Hi. I've recently been listening to some turntablism and I like what I hear.

I want to start scratching on my own, as it seems really fun. The problem is, I have no idea where to start, what to get, or anything.

I don't plan on using any records, just cds.

Would this be good?: http://cgi.ebay.com/ION-IDJ02-Dual-Turntable-Mixer-Headphones-DJ-Package_W0QQitemZ220258169778QQihZ012QQcategoryZ14 987QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am completely and utterly clueless about this whole thing.

By the way, I do not want to spend much more than $200, as I am just starting and have no idea if I will even get into this.

all i can say is, good luck, scratcher

I am completely and utterly clueless about this whole thing.
Welcome to AK... there are very few (if any) scratchers here... we mostly just listen to the music. :music:

We do have a few members that beat-mix, maybe one of them will find your thread and chime in.

Welcome to AK... there are very few (if any) scratchers here... we mostly just listen to the music. :music:


Well... I can relate to that (sadly) lol.

Welcome to AK! :thmbsp:

As others have mentioned, most of us here are into "audiophile" or "hi fi" vinyl, not "scratching" or "turntablism". There are a few DJs and such here who do that, so you may find some help with it here, but for the most part, you'd be better off hanging out here to learn about hi-fi turntable use, and looking for other boards that focus on "turntablism" for help with that. They really are two different worlds, so to speak, with very different requirements for gear, set-up, etc....

Just PLEASE don't try to mix up the two. Most of us here just shudder to think about a nice Telearc classical music disk being "scratched", or a typical DJ turntable with worn bearings and 5 gram tracking weight getting anywhere near our LPs. Likewise, please don't ever try to use an "audiophile" type turntable like a Thorens for scratching work. Like using a ferrari for a farm tractor, or said tractor to race on the Indy 500 track, it just isn't done, and the results could be unfortunate.

Now, if it is a modern house/techno/hip-hop recording on a suitable DJ table, heck, scratch away and HAVE FUN! I've looked into turntablism a little, and I think it would be a lot of fun (if I just could stomach more than a few minutes of the "music", LOL! :D ).

What we all have in common here is a love of music, and although we may like different types of gear or music, around here all types are respected and welcomed, so do hang around and read, learn, and contribute. You'll find we are mostly a friendly bunch, whatever aspect of music you are into. As it says up at the top, "all audio, no attitude"... we try to keep it that way.

we sure don't wreck turntables just to make alot of noise.

I would suggest talking to people at your school or go to clubs where this music is performed and find out what equipment they use so you won't be wasting your money.

Put on some baggy pants, wear a cap sideways forget to shower and go to your nearest "Projects"......you should get some help there :) When a record player or even a cd becomes a musical instrument we are all in trouble.

Welcome to AK... there are very few (if any) scratchers here... we mostly just listen to the music. :music:


I don't scratch anymore. I just put on some Benadryl.

"we sure don't wreck turntables just to make alot of noise."

actually , neither do the DJ's . they use technics sl-1200's ,which have direct drive motors that
would make a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner proud...they maintain constant speed
and torque.
your delicate, lightly sprung hifi , belt -drive tables wouldn't work.period.
when they stop the record to manually spin it , or cue it ,it's riding on a slip mat,
and the platter is spinning beneath it.

they surely don't use masterdisk or telarc or mobile fidelity pressings ,mostly soul and
70's-80's disco records.

that Ion unit is interesting, but I would shoot for a couple of Technics SL1200 Mk2 and a scratching mixer like a Vestax. Here's an interesting comparison of such mixers:

http://www.skratchworx.com/Design/mixers.html

The Vestax mixers are pretty nice. I haven't used the ones for scratching but I have used a regular mini-mixer and build quality was fine. Nothing like a Mackie, but surely there are dedicated scratching mixers that are of professional caliber.

I would be suspicious of all-in-ones because, where are you when one of your decks goes tits up? In a sad place, I assure you.

Funny, in 93' I had a HK CDP that was made in 85. Don't remember the model number, but you could "scratch" by hitting the rewind button for just a moment. It was a timing thing, but easy enough. The only consumer CDP that could do that which I've seen. Probably had a very low oversampling rate. It was fun, especially to Yello's Oh, Yeah.

I'm not a DJ, but spent many a year in studios. That belt-drive Ion system will probably last one night in a true DJ studio or recording studio environment.

If you want a "Professional system" I think you really need direct drive. I feel that the Technics SL-1200MK2 direct drive is the best you can get. Another unit at a lower price is the Audio Technica AT-PL120. It is not as strong as the Technics, but comes with a DJ type cartridge by Audio Technica and also has direct drive with a high torque motor. We're talking big bucks here, 900 for two Technics, without a cartridge, possibly 700 for a dual Audio Technica setup and you still need to add the other gear such as a mixer.

Good luck!