One thing every prospective DJ quickly learns is that there are a lot of different terms to keep track of and to consider regarding the DJ profession. A particularly heavy concept (especially for beginners) is the topic of Digital Vinyl Systems.
Also known as DVS, these DVS systems can seem pretty confusing if you haven’t already dealt with them in the past or are just starting your DJing career altogether.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll go over exactly what a DVS is, as well as how it works, what advantages it offers to DJs, and the proper equipment you’ll need to maximize your usage.
We’ll also go over the different types of Digital Vinyl Systems out there and the best time for you to use them.
Ultimately, the goal of this guide is to make you a functional expert in digital vinyl systems and to properly implement them in your beats and DJing immediately.
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What is a DVS and How Does It Work
A DVS is a software system that allows DJs the ability to map digital music files and DJ software with old-school turntables and DJ CD players.
This allows a DJ to have a more authentic playback “feel” to their DJing while still having access to many of the digital perks that are available.
The way this is done by DVS is by using a special timecode vinyl record or CD.
These records or CDs are played on traditional turntables or DJ CDJ standalone players with the outputs and inputs being routed to the DVS-enabled sound card box, controller, midi controller, or mixer, ultimately turning the signals into a digital file and then registering as any current music file used today.
The result is digital audio sounds that were originally spun from a piece of vinyl or from a DJ CD-type sound system player.
What are the 3 Types of DVS Available
Let’s dive in to see what are the three most common types of Digital Vinyl Systems
DVS-enabled Audio
Often known as the “breakout box”, the DVS-enabled audio interface is excellent for transforming virtually any standard setup into a DJ powerhouse providing great DVS sound quality.
In addition, DVS-enabled audios will generally also come with timecode vinyl and CDs, making it an awesome option for DJs that already have a turntable set, a CDJ, and a mixer all ready to go.
This is because, unlike the other options – controller and mixer – you won’t have to add in or replace any pieces you already have.
The DVS controller is great, but if you’ve already got a standard controller, that means you’re going to have an extra item just sitting out and collecting dust.
One of the other great benefits that come with using the DVS-enabled audio option is that it will work no matter what club you’re going to.
If you’re going to a club that doesn’t have a lot of space, it works. If you’re going to a huge club, and already have a ton of equipment, it works. If you’re going to a club that may not need a mixer or a turntable, it works.
Unfortunately, while the benefits of this option are impressive, so are the costs. For one, if you plan to use an older DVS sound card box (like the Rane SL4), get ready to pay for it.
Even though they are pretty old, their prices haven’t lowered to match, and can still be quite expensive.
Not only that, but as more and more people are moving to DVS-enabled controllers and mixers, audio sound options are steadily decreasing.
Still, if you’re starting out with Digital Vinyl Systems, investing some time in some of the more cost-effective options like the Denon DJ DS1 is your best bet.
When Should You Use It?
If you’re a DJ that already has their personalized DJ gear and setup, this is absolutely the best route to go. It is also ideal for those that are starting and want to play in virtually all clubs, regardless of the types of gear they may or may not have available compared to what you’ve got or can take with you.
Ideal DVS enabled Audio-interfaces
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges is that there isn’t a huge list of available options.
Some good ones available include the Denon DJ DS1 (Serato DJ Pro) as well as the Rane series, spanning from Rane SL2 to SL4 (Serato DJ). You can also check out Traktor’s Scratch Audio 6.
DVS-enabled Controller
The DVS-enabled controller is pretty different from both the DVS-enabled audio and the mixer. Obviously, you will still demand features such as FX, cue points, and loop functions!
One of its biggest pros is the fact that, because it is a controller, DJs have a lot more flexibility and options on what they want to do. If you want to just use the controller itself, that’s an option.
If you want the decks by themselves, that’s also an option. If the DJ wants to use the controller with their decks, even THAT is an option.
Unlike the other options, DVS-enabled controllers just give a considerable amount of variety based on what the DJ wants to use at that time.
Add in a turntable set or a multimedia CD player, and you’ve got virtually every format covered. Not only that, but this option is incredibly easy to move around with if you don’t plan to DVS, such as for smaller bars or slightly more cramped spaces.
Despite the many perks, these controllers aren’t perfect. Because of its compatibility with so many other parts of a DJ’s tools, setting everything up can take up a considerable amount of space, especially when compared to the DVS-enabled mixer.
If you plan to be in an area that doesn’t offer you a lot of table space, this option may be better left at home compared to the other two.
When a DJ should You Use It?
This is great for DJs that want a versatile yet customized DJ setup. While it may not give you a ton of tabletop space, this is a great option for those that want to DJ with a turntable, CD player, or just the controller itself, based on what they are into at that time.
Ideal DVS enabled Controllers
If you’re interested in getting a DVS-enabled controller, there is an impressive variety of options to choose from. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SZ2 (Serato DJ) as well as the Traktor Kontrol S8 (Traktor Scratch Pro 2) are both awesome options, as well as the Traktor Kontrol S8 and the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RX.
DVS-enabled Mixer
A DVS-enabled mixer, such as the DJM-900nxs2, acts largely as the more impressive of the three options. While it is generally more expensive than the audio and controllers, DVS-enabled mixers are fairly simple to set up and will often come set with any required software licenses.
These digital vinyl system mixers are known for their incredible ease of use when it comes to ripping vinyl or recording playlists and are a great option for those that plan to regularly operate at a large venue where you need to be on your A-game.
On the other hand, if you’re someone that is looking to have a bit of mobility (or simply want to move around a bit at the club), this setup can be pretty inconvenient.
Keep in mind that, in addition to your mixer, you’re going to have to lug around at least a pair of turntables and your laptop, among anything else you plan on bringing with you.
If you are looking to get in and get out without having super jacked arms, this may not be the best of the three options for you.
When Should You Use It?
The most ideal time to use a DVS-enabled mixer is actually when you’re planning to go to a club to DJ and already have a pair of turntables. Especially if you don’t want to deal with the extra bulk that comes with the mixer, just don’t bring it with you.
In the vast majority of cases, most clubs and larger party venues will already have a DVS-enabled mixer available for you to use. If you’re unsure, simply call the venue and ask beforehand if you want to confirm.
Ideal DVS-enabled Mixers
Some great DVS-enabled mixers include the Traktor Kontrol Z2 (Traktor Scratch Pro 2) as well as the Akai Pro AMX (Serato DJ). You could also look into the DJM-250MK2/DJM-450 or the Allen & Heath 43C by Rekordbox and Serato DVS respectively.
Digital Vinyl Systems: Summary
Ultimately, the type of DVS you get and what you’ll need it best for will vary based on the nature of your situation and what you’re trying to do as a DJ, as well as your budget. While a DVS may be a bit of an investment in terms of cost and skill, it is something that every professional DJ must have in their arsenal.
