The initial challenge for sampling a vinyl record is finding decent and affordable turntables to play on.
Do you pick a cheap belt-drive turntable, a belt-driven option, or go full out with a club-grade build Technics model? It is a tough one, Many either don’t emphasize the feature, are not made from quality materials, or are too prohibitively expensive such as the Technics 1210, for any DJ or producer to meaningfully utilize.
Luckily, there are some incredible sampling records options out there if you know where to look.
Below, we’ll go over some of the best turntables for sampling currently on the market to date that is perfect for sampling tracks and creating some awesome sounds.
We’ll also get into some of the key factors to look for so you know what does and doesn’t make an effective turntable when it comes to putting together samples.
Our Overall Choice
Our recommended turntable for sampling is the Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB. Ultimately, the music produced by the record player is incredibly high in quality, regardless of whether you are listening to or recording it, and, while its anti-skipping feature is a bit dicey at times, there are very few other options that even come close.
3 Top Picks – Best, Premium & Value
Below, we’ll take the time to check out some of the best turntables for sampling options currently on the market while also giving you some tips on what to expect and look out for when getting the correct sampling equipment that’s right for you.
1. Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB
Best Overall
Starting off our best turntables for sampling list, we have the top turntable to beat. The Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB is an incredibly effective direct drive turntable with a high-torque motor and a fast USB connection port.
The turntable can play records at various speeds, ranging from 33 and 45 rotations per minute (RPM), and can directly be connected to your laptop and played using the DAW program, also known as the digital audio workstation.
Physically, the LP120 has an aluminum cast platter alongside a tonearm that has been hydraulically damped, meaning that it has improved durability and lasting power.
Not only that, but when purchased, the LP120 direct drive turntable includes several cords and cables as well as a turntable cover, meaning that, so long as you have the records, you’ll be good to go.
The LP120 comes with a built-in phono preamp that lets you connect your turntable to just about any external device you come across. This, among an assortment of other factors, makes it incredibly ideal when it comes to sampling music.
What We Like:
- Includes All Connector Cables
- Incredible Sound Quality
- Durable & Long-Lasting
- Plug in and play
What We Do Not Like:
- Anti-Skipping Is Average
- Doesn’t Have A Speaker or Headphone Jack
Read this next: Best DJ Turntables [Top Picks]
2. Reloop RP-2000 MK2
Value Pick
Last on our list is the Reloop RP-2000 MK2. This direct-drive turntable takes much from the OG Reloop RP-2000 while avoiding many of its less savory setbacks.
The MK2 comes with enhanced music and sound quality with a particular emphasis being placed on a track’s pitch. This can range a good bit, going from +8% to -8%.
Physically, the MK2 is just as impressive as it is auditorily. The record player uses metallic buttons and can immediately be noticed for its sturdy and solid build.
The device, while pulling much from its original edition, has taken some significant liberties with its outside look.
The MK2 includes anti-shaking features as well as a universal SME, allowing you to use multiple different cartridges while performing.
In terms of downsides, the MK2 does work to remove the bulk of them. So long as you’re ok with a slightly more floaty motor, you’re pretty much good to go.
What We Like:
- Pitch Control Is Great
- Comes With Several Buttons For Different Speeds
- Excellent Shock Absorption
What We Do Not Like:
- Not The Most Powerful Of Motors
Read this next: CDJs vs Turntables (Which DJ Setup is Actually Best?)
3. Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000
Premium Choice
Pioneer has always been an impressive company when it comes to producing stellar and top-tier DJ and music production equipment. Here, the Pioneer Pro DJ PLX-1000 keeps that tradition going as a truly phenomenal and capable turntable device. It’s stylish, performative, and capable of pumping out some of the best sound quality possible.
The direct drive turntable can reach speeds of just over 33.3 RPM in under a second, making it very “zoomy” and a great option for those interested in sampling.
It comes with all of your expected and intended cables and wires, ranging from your ground wires, EP adapters, or audio cables. It also comes with a sturdy and functional slipmat that works very well when used alongside the turntable’s pitch control.
There aren’t a ton of downsides to the PLX-1000, with one of the only ones being its size may be a bit lighter than you’d have expected.
This doesn’t have a ton of problems, since it just means it has a smaller motor and can’t run on its own as long as others. Still, there’s a reason Pioneer has, yet again, made something that we’re all excited to play with.
