Setup Tips for Scratching and Mixing Make sure the turntable is placed on a solid base or stand to prevent side-to-side movement during scratching. A solid surface will absorb heavy vibrations and help eliminate feedback (which results as rumble through the mixer). Always check to make sure that your turntable is level (horizontal). A turntable that is not level is likely to skip and cause playback issues. https://twitter.com/vibelots Most turntables can be leveled by adjusting the four feet independently on the bottom of the turntable (rotate feet until turntable lies horizontally). Set the anti-skate control to “0” when scratching, anti-skate helps keep the needle centered in the groove during forward playback. As the needle pushes up against the groove of the record, anti-skate pushes the styli back into the center of the groove. However, while back spinning or scratching, this force will cause the needle to jump out of groove and skip. For this reason you should always leave anti-skate on “0” while scratching. Break in (“breaking in” a cartridge means loosening / exercising the suspension) your cartridge suspension by placing the needle on a locked groove (a groove which never ends found on most scratch/battle records) and playing the record on 33 RPM for 15-minute intervals. Simply leaving the needle in groove overnight or for extended amounts of time may also break in the suspension. If your needle shows excess “wobble” or moves back and forth too much during scratching, your stylus suspension has too much weight on it. If you have a headshell mountable cartridge, check to make sure you do not have a headshell weight installed on your cartridge. If you have an integrated cartridge body, try removing some weight from the back of the tonearm. Some scratch DJs will angle their cartridges 23 degrees on the headshell. Note: Angle outward on S-shaped tonearms (this will emulate the angle of a straight tone-arm and help the needle hold the groove better). Angle inward on straight tonearms this will emulate the placement of an S-arm for fidelity (sound quality). Despite popular belief, it is NOT recommended to reverse the weight of the tonearm. When this is done it defeats the purpose of a proper setup (notice the numbers on the correct side of the tonearm weight). By overweighing the cartridge you actually damage both the styli (needle) and the record. Only reverse the weight on the tonearm if you cannot get the needle to hold the groove otherwise. Do not use records with worn, oversized or off-center holes. This will allow side-to-side movement, which will result in skipping. The problem can be corrected by placing a small piece of tape over the hole on one side. Cut a small “X” in the center of the hole area and fold the flaps down into the hole to tighten the fit. Badly worn vinyl may require a second layer of tape. Keep your needles and vinyl clean with Stanton’s VC-1 vinyl cleaner and SC-4 needle cleaner. More about electric guitars
Sound Decision #21
PASSIONATE, INTELLIGENT, UNIQUE, and CREATIVE are the words that describe you. For that is the reason why you are reading this. That is what brought you here. Many people want to do what you do, but not many people DO what you do. You are the ARTIST, you are the ENTERTAINER, and when someone says, “The show must go on.” you are the SHOW. You are a trendsetter and without you the world would be a dull and colorless place. You write the hottest songs. You record the hottest songs. You play the hottest songs. You are the epitome of the phrase “M.C.” because you MOVE THE CROWD. Even if you are the person who mounted that light fixture, created that light show, or made sure the mic levels were perfect for the “star” of the show, remember, the “star” wouldn’t be able to shine without you. You are part of a culture that revolves around music, entertainment, and artistic expression.
All of us at PSSL.com are part of that same culture. We are studio engineers, sound techs, DJ’s, beat-makers, musicians, lighting directors, artists, and fans of music. WE ARE YOU. We understand what it takes to live your passion. We go through the same struggles and successes. We can RELATE. Whether you are just beginning or if you are a veteran, we are here to provide you with the tools you need to SUCCEED. No, we are not a chain of stores and for many of you we are on the opposite coast. https://www.facebook.com/VibeLots/ But, one thing is for sure. It is the strong, lasting, relationships that we have built with clients like you, throughout the country and the world, that has kept us going strong, and continually growing for the past THIRTY-ONE years. So, as long as you continue on your journey to be the best at your craft, we will be here for you every step of the way.
electric guitars 