Turntablism

music · dj · vinyl records · creativity

Two turntables work together. Turntablists use two or more turntables at the same time, cueing up different records to blend sounds and create something completely new.

Hands do the magic. By moving the record with their hands, turntablists can move the needle to exact spots, slow down the music, speed it up, or even spin it backwards to make wild sound effects.

Headphones help plan ahead. Turntablists wear headphones to listen to the next record they want to play before the audience hears it, so they can time everything perfectly.

The mixer controls everything. A special mixer lets the turntablist adjust the volume, tone, and balance between turntables using controls called a cross-fader, gain, and equalization buttons.

The whole crowd hears it. The mixer plugs into a PA system so everyone at a party, radio station, or concert can hear the turntablist's creative mix.