Top 3 DJ Turntables for Electronic Music in 2024
In the world of electronic music, DJs rely on their gear to deliver dynamic, high-quality performances that captivate audiences. Whether you’re spinning techno, house, or dubstep, the right turntable can make all the difference. With technology evolving, turntables remain a preferred choice for vinyl enthusiasts and DJs who value tactile control over their sound.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the top 3 DJ turntables in 2024 that are ideal for electronic music DJs. These picks are based on their precision, durability, performance features, and how well they cater to the demands of electronic music genres.
1. Technics SL-1200 MK7
Overview:
No list of top DJ turntables is complete without the iconic Technics SL-1200 series. The SL-1200 MK7, launched in 2019, is the latest iteration of the legendary turntable and a favorite among DJs who perform electronic music. Known for its robustness, high torque, and refined precision, the SL-1200 MK7 has earned its place as a gold standard in DJ booths worldwide.
Key Features:
Coreless Direct Drive Motor: Technics’ signature direct drive system offers incredible torque and precision. The coreless motor eliminates cogging issues, allowing smoother rotations and enhanced pitch stability—critical for seamless beatmatching and mixing in genres like house and techno.
Reverse Play Function: The SL-1200 MK7 introduces the ability to play vinyl in reverse, a great feature for electronic DJs looking to experiment with new soundscapes and unique transitions.
Pitch Control: With adjustable pitch ranges (±8%, ±16%), this turntable allows greater flexibility in mixing and creating interesting effects on electronic tracks that often have syncopated or irregular beats.
Durability: Built with the same robustness as its predecessors, the MK7 is designed to handle the rigors of constant travel and performance, making it ideal for professional DJs who spend a lot of time on the road.
Why It’s Great for Electronic Music:
The SL-1200 MK7 offers rock-solid performance, crucial for mixing the complex, often minimal beats of techno or house. Its reverse play feature is a bonus for creative DJs who want to push the boundaries of sound. With its exceptional build quality and precision pitch control, this turntable is a favorite for seasoned professionals and vinyl purists.
Price Range:
Approximately $999 – $1,200.
2. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000
Overview:
Pioneer DJ, one of the biggest names in the DJ equipment industry, introduced the PLX-1000 to much acclaim. Designed to cater to the needs of professional DJs, this turntable combines the reliability and feel of classic analog with modern digital features. It’s specifically engineered for use in clubs and is a solid choice for electronic music DJs.
Key Features:
High Torque Direct Drive: Like the Technics, the PLX-1000 uses a direct-drive system that ensures rapid start-up times and precision in rotation. This is essential for accurate beatmatching and quick cueing, especially when playing faster genres like techno and drum & bass.
Multi-Pitch Control: With three pitch ranges (±8%, ±16%, ±50%), the PLX-1000 offers flexibility for mixing tracks across various BPMs. The extreme pitch settings (up to 50%) are particularly useful for DJs who want to create drastic tempo changes or switch genres mid-set.
Detachable Power and Audio Cables: These small details make setup easier, especially in cramped DJ booths. Detachable cables also ensure less wear and tear, prolonging the lifespan of your equipment.
Heavy Build for Reduced Vibration: The PLX-1000 is constructed with vibration damping in mind. Its weight and rubber insulation significantly reduce resonance, ensuring that the bass-heavy tracks of electronic music don’t interfere with the playback quality.
Why It’s Great for Electronic Music:
The PLX-1000 is often compared to the Technics SL-1200 series for good reason. It’s built to provide the same tactile, analog feel with enhanced features that cater specifically to club environments. For DJs spinning house, techno, or bass-heavy genres, the PLX-1000’s vibration resistance ensures clean sound reproduction, even in loud environments.
Price Range:
Approximately $699 – $850.
Overview:
The Reloop RP-8000 MK2 is an innovative hybrid turntable designed for DJs who want the flexibility of both analog and digital performance. Reloop has incorporated MIDI compatibility and performance pads into the turntable, making it a versatile choice for DJs who like to blend vinyl with digital samples, loops, and effects—an ideal setup for modern electronic music performances.
Key Features:
Hybrid Analog/Digital Design: The RP-8000 MK2 offers the best of both worlds. It’s a fully functional analog turntable with a direct drive motor, but also integrates seamlessly with DVS (Digital Vinyl Systems) like Serato DJ Pro, allowing DJs to control digital tracks as if they were on vinyl.
Performance Pads: The RP-8000 MK2 comes with eight customizable performance pads that allow DJs to trigger cue points, loops, and samples. This is an outstanding feature for electronic music DJs who rely on remixing or live editing during their sets.
Smart Pitch Control: With a pitch range of ±8%, ±16%, and ±50%, and an added digital pitch fader display, the RP-8000 MK2 offers precise control for mixing different tempos. This feature is perfect for matching the often varying BPMs of electronic music genres.
Platter Play Mode: This mode lets DJs control the pitch of the platter using the performance pads, allowing them to create melodic sequences—a unique tool for live electronic performances or experimental sets.
Why It’s Great for Electronic Music:
The Reloop RP-8000 MK2 is perfect for DJs who are looking for a turntable that merges the tactile feel of vinyl with the possibilities of digital performance. Its versatility makes it great for live remixing and sampling, essential for electronic DJs who want to push creative boundaries in their sets. From house and techno to experimental electronica, the RP-8000 MK2 is a powerful tool.
Price Range:
Approximately $650 – $850.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Turntable for Electronic Music
When selecting a DJ turntable for electronic music, several factors should guide your decision:
Torque and Motor Type: Direct drive motors are preferred for DJing because they offer fast start-up times, precise control, and durability. High torque is especially important for electronic music genres that demand tight beatmatching and quick cueing.
Pitch Control Range: Electronic music often involves mixing tracks with varying BPMs. A wide pitch control range allows for more creative freedom and smoother transitions between tracks. Look for turntables that offer at least ±8% pitch range, with some models offering up to ±50%.
Durability: Turntables used for DJing need to be built to withstand regular use, travel, and vibration in high-energy environments. Models like the Technics SL-1200 MK7 and Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 are known for their robustness.
Compatibility with Digital Systems: Many electronic music DJs integrate digital tools into their performances. Turntables like the Reloop RP-8000 MK2 offer hybrid analog-digital features, giving you more flexibility in your sets.
Conclusion
For DJs focused on electronic music, the Technics SL-1200 MK7, Pioneer DJ PLX-1000, and Reloop RP-8000 MK2 are standout choices in 2024. Each turntable offers unique features that cater to the demands of mixing, beatmatching, and experimenting with different sounds within the vast world of electronic music. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves vinyl or a hybrid DJ who incorporates digital elements into your set, one of these turntables will undoubtedly elevate your performance.
By understanding your style, the environment you perform in, and your technical needs, you can select the perfect turntable to deliver unforgettable electronic music sets!
