to invest in an amplifier or a powered speaker, one way or another.
How to Choose the Right DJ Turntable?
Now that we've got you a list of nice and fancy DJ turntables, we'll hook you up with a few interesting factors that can help make a lasting impact and give you good value for money.
Set a budget
Let's start by fixing a budget for yourself and staying within that range. The thing with musical instruments is, you can go as high as you want to and you'll be able to get your hands on a piece - but there will always be a more expensive model from another high-end brand.
Therefore, fix a budget for yourself - if you're a beginner, it's okay to stay in the $100 - $300 range. If you've got a flexible budget, go for the $500+ options to secure a nicer unit for yourself.
Features
Looking for manual or automatic tonearms? Specific FXs you won't play without? Particular filters you can do really work well with?
Turntables can have a plethora of features and accessories. Some of them will be more important to you as compared to the others. Prioritize well and choose a turntable that fits right with you, not the one that costs more or offers a plethora of features that you'll have no use for.
Weight
Turntables are very sensitive to vibrations and resonance. So, if you specifically have a DJ turntable, it's better to go with a bulkier, a bit heavy option so it has better resistance and more sound control.
If you're opting for a DJ controller with less need for a turntable, it's okay to go for a lightweight option.
Space
Normally, DJs like to work with two turntables. Whether you've got a fixed setup at home or got one in a bar, you have to take into consideration the amount of space you have before buying turntables that you have trouble fitting.
Learning the basics
Last but not least, you should know how a turntable functions. If you're a beginner, we'll break down the multiple potential components of a turntable in the next heading.
Turntables: Terms and Parts to Get Familiar With
DJ Turntables for Beginners FAQ
Q: What is a DJ turntable?
A: It's a turndable that plays vinyl records (maybe CDs or MP3s). It plays at a reasonable and decent speed and is suitable for beginning DJs as well as those who are only beginning to explore turntables and turquebooks.
Q: How does a record get into a DJ turntable?
A: You put it in the groove, but there are some things that you need to keep in mind. First off, the record will be damaged if it doesn't go in on the first try. Secondly, if your CD doesn‘t have grooves, it will have a gap. If the gap is plugged, you‒ll have to put in a new record and then replace the damaged one. Thirdly, there is no groove on a standard CD. You need a groove before you play it. A groove is the flat and straight edge of the CD that shows you where to write your music.
Q: Is a deck of vinyl better than a turntable?
A: According to some, turntables are better because they don't have any moving parts. But this is just because of their greater reliability. Also, as long as you use a high-quality turntable, they will sound more reliable. The only thing that a vinyl deck will lack is an SP/LP changer, which is highly desirable. For most people, however, a quality turntable should suffice.
