DJ tips: needles

[@djshineboy]

Can you please do an updated video now that the Shure isn’t available anymore? 🙏

[@simon4shizzle]

If you are planning on buying Shure M44-7 cartridges/needles, keep in mind - there is a "break in period". The needles will be a bit stiff for the first 20-30 hours of play. During the first hours of use, the needles will skip on the vinyl more often than ones that have been broken in. Don't immediately assume your needles are defective. You will need to get the needles some use before they relax up.

[@seanoh432]

This is a good tip, and also same goes for Ortofon Qbert. Do the break-in for at least 20 hours. Once it sets the right angle from the break-in period, Tone Arm will stay stable without skating. It will never skip, As you use more hours with it, the output gets louder compared to brand new, about 20% more after few years. And it is noticeably louder than other cartridges with the better frequency of sound quality.

[@stevenchampion8137]

...apparently Shure won’t be making them for much longer

[@billyrocky2974]

What needs should inbuy for just DJing. NOT scratching

[@pbee73]

I had the Realistic/Stanton RS500DJ cartridge on my decks back in the day. the stylus had "DJ" on it and I like the way they looked. I bought them from Radio Shack and they hardly ever skipped. Unfortunately they do not make them anymore.

[@Arcturian1111]

The Ortofon Omega. Insane price, insane combo. $39 for cartridge and needle.

[@nicolasachilles524]

InstaBlaster...

[@RobertFreiberger]

I was a big fan of the Ortofon Concorde DJS, went through two needles and rarely heard any record burn. I believe these were at 3.5 grams on a 1200. But now I'm running Shure M44-7's and they track really great at 3.5 grams and appears even better sound. I do miss the ability of precise needle dropping on the DJS.

[@ld3g381]

Finally a video that's informative without a bunch of BS. Thanks!

[@funkolog]

i was allways promoting stanton since i hear m44-7. my life changed then

[@christianherenz5072]

I use S-120, but on a headshell. I'm a long time Ortofon User - and I have the feeling that this is their best DJ product in the line. They are loud - no problems with DVS - and they also sound extremely good when playing regular vinyl. Record wear is also very low - also good if you use control vinyl, but also good for you regular records.... I guess between them and M44-7 is just a matter of taste.... With M44-7s I don't like that its hard to see where you drop the needle...

[@djphatb]

used most of those needles as wel finally i stuck with the q bert but the headshell mount version. hard to say why but the just worked best with my setup. that being said the m44-7's never disappointed me as well

[@djhardcorproductions6132]

@djphatb I'm in total agreement with you..I now use the Q - Bert needles and used to use the Shure's for years. This was a easy transition because they have a similar great sound and strong steady tracking on the vinyl

[@shemmy7302]

The only needles that don't hurt when you use them 😉

[@michaelwight9851]

I use Stanton Al 500 on head shells and also use concords never had any of the problems your stating, but I do use vestax pdx 2000 mk 2 no skipping jumping bouncing or wear on record so its not just the head shell or needle.

[@Mattrixx]

Wow you learn something new everyday like that say.

[@truesouljs4352]

I'm a Shure M44-7 boy. Been using the same pair for about 2 years & they're still going well. They're real steady for scratching, sound good & they're not too heavy on the vinyl. By the way DJTLM, I've always wondered, what's your real name? I'm thinking Michael. You look like a Michael!

[@jonathonlesko3554]

truesouljs omg he does

[@vindiesel2997]

bro you have one of the best dj information KZbin pages

[@ericfshook]

My TOP FIVE Cartridges (no particular order) - ZYX Bloom 3 - Hana SL - AirTight Opus 1 - Miyajima Labs Madake Snakewood - Top Wing Red Sparrow

[@00wrongun]

My new turntables didn't have carts with them, so got some Ortofon Concorde mix mk2 twin pack £135 and comes with a cool case too

[@BPMSoundsMusicandTV]

GREAT VIDEO. SHURE 44-7 BEST NEEDLE IMO..

[@hot4futureyears2come]

useful as always, i was a ortofon person, they where great.

