The 10 Best Turntables for Scratching (2023)
As a fellow vinyl lover, I understand the thrill of finding the perfect turntable to transform your scratching sessions into something truly remarkable. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the art of scratching or a seasoned pro ready to take your skills to the next level, a good turntable will satisfy your scratching needs.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite 10 turntables for scratching. Each one is carefully selected for its durability, precision, and overall performance. With precision engineering and advanced technology, they deliver crisp and clear audio, allowing you to hear every scratch and beat with utmost clarity. They are designed to enhance your scratching experience by providing excellent tracking and reducing skipping, ensuring that you can perform your best every time.
My main-choice turntable is the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable as it is a high-torque, direct-drive turntable that produces a warm, clear analog sound.
As for the budget alternative, I recommend Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK, an easy-to-use turntable with fully automatic operation and a great value-for-price ratio.
Contents
- The Best Turntables for Scratching (2023) – At a Glance
- 1. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable
- 2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
- 3. Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Professional Turntable
- 4. Reloop RP-8000 mkII Serato Compatible Turntable
- 5. Numark PT01 Scratch Portable DJ Turntable
- 6. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct Drive Turntable
- 7. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable
- 8. Reloop 4000 MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable
- 9. Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable
- 10. Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Direct Drive Turntable
- What is a Turntable for Scratching?
- Buyers Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Best Turntables for Scratching (2023) – At a Glance
Now let’s move on to the full list:
1. Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable
Pioneer DJ PLX-500 is a great turntable with excellent sound quality and versatile features. It has a USB feature that easily connects to your PC or Mac, letting you change your treasured vinyl records into digital files. Even in the digital era, the rich and clear analog sound the device preserves keeps vinyl relevant.
DJs and sound fanatics should note: The set, including the headshell, cartridge, and stylus, enabled an excellent sound reproduction that I greatly liked. Also, the sturdy, high-speed direct drive ensures a consistent, problem-free listening experience. Plus, mixing and scratching records is an easy job that’s sure to get people on their feet.
Lastly, for all vinyl collectors. While some customers have questioned the device’s longevity by reporting cases of ill-fitting parts and performance inconsistencies, the design’s robustness is still appreciable. It promises superior vibration control, giving you exact sound reproduction. The added bonus is the stylish dust cover that also showcases your unique record art—combining beauty and practicality.
Pros
- Easy to use and set up
- High-quality sound
- Suitable for both DJ and home use
- Comes with a USB for digital recordings
- Good value for the price
- Includes adapter for 45 EP records
- Comes with headshell, cartridge, and stylus
- Optional turntable cover doubles as a record sleeve stand
- Compact
- Built with a superior 3-phase, brushless DC motor
Cons
- The dust cover only stays up in the full position
- The turntable is fully manual
- No auto drop for the arm
Specs
- Motor: Direct Drive Motor
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Aluminum
- Pitch Control: ±8%
- USB: Type B
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo (fixed cable)
- Digital Outputs: USB
- Preamplifier: Yes
- Digital Recording: Yes
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a simple and efficient turntable with fully automatic operation. It uses an automatic belt drive system for high-quality sound that may even surprise you, considering its competitive price. Many have noted its durability and exceptional bass tones, setting a new standard for turntables.
One of my favorite benefits is that you can replace the needle instead of the entire component when it wears out. This approach can save you money and extend the life of your music player, which is also a sustainable tactic praised by environmental enthusiasts.
On the downside, the build quality of the turntable may disappoint some due to its use of plastic materials. Many have said that this lowers its appearance of long-term durability.
In short, Audio-Technica AT-LP60X is a great cost-effective turntable for beginner DJs and for musicians who don’t want to spend a fortune for their scratching adventures due to its great value-for-price ratio, easy-to-use automatic design, and anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter.
Pros
- Good vinyl audio
- Fully automatic operations with two different speeds
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter for improved tracking
- External AC/DC conversion for reduced noise
- Comes with a detachable RCA output cable and 45 RPM adapter
- User-friendly, suitable for beginners
- Good value for money.
- Removable hinged dust cover.
