The History of DJ Equipment
Posted by DJ Equipment Informer
The history of DJ equipment is a well-debated and varied subject. Some believe that DJ equipment history started with the invention of the phonograph, some believe that the history of DJ equipment started with the invention of the mixer and, amongst more contemporary believers, there is also the theory that the Technics SL1200 turntable was the start of DJ equipment history.
Phonograph
The
phonograph
was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison and changed
the way that we listened to music. Almost overnight,
we could listen to music in our own homes directly
from a recorded vinyl disc which could be purchased
with our favourite collection of music on it. The
phonograph took off and is regarded as the
grandparent of the DJ turntable which is the most
integral part of your DJ collection.
DJ Mixer
It is unknown when the first DJ mixer came into existence, however, it is believed that it is likely to be sometime in the late 50s to early 60s and would have been an evolution of the basic audio mixers that radio stations were using. It is known that DJ mixers were widely used by the late 60s and by the early 70s, most dance halls had turned into discotheques, of which an integral feature was the DJ booth which contained two DJ turntables and a DJ mixer, this is the fundamental set-up for a DJ and is pretty much the same DJ equipment set-up (albeit in digital form) today.
Technics SL1200 DJ Turntable
The Technics SL1200 series
of turntables were never originally designed for DJ
use. The Technics
SL1200 (MK1) was a high-end hi-fi turntable,
first released in 1972, and was soon adpoted by
music enthusiasts due to it's quartz accurate
rotation and integral pitch-control. This new quartz
accurate rotation and pitch-control allowed for the
operator to accurately match the speeds of two
records' beats accurately. Using a small radio
station mixer would enable you to blend the music
together, this was quickly dubbed beat-matching. In
1979 Technics released their Technics SL1200 MK2
version with improved
quartz accuracy, a stronger motor for beat-matching
and a more rugged feel - ideal for DJ use and
Techics knew it - it was an instant hit and spent 40
years as the best selling turntable in the world.
Conclusion
This shows that all three opinions are right in their own way. Music has been played in public performances since the early part of the 20th century. However, it wasn't until the 60s/70s that public performance of music really took off.
In short, we have all three of these pieces of equipment to thank for the modern array of DJ equipment. The phonograph paved way for us to play music in our homes, and then to other people as a performance. The radio station mixer morphed into an array of DJ style mixers. Technics' hifi turntable was re-released as a DJ tool and from there DJing was born.
Comments
Comment by John Berlow
This is a great article and tells it from all perspectives. One thing you missed out is regarding the Technics SL1200 being on display at the London museum as an object that changed our world.
Comment by Jamie Stephenson
Thanks for this great insight into the history of DJ equipment. The SL1200 really did have such a hughe impact on our lives. It is unfortunate that the Technics SL1210 has now been discontinued.
Comment by Guy Parris
Wow, the Technics SL1210 being dicontinued is indeed a sad time. But that said, there is some great DJ equipment out there. And as the digital DJ age dawns upon us, there will be more and more great disco equipment gadgets for budding DJs.
Comment by DJ DeeDee
I have a really old DJ mixer with 2 vinyl turntables. It's all in one box with a built-in amplifier. Those were the days!
