Turntablism

Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating new music, sound effects, mixes and other creative sounds and rhythms, usually using two or more turntables and a DJ mix equipped with a cross fader. The mixing console is plugged into a PA system for live events and/or broadcast equipment (if the DJ is performing on radio, television or internet radio) so that a wider audience can hear the turntablist's music. Turntablists manipulate records on a turntable by moving the record with their hands to pinpoint precise recording points with a stylus, and touching or moving the platter or record to stop, slow down, speed up or rewind the record, or move the turntable platter back and forth (the popular rhythmic "scratching" effect that is a key part of hip hop music), all while using the DJ mix's crossfader and the mix's gain and equalization controls to adjust the sound and level of each turntable. Turntablists typically use two or more turntables and headphones to get the desired starting points in different records.