Best Turntables For Sampling (5 Top Picks)

For the last 40 years, countless producers have made their name off sampling. You simply need a box of old vinyl records and a sampler, and you can make a hit. 

Of course, you need something to play your records on, and that's why you need a turntable.  So what is the best turntable you can get for sampling vinyl? 

Let's find out!

OUR TOP PICK

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

A high torque motor? Check. A fast USB connection? Double-check. The ability to play at all three speeds? Triple check. These are just a few things that make the AT-LP120 USB the best turntable for sampling records out there.

Find yourself a quality vinyl record. Figure out how you want to flip it and turn it into a record of your own. All you need to do is, connect the turntable to your laptop on the spot, record the sample, and start playing with it in your DAW.

It has a phono preamp built-in. That allows you to connect to any external device you want. Besides being excellent for sampling, this turntable is a great investment. Due to its aluminum cast platter and the hydraulically damped tonearm, the AT-LP120 will last you for years.

Finally, once you purchase the turntable, you'll also receive a cover, software needed to sample records, and all the cables required.

Pros

  • The sound quality is off the charts, whether you're just listening or recording
  • Allows you to easily connect to a PC and record your samples in a few minutes
  • It comes with all of the connectors, cables, and programs you need to sample records

Cons

  • It doesn't come with a headphone jack or a speaker
  • The RCA cables are hard to replace if anything happens to them
  • Some users have said that the anti-skipping feature doesn't work that well

EDITORS CHOICE

Pioneer DJ PLX-1000 Professional Turntable

The Pioneer Pro PLX 1000 admittedly looks stylish. It has a shiny black finish that would look great on any stage or studio. However, what's much more impressive about this turntable is its performance. The DJ PLX-1000 is designed to give you the best possible sound. 

It can reach 33⅓ revolutions per minute in less than a second. That's why this is one of the best turntables for sampling available today. The die-cast zinc chassis is there to ensure stable rotation and prevent vibrations that hinder the sound. There's also the rubber-bound tonearm that eliminates the howling effect while you're recording your samples. 

The turntable comes with an audio cable, ground wire, slipmat, and an adapter for EP recording. If any of these cables get damaged or lost while you're traveling, you can easily replace them since they're interchangeable. 

Pros

  • Speed selection is made much easier with the addition of dedicated buttons
  • A precise pitch control give this direct drive turntable a nice adjustable spin
  • The shock-absorbing feet the turntable stands on minimize vibration and improve sound

Cons

  • You can notice that the motor is light compared to other quality players
  • The cartridge needs to be changed every few months

BEST VALUE

Numark PT01USB - Portable Vinyl Record Player, USB Turntable With Built In Speaker, Power via Battery or AC Adapter, Three Speed RPM Selection for Hi-Fi, Outdoors listening, DJ, Recording

Are you a person that doesn't want to waste a ton of time learning how to connect their turntable? You want something you'll be able to plug into a computer and start it up, right? The Numark PT01USB will fulfill all of your wishes.

The PT01 allows you to convert your record collection to mp3 and .wav and sample the living hell out of it. You can accomplish this with the help of the EZ Vinyl Converter, which allows you to separate each track of your vinyl and save it into an individual library. This makes PT01 one of the best turntables for sampling. 

You can record your vinyl record at your home, on the road, while visiting your cousin. If you're worried about your turntable getting dirty, there's also a hard dust cover and carrying handle on the turntable. That allows you to take it anywhere you want and keep it clean at the same time. 

Pros

  • The belt drive design and the aluminum faceplate makes it easy to transport
  • It has an internal monitoring speaker that has a surprisingly good output
  • The price is pretty low, which makes it perfect for first-time turntable buyers

Cons

  • Some buyers report hearing high-pitch beeping noises 
  • The turntable doesn't automatically stop at the end of records

RUNNER UP

Reloop RP2000 Professional Direct Drive USB Turntable System

The original Reloop RP-2000 was an excellent DJ turntable. However, it had its shortcomings. Thankfully it seems those problems have been resolved. The MK2 has improved metallic buttons, and the overall sound quality has been enhanced. Plus, this turntable is solid... seriously, it can take a beating!

If you're even marginally familiar with the original, you'll notice something different about the MK2. The top panel has had a complete redesign. It now has a deep-black finish, along with the expandable target light that allows you to operate your turntable in the dark efficiently. 

You also have excellent pitch control, which ranges from +/-8%. The tonearm has a static balance and is equipped with a hydraulic fit that has its anti-shaking feature. I also have to mention the universal SME that allows you to connect to several different cartridges.   

Pros

  • Speed selection is made much easier with the addition of dedicated buttons
  • A precise pitch control give this direct drive turntable a nice adjustable spin
  • The shock-absorbing feet the turntable stands on minimize vibration and improve sound

Cons

  • You can notice that the motor is light compared to other quality players

RUNNER UP

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fi, 2 Speed, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance, Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

The second Audio Technica model on the list gives you the perfect blend of next-gen technology and turntabling tradition. Its high-torque drive system will provide you with high-end club-quality sound when you're recording, playing, or simply listening to music.

You can connect the turntable to your laptop or desktop in just a few seconds, whether you're a Mac or a PC user. With every turntable, you get a free version of Audacity, compatible with all Apple and Microsoft products.

