The Evolution Of Vestax DJ Turntables
Me And My Vestax PDT 5000s
As an owner of Vestax turntables in the past, I was always fascinated by the evolution of their turntables over the years. Vestax was a Japanese company that had been producing high-quality turntables for decades alongside their industry leading mixers. Over the years I was always eager to check out their latest innovations because to me, it was always Vestax that pushed the boundaries and explored how new technologies and features could benefit the DJ. In this article, I'm going to take you on a journey through the evolution of some of my favourite Vestax turntables, from their earliest models to their most recent innovations.
Vestax PDT5000
The Vestax PDT5000 was one of the first turntables produced by the company and a turntable I used to own. It was released in the early 1990s and quickly gained popularity among DJs including myself. The PDT5000 was built to last, with a sturdy aluminium body that could withstand the rigours of live performance. It was a lovely turntable set up with an S shaped tonearm, which improved tracking and reduced record wear.
One of the most notable features of the PDT5000 was its pitch control, which allowed DJs to adjust the tempo of their music. The PDT5000 was one of the first turntables to offer variable pitch control which was a module sold separately (Vestax PCF-1). This allowed DJs to adjust the pitch in finer increments than ever before with a switch that could be set to 3%, 6% and 10%. I bought two of these modules with the turntables, swapped them into the decks and used them for 20 odd years. Using the 3% setting allowed you to fine tune your mix, holding mixes of two records for longer with ease.
Vestax PDX-A1
The Vestax PDX-A1 was released in the early 2000s and quickly became a favourite among DJs around the world. It was one of the first turntables to feature a quartz-controlled direct drive motor, which provided unparalleled accuracy and stability. The PDX-A1 was also built with a heavy-duty aluminium body, which reduced unwanted resonance and helped to deliver clean, clear sound.
Another standout feature of the PDX-A1 was its availability in both straight and S tonearms in the MK2 guise. This was particularly useful for scratch DJs, who needed a turntable with a straight tone arm to help with performing advanced scratching techniques.
Vestax PDX A2
The Vestax PDX A2 was an evolution of the PDX-A1 and was released in the mid-2000s. It retained many of the same features as its predecessor, including the quartz-controlled direct drive motor. However, it also introduced several new features that made it even more versatile. It featured a high-torque direct drive motor, which provided instant start-up and allowed DJs to perform advanced scratching techniques with ease
One of the most notable new features of the PDX A2 was its layout. The design was such that the turntable was set up to be used in a ‘battle configuration’ used by scratch DJs. The pitch fader and start/stop buttons were relocated to allow the turntable to be positioned vertically with the tone arm at the top. This was a game-changer for DJs who wanted to set up their turntables in a battle configuration without any of the usual compromises.
Vestax PDX D3
The Vestax PDX D3 was released in the late 2000s and was designed with the needs of house DJs in mind. The PDX D3 also had a sleek new design based on the PDT 5000.
The PDX D3 main new feature was an included digital display, which allowed DJs to monitor their pitch and tempo settings in real-time. This was particularly useful for DJs who wanted to perform precise beatmatching and pitch adjustments on the fly. Alongside this display were toggles for pitch bend, platter reverse and quartz lock and pitch ranges of 3%, 6% and 12%.
Vestax PDX 2000/3000
Furthermore, the Vestax PDT 2000 and PDT 3000 allowed for brake adjustment, enabling DJs to fine-tune the braking speed according to their preferences. Pitch control was another noteworthy aspect, with a wide range of 10% and ultra pitch of 50%, empowering DJs to seamlessly match the tempo of different tracks. The build quality of these turntables was top-notch, incorporating robust materials that ensured durability and reliability during intense scratching and mixing sessions. Moreover, DJs had the choice between straight or S-shaped tone arms, providing flexibility and catering to individual preferences. These turntables were available in black and silver with limited runs of limited edition colours being released that included white and blue.
Vestax PVT E2
The Vestax PVT E2 was a unique and weird looking turntable that was another Vestax turntable released in the mid-2000s. It was designed with a frame that meant it could be rotated to near vertical with it’s compact size and a lightweight body. This made it perfect for DJs who needed a scratch turntable that they could utilise in small spaces.