What We Like:
- Precise Pitch Control
- Solid Shock-Absorbing Features
- Fast Start-Up
What We Do Not Like:
- Lighter than other Units
- Cartridge is Average
Our Alternative Picks
If the three options above aren’t well-suited to you, there are still a host of quality turntables used for Sampling to choose from. Our team also highlighted the following options for those in search of a fantastic audio mixer.
4. Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB-BK
The younger and smaller sibling to the LP120, the Audio Technica AT-LP60 acts as another of its type on this list to provide a surprising fusion between old-school turntabling and next-gen technological advancement.
The LP60 comes with a high-torque drive system that provides a level of high-end crisp sound quality that you’d only ever find while at the club or music event. What’s more, this quality remains consistent, whether you’re recording music, playing music, or simply listening to music.
The LP60 can be connected to either your desktop or your laptop almost immediately. This is true regardless of the computer’s nature, meaning Mac or PC is fine.
This is further cemented thanks to the fact that each LP60 record player comes with a free download of the Audacity software, which works well with either Apple or Microsoft.
One of the more impressive things to note about the turntable is that its motor runs much more silently than you’d have expected, especially if you’re in the middle of sampling music.
Just as well, the LP60 also has a great amount of signal-to-noise ratio, making it great for noise control.
Still, it’s not quite on the level of its superior, the LP120. As such, its sound quality isn’t at the same level nor does it carry the same level and wires and cables. This means that you’re going to need to get even more to offset the short ones included. For those that can overlook those issues, however, the LP60 is an incredible option that very few alternative turntables can beat.
What We Like:
- Durable & Resilient
- Runs Incredibly Quiet
- Audacity Pre-Installed
- Mac & PC Compatible
What We Do Not Like:
- Sound Quality Is Average
Read this next: Direct Drive vs Belt Drive Turntables (What’s Your Favourite?)
5. Numark PT01 USB
Meant as an ideal option for those that want something that pretty much works right out of the box, the Numark PT01 USB doesn’t force you to waste a bunch of time learning what to do and how to connect to your record player.
Instead, you’re pretty much able to immediately connect it to your computer and start it up. And while many of the other options similarly let you boot up relatively quickly, the PT01 is as simple as connecting your turntable to your computer and getting started.
The Numark-brand device allows you to convert any of your vinyl records over to the digital mp3 and .wav space. There, you’re able to sample it all you want.
While these features alone would make this device well enough, what takes it that extra step is when used alongside the EZ Vinyl Converter. This turns a functionally good turntable option into something truly incredible in the world of sampling.
What We Like:
- Produces Great Audio Quality
- Very Reasonably Priced
- Easy To Transport
What We Do Not Like:
- Doesn’t Have A Way To Automatically Stop Records When Finished
- May Come With A High-Pitched Beeping Sound
Read this next: The Complete History of the Technics 1200 DJ Turntable
What is Sampling?
Throughout all of DJing, the concept of sampling has been a tried and true method of putting together and creating entirely new sounds.
A DJ sample is, as the name implies, a portion of an existing song that has been reused and added to an entirely new track. It is often used to act as a prop to the new song or as a foundational instrumental based on what and how much is sampled.
Sampling has been around for easily over 40 years and has been the way many DJs and music producers have made names for themselves. All you need is a few vinyl records, a sampler, and a quality record player to record vinyl records.
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve had a chance to see some of the most ideal options when it comes to quality turntables for sampling, let’s take a moment to determine what makes a turntable good for sampling and what doesn’t.
Several different aspects go into whether a turntable is or is not good for sampling. These include the build quality, its ease of use, the different features, and its ultimate price point.
Each of these aspects is an important area to consider when deciding on the type of turntable you want. Here, we’ll go over each section in detail so that you can decide which is the most important for you when considering a turntable.
Features
The next area you want to take a look at is what features are included in the device. If you noticed with the different items listed above, features are just as important as the overall build. And while the turntable is never going to be on the level of a CDJ or DJ Controller, it can still have its fair share of add-on features.
When it comes to turntables for sampling, you want additional features that make sampling easier and more effective.
As an example, the LP60 comes with the Audacity software already installed. Different features like this are worth checking out based on the type of turntable you’re looking for.
