Find the Right Record Player for Sampling: 6 Top Picks

Are you looking to start sampling directly from hot wax but don’t know what turntable to use? Do you already have a turntable that just isn’t cutting it? Want to know what record player for sampling you need in your life?

Then step forth and saddle up as we explore six of the top picks on the market today.

Table of Contents

• 1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB
• 2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X USB
• 4. Numark PT01USB
• 5. Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster
• 6. Sony PS-HX500
• Final Tones
• FAQs Record Player for Sampling

1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB

As already elucidated in this extensive review, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is a fantastic place for any budding DJ to start.

Pros

• This is compact and portable yet fully-fledged with features.
• Bluetooth functionality.
• Manufactured from extremely durable materials of the highest grade.
• USB functionality means it is easy to sample and digitize audio from vinyl.
• The high-torque motor ensures that there is no issue with skipping or wobbling and little with wow and flutter.
• Plenty of other advanced features for DJs including three-speed functionality and pitch control.

Cons

• This is a fully-dedicated turntable so anyone who is looking for more of a home entertainment system as in all-in-one record players is going to be a little disappointed, especially as there are no built-in speakers!
• There is an abundance of features that might otherwise alienate those unconcerned with being a DJ.

2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X USB

Little else needs to be said after this review – Audio-Technica is simply one of the best to do it. This turntable, though considerably less bedazzled with features, will still do the job.

Pros

• As with the previous turntable, this is a piece of kit made from extremely durable and high-quality materials.
• The sound quality on display is difficult to match in this price range.
• The USB functionality here also means that you can take a vinyl record and digitize it, thereby sampling vinyl records onto the computer.
• There should be no issues with skipping or wobbling, so you can go on sampling records in peace.

Cons

• As with the previous example, this turntable is fully dedicated to vinyl, so if you are not interested in it then you better clear off!
• There are no built-in speakers, unlike some other tawdry home entertainment system record players.
• There is no Bluetooth functionality here, at least not in the earlier models.
• Those looking to record vinyl records at 78 rpm are going to be left thirsty.

3. Pioneer DJ PLX-1000

Pioneer is a much-respected DJ brand, so this is likely going to be the best turntable for those who are purists for direct drive turntables. Perhaps this Pioneer turntable is even the best turntable for sampling?

Pros

• The direct drive system has a high torque which offers greater rotation speed stability, perfect for DJs.
• This, in turn, minimizes vibrations for better sound quality and fewer effects on the overall sound.
• The speed control is incredibly strong, allowing for the slowing down or speeding up of tracks by up to 50% either way, something almost unheard of elsewhere.
• The high-quality sound is marred with state-of-the-art electronics which can switch back to the original tempo at the push of a button.
• The RCA jacks are gold-plated for greater audio quality and conduction.

Cons

• This turntable is incredibly heavy.
• Sadly, for all the promises of audio quality, there have been reports of hum and feedback when placed near monitor speakers.
• The price is considerably greater than some other models here listed.

4. Numark PT01USB

Numark calls this a ‘portable vinyl-archiving turntable’, but this is essentially their way of saying sampler without invoking a lawsuit. Yeah, sampling isn’t all that popular with record labels for some reason…

Pros

• The dust cover attached to this thing is perfectly capable of keeping its enemy away from the turntable.
• Despite its meager size, this belt-drive turntable can handle 7″, 10″, and 12″ vinyl record types, making this one of the best turntables while also being one of the most conveniently sized for sampling music.
• The portability of this vessel is increased by the handy inclusion of a handle, attached to the hard casing which in turn keeps this thing safe and secure.
• It even comes with free software which, like the EZ vinyl converter, enables you to easily digitize your files.

Cons

• The built-in speakers are a little weak, but considering this is meant for sampling on the move they do a pretty decent job.
• The tonearm is not as sturdy as it might be, meaning there may be irregularities and distortions in your archived files.

5. Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster

From the innovators over at Pro-Ject comes this reasonably affordable little offering that is bound to take the audiophile world by storm…

Pros

• The plastic cover is great at protecting the turntable from dust and can also easily be detached easily for the more aesthetically minded.
• The motor is notably good at negating bad resonances from the overall sound.
• Offers two main speeds of functionality, both 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm.
• The USB port is perfectly able to outsource the audio if you are not so keen on using the RCA phono outputs.
• The platter size is worth noting as it is slightly larger than normal and in this way feels rather inviting.
• There is strong stability negating the inherent vibrations that can so easily plague listening experiences.

Cons

• The fully-manual operation might be a little alienating to beginners.
• The price is perhaps a little higher than might be considered reasonable.

6. Sony PS-HX500

To round off the list, we will have an offering from a reliable and trusted brand that has seen its fair share of audiophiles in its time. We are of course talking about Sony!

Pros

• This turntable offers the ability to record in high resolution up to DSD 5.6 MHz – pretty huge for those looking to sample in as high a fidelity as possible.
• The built-in phono preamp is well-suited to bringing music to life vividly and with relative ease.
• The USB functionality is also easy to use and altogether rather inviting even to those who have little to no experience in using one.
• It caters to all record sizes though not all record speeds, only offering functionality for 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm.

Cons

• There is no Bluetooth functionality here, something that might be a bit of a deal breaker for some customers.
• The plain aesthetic look might not appeal to some also.

Final Tones

So, there you have it! Hopefully, you are now feeling ready and able to purchase your own from amongst the roster laid before you.

FAQs Record Player for Sampling