Turntables or decks have been around for decades and the technology has improved dramatically over this time. Although many manufacturers create different models of decks there are essentially two different designs; belt driven turntables and direct drive turntables.
There are different kinds of turntables on the market which are made by a host of manufacturers such as Technics, Numark, Gemini, Stanton, Kam and Vestax.
If you are looking to buy a set of decks make sure you read the rest of this article, as it will help to inform you of what type of turntables there are available to you and a description of how they work.
Belt Driven Turntables
If you would like to become a DJ, but find that your funds are low, then a cheaper alternative to get you started could be to buy some Belt Driven Turntables.
This type of turntable is seriously limited in its uses and should only be a temporary measure especially if your aim is to become a professional DJ.
The turntable platter (the plate you put the record on) is connected to the motor with a rubber belt, which when activated spins to play your record.
The belt drive is ok for basic mixing and gives the operator (learner DJ) the ability to speed up and slow down their records in order mix music in synch with another turntable. These decks are definitely not suitable for scratching.
Direct Drive Turntables
Direct drive turntables are what the professionals use to mix music and scratch with. The motor is connected directly to the centre of the platter, which means the motors power (torque) is much stronger and is distributed much more effectively.
The quality of your Direct Drive Turntables will vary depending on how much you pay for them, as the price goes up, the motor (and other components inside) gets more expensive, and the torque and quality gets better.
Using Decks to Scratch
In theory it's possible to scratch with records on any decks, however it's not advisable to do this on belt driven turntables or turntables that have weak motors.
Scratching exerts a lot of pressure on decks motors, and therefore it's advisable that you buy turntables that are direct drive.
Direct drive turntables have strong motors which lets them cope with the punishment you will inflict on them whilst trying to perfect your scratching abilities.