[@skawashers]

Been using the numark cc-1 for straight playing. Quality is good and they do last

[@EvilJohnny81]

Studio set: Shure M44-7 Travel Set: Shure Whitelabel// Stanton 500 as back up.

[@justenginkaptanoglu]

Hi TLM what about output gain ? are the type of needle has any effect on this manner ? are high end needles playbacks louder ?

[@djpaul146]

Great video I'm using a stanton 505 but as I was playing a record my stylus had come away from where the screws go so I've put some glue on it. I'm going to get a new one soon

[@nodarvashakmadze2242]

just found my grandpa's stereo, it's made in way back in USSR, it's working but headshell and needle both are missing, dunno which one should i buy it has like a 3 little space for headshell plugging

[@djTLMtv]

It is very likely that such a stereo set needs a very specific headshell and needle so Google is your best option

[@juicy_rickys_world3273]

about to buy my first DJ setup-Two pioneer PLX 500's and a mixer. Love your videos, answering pretty much all the questions I've had. Big up from Denver!

[@bimoario4437]

ONSEN BEATS i just give you my little bit opinion about plx 500, it doesn't worth bruh if you want to use it for mixing or heavy scratching with 500s, I just bought it and I'm really regret it. Cause it seems like made of cheap plastic and its have issue with their motor if you try to pushing em hard. At the end i stay with my 1210. But if budget is the issue, I recommended for stanton t62. But if you have really good on budget I prefer with 1200/1210 or maybe reloop rp8000 of course its way more durable than 500s. That's just my opinion bruh its up to you and sorry for my bad English

[@Hazelcut]

I'm using the Ortofon Q-Bert. Really great for scratching, and solid (I use the same needle since 6 month, lot of scratch and also use them at my club weekly residency). The only problem is the sound, it's not good to listen real vinyl with it, I use them with Traktor or for scratch, but when I tried to use them to rip some of my vinyl the sound was that good as it could be with a M44 for exemple.

[@flava82]

Hazelcut Hey man... go for the Shure M44G! These sound incredible especially for vinyl use!!! Do other mistake them for M447. although great, they are top heavy and have very loud output suited to Serato/ tracktor etc. So yeah, M44G best DJ turntable Cartridge and needle for the vinyl.

[@Hazelcut]

I use to have a pair of those, legend sound, can't go wrong with this. I wanted to change with the Ortofon. But it's good now, I use a different needle for when I want to play a real vinyl (I don't remember the name, but it's the black one, for Ortofon). It still got the punch of the Q-Bert, but the sound is cleaner (and it's cheaper)

[@davidw1218]

Very Sharp guy!!! You do an AWSOME presentation!!!!!1

Shure 44-7 User here:)

[@truesouljs4352]

Me too. I've been using my current ones for nearly 2 years & they still sound great & hold the groove well. Ace needles when setup properly!

[@DjcHuCkNiCe1]

+Tobias Müller Yeah me too....used the Concords for yrs. but once I got on to the Shure joints I was hooked. Got 2 brand pair still in the little white boxes on deck...just in case they discontinue them on some bullshit...Lol.Great for DJing and listening. I even have one on the turntable I sample with.

[@djkennySb]

i use ortofon but i gonna buy a pair for try it everyone says are the best

[@DjPhaseFour]

Just joined the 447 club and I am very happy with them. Aside from stability they have I'm also impressed by the amount of detail they have. I really didn't think a spherical stylus could sound this good.

[@air_rue23]

shure m44-7 is the best imo

[@sp1200M3D]

I have the original Ortofon Nightclub yellow tips. Does anyone know what cartridges are for them. The OM Pro?

[@djchozin1]

DjCRAZE SK NEEDLES by Stanton are good enough. I went to ortofon the last 2 setups tho. Thanks for the video.

[@turfoidgaming9684]

your wrong, Technics did not ship with any stylus. However, I think the VERY VERY early 1200s from the late 70s early eighties did ship with their very own Technics ones. Stantons were often bought with 1200s as they were kinda like a standard for a long time.