Cons
- Made of plastic
- Lack of cartridge tension adjustment
- Not suitable for those seeking a really high-end audio experience
Specs
- Motor: Belt
- Speeds: 33 – 45
- Platter: Aluminum
- USB: –
- Analog Outputs: 1/8″ TRS.(phono/line)
- Preamplifier: Yes
- Cartridge Included: ATN3600L
3. Technics SL-1210GR Direct Drive Professional Turntable
In the world of turntables, Technics is Ferrari. As such, you won’t expect anything less than the ultra-quality item from them. The SL-1210GR is the younger brother of the legendary SL-1210, one of the top-of-the-line turntables.
Technics SL-1210GR has a 2.5kg cast aluminum casing with special polymer additions that enable fewer vibrations and better sound quality. It also has an S-arm with pipe and advanced suspension for ultimate precision.
The drive is a direct drive, coreless motor specially designed for the ultimate speed and torque but without vibrations to the platter. All in all, this is one of the best turntables out there, and for a good reason.
There is not much to say against this turntable, and it is an ideal feature for any DJ. The only thing to say is that it is a highly professional product with a pretty high price. But, if you are serious about scratching and DJing, Technics SL-1210GR is one of the best turntables you can ever get.
Pros
- Smooth, stable playback from coreless direct drive brushless DC motor
- High-sensitivity aluminum S-shape tonearm
- Pre-installed Audio-Technica cartridge for high fidelity
- Auto-Lifter reduces wear on records and stylus
- Sleek, minimalist, elegant design and high-quality operation
- Great vibration isolation
- Durable and sturdy
Cons
- Pricey
Specs
- Motor: Direct Drive Motor
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Die-cast Aluminum
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%
- USB: –
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo
- Digital Outputs: –
- Preamplifier: –
- Cartridge Included: No
4. Reloop RP-8000 mkII Serato Compatible Turntable
Reloop RP-8000 mkII Serato Compatible Turntable has awesome technology and cool features that really make it stand out for DJs. It has a strong build and high-tech features like the Platter Play Mode, MIDI features, great Serato integration, and 8 midi-controllable drum pads.
The Platter Playmdoe is great as it lets you control how fast the platter spins, so you can make melodies and perform real music. Plus, it has ±8%, ±16%, and ±50% pitch control options, adding more versatility to the device.
I also liked how easily it works with other devices. It’s made to be used with Serato DJ Pro, and it also works well with any MIDI-compatible dj software. You can even connect to two mixers simultaneously and switch from DVS to vinyl without any trouble. You don’t find that kind of flexibility every day.
It is a great device for serious DJs but note that you will need the Serato Pro to take advantage of all the features of the device. And I would not recommend this turntable to beginners as it may be too complicated with its advanced features.
Pros
- Advanced features for professional DJs
- Seamless integration with Serato DJ Pro, appreciated by customers.
- Performance pad controls
- Sturdy construction
- High torque motor
- Platter Play mode for creative control
- High versatility
- High-precision pitch section with digital fader
- Can connect to 2 mixers simultaneously
Cons
- Not particularly beginner-friendly due to advanced features
Specs
- Motor: Direct Drive Motor
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Die-cast Aluminum
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%, ±50%
- USB: Type B, Type A
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo (phono), Dual RCA Stereo (line)
- Features: Serato DJ Pro integration, Performance Pads
- Digital Outputs: –
- Preamplifier: –
- Cartridge Included: No
5. Numark PT01 Scratch Portable DJ Turntable
With Numark PT01 Scratch Portable DJ Turntable, you can enjoy traveling while making music with your feature-packed turntable. Measuring just about 12 inches, it’s easy to carry and doesn’t sacrifice quality. It comes with a handle, perfect for DJs who are always on the move.
Don’t worry if it’s small; it can play all sizes of vinyl at three speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM). One thing that impressed me was the Scratch Slide Switch, that’s flexible for right or left-handed people. This certainly beats traditional DJ equipment restrictions.
Also, it’s loaded with extra features that really excited me. It comes with an auxiliary port, RCA connectors, and an onboard interface that works with both Macs and PCs. Everyone is catered to. It even includes a cartridge, removable slip mat, and dust cover – ideal for both newbies and pros.
Furthermore, it has a battery power option as well as built-in speakers for extra portability. However, the built-in speakers are not the best quality, so you will need extra speakers for high-quality sound. Overall, it is a great turntable for musicians on the road.
Pros
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- AC adapter or batteries.
- Scratch Slide Switch.