The initial thing you see when getting a turntable is the build quality is very important, and something that should always be kept in mind.
If there is ever a question on the cost of the turntable, the first place you’re going to know about it is in its build.
Various factors like, how durable it is, what materials are used, if it has a stable pitch control, and how its motor run, all play into the device’s overall build quality.
Size
The size of a turntable is certainly a bit of a question based on what you’re looking for. Like many devices, there is a bit of a compromise that happens between the larger and the smaller options.
Larger turntables may be more dense and durable, capable of taking some serious damage, but they are also large and difficult to move around with.
The ideal scenario is to consider a turntable’s deck weight rather than its overall body. You also want to consider the nature of the room you’re going to be playing in and how often you’ll be playing there.
If you plan to perform in a large office studio, there’s nothing wrong with investing in a bigger turntable. If, on the other hand, you plan to be on the road in smaller and more cramped venues, looking for something more compact may be the better option.
Durability
In addition to size, you also want to consider the turntable’s durability. This is going to depend the most on the nature of the manufacturer, with only a bit on the type of model device it is.
This is because most producers tend to use quality materials for the vast majority of their selection rather than just the absolute most expensive.
Generally, the best-sounding turntables are going to be the ones that are the most sturdy and capable. These turntables are also going to be the longest-lasting and the ones that can take the most amount of punishment from your performance.
They will generally include a dust cover to avoid getting dust on the turntable’s needle.
Ease Of Use
Outside of the build quality of the record player, you also have to consider the varying levels of complexity behind each option. If you’re just getting started, you’ll want something that is much more open and accessible even if that same device had more available features included.
Conversely, if you’ve spent a fair amount of time in the DJ space and know what to be on the lookout for, you’ll probably be better off with a turntable that is more feature-filled even if it isn’t on the same level of accessibility or beginner friendliness.
Price
Lastly, because turntables are the more expensive of the DJ music-playing devices (more than CDJs, mixers, and DJ controllers), you’ll have to have a higher overall price range in mind. Whereas a vinyl record turntable can sit at around $300 on average, the price will only go up as you add features and improve quality into the mix.
This can easily jump into the high thousands if you’re not careful!
Ultimately, this will be the defining factor for some. If you’re willing to spend some extra money, you can get some stellar direct-drive turntables that are truly perfect for sampling.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a stricter budget, looking over the different factors and seeing which you are ok with and which you can let go should be a key consideration. This will ensure you get your price down as low as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed for sampling vinyl?
To sample vinyl records you will require the following. You will need a turntable to play the records, a phono preamp to amplify the signal from the turntable, an audio interface to convert the analog signal into a digital format your computer can use, and a computer with a digital audio workstation (DAW) software for recording and processing the audio.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eQuality headphones or studio monitors are also important for listening to the audio – and monitoring the quality of the sample – as you work/ Also consider investing in a good quality needle (stylus) on your turntable can improve the sound quality of your samples.
Can you sample from a turntable?
Yes, you can sample from a turntable. This process involves playing a vinyl record on the turntable and then capturing, digitizing, and manipulating the audio output. You’ll need a phono preamp to amplify the audio signal from the turntable, an audio interface to convert the analog sound into digital format, and a computer with digital audio workstation (DAW) software to record and process the sample. This enables you to isolate specific portions of the audio, which can then be layered or looped and then incorporated into your own music production.
What is the sampling rate for a turntable?
The sampling rate for a turntable is not actually determined by the turntable itself but by the audio interface and the settings that you have in your digital audio workstation (DAW) software. The audio signal from a turntable is analog, and when this signal is converted to a digital format, it’s sampled at a certain rate. Common sampling rates in digital audio include 44.1 kHz (CD quality), 48 kHz, 96 kHz, and even 192 kHz. A higher sampling rate will capture more detail from the analog signal, but it will also result in much larger file sizes. For most purposes, a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz will be sufficient.
Our Final Verdict
Our best turntable used for sampling pick is the Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB.
Turntables, as they naturally are, can be extravagant devices. They are usually larger than other options and will only run with vinyl records as opposed to anything else. They are also one of the only effective ways to sample music at a high-quality sound.
For those that are interested in vinyl records sampling, and want to do it in the best and most native method possible, you’ll want to get a record player.
By going over this guide, you’ll not only know which are the best ones available to date but also what factors are important before making your decision.