[@cryptonitor9855]

Needles are all package in covenient mounting kajiggers. What if replacements are too expensive or not possible to get? Would you regard it as a viable solution to get alot of "needleparts" so actually refurbish the old mountings`? I mean getting a broken/worn/misshapen needle out of the copper sleeve thats on the small plastic holder is simple. Wouldnt it just be sliding in a new needle? New needle costs 280USD so I cant afford that.

[@jerbear6947]

DjTLM if the plastic handles on the ortofon (what you called banana) breaks. I saw a guy once probably around year 01 or 02. Can’t fully remember but he had used a zip tie around it and trimmed it so it stuck out exactly like the original plastic piece.

[@djTLMtv]

Yup, half the clubs here had zip ties on them as well. I remember that! 😄

[@VinylPro]

why i choose a "needle" ..., is the turntable producer don't suggest one, which they delivering with ?

[@djTLMtv]

Turntables can come with a headshell, cartridge, and needle, but in most cases those aren’t the greatest for DJ’ing.

[@VinylPro]

@@djTLMtv got the concept, so it is not for an usual music fan... just for a professional , like i understood...

[@jacobyalfa]

I'm not into turntabilism but I love that shure cartridge!, incredibly good sound on all my records. happy holidays!

[@djhardcorproductions6132]

Shure's were great I wish they still made them

[@therealliveguy]

be sure to use peroxide on your scalp when shaving. Will help for sure. And thanks for the tips.

[@pgrossmsk]

im using the ortofon concorde mix version. its good and stylus is quite cheap . sound quality is quite good . i love the sound coming from shure m44-7 but the price and stylus replacement hmm . the concorde club mk2 ( yellow ) is also great but since its eliptical , not sure if too much backspin or cue will burn out records

[@das_f.l.x]

I have the Ortofon DJ S on my PLX 1000s. They work really well with traktor. On real Vinyl I noticed, that they are sometimes skipping (no turntablism, just scratching a bit too fast at the first beat). Another thing is, their signalnis a bit too silent. My Audio 10 (MK 1) doesn't have a loud phono-amplifer, so I have to turn the DJM's gain up to 50%. What do you think about the DJ S concorde-system? Are they worth their 70€?

[@christianherenz5072]

+Felix Mascha (DJ Felix) DJ S is good - I used them for a long time... But if you want to get better - try the S-120... They have an advanced suspension, that let's them skip less.

[@marvinrossdiolazo8412]

Is it ok to use a ceramic needle for scratching?

[@StacksSats]

im still using Shure M44-7s, and first gen 1200 MK5 from back in 2002 lol Ortofon Digitracks for Serato

[@bobkeller8383]

I am 48 and never had nor used a turntable. Now i am for some reason putting together a vintage hifi system. Why? Not really sure. Maybe because its not made in china. I like the looks. Better build quality. I have chosen the akai brand as they seem decent and affordable and i like the looks. So are all the needles and the what did you call it? Head shell? All compatible with all turn tables and with each other? Oh and im just looking for best sound quality and not much wear on my vinyl. Something that looks aesthetically pleasing is also a plus. My tt is a akai ap-207. Anyone have any recommendations or tips for a old new to vinyl guy. Thanks

[@macboogieland2897]

would you recomend the shure m44-7 just for sampling as well?

[@oldskoolhead0]

be nice to have an update to this video since stanton no longer make needles ;-)

[@SoMissingFive0]

Can any needles and headshell fits like universal?

[@gcajones]

"so.. that's a quick little history lesson on MY NEEDLE USE." -djTLMtv ROFL

[@djTLMtv]

+gcajones :)

[@cori5635]

Dope Video I had to learn by trial and error. I'm rocking the M447 & SC35C but Mosely the SC35C

[@tdxownyou]

m447 is pretty much standard

[@Akiwakitaki]

S500 was sold separately unless included in a bundle with the 1200 , this was in 1997

[@Thyst1]

I had the banana Ortofons and yes the handles always broke so I would get a large paper clip and a pair of needle nose pliers and bend/wrap the clip around the head shell and make it into the shape of a handle. Then I would crazy glue or hot glue the wrapped part onto the head shell so that it wouldn’t move or come off. It looked ugly as hell, but it worked. I wasn’t about paying $140 every time I broke one so I just “fixed” it myself.