- RCA outputs for external speakers
- Cartridge, removable slip-mat, and protective dust cover
- Carrying handle for easy transport
- Compatible with headphones, smartphones, and speakers
Cons
- The plastic material may not be as durable
- No pre-amps for those who prefer varying sounds
Specs
- Motor: Belt
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Die-cast Aluminum
- Pitch Control: ±10%
- USB: Type B
- Analog Inputs: 1/8″ TRS (aux in)
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo, 1/4″ (headphones), 1/8″ (headphones)
- Features: Built-in Speaker, Battery Power
- Preamplifier: No
- Cartridge Included: Yes
6. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct Drive Turntable
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct Drive Turntable offers amazingly clear sound and the option to convert your analog sound to digital. What I like about this player is its high-quality sound with the Direct-Drive DC Servo Motor that improves the music experience for both newbie vinyl listeners and matured ones allowing you to capture every detail of your songs.
The clever analog-to-digital conversion function lets you easily turn your favorite records into digital files. Using the provided Audacity software, compatible with both Mac and PC, you can literally carry your classic hits in your pocket.
The one downside I noticed about this product is its setup. The instructions given are unclear, which makes it hard to install, and may make users search for help online or elsewhere. Also, it lacks the automatic arm return, which could prevent damage to vinyls, making your life easier.
This music player comes with plenty of customizable features to cater to any sound preference. The adjustable pitch control with quartz speed stability means you can control the speed for best performance. This is not an average turntable; it caters to a range of music styles with options for 33/45/78 RPM speeds.
The balanced S-shaped tonearm reduces tracking errors, and the configurable dynamic anti-skate control enhances sound accuracy. These combined features create a beautiful sound, all working together to play your perfect soundtrack.
Pros
- High-fidelity sound quality
- Vinyl records to digital format
- USB output allowing direct PC connection
- Features a DC servo direct-drive motor
- Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and selectable phono preamplifier
- Offers 33/45/78 RPM speeds
- Balanced S-shaped tonearm with hydraulically damped lift control
- Comes with a removable hinged dust cover
Cons
- No automatic arm return
- Set-up instructions could be clearer
- Tracking and balancing the tone arm can be difficult
- Could have done with more connection options
Specs
- Motor: Direct
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Die-cast Aluminum
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%
- USB: Type B
- Analog Inputs: 1/8″ TRS (aux in)
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo
- Preamplifier: Yes
- Cartridge Included: AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge
7. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable
As someone who enjoys great sound quality, I like Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable’s classic analog signal, which provides excellent audio. It’s nice to see a device that perfectly nods to sound playback’s origins.
The high-torque platter with heavy-mass zinc chassis offers great options for scratching, and hot starts sound amazingly precise. It’s heartening to know that the makers have put thought into the turntable’s lower part, enhancing it with dense resin and a sturdy base that absorbs vibration. This ensures sounds are accurate and clear.
On the downside, it does not feature a cartridge and lacks the 78 RPM option. I would have liked to see those features for the price offered, which would increase the device’s versatility significantly.
Another feature I liked is how you can adjust the speed of this turntable. I love the idea of having control of speed variations right in my hands, with possibilities of ±8%, ±16%, and ±50%, and a button for quick speed changes. This is surely something DJs and vinyl fans would appreciate.
Pros
- Superior sound quality
- Excellent build quality with metal construction
- Easy set-up, enjoyable for beginners
- High-torque direct drive provides stable rotation and control
- Interchangeable power and audio cables for easy replacement
- Comes with multi-pitch control for adjusting track speed
- Low vibration and external noise due to heavy-mass zinc chassis
- Compatible with different cartridge types for versatile usage
- Lower resonance and vibration due to its weight
Cons
- No built-in cartridge
- No hinge cover
Specs
- Motor: Direct-Drive Analog
- Speeds: 33 – 45
- Platter: Aluminium
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%, ±50%
- USB: –
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo
- Preamplifier: –
- Cartridge Included: –
8. Reloop 4000 MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable
Reloop 4000 MK2 Direct Drive DJ Turntable is a great turntable specially created for DJs, offering high-quality performance and a great design with enhanced functions. Users love its excellent sound and good price point, noting that it competes well with, or even beats, more expensive turntables in terms of performance.
The outstanding direct drive high torque motor plays a big part in why this turntable is highly rated. It impressively offers a high torque of over 1.8 kg/cm, delivering each beat in perfect timing. Whether you’re playing a classic tune or the latest hit, my research found this turntable never misses a beat.
