FAQ - Decks -
everything you need to know about DJ decks
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1) Platter
The main part of the turntable, this is usually made of metal and is where the slipmat and record sit on. Direct drive decks will rotate the platter directly from the motor. |
2) Tone arm
Shown is an 'S' shape arm, this is most common. The straight tone armed decks are more suitable for scratching. On either end are the counterweight and headshell. |
3) Headshell
On all DJ decks, the headshell is a standard part and completely interchangeable. This has the cartridge and stylus attached. Some cartridges have an intergrated headshell, this will simply attach to the tone arm of any DJ deck. |
4) Counterweight
This weight screws on to the back of the tonearm to balance the weight of the headshell. Too much pressure on the headhsell means the stylus eats in to the vinyl and sound is affected. Too little weight leads to skipping and reduced tracking of the needle. Each cartridge and stylus requires a slightly different setup, the numbered dial on the counterweight helps set it accordingly. |
5) Pitch control
An essential part of the DJ's turntable. This speeds up and slows down the platter. The 'standard' pitch range is regarded as 8%, some turntables have variable pitch range which allows you to adjust by upto + or - 50% on certain models. |
6) Anti Skate
The Anti Skate is setting to tighten the tone arm if it starts to pull inwards towards the center. It essentially pulls it back out again. |
