Do DJs Still Use Vinyl? (Old vs New)

DJing with Vinyl requires different skills and equipment than a laptop or DJ controller and is widely considered its art form. But the question arises: Do DJs still use Vinyl? So, the answer is yes. While the club industry has largely shifted away from turntable DJing, learning how to mix with records gives DJs an edge. 

It doesn’t mean that turntable djing has vanished; vinyl records may be expensive, but the latest DJing tools perform faster.

Who invented Vinyl?

In 1887, German-American inventor Emile Berliner developed lateral-cut flat discs to be played on the gramophone, similar in use and appearance to the vinyl records we know today. Emile Berliner with an early gramophone and lateral-cut flat disc record. Image in the public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Vinyl DJ set

DJing with vinyl records is also preferable. Vinyl DJing is considered a trustworthy method of DJing. Many of the controllers and MP3 music players were invented in the 90s era or early 2000s. But in the current generation, DJs use controllers and laptops for performing. Most DJs use a couple of vinyl records to boost up the performance.

However, people don’t use Vinyl as they used to, but that doesn’t mean people don’t love it. A true DJs doesn’t forget the industry roots because Vinyl is an emotion for them and an easily available option for the DJ if he wants to feel nostalgia.

People’s Connection with Vinyl

Playing tracks on Vinyl is an art. The older generation knows the art of Vinyl. Most of the DJs have an emotional connection with Vinyl. The 90s and 80s generation is known as the peak era of DJing. If you ask them about Vinyl, it is possible that they remember Vinyl. They will tell you about all the nostalgic memories of the Vinyl, how they used to play and how they enjoyed it.

Vinyl is technically better.

Vinyl is technically better because most of the DJs gave the reviews that vinyl records are simple to use and clean and smooth. Vinyl has more profound bass effects than mp3s or other digital music devices with Vinyl. 

The specifications as mentioned earlier are familiar to all the DJs that use turntables. Turntables were very popular in the ’60s and ’80s. The “Technis 12000 model” was at the boom in the late 70s. All the DJs have adopted this model to perform better. 

Old-generation DJs become pros at Vinyl by doing much practice at that time. They acquired different skills such as beat matching, mixing, scratching, and beat juggling. They also acquired great technical skills such as stabbing with the track, crabbing, tearing, screwing and chopping. You can make a combination of effects by using different DJ software. There are several reasons for which you learn Vinyl.

Hearing of the mixing

Ears are essential because you must ensure the mix has been done correctly by the Vinyl. If the output sound is slightly disturbed or the frequency is up or down, your ears can detect it. But if the DJ is using the Sync button, you will need help to notice the mix.

A famous maxim says, “Vinyl is the treatment for your ear.”

Be Selective

Nowadays, there are many options like Soundcloud or different downloading options. But in the vinyl case, you have limited means, cost, and space in the record box. If you play wax, you can only carry 50 to 100 tracks. Ultimately, if you play Vinyl daily, you will become a pro to it and also carry all your music stuff more professionally.

Sound Quality

I am not comparing analogue and digital. Vinyl produces analogue sound waves. Vinyl has distinct sound production from others. If you master the Vinyl, you can press or play it according to your music taste so that the sound production will be better. It all depends on your learning and practice of how you handle it. Nonetheless, it’s important to consider the costs of additional components such as powered speakers, amplifiers, and preamps when estimating the total price of a DJ turntable vinyl .

Are Speakers necessary for Vinyl?

While it is possible to hear music directly from the stylus as it tracks the grooves, the sound quality will be significantly diminished, lacking the fullness, depth, and clarity that makes vinyl records so beloved. This is why vinyl players with speakers are highly recommend for an optimal listening experience. 

Conclusions

Vinyl has its vibe. The 80s or 90s better know the importance of Vinyl. They used to play to enjoy their leisure time. The older DJs set the environment to make the people want. People usually love Vinyl, but that doesn’t mean they hate turntables. Turntables are also important in their way. People have an emotional contact with Vinyl. The ’80s and ’90s were the peak times of DJing and concerts. The listener can easily detect the output is coming from Vinyl. The sound quality is also good in Vinyl. In the end, I discussed that DJ still uses Vinyl and answered the question: Do DJs still use Vinyl?

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