The redesigned top panel of the MK2 version has also won many fans. It looks stylish and enhances the feel with its glossy metal buttons. These buttons give you the advantage of controlling your beats without any complicated knob-twisting.
Reverse play isn’t just a fun feature, as it opens up new possibilities for DJs. You’re not only able to play records in the usual way but can impress your audience by playing tracks backward.
On the cons part, it lacks a dust cover, and the needle’s quality could be better for the price offered. The setup process may be a bit complicated for total beginners as it requires a preamp.
Besides those minor issues, it is a great turntable for scratching and DJing with solid construction and enhanced features.
Pros
- High-torque direct drive turntable
- Top panel design with enhanced tactile buttons
- Statically balanced s-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating
- Comes with an OM Black pick-up system
- Improved damping for vibration isolation
- Value for money
Cons
- No dustcover
- Not the best needle
- Not very suitable for beginners
Specs
- Motor: Direct
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Aluminum Die-cast
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%
- USB: –
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo
- Preamplifier: No
- Cartridge Included: Ortofon OM Black pickup
9. Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP Direct-Drive Professional DJ Turntable
Audio-Technica ATLP1240USBXP is known for its top-notch design, strong structure, and great sound. It’s worth the cost, making it a good swap for Technics turntables for active and mobile DJs and for music lovers at home. It’s fun using this turntable for DJing purposes as well as to play vinyl records, plus it has a cool mix of old and new looks.
One important feature is its powerful motor. It’s made to start up quickly and keep a steady speed, with no noise. This shows the fine engineering it’s made from, which really impresses me. Its USB feature is also great. It allows mixing old-school vinyl with digital convenience. This makes changing LP to digital easy, so it’s an ideal choice for those who want reliability and performance.
I really liked the S-shaped tonearm, especially as you can adjust the tracking force and anti-skate settings. This makes it perform super well every time you play a record.
It is not the most affordable turntable, as it is a mid-range option, but if you have the budget and are serious about DJing, it is one of the best turntables you can find without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Professional build
- Quick start-up and high-speed stability
- Adjustable settings, including pitch control and start/stop button
- USB output for easy LP-to-digital conversion
- High-quality sound output
- Improved built-in switchable phono pre-amp
- Audio-Technica AT-XP5 DJ phono cartridge.
- DJ features like speed indicators and removable stylus target light
Cons
- A bit pricey
- No automatic arm lift feature
- Not the easiest setup process
Specs
- Motor: Direct
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Aluminum Die-cast
- Pitch Control: ±10%, ±20%
- USB: Type B
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo
- Preamplifier: Yes
- Cartridge Included: AT-XP5 phono cartridge
10. Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Direct Drive Turntable
The Reloop RP-7000 is a strong and reliable professional DJ turntable, mostly due to its sturdy direct drive. The motor control stands out because it keeps the rotation steady, stops annoying glitches, and makes the sound clear. I also think the heavy body structure is ideal for DJing as it makes the turntable stable, which in turn improves the sound.
The RP-7000 MK2 model is even better because you can change the height of the tonearm. This means you can use different types of vinyl records and get the best sound out of them. I also like that it has a feature to stop the needle from sliding so your music doesn’t get interrupted by skips and jumps.
Designed for club DJs and turntablists, it offers great scratching performance. This is mostly due to the hydraulically lifted, balanced S-shaped tonearm and an anti-skating feature that keeps everything running smoothly.
The lack of a ground lift switch and a dust cover are the down parts, but they are far from being dealbreakers. Furthermore, the platter has a tendency to stutter while scratching, which does let the product down a bit.
Overall, it is a great turntable with a solid base and reliable performance for any serious DJ.
Pros
- Robust and sturdy build
- Power-torque direct drive ensuring stable rotation
- Adjustable tone arm base (VTA) and Anti-skating control
- Extra-heavy body design enhances damping, isolation, and sound
- Clear sound.
- Good performance while scratching and back-cueing records
Cons
- The platter can stutter while pulling back the record too quickly
- Lacks dust cover and needle set
Specs
- Motor: Direct
- Speeds: 33 – 45 – 78
- Platter: Aluminum Die-cast
- Pitch Control: ±8%, ±16%, ±50%
- USB: Type B
- Analog Outputs: Dual RCA Stereo (phono/line)
- Preamplifier: Yes
- Cartridge Included: No
What is a Turntable for Scratching?
