The rest Vs. Technic Turntables

[nabjab]

I know the Technics turntables are the end all and be all of turntables. My brother had a pair when he was failing at learning, and every time I see the word Technics there is always a hord or compliments right behind.

I'm new to mixing, I've done my research. Read alot of reviews, and asked a few questions. Based on a $900 budget I've picked my components for my first setup. As it stands I am going to buy a Behringer NOX404, and two Audio Technica AT-LP120s (im using the stock needles cause im a noob and dont need to break good stuff). This leaves me money for odds and ends and records to start.

The NOX404 has a few bells and whistles, but more importantly Crossfader adjustments out the WAZOO. I thought for a beginner having the capabilities to reverse and change the curves is more important then anything else. Different styles seem to use the curves differently. As I don't know what style I'll fall into I want something that allows me to learn about all so I can naturally fall into one (or afew).

The AT-LP120s seemed to be really nice tables for the price. They are just under the SUPER-OEM mark, but that price jump is not one I want to make. They are direct drive, and have more features then competitors of the same price. A few reviews say the platter slows down just a bit, but nothing a new dj will notice.

So here is my question:

I've browsed through 50% of the "Post pics of your setup. 2.0 part 1." why am I not seeing any Behringer or Audio Technica components? Am I missing something? For the most part I see Stanton and Technic tables, and I've seen a wide range of mixers. I realize those setups are for more avid and professional djs, but is there really no interest in Audio Technica and behringer products? Are they componenets a new dj should even bother with?

[Manu]

So here is my question:

I've browsed through 50% of the "Post pics of your setup. 2.0 part 1." why am I not seeing any Behringer or Audio Technica components? Am I missing something?

Because they're rubbish ? Anyways, it's been covered http://www.djforums.com/forums/showt...CS-look-alikes


Behringer mixers have a long time reputation for being made out of gaffers tape, chewing gum and happy thoughts.

[RDRCK]

Behringer has a reputation as a very cheap and unreliable company. Whether that reputation is deserved is a matter for debate (there are some DJF threads where people are debating the worth of Behringer products as we speak).

In the late 90s and early 00s, Behringer released a slew of DJ products that were, to be perfectly honest, cheap pieces of shit. They couldn't be relied on to last more than a year or two, and just felt subpar in general (sound quality, build quality, etc.).

They are, very recently, trying to turn that reputation around. But, just like with individuals, once a company gets a bad rep, it's hard to shake it. Especially when a company's consumer base is small and specialized (e.g. DJs)

Audio Technica, I cannot speak to. I know that they make a great (if over-priced) record weight (disc stabilizer)

The general consensus, however, on the forums (and in fact my own opinion) is, buy cheap, buy twice. I would advise you to save up just the couple hundred dollars more and get yourself a pair of Super OEM tables. The mixer doesn't matter much, because you will, if you stick with this, go through several mixers over the course of your career. TTs, though, those should last you the long haul, and if you buy some cheapies, you're just gonna end up buying again.

Good luck and have fun bud

[DJ ATX]

I've browsed through 50% of the "Post pics of your setup. 2.0 part 1." why am I not seeing any Behringer or Audio Technica components? Am I missing something? For the most part I see Stanton and Technic tables, and I've seen a wide range of mixers. I realize those setups are for more avid and professional djs, but is there really no interest in Audio Technica and behringer products? Are they componenets a new dj should even bother with?

Aside from the Behringer DDM4000, most of their mixers are crap. Lousy sounding.

If you are really on a budget. Take a look at the Stanton ST 150. This is the best TT next to Technics. Every so often you can find deals on Craiglist for Technics 1200's. As far as mixers, I would look at Numarks.

[TheRabbitMonk]

for a beginner mixer you needs something strong and sturdy. Go to a 2nd hand shop pick something up, cheap get good then buy a decent mixer.

I made the mistake of spending a lot of money on a new mixer, my touch was heavy as i was learning. The mixer is now not in the best condition. I have since bought a cheaper mixer what actually serves much better than my other one.

personally i wouldn't bother to much with the mixer your on, but the decks are important. Don't want them cutting out on you or not actually being able to stay in sync whiles in the mix.

[nabjab]

I've done my research. Read alot of reviews, and asked a few questions.

Because they're rubbish ? Anyways, it's been covered http://www.djforums.com/forums/showt...CS-look-alikes

Yes I know where the search button in, and have used it extensively. That was the first article I read. DJ Blaze is the first review I watched and read. and then I went and found others. He gave a good review for the money.

Behringer mixers have a long time reputation for being made out of gaffers tape, chewing gum and happy thoughts.

I also watched / read DJ blazes reviews on all his mixers. He gave the NOX404 a good review, and could be a turning point for Behringer. I then went and found other reviews about the mixers I was looking at.

Reviews say both are good for beginners, and are good components, better than others even.

Now how about an educated answer to mine. No hearsay, no chip on the shoulder answers. Has anyone used these items and found them completely flawed? Compared to to technics they wont stack up. Compared to others in their range how do they stack up?

Same as the mixers. Compared to 2-3k mixers they don't stack up. Compare to others in their range how do they stak up?

[RDRCK]

Heeeeeeeeyyyyy. Wait a minute. Are you just a Behringer rep in disguise?

Like I said above, B seems to be trying to repair their well earned poor reputation. This NOX you speak of may very well be a step in the right direction for them. I think that everyone was just trying to answer your question as to why you don't see much of B's products on this forum. The answer being, quite frankly, that they've earned themselves a pretty shitty reputation as producers of DJ products. Honestly, if you love the Behringer mixer, and you think it's right for you, go for it.

In a perfect world, everyone would make perfectly unbiased decisions. We don't live in that world though, and reputation goes a long way for a lot of people, no matter how unreasonable it actually is to make purchase decisions based on reputation.

The decks though, you're going to want to fork out a bit more cash for those. DJs and TTs mate for life. Remember that.

[MeowMix]

If you want a cheap mixer get a Denon DN-X100/120 or there are some crazy cheap Xone 22s floating around. I wouldnt worry about crossfader curves and such until you are a season scratcher.

As for the tables im sure you can find a pair of Technics 1200 MK2 on craigslist for 600-800. If you put in the time and are willing to fix one or two things you can buy them separately and lower the overall price even more.

[Manu]

I also watched / read DJ blazes reviews on all his mixers. He gave the NOX404 a good review, and could be a turning point for Behringer.

One person's review on a product that just came out is not going to make up for 2 decades of rubbish. As far as I am concerned, the NOX range looks like cheap pioneer knockoffs.

[nabjab]

Heeeeeeeeyyyyy. Wait a minute. Are you just a Behringer rep in disguise?

You caught me!

My response was focused pretty much at Manu for assuming I wasn't doing my research, and for giving me a crap answer. You all answered between my 'reply' and 'post' botton clicks. I'm not your typical noob. I've been doing my research for about a month before I posted my first question, even before I signed up for this site.

I understand the shell out more for the turntables. The past few responces answer one question I was curious, but didn't ask. "more on first decks, or more on first mixer?" So I might bump up to the Audio Technica LP 240 or 1240s.

I read the Behringer had a bad rap. I didn't realize it was so bad that there is only one mixer that is considered good. Maybe I'll just have to buy the NOX404 and give a whirl to see how it holds up.