Balanced
output: An output (most commonly found on high-end mixers) which delivers a
robust signal which can be carried for long distances with minimal loss and
noise.
Beat counter:
Gives a visual indication of the beat's tempo to enable easier mixing between
sources.
Cartridge: The
interface between arm and stylus, the cartridge turns the mechanical energy
delivered by the stylus into electrical energy. When you buy a cartridge from
Superfi Online, the price includes the stylus too.
Closed back:
A headphone type with a sealed cup. This prevents sound from
"bleeding" out and minimises the impact of environmental sound on the
user. Essential if the headphones are to be worn near to an open microphone, this
system can also deliver a punchier bass.
Cross fader:
This is the fader which simultaneously lowers the level of one channel whilst
raising that of another. Almost always replaceable and exempt from most
manufacturer's guarantees as, due to their function and heavy use, these tend to
wear out rapidly.
Deck:
DJ turntable.
Direct drive:
A system whereby the platter of a turntable is driven directly from the motor
(i.e. not by a belt). This delivers high torque and therefore responsive
start-up and speed control.
Equaliser: A
sophisticated tone controller which allows levels to be adjusted at several
different points across the frequency range.
Fader: The
sliding control which enables ergonomic level adjustment of a specific signal.
Hamster switch:
Cross fader reverse switch. If left to right mixes from channels 1 to 2,
when activated, the hamster switch causes a left to right mix to blend from
channels 2 to 1 instead.
Headshell: This
bolts onto the end of a turntable's arm and provides a fitting for many common
cartridge types. These are removable as some cartridges feature a fitting which
enables them to be bolted directly onto the arm.
Kill: A
facility whereby a part of the frequency range can be silenced. Useful when
mixing. For instance the bass can be "killed" allowing a beat from an
alternative track to be mixed in whilst retaining the tune from the now bass-less
track.
Level
meter: Visual
indicator of the signal's level - useful to prevent distortion caused through too
high a signal level, or for matching the levels from different sources.
Line: A
signal type delivered by most components (CD, MiniDisc, tape players) except
turntables.
Mix: The
blending of two or more signals simultaneously.
Phono: Two
meanings
i) Refers to the
type of signal delivered by a turntable (different to a "line" signal)
ii) Refers to the type of connector commonly found on mixers (also known as an
RCA connector)
Pilot light: A
guide lamp which illuminates the
stylus tip on a record - very useful in dark
club environments.
Pitch bend:
A short term speed adjustment which allows some creative playback effects not
otherwise delivered by a conventional
pitch control.
Pitch control:
Speed adjustment.
Platter:
The rotating plate on which you place the record.
Punch: A
kind of switch which you can quickly hit to create sharp effects (e.g. punch a
signal in and out).
RCA: A type
of connector commonly found on mixers. Also known as a
phono connector.
Sampler:
This records a sample of sound so that it can be instantly and repeatedly
recalled and played back to create a variety of creative effects.
Scratch:
Activity performed by DJs whereby they manually manipulate the record's movement
under the stylus, moving the record backwards and forwards independently of the
platter's movement to create a distinctive scratch sound.
Slipmat: Sandwiched
between the platter and the record, a slipmat will provide a low friction, safe
surface over which a record can be manually manipulated.
Strobe: Visual
indicator of a turntable's pitch accuracy. Handy for ensuring speed stability
and for matching up two decks.
Stylus: Fits
onto the end of a cartridge, this is the point of contact with the surface of
the record. These are replaceable as they wear out.
XLR: A type
of three pin connector, most commonly found on the
balanced outputs of mixers.
