Are you a vinyl enthusiast or a DJ looking to improve your sound quality?
Then you might have heard of pitch control on a turntable. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of pitch control and explore its many uses in sound recording and DJ techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, read on to discover everything you need to know about this essential feature of modern turntables.
What Is Pitch Control On A Turntable
Pitch control is a mechanism on a turntable that allows you to adjust the speed of the record being played. By changing the playback speed, you can also change the pitch of the music. This feature is essential for DJs who need to match the tempo of different songs or create unique sounds and effects.
Pitch control is typically found on modern turntables, but not all models have this feature. If your turntable does not have pitch control, you can still add it by using an external controller or a DJ mixer with a phono input.
The most common speeds for vinyl records are 33, 45, and 78 RPM (rotations per minute). However, some records may play at different speeds depending on their composition. For example, some classical music records may play at 16 RPM.
Pitch control allows you to adjust the speed of the record by a certain percentage, usually up to 8%. This adjustment is achieved by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the platter rotates. By slowing down or speeding up the record, you can change the pitch of the music.
Defining Pitch Control: What Is It And How Does It Work?
Pitch control is a mechanism that enables you to adjust the speed of the turntable and, in turn, the pitch of the music being played. This feature is essential for DJs and music enthusiasts who want to create unique sounds and effects or match the tempo of different songs.
Pitch control can be found on modern turntables, but not all models have this feature. If your turntable does not have pitch control, you can still add it by using an external controller or a DJ mixer with a phono input.
Typically, vinyl records play at speeds of 33, 45, and 78 RPM. However, some records may play at different speeds depending on their composition. For example, some classical music records may play at 16 RPM.
Pitch control allows you to adjust the speed of the record by a certain percentage, usually up to 8%. This adjustment is achieved by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the platter rotates. By slowing down or speeding up the record, you can change the pitch of the music.
Analog pitch controls vary the voltage being used by the playback device, while digital controls use digital signal processing to change the playback speed or pitch. Many modern turntables have digital pitch controls that allow for more precise adjustments.
The History Of Pitch Control On Turntables
Pitch control on turntables has been around for decades, and it has evolved over time. The earliest turntables with pitch control were developed in the 1960s and 1970s. These early models used analog pitch controls that varied the voltage being used by the playback device. This allowed DJs to adjust the speed of the turntable and change the pitch of the music.
The first turntable with a pitch control was the Connoisseur BD2, which was released in 1966. The BD2 had a variable speed control that allowed DJs to adjust the speed of the turntable by up to 6%. This was a significant innovation at the time, as it allowed DJs to synchronize records and create seamless mixes.
In the early 1970s, Technics released the SL-1200 turntable, which became a standard in the DJ industry. The SL-1200 had a pitch control that allowed DJs to adjust the speed of the turntable by up to 8%. This made it easier for DJs to match the tempo of different songs and create smooth transitions between tracks.
As technology advanced, digital pitch controls were introduced in the 1980s. These controls used digital signal processing to change the playback speed or pitch of the music. Digital pitch controls were more precise than analog controls, and they allowed DJs to make more precise adjustments to the speed and pitch of their records.
Today, pitch control is a common feature on most modern turntables. It has become an essential tool for DJs and music producers who need to match the tempo of different songs or create unique sounds and effects. With pitch control, DJs can create seamless mixes that keep the dance floor moving all night long.
The Importance Of Pitch Control In Sound Recording
Pitch control is not just important for DJs, but also for sound recording. When recording music, it is crucial to ensure that the pitch is correct to achieve the desired sound quality. If a record is played at the wrong speed, it can result in distorted or out-of-tune music. This can be especially problematic when recording vocals or instruments, as any pitch discrepancies can be easily heard.
In addition, if the pitch is not properly adjusted during recording, it can lead to poor quality recordings that may need to be redone. This can be a waste of time and money, which is why pitch control is an essential tool for any sound engineer or producer.