[@dtwistrewind7361]

20 years ago I used Stanton 500al now I use s120 I tried the sure m44g but even the g model sounds muddy, but like the 120s stick like glue.

[@domstar8426]

Awesome tips and info I hadnt even thought about. when it. comes to the banana's thanks for sharing...

[@xnoback]

I want to buy a couple of turntables, I'm not a scratch Dj, I'm going to use for seamlessly mix, for doing long transitions. what will be your recommendation to choose a cartridge?. cheers from Chile, thanks in advance.

[@jahanlon]

"That's a quick little history lesson when it come to my needle use" - TLM2015

[@lebis94]

I have the Ortofon concorde pro s needles. Have you any idea for how long they last ? And how do I even know that I have to buy new ones? I'm using traktor timecode only.

[@triblues7065]

What needle to use for old Stanton T120? TIA.

[@djteknovibe93]

First off did anyone notice he has a red piece of what looks like cotton on the back of his head? lol. Secondly i've tried virtually every Ortofon dj cartridge and after owning many I can say the tonearm lever does indeed snap off easily. Also Ortofon cartridges don't seem to last as long before they wear out and become very, very quiet or sound quality is affected plus like he mention they do have a tendency to do far more damage to your vinyl. But for the past 8 years i've used Shure M44G cartridges and I can say they beat virtually all Ortofon Concorde cartridges for sound quality, they match the Nightclub cartridges for sound quality. Also tracking ability (ability to stay in the groove of vinyl without jumping) they're awesome. I much prefer the M44G cartridges to the M447 as the M447 although louder hve more pronounced high frequency so at high levels they can sound harsh on your ears. The M44G cartridges have a slightly more flat frequency response so they sound awesome and not harsh in the slightest. Plus they last a lot longer too in the past 8 years i've had 3 M44G cartridges and only changed stylus 5 times. They last forever it's shocking really how much longer they last. I've been dj'ing since 1993 and used to be a sound engineer and also had my own recording studio so I know about sound.

[@deejaysato3461]

Came to this video to see what I should purchase for my next needles. I’m still furious that shure discontinued the m447’s. Everything else is so pricey

[@mac8050]

What did you end up buying?

[@MrRichfusion]

TLM. I just bought the Reloop rp-8000 mk2 wit Rane 72. Not sure if you played or Have any kind of information on these turntables or not. Do you know if this Needle the (Reloop Ortofon Concorde Vibe Turntable Cartridge and Stylus) Is good for Scratching and Serrato pro.???

[@triblues7065]

Planning to use Stanton T.60 with replacement Stanton 500B as pure turntable use. Any thoughts?

[@barrywatts8501]

Ortofon dy blue's. Never had a problem.

[@diazinc462]

I actually miss the Stanton 500 series from the Technics package around 1992. 1995 changed over to Stanton Trackmaster I & I still have a pair of Trackmaster II. hands down for even sound quality with a lil bit of a louder amp sound would be the Shure M44-7

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

daily listening ....Ortofon concorde club..for scratching...Shure M-44 for shure !

[@djboiskout]

I just bought my shures recently however, I followed studio scratches set up tutorial but still the needle isnt that steady on my vinyl and shakes when scratching. I came across a video showing a trick of putting a small piece of paper beneath the tonearm and it worked fine my ortofons but not my shure. What would be a good set up for the shure m447? Counter weight? Or any advice on how to keep the needle steady and not shaking when scratching.

[@truesouljs4352]

Sometimes brand new needles need to be worn in a little. What I did with my m44-7's is put 2 records spinning on the decks but leave the needles on the centre label of the record & just leave them running for a while. On turntablist forums some people recommend leaving them over night but I just left mine for an hour & they were great.

[@DJKEYS-br1xh]

DONT FORGET THE ALL AROUND....STANTON 680....

[@sureshotjay207]

Shure m44-7. but I'm curious about the Ortofon Concorde Scratch

[@djTLMtv]

+Jon Marcel You could always try them, but you're solid with the m44-7

[@DJ1Hands1on]

Hey great video question for is the shell very important or more so the needle? I bought the audio technica LP120 and they came with shell and cartridge if I wanted to just switch the cartridge out and reuse the shell is that a problem.