Despite its small size, the PVT E2 was still packed with features. It had a high-torque direct drive motor, which provided instant start-up and allowed DJs to perform advanced scratching techniques. It also had an adjustable pitch control and a straight tone arm.
Vestax QFO
The Vestax QFO was a groundbreaking turntable that was also released in the mid-2000s. It was designed in collaboration with DJ Qbert, one of the most respected turntablists in the world. The QFO was unique in that it combined a turntable with a DJ mixer, creating an all-in-one unit that was perfect for scratch DJs and looked to be perfectly honest, bonkers.
The QFO had a high-torque direct drive motor, which provided instant start-up and allowed DJs to perform advanced scratching techniques with ease. It also had a built-in mixer with PMC-05PRO II mixer circuitry with two channels, allowing DJs to mix and scratch tracks on the fly. The QFO also had a range of unique features, including a dynamic balanced tone arm which assisted with anti skip, 2 sets of start/stop buttons, 180 degree spin slide pitch control that went to 50% placed by the platter and included PMC-05 crossfader with updated settings that had been upgraded to withstand vibrations during the turntables operation.
The QFO was incredibly popular among scratch DJs, who appreciated its all-in-one design and its range of advanced features. However, it was also quite expensive, which limited its appeal to a niche market. According to the turntables designer infamous Vestax engineer Toshi Nakama only 800 units were produced, alongside the below Vestax Controller One Turntable with only 100 units produced.
Vestax Controller One
The Vestax Controller One was a highly advanced and versatile DJ controller/turntable designed for professional DJs and music enthusiasts. This innovative device combined the best features of a traditional turntable with the convenience and precision of modern digital technology.
One of the standout features of the Controller One was its unique hybrid design, which incorporated a classic turntable with a high-performance digital interface. This allowed the DJ to enjoy the tactile feel and precision control of vinyl records while also taking advantage of modern digital music files.
In terms of functionality, the Controller One offered a wide range of advanced features, including a built-in soundcard, MIDI controller, and USB connectivity. You could use the device with popular DJ software programs such as Serato and Traktor, and it also included a range of midi mappable customisable controls and effects.
Overall, the Vestax Controller One was an excellent choice for DJs who were looking for a high-quality, versatile controller that offered the best of both worlds. With its hybrid design and advanced features, this device became a bit of a holy grail among DJ turntable enthusiasts, especially when only 100 were manufactured.
Vestax Turntables Resources And Availability
The evolution of Vestax turntables is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and quality. From the early days of the PDT5000 to the groundbreaking QFO, Vestax consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with turntables. Each new model introduced new features and technologies that helped to shape the DJ industry as we know it today.
If you're interested in learning more about these Vestax turntables, there are plenty of resources available online. A simple Google search for "Vestax turntables" will yield plenty of results, including reviews, forums, and online retailers. If you're in the market for a new turntable, be sure to do your research and find the model that best suits your needs and budget. While Vestax is no longer producing turntables, many of their older models are still available for purchase through online retailers and secondhand markets.
When shopping for a Vestax turntable, it's important to consider the features that are most important to you. Are you a scratch DJ who needs a high-torque motor and a range of advanced features? Or are you a club DJ who simply needs a reliable turntable with good sound quality? By understanding your needs and preferences, you can narrow down your search and find the Vestax turntable that is right for you.
In addition to reading reviews and forums, it's also a good idea to watch videos of the turntables in action. Many DJs and enthusiasts have posted videos of themselves using all of these Vestax turntables, which can give you a better sense of their capabilities and sound quality. You can also find instructional videos and tutorials online, which can help you learn how to use the turntable and its various features.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, the evolution of Vestax turntables is a fascinating story of innovation and creativity. From the early days of the PDT5000 to the groundbreaking QFO, Vestax consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with turntables. Whether you're a scratch DJ, a club DJ, or just a music enthusiast, Vestax turntables are an important part of the DJ landscape and continue to be cherished by those who own them. By doing your research and understanding your needs, you can find the Vestax turntable that is right for you and in theory take your DJing to the next level.
Related Articles:
Comments
Post a Comment