Many people are considering the option of going into sampling and DJing, requiring them to carry out heavy research on turntables. As a producer or DJ, sampling is a crucial part of your work, and even though you might have no idea about sampling, you will learn what it is all about sooner or later.
Nevertheless, when shopping for turntables, you should shop for a turntable that will make your job more comfortable. AS a DJ or producer, you will desire your turntable to do compared to any other person. You will want something affordable, will allow you to sample vinyl records without much stress.
You will want a turntable that has a strong motor and tonearm, durable, and can produce the right torque amount. With the emphasis on affordability, we have decided to bring you our 5 best cheap turntables for sampling.
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Buying Guide And Recommendation
Sampling is a unique aspect of music production, with so many producers going into it nowadays. Through sampling, you can get an old vinyl record and create a hit from it. The only problem people face is making the right choice on the best cheap turntable because of the numerous turntable products on the market.
This guide will show you the top-rated and affordable turntables, ways to sample a vinyl record, factors to consider before purchasing any sampler, and tips to improve your sampling game.
Factors To Consider When Shopping For A Turntable
Drive Belt Or Direct Drive Turntable
Knowing what type of turntable you want to settle for is probably the most critical factor you should consider before deciding on a turntable. However, whatever kind of turntable you decide on depends on your personal choice or preference.
These two types of turntables have no sound difference, but most people prefer to settle for the direct-drive turntable because it is the best choice for scratching. If you intend sampling and scratching, the direct drive turntables are the best option you should pick.
Shift And Pitch Control
You will find the shift and pitch control features mostly in a direct drive turntable. These features are useful in changing a turntable’s speed so it can perfectly sync with the pitch.
There are turntables with pitch control designs, and your turntable will perform great if it has a higher pitch-shifting range. It also provides much space for correction and for you to try out some other skills.
Torque Power
You should settle for a turntable that offers more torque if you need your turntable for scratching and sampling. Having a higher torque power means quickly recovering despite being stopped by manual manipulations while playing a vinyl record.
Magnetic Cartridge
The essential part of any record player is the magnetic cartridge, and considered the most vital part; it houses the needle. Every record player has a needle, and the needle’s essence is to register records when producing audio sounds.
You should ensure that whatever turntable you are going for is of high quality, and it will not be wise to spend so much money on a turntable that has no needle or magnetic cartridge.
Your Budget
How much you desire to spend is the next factor you should consider. Your budget needs critical consideration regardless of whatever you want to buy, so you might consider splashing more cash on something suitable and durable if you desire to go for a higher quality turntable.
Durability
How stable the construction is of any turntable you intend to go for is another factor you should consider. You should also consider if the turntable will generate a lot of torque if it comes with a high-powered motor. The turntable comes with a needle capable of accurately providing pitch and tracks. We are trying to say that you should go for a turntable that will not breakdown anytime soon after purchase.
How Many Start Buttons Should It Have
You will find just a start button on some turntables, while you might see two start buttons on others. The only difference is the turntables with two start buttons is find it easy to adapt to various configurations and setup.
Selecting the kind of turntable you want is a personal choice you have to make. Going for the turntable with two start buttons is an excellent option because it provides more flexibility and working opportunities.
Top 5 Best Cheap Turntable For Sampling Reviews
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
When talking about a widely and commonly used turntable, the Audio Technica AT-LP60 turntable fits the description. We all know that any product from the Audio Technica brand already means it is a high-quality product.
Telling you the Audio Technica brand makes high-quality products isn’t just any statement, but one backed up with facts from past products the Audio Technica brand has ever made. You have no reason to doubt the quality of the Audio Technica AT-LP60 turntable, and this turntable comes with the outstanding features that you will require your turntable to possess.
You will find a USB output on this turntable, enabling users to connect this turntable directly to a PC or computer. It comes with an in-built preamp that permits connecting this turntable with powered speakers, home stereo, or PCs. However, this turntable has no dedicated input, and its fully automatic belt designs operate at 45 and 33 1/2 RPM.