A turntable for scratching is a specialized record player used by DJs to manipulate vinyl records with their hands, creating unique scratching, mixing, and sound effects. It usually includes features like a high-torque motor, adjustable pitch control, and a durable stylus for precise scratching.
Buyers Guide
Understanding Turntables for Scratching
Constructing a beat on turntables through the classic technique known as “Scratching” is an art form notorious within the DJ and hip-hop community. It involves moving a vinyl record back and forth on the turntable to create rhythmic sounds. Whether you’re practicing a new mix or performing live at a disco club, having the right turntable for scratching can make a significant impact on your performance.
Direct Drive vs. Belt Drive
In the world of turntables, the debate often centers around direct drive and belt drive models. Direct drive turntables have their platter connected directly to the motor, resulting in superior torque, speed stability, and quicker start-stop times, features highly favored in scratching.
On the other hand, belt drive turntables are known for their reduced vibration and better sound quality, though they lack the torque and fast start-stop times desirable in a scratching turntable.
The Impact of Vinyl on Scratching
The transfer of sound through needle and vinyl creates a distinct audio quality that appeals to many DJs. Although digital controllers have grown in popularity, many, like the classic analog enthusiast, still prefer the tactile experience that comes with scratching on vinyl over a digital control surface.
Things To Look For In Turntables For Scratching
Important features to consider when purchasing a scratch turntable include the type of turntable, tonearm stability, torque, durability, and cartridge quality.
- Type of Turntable: Turntables come in two main types, direct-drive and belt-drive. Direct-drive turntables are generally more suited for scratching as they allow for accurate speed control and quicker start/stop times.
- Tonearm Stability: A sturdy, high-quality tonearm is crucial for scratching, as it needs to maintain contact with the record surface even during fast and aggressive movements.
- Torque: Higher torque ensures a more consistent and sturdy rotation speed which is significant for DJs who perform scratching.
- Durability: Scratching is a rough activity, and it can easily damage turntables; thus, buying a turntable with robust build quality is essential to resist wear and tear.
- Cartridge Quality: A good quality cartridge is important for effective scratching. It should hold the groove well when moving back and forth without skipping or jumping out of the groove.
Scratching on Digital vs. Analog Turntables
While purists may argue in favor of analog scratching—for its raw and organic feel—digital turntables have made significant advancements, offering a variety of performance modes and benefits, such as easy recording and MIDI compatibility.
Scratching Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting in the scratching world, you can become just overcome with different styles and techniques of scratching. In this video, you can find the basics very nicely explained, which you can later build and improve.
Some quick tips for beginners:
- Try and practice as often as you can
- Get to know everything about your turntable and what every button and slider does
- Don’t press on the record with all your force – it’s bad for the drive and also bad for the record as well
- Try and build your record collection, like the ones you use regularly will eventually get too scratched for playing
- Find new practices and advice online and observe what the best DJs are doing while they scratch so that you can get to that level eventually.
FAQs
How important is the cartridge on a scratching turntable?
The cartridge is crucial for optimal sound quality and tracking accuracy while scratching. It’s recommended to choose a model specifically designed for scratching, known for its excellent performance in this application.
Can I use any type of vinyl record for scratching?
Ideally, you should use records specifically made for scratching, commonly called “battle” or “scratch” vinyl. These records are thicker, have a rougher surface, and can withstand repetitive back-and-forth movements during scratching without significant wear.
Is there a specific setup required for a turntable used for scratching?
To have an optimal scratching setup, make sure your turntable is placed on a stable surface to reduce vibrations, use a slipmat on the platter for improved control, and adjust the vertical tracking force and anti-skate settings according to the specifications of your cartridge to avoid skipping or damaging your records.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my fellow scratching enthusiasts, we have come to the end of our journey through the world of turntables. We’ve explored the top ten contenders, each with its own unique features and capabilities. From the flashy to the sleek and the classic to the modern, these turntables have proven themselves worthy contenders in the art of scratching.
But amidst the crowd of contenders, one turntable stands out as the frontrunner in this race. My main recommended turntable is the Pioneer DJ PLX-500 Direct Drive Turntable. With its high-torque design and warm analog sound, this deck is perfect for vinyl enthusiasts and those looking to start their scratching journey.
For the budget pick, I suggest Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK, a cost-effective and easy-to-use turntable that shines with its built-in preamp, improved tracking and reduced resonance, and affordable price.
