Turntablism

music · dj · creative · turntables

Two turntables and a mixer. Turntablists use two or more turntables connected to a special device called a DJ mixer that lets them blend sounds from different records together and send the music out to speakers so everyone can hear it.

Hands on the record. Instead of just playing a record normally, turntablists touch and move the spinning record with their hands to move the needle to exactly the right spot, speed up the music, slow it down, or even spin it backwards to create cool effects.

The crossfader trick. The mixer has a special slider called a crossfader that lets turntablists switch between the two turntables super quickly, creating smooth transitions and mixing two songs together at the same time.

Making new sounds. By manipulating the records and using the mixer's controls for volume and sound quality, turntablists create completely new music, beats, and sound effects that didn't exist before.

Headphones for planning. Turntablists wear headphones to preview and cue up the next song or sound effect on one turntable while the other turntable is playing to the audience.