Compared to a traditional record player, DJ turntables are designed to provide better sound quality and are built to last longer. They also offer more features than regular record players. These include a digital display, USB support, and automatic looping. DJ turntables are usually more expensive than a regular record player, so it is important to know what to look for.

DJ turntables are traditionally powered by a direct drive mechanism, which includes a motor under the platter. Belt drive units are less expensive than direct drive units, but can cause audio disturbances from mix slips. They are also not designed to be manually moved. This can cause damage to the record.

DJ turntables are usually made of aluminum die-cast platters that feature a two-layer structure. The aluminum is rigidly integrated with ABS and glass fiber to create vibration damping characteristics. The back surface of the platter is also covered in deadening rubber to reduce unwanted resonance.

DJs need to hear the dancefloor during transitions, so they usually have a channel level meter to help them set the level of each channel. Some mixers also have a Cue Mix/Master knob, which works similar to a crossfader. The Cue Mix/Master knob lets the artiste transition between Cue Mix and Master Out, allowing them to set the level of each channel. This helps DJs to set the correct volume for both headphones and speakers.

DJ turntables are typically equipped with two vinyl record players. The record players are placed on either side of the mixer. Depending on the model, a DJ can use the turntable’s platters to play the record in reverse. The record will wear out faster when played in this manner, so a good needle and belt will help slow the wear and tear.

DJ turntables are also available as CD players. These CD players typically come with a slip pad disc, which allows the DJ to scratch. A DJ can also reverse the slip pad disc to create scratchy sounds. They can also be plugged into a DJ mixer for better sound quality.

Aside from DJ turntables, DJ mixers are also available. These are generally more expensive than a regular record player, but are designed to be used by serious DJs. Most mixers have a Cue Mix/Master knob, a channel level meter, and three-band EQ. They are also portable and can be used with headphones. They are a better alternative to vinyl setups, because they offer better sound quality and are easier to transport.

The most affordable DJ turntables can be found for less than $100. However, high-end DJ turntables cost around $1,000. There are also digital DJ turntables available, which feature flash memory storage, automatic looping, and cue point marking. This type of DJ setup is great for people who want to use the turntable for listening to music.

In order to achieve optimal control over two turntables at once, DJs usually use a mixer. The mixer usually has two platters on each side of a mixing section. One of the platters is the master, which is usually connected to the mixer’s mic input.