Turntable/Vinyl Maintenance

As a DJ, your turntables and vinyl are your lifeline.

It is crucial to take good care of your equipment to ensure that they last a long time and function at their best. Here are some tips on how to properly take care of your DJ turntables and vinyl:

Keep your equipment clean: The first step to taking care of your DJ turntables and vinyl is to show them some love on the regular. Make it a routine to dust off your astroavl.comequipment with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any debris that might have accumulated on the surface. Be sure to also clean your vinyl before and after each use to prevent buildup of dust and debris. You can also pick up an Ortofon stylus brush kit from Astro AVL.

Store your equipment properly: When not in use, store your turntables and vinyl in a cool, dry place. Keep them vertical and not slanted, as this can cause warping on those during those hot summer months. On that note, avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in humid conditions, which can cause damage to the equipment and vinyl. If you are using a DJ console, be sure to properly secure it and cover it when not in use. You can use a Decksaver Dustcover for both turntables and DJ consoles! They come in a range of models to fit different DJ controllers so call Astro AVL to special order one for your unit.

Using quality cables: Before you start buying new cartridges to try and fix audio quality issues, think first about your cables. High quality Roland Cables are made with better quality materials which mitigates loss of clarity from poor connections or shielding. Cable testers are a very useful tool to ensure that your cables are functioning properly. Mackie’s M-Test1 Cable Tester is a great example of just one on the market today.

Use record cleaning products: GruvGlide is a popular record cleaning product that can help keep your vinyl in great condition by reducing friction and preventing damage to their grooves. This is achieved post application, by providing a new coat of life to your vinyl and leaving looking, feeling and sounding better all while reducing wear and tear on your stylus. Alternatively, you can also use a microfiber brush to remove any dust or debris before and after each use.

Replace worn out parts: If you notice any worn out parts in your turntables, such as the needle or cartridge, replace them! It can be hard to see with the naked eye sometimes but a bent stylis is a clear indicator to throw it out and replace immediately. Don’t risk the damage to your vinyl collection.

Choose the right cartridge and stylus: The right cartridge and stylus can make a huge difference in the quality of sound that you produce and the amount of wear and tear taking place in your vinyl’s grooves. Ortofon is a popular brand known for its quality cartridges and styli. Elliptical styli provide a richer sound but wear down your vinyl faster due to the increased surface area contact, so maybe a Conical stylus is better suited for preservation of your record collection. If you’re just using Serato Control Vinyl you don’t have to worry about it because you can easily replace your vinyl for minimal cost.

If you’ve had the legendary Shure M-447 Cartridges in your arsenal for ages but can’t find a replacement stylus because they’re discontinued, don’t fret. Astro AVL has the Jico N-447 stylus that was specifically designed with this cartridge in mind and has a new and improved design.

By continuing to keep up with the maintenance, cleaning and proper storage , you can ensure that your DJ equipment is in top condition and ready for your next gig.