The Audio Technica AT-LP60 turntable is one past user have expressed satisfaction over its durability. It boasts of having die-cast aluminum that makes it durable and resistant to rust, and if you want a turntable that will promote your sampling skills, this is the best turntable choice for you.
Specifications
- Brand – Audio Technica
- Item Weight – 12 Ounces
- Color – Silver
- Signal Format – Analog
Key Features
- USB cable and mac
- Belt-driven
- In-built preamp
What We Like
- Great bargain to energize vinyl records
- Perfect for burning vinyl into digital files
- Sounds very good
What We Don’t Like
- Its stop button doesn’t function regularly.
2. Technics SL-1210M5G Pro Turntable
This turntable might not be so cheap like you would expect, but it is still affordable. You will find this turntable aesthetically pleasing when it meets the eye, thanks to its brushed steel hardware and metallic black finish.
Just like we mentioned at the beginning of this review, pitch control is crucial when shopping for a turntable, and pitch control is an essential feature that sets this turntable higher than many other turntables on the market. It comes with a digital pitch control design that makes pitch adjustment easy.
Regarding features, this turntable possesses so many qualities that don’t just make operation easy and ensure excellent and outstanding results. Past users were impressed with its electronic braking system, while its improved tonearm ensures a unique slip resistance performance.
You will rarely find these features on most turntables on the market, and its LED light provides illumination for the stylus and pitch indicator. The LED light also makes working in a dark environment quite convenient for you, while other accessories that it comes with include a manual slip mat, dust cover, and warranty information.
Specifications
- Brand – Technics
- Item Weight – 25.8 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- 78dB Signal to noise ratio
- Anti-skip and kick cancel
- LED light
What We Like
- It offers a better torque
- This turntable offers a higher sound quality
- You’ll enjoy using this turntable for scratching
- It has a solid construction for durability
What We Don’t Like
- Not a cheap turntable
3. Pioneer DJ Direct Drive DJ Turntable
We love the Pioneer DJ Direct Drive DJ turntable because it offers exceptional control and guarantees stable rotation. We also find it interesting that the Pioneer DJ Direct Drive turntable can repel vibrations and resonance thanks to its die-cast and heavy-duty chassis.
Resisting vibrations and resonance is an exciting aspect of this turntable, meaning you can place this turntable on a surface where you have mixers and speakers that vibrate without worrying about your turntable slipping off. You can decrease and increase the tempo of what you are playing using its tempo control option.
One feature that seems to catch the eye of people shopping for the Pioneer DJ Direct Drive turntable is its revert option used in reverting tracks to their original or initial tempo.
Using this turntable also allows you to connect to a power supply and any other audio equipment using its audio cable and interchangeable power. Lastly, delivering unmatched audio quality sounds is what this turntable can provide, while its gold-plated RCA jacks guarantee low impedance.
Specifications
- Brand – Pioneer
- Item Weight – 31.5 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- Multi-tempo control
- Die-cast chassis
- Audio cables
- Interchangeable power
What We Like
- Best for people shopping on a budget
- Loaded with lots of features and quality
- Ideal for scratching
- Durable turntable
- Preferred by some past users to the Technics brand
- Sounds excellent
What We Don’t Like
- It has a tonearm bearing issue.
4. Numark PT01 Scratch Portable Turntable
For people specifically shopping for a belt-driven turntable for sampling, the Numark PT01 Scratch portable turntable is what you need, and this is a cost-effective turntable you can pick. You do not need to download extra drivers when setting up this turntable, and its setup process is also easy and straightforward.
There are some features this turntable possesses that make it easy to use, and these features include, EZ vinyl converter and EZ audio converter. These converters we just mentioned are compatible with Mac and Windows, and what’s more, this is a compact turntable that you can scratch anywhere.
Being portable and lightweight also makes carrying this turntable around easy and convenient. Even though this is an electrically powered turntable, it also runs on six D-cell batteries.