Furthermore, pitch control is particularly important when working with analog equipment such as tape decks or vinyl records. Analog recordings are more susceptible to speed variations than digital recordings, so having precise pitch control is crucial for achieving high-quality sound.
The Role Of Pitch Control In DJ Techniques
Pitch control is a crucial component of DJ techniques, especially for beatmatching. Beatmatching is the process of synchronizing the beats of two songs to create a seamless transition. This technique is essential for creating a smooth and continuous flow of music that keeps the audience engaged.
To beatmatch two tracks, DJs use pitch control to adjust the tempo of one track to match the other. By slowing down or speeding up the record, DJs can alter the BPM (beats per minute) of the track within a limited range. This allows them to synchronize the beats of two tracks and create a seamless transition.
Pitch control also allows DJs to create unique sounds and effects by changing the pitch of a track. By altering the speed of the record, DJs can create a higher or lower pitch, which can be used to create build-ups, drops, and other effects.
While modern DJ software often includes an automatic beatmatching feature, manual beatmatching using pitch control is still an essential skill for DJs. It allows them to have complete control over the music and create unique transitions that cannot be achieved with automatic beatmatching.
How To Use Pitch Control On Your Turntable
Using pitch control on your turntable is a simple process that requires a little bit of practice and patience. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Locate the pitch adjustment knob or slider on your turntable. The pitch adjustment control is usually a knob or slider located on the front or side of the turntable. It may be labeled with the words “pitch” or “speed” or a symbol such as a plus or minus sign.
2. Use the pitch adjustment control to modify the turntable’s speed. Turn the knob or move the slider to the desired position to alter the pitch. The exact pitch setting varies from record to record, but in general, it should be set at 33 1/3 RPM for most records.
3. Use a pitch reference tool to determine the correct pitch setting. A pitch reference tool is a device that precisely measures the turntable’s speed. To use this tool, place it on the platter of your turntable and start the turntable. The pitch reference tool will measure the turntable’s speed and display the result on a small screen or dial.
4. Compare the turntable’s measured speed to the standard speed of 33 1/3 RPM. If the detected speed is greater than 33 1/3 RPM, use the pitch adjustment control to decrease the pitch. If the detected speed is less than 33 1/3 RPM, use the pitch adjustment control to increase the pitch.
5. Carefully adjust the pitch to the desired setting. Use the lines or numbers on the pitch adjustment control as a guide for adjusting the pitch to the proper level. It is important to exercise caution when modifying the pitch, as fast or extreme changes might cause damage to your records.
6. Play a record and listen to the music to ensure that the pitch is accurate. If you notice any distortion or out-of-tune sounds, make more pitch adjustments until you achieve your desired sound quality.
By following these steps, you can use pitch control on your turntable to adjust and customize your music listening experience. Remember to exercise caution and use a pitch reference tool for precise adjustments, and enjoy your records at their intended pace and quality!
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Pitch Control
While pitch control is a valuable feature for DJs and music enthusiasts, there are some common mistakes to avoid when using it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Don’t rely too heavily on pitch control: While it’s tempting to use pitch control to match the tempo of different songs or create unique effects, it’s important not to rely too heavily on this feature. Using pitch control too much or too often can make your mixes sound unnatural or disjointed.
2. Be careful when adjusting the pitch: When adjusting the pitch of a record, it’s important to be careful not to overdo it. Small adjustments can make a big difference in the sound of the music, so be sure to listen carefully as you adjust the speed.
3. Use the correct speed for each record: While most vinyl records play at 33, 45, or 78 RPM, some records may play at different speeds. It’s important to use the correct speed for each record to ensure that the music sounds as it was intended.
4. Practice with pitch control before performing: If you plan to use pitch control during a live performance, be sure to practice with it beforehand. Familiarize yourself with how it works and experiment with different settings to find what works best for your music.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the most of pitch control and create unique and engaging mixes that showcase your skills as a DJ or music enthusiast.