The AC adapter that comes with the AT-LP60 can move with the AC/DC conversion and reduce the noise while you're recording your samples. When you consider the connectivity options and the built-in amplifier, you begin to understand why this turntable is regarded as one of the best for sampling.

Pros

  • The DC servo-controlled motor works quietly and keeps the noise at a minimum
  • Excellent signal-to-noise ratio that allows for great noise controlling  
  • The AT-LP60 features an aluminum platter, which makes it durable and sturdy

Cons

  • It ships with short wires which can force you to buy extra cables
  • The quality leaves something to be desired when compared to other similarly priced turntables

Buying Guide

Hopefully, this list has helped you get a good understanding of a selection of the best turntables for sampling available today. 

In this next section, we’ll be discussing what you should look out for when buying a turntable.

Best Turntables For Sampling

Size

When it comes to space, turntables can be quite large and take up a lot of room. If you only have limited space in your home, you’ll obviously want to go for one of the more compact options.

It can be difficult to move turntables as they are often heavy and it's important to consider the weight of your deck as well as how easy it will be for you to lift it if you plan to move it again.

Additional Features

As you can see from the examples on this list, there are different types of turntables that offer different features. Different features can enhance your DJing and give you a much more fulfilling and enjoyable listening experience. If you want a specific feature that is not offered by the products we've mentioned, then it is worth searching for those features in other products.

Quality

There are a lot of different turntables on the market. Some may be more expensive, while others may have a higher quality. It can be hard to pick which is best for you, but by reading reviews like ours, and comparing features between different products, you can increase your chances of getting a great turntable.

The cost of an item does not necessarily indicate its quality, as you can find many quality products that cost significantly less, that hold their own against more expensive items.

One of the most important factors in picking a turntable will be sound quality, so keep this in mind if you're looking to get one. If lots of reviews mention that it has bad sound quality, then you should avoid that turntable and instead find one with better feedback.

Ease Of Use

The complexity level of DJ turntables varies greatly. If you're a more experienced DJ, you may want to consider a stepping stone into the world that's beyond your current skill level. However, if you're relatively new to this scene, simpler models may be the best option for you.

Some products may be too complicated and detailed for less experienced users to enjoy. These products often come with instruction manuals, so it might be good to brush up on your skills beforehand if you're unsure how many steps are involved.

A more experienced DJ may not want an easy-to-use turntable because they will want to be matched with decks more in tune with their skill level. They will also become frustrated with its lack of control options which are often fewer on beginner models.

Durability

A turntable's durability will depend on the model and manufacturer.

If you want the best sounding of the turntables on offer, make sure you invest in one made from sturdy materials. Dust covers are an easy way to stop dust from getting on the needle and other components so that it can play your records without any problems.

Make sure the needle is made of durable material, otherwise it might break during use, as these can be expensive to replace.

Price

Turntables are pricier than most other equipment. They are likely to cost between $200-400. Other features can make the price even higher, even into the thousands! If you are seeking a more advanced, high-level piece of equipment (including more expensive models with additional features), you may need to explore the higher end of the price range. However, if your goal is to find something on the lower end, then it's better to choose a product closer to $300.

Related Questions

How to Sample Vinyl Records?

If you want to sample vinyl records, you'll need a few things. Of course, you need a turntable. If you can't connect your record player directly to a computer, you'll need an audio interface. Finally, you'll need a Digital Work Station (DAW) like Reason, Cubase, or Audacity to record the sound.

What is the Best Turntable to Sample With?

To sample vinyl records, you need a high-torque motor. That's one of the main reasons the Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB is one of the best turntables for sampling. It comes with a USB connector, dust cover, and software needed to record vinyl records. 

What is the Best Way to Convert Vinyl to Digital?

To digitalize your old vinyl records, you need to take a USB phono preamp and use it to connect your turntable to your PC. Like any other phono storage, you'll need to use a phono cable to connect the two devices. Then, use a DAW to rip your records straight off the vinyl. 

How Do You Pick a Good Turntable?  

Whether you're a live DJ, an aspiring producer, or you just want to listen to high-quality music, remember that the turntable is the star of your system. You need to pick a turntable from a reputable company like Audio Technica, Technics, or Pioneer and be ready to spend money. 

What are the Most Valuable Features to Look Out For?  

How to pick the best turntables for sampling? Here are a couple of features to look out for:

  • The record player needs to have a low-vibrating motor and chassis
  • Also, the drive needs to have stable speed and produce little to no noise
  • A tonearm that can move freely around and that has a low resonance
  • The phono cartridge needs to be of exceptional quality

Do More Expensive Turntables Sound Better?

How much money should you spend on your turntable if you want to sample? At least a couple of hundred dollars. Heavier and more quality record players produce and record better sound. Naturally, they cost a lot more than your average record player. 

Are USB Turntables Any Good?

Getting a turntable is a significant investment. Records don't come cheap either. You want to buy a top-of-the-class player, should you even look at USB turntables? Modern USB turntables are well worth your attention, especially if you plan to use them to sample vinyl records. They can be connected directly to your computer, eliminating the need to buy an audio interface.

Can You Scratch on Any Turntable?

If you want to practice scratching records, you need a pair of turntables and a vinyl collection. While you can technically scratch on any turntable you wish, specific models like Technics SL-1210M5G and Audio Technica AT-LP120 USB are made for it. 

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