So, you might have seen the news around the internets that Panasonic (The manufacturer of Technic Turntables) is ending production on the 1200 & 1210′s in February 2010.
My question is WHY?
I understand and realize lots of DJ’s have went “Digital” but seriously…. a real DJ uses every piece of arsenal they have and can find to enhance their performance/music/art. I personally support all the new digital equipment/software coming out and the ability to manipulate sounds on the fly, but I do NOT see them replacing my beloved 1200′s. I see the new breed of digital DJ software as additions to what I currently use. I prefer to incorporate new technology into my current setup to make me a stronger DJ and in return give the crowd a greater experience.
Don’t get me wrong… I understand the impact that Ableton Live has made with some DJ’s & especially Live acts, but why not add all this new technology along with your tables? It seems to me if you take away the tables (or CDJs), you are not really DJ’ing anymore. Anyone can auto mix using the muiltitude of DIY DJ software now available. A real DJ learned on vinyl.
I’ve read the press release about the partnership between Ableton & Serato. So what does that mean for Serato? Serato is controlled thru timecoded records or CD’s. Does this mean we are have to all start using CD’s?? What about the DMC Championships?
I am not sure how true or false this is I just know there’s more and more talk of it and it’s coming basically from down under. Let’s hope these rumors are false. My tone arms are crossed. I hope to update when more information is released.
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5 Comments
I STILL can’t get used the feel of CDJ’s over REAL turntables…specifically Technic 1200′s (all makes and models.) Mind-you they’ve always been a nice “addition” for those “unreleased / exclusive” goodies that you want the masses to hear without having to go back to wait for an acetate (aka “dub plate” for those who don’t know) or test-pressing to come-around, but then again most would argue that we’re in the “digital” age now and that DJ’s are a dime a dozen (very few left of which *I FEEL* are truly-skilled in “mixing”, ESPECIALLY in the EDM realm. Maybe it’s the perfectionist in me, but the few mixes I’ve put together I always thought could have been just a BIT better, but in comparison to some of the God-awful mixes I’ve heard from veteran DJ’s, I don’t think they’re all that bad. A good question to ask: What will the use in the future for DMC Championships?!
Honestly, I haven’t owned a pair of turntables in years, but not because I didn’t want them, I just honestly don’t have the room (nor the budget at the moment) to run-out and buy a pair of 1200′s and a decent DJ mixer…however if I want to archive the MASSIVE amount of vinyl I have, I guess I will need to think about this in the very near future since this is SERIOUS business…
With that said, my vote: “RECORDS, MIXER, TURNTABLES, SPEAKERS” – Bass Junkie “RMTS” on Breakin’ Records…
I have to agree with a lot you said… With the digital age upon us it seems it has become easier to become a “DJ”. However, How many of those DJ’s can truly rock it?? Anybody can make a mix cd or put up mixes on the interwebs can claim to be a DJ but how many od those people can get up in front of a minimum of 1000 people and say they truly rocked it???
I also agree with you, I am a true perfectionist at heart, Hence why I don’t release lots of mixtapes… I would much prefer playing live to a crowd and having it recorded with the hopes that the vibe that I created was able to translate over into a great mix cd.
My question still will always be there…. What is best? I believe the true answer to that is whatever you are confortable with, then rock that shit homey!
As I can agree, there’s NOTHING better then seeing people jamming, dancing, groovin’ and movin’ to your track selection when DJ’ing live. I too would prefer to be recorded “in the mix” then to sit and record a bunch of pre-selected tracks. All the mixes I’ve recorded to date, have been completely spur-of-the-moment and I just went along choosing records as I was mixing (much like I would in a club, minus the crowd reaction.)
Shameless Plug (check out my mixes at Soundcloud):
http://www.soundcloud.com/intellect
Getting back to the topic however, I do say use whatever works for you, but I can only name about 2 handfuls of people in South Florida that I consider GREAT DJ’s who can not only mix on turntables, but more importantly (something which I left out in my previous post), feel a crowd out and make proper “track selections”. One of the SICKEST DJ’s I ever witnessed first hand who knows many genres of EDM music and has “Perfect Timing” (pun intended) when it comes to track selection and mixing (not to mention very under-rated in my humble opinion) is Kimi (STORM) Drakontaidis. I could mention a handful of DJ’s who are good as well, but he is one DJ that has always stood out in my head.
I must say that generally I am really impressed with this blog. After reading your post I can tell you are chuffed about your writing. Keep up the great work and I’ll return for more! Cheers!
I as well am very impressed. I definitely feel your passion for NOT ONLY the music, but the skill behind vinyls! Even though it’s a skill in itself to be ‘digital,’ it still can’t come close to the amount of effort put into vinyl mixing. ‘Digital Mixing’ can be interpreted as prerecorded and somewhat ‘planned out’ (if that makes sense?), whereas vinyl mixing is more (like Adrian said) spur-of-the-moment. It takes maaad skill to get in front of a crowd and make sure your performance is flawless (needles placed in proper location; bpm’s flow well together; organization of what LP goes where and at what time; and to your choosing scratches are rhythmic and on key; etc.)!