It comes with a USB cord used in connecting this turntable directly to a computer, and its AC power charger powers this turntable up. The essence of using turntables is because of the sounds it produces, and you can count on the Numark PT01 belt-driven turntable to create warm, crisp, and pleasant sounds.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, but you can rely on this turntable to offer you that welcoming beginner experience, thanks to its user-friendly design.
Specifications
- Brand – Numark
- Item Weight – 5.5 Pounds
- Color – Multi-colored
Key Features
- RCA line and headphone output
- Replaceable scratch switch
- USB connection compliant
What We Like
- This turntable offers the best scratching experience for DJ’s
- Easy to use for beginners
- Very affordable
- Designed to send out warm sounds
- Portable and excellent quality build
What We Don’t Like
- Hits and misses sounds sometimes
5. Reloop RP-2000 MK2 Professional Direct Drive USB Turntable System
If you are new to turntables, trust me when I say you will find the Reloop RP-2000 MK2 direct drive turntable amazing. It boasts of having an innovative and revolutionary concept that makes it compete with other higher quality brands.
If you want a turntable that guarantees accurate performance, this is the ideal option for you as it comes with a launch function that delivers precision and accuracy. Durability is another eye-catching feature of this turntable, thanks to its metallic, robust, and sturdy material construction.
You might not find this turntable attractive, but it doesn’t look bad as well. Using this turntable means you will obtain the results you are looking for, and if the results you desire to get from this turntable are bringing pure, warm, and fantastic sounds, you have just hit the jackpot.
Users will enjoy total sound control using its electric motor brake, and if you are a beginner when it comes to sampling, you will find it easy to work with this turntable that comes with a user-friendly interface.
Specifications
- Brand – Reloop
- Item Weight – 14.87 Pounds
- Color – Black
Key Features
- USB audio output
- Precision pitch control
- S-shaped tonearm
What We Like
- Functional turntable
- It comes with awesome pads.
- It has a high audio quality.
- The best turntable for mixing
- It has no lag
- The best option for Hi-Fi listening
- Encourages users to be creative
What We Don’t Like
- This turntable lacks a cartridge and vinyl control option.
Best Cheap Turntable For Sampling Buyer’s Guide
You might think that you need a particular turntable when you want to sample your old vinyl records, but the truth is any turntable for sampling will do the job for you. However, some turntables possess high-quality features that make sampling effortless work for anyone.
Talking about features, having a USB port is one of the primary features a turntable should have, and a USB port is essential for sampling directly from vinyl to a computer. You will also want a turntable capable of delivering impressive audio quality.
If your turntable isn’t capable of providing that exceptional audio quality sound you want, sampling records might turn out bad, which isn’t your purpose for sampling.
Cost is significant too, as we mentioned earlier. You can get a reliable turntable at an affordable price, and you should make sure that you do not spend your money on a turntable with features that you do not need.
Looking at the market today, you will find out that many underperforming turntables sell at a very high price. They are the type of turntables you should stay away from and not spend your money on them because they do not fit your style or work choice.
When shopping for the best cheap turntable for sampling, you will need to narrow down your search, which will require some research on your path. You have nothing to worry about as we have carried out this research for you and come up with the best products you can trust.
Wrapping It Up
Making good music isn’t as easy as it sounds. There is always a need to enhance or spice up your music, and this is where you introduce a sampler. Many producers and DJs sample original sounds because it adds some spice, but you will need to use the right tool to perform sampling well.
The right tool you need to make use of is the best turntable. A turntable or record player’s role is providing impressive audio quality and performing other exceptional functions. Your intended use, mixing style, and budget should be what you focus on because it will point you in the right direction of what turntable you need to select.
If you know what you from a turntable, you will know what turntable to settle for, and that is why you have this review to assist you. With every piece of information that we have passed in this review, you will be able to make a well-informed decision on what turntable you should have.
It will be great if you have it in mind that the turntable you need to settle for should have good audio quality, longevity, and durability. You will need durability because you need a turntable that will survive lots of activities.
Music is the best therapy for the soul and the ear too. If you want to enjoy music therapy, you should get the best turntable to produce the best sounds and sample excellent sounds.
