An Introduction to Digital Vinyl Systems

Digital Vinyl Systems - What are they and who are they for?

One of the most unique DJ technologies that’s come out this industry has to be the digital vinyl system (DVS). If you're not familiar with the term, don't worry – I'll explain everything you need to know in this article. 

First, let's start with a bit of history. Before the advent of digital vinyl systems, DJs had two main options for mixing music back in the day: vinyl records and CDs. Vinyl was the traditional choice, but it had its downsides – it was heavy and fragile, and required a lot of space to store. CDs were more convenient, but lacked the tactile feel and control that vinyl offered.

In the early 2000s, a new technology emerged that combined the best of both worlds: digital vinyl systems. These systems allow DJs to control digital music files using vinyl turntables or CDJs, giving them the tactile feel and control of vinyl with the convenience and flexibility of digital music.

So, what exactly is a digital vinyl system?

At its core, a DVS consists of two main components: a control vinyl or CD, and a special audio interface that connects your turntables or CDJs to your computer. The control vinyl or CD is a special record or CD that has a timecode signal encoded on it. When you play the control vinyl or CD on your turntable or CDJ, the timecode signal is picked up by the audio interface and sent to your computer. Your computer then reads the timecode signal and uses it to control the playback of digital music files.

There are several different digital vinyl systems on the market, each with its own software and hardware components. Some of the most popular systems include Traktor, Serato, and Pioneer's Rekordbox. Each system has its own unique features and capabilities, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that's right for you.

One of the great things about digital vinyl systems is that they can be used with both old and new mixers as well as any turntable or CDJ/CD player. If you have an old mixer that doesn't have an audio interface built in, you can use a separate audio interface to connect your turntables or CDJs to your computer. If you have a newer mixer that does have an audio interface built in, you can connect your turntables or CDJs directly to your mixer and bypass the need for a separate audio interface.

In terms of price points, digital vinyl systems can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the system and the hardware components you choose. For example, a basic setup with Serato software and a compatible audio interface such as the new Reloop Flux might cost around £400, while a more advanced setup with say one of Pioneer's top-of-the-line mixers with a built in audio interface could cost upwards of several thousands pounds.

So, who is the target market for digital vinyl systems?

In short, anyone who wants to DJ with digital music files but still wants the tactile feel and control of vinyl turntables or CDJs. This includes both professional DJs such as scratch DJs and hobbyists who want to take their DJing to the next level.

In terms of reception, digital vinyl systems have been generally well-received by the DJ community. While some purists may argue that nothing beats the sound and feel of traditional vinyl, digital vinyl systems have opened up new possibilities for DJs and have made it easier than ever to incorporate digital music into their sets.

What are the benefits of digital vinyl systems (DVS)?

• The use of DVS on turntables is more robust, with the software reading slightly ahead of the tracks play head thus removing tracking issues such as needle jumps. Turntables therefore don’t need to be so well isolated from vibrations.

• DVS utilises control vinyl that can easily be replaced when it wears out. Thus eliminating traditional records being worn out. Scratch DJs therefore can practise on control vinyl records and not rare or hard to find original vinyl copies of tracks.

• Digital vinyl set ups are more forgiving of heavy handedness on turntables eliminating needle jumps and thus making a perfect platform for scratch DJs to practise on.

• DVS systems allow traditional vinyl DJs to maintain their craft without having to source expensive vinyl, giving access to digital copies of music on vinyl to DJ with.

• DVS systems eliminate the risk of turntable analogue grounding issues as it’s a digital platform. Feedback therefore is not an issue anymore.

• DVS now means vinyl DJs no longer have to carry around bags or boxes of records to gigs. Two control vinyl records and a laptop with music is all that's needed.

How do you set up a DVS system?

Now that you know what a digital vinyl system is and why you might want to use one, let's take a look at how to set one up and use it in your DJing.

Setting up a DVS can seem daunting, but with the right hardware and software, it's actually quite simple. Here's a very simple step-by-step guide on how in theory you would set up and use a DVS:

First connect the audio interface to your mixer. Most DVS packages come with an audio interface that connects to your mixer via RCA cables. Some modern mixers, like the Pioneer DJM-S9 or the Allen & Heath Xone:96, have built-in audio interfaces, so you would skip this step if your mixer has an audio interface built in.

Next you connect the turntables or CDJs to the audio interface. You'll need to connect the turntables or CDJs to the audio interface using RCA cables. Make sure you connect the left and right channels correctly.

Then you need to connect the audio interface to your computer. Most audio interfaces connect to your computer via USB. Make sure you install the drivers for the audio interface before connecting it to your computer.

Next install the DVS software on your computer. Most DVS packages come with software that you'll need to install on your computer. Follow the instructions provided with the software to install it. 

And last of all you need to configure the software. Once you've installed the software, you'll need to configure it to work with your hardware. Most DVS software has a setup wizard that will guide you through the process. Make sure you set the correct inputs and outputs for your audio interface.If this is too complex there are plenty of YouTube tutorials on these steps available. Simply search for your software with the term DVS or ‘digital vinyl system’ tutorial and you’ll find what your looking for. Modern DJ softwares now have set up processes within the software that guide you through the set up too so there are a number of potential avenues to follow.

Now it's time to load your music. You can load your music into the DVS software in a number of ways, depending on the software. Some software, like Serato DJ, lets you import your music library directly from iTunes or your hard drive. Others, like Traktor Pro, let you browse your music library within the software itself.

Now you can finally start DJing! Use the turntables or CDJs as you normally would, and the DVS software will interpret the timecode signal and play the corresponding track from your digital library. Woo hoo! You're good to go!

So, In Conclusion...

Digital vinyl systems have revolutionised the DJ world, allowing DJs to combine the tactile experience of vinyl with the versatility and convenience of digital audio. Whether you're a vinyl purist looking to expand your music library, or a digital DJ looking to incorporate turntablism back into your sets, a DVS based system is a great choice. With options from Traktor, Serato, and Pioneer, there's a DVS setup out there that will fit your needs and your budget. So why not give it a try?

If this article has hit a spot with you, have a look at my article here about 3 DVS related products you need to know about. I’ve put together three products that are DVS based that I believe have had a great impact on the industry. A DJ setup based on any of these products will be an amazing set up providing huge scope for your artistry to flow. Check out the article here.