[@djTLMtv]

The needle is more important for sure. It shouldn't be a problem

[@thehunterofdeath2180]

DJ1Hands1on yeah change then those are regular not for scratch get the m44 7 the are great were it out first if it skip put it on a 45 angle if you got heavy-hand or the optophone there great the blue one qbert what's the optophone are great just let the needle were out let it break in that it I be DJ sin 89 I use a lot of needle but this are the best so far I still use it like that

[@falopio67]

guys where i cand find groovemasters, i see almos t ortofon all around but groovemasters out of stock everywhere....i have serato s120 and find they have less output for traktor than the groovemasters....any other suggestion for traktor, i find the seratos too fragile....

[@taruyajapan7124]

Hello. I'm interested in a phono cartridge named TARUYA made in Japan. Is there any information? I saw prominent DJs using this TARUYA phono cartridge made in Japan at KZbin.

[@Jean-LouisMayans]

what about the ortofon concorde pro s?, what about the sound, back and forth? thx.

[@Samuel.mulinge]

great video on the needles, really helpful.on that note, how do set your tone arm?by that I mean the weight and height. thanks

[@klubrav]

The Stanton's omg are still my favorite lol

[@abdendavidarreola7832]

Dj TLM where can I get one of your shirts?? Would be nice to sport one

[@eee32mmm]

im a stanton 505 head they just started to give out ive had a pair for almost 10 years....give it that i used them for mixing. not scratching.... i love my vinly collection too much. staton has a new shell that has a 2gram button on top for those who love that series. im thinking getting a pair or moving over to shure or ortofon. Peace to the vinly movement. But vinly Steal Mp3

[@ariea1909]

Always appreciate your knowledge.

[@eddie3911]

dude great vid man, I always liked the Stanton 500 back in the day because the lasted forever!!!!! Ive been using Ortofon now for the past few years now. i currently use the PRO S . they work good for scratching and they are affordable. still saving up for the Serato versions. BTW , How are you liking the DJM S9??? love mine. My unit came with vinyls as to yours when I saw your unboxing you didn't get any, nothing special I wouldnt worry, they are standard SERATO black. keep up the great vids man. DJEDDIE3911 Riverside Southern California

[@Mrwolfkicker]

the ortofon mkii nightclub is the best for sound quality at the moment .

[@djcuervo99]

Shure M44-7 is the best

[@frankiefingerz8047]

I find the qbert ortofon needles to b the best even better than the legendary shure m447 believe it or not

[@BASILEMOJO]

ortofon concorde digitale has the best outpout with the scratch...

[@UsamaMnemonikk]

M44-7 is my favorite needles!

[@kykev]

Sweet jumper and great mix on DJ City!

[@JUKE179r]

Good shit mate! Long time Ortofon Concorde NightClub user here.

[@djraytheonearuba6480]

i love the share needles so far it cheaper but also very good and it pick up vinyl records good with serato.

[@Djaiicool2012]

You went to Dj city?

[@djTLMtv]

+dj cool I work with DJcity as a DJ, but all the djTLMtv content is my own.

[@bionikcruz223]

love the m44-7 very smooth and great sound quality. But when i first started building one it was a biatch lol. The do wear out quick but well worth it.

[@badhanahmed9037]

I need FG servo SL-BD35 Needle. Please help

[@djcoops8016]

will there be a saturday session soon?

[@djTLMtv]

+DJ COOPS I'll do one before the end of the year and the next Saturday Super Session will be announced in January

[@djcoops8016]

thanks

[@tintintb1980]

You should also explain to people the difference between spherical and elliptical needles. So many people skip this factor and end up kicking themselves later.

[@abteinjaeger7005]

So can you explain

[@djsmooth73]

What about the pickering?

[@BigPoppa-t3z]

Yeah but the coins were OG back in the day

[@milisonlaveist5707]

Weer een meesterlijke video baas you is rockin'

[@omexgatomotachiz1309]

Thank you man i was try to looking about it....

[@jamescrawford6532]

Shure announced recently they are discontinuing ALL phono products.

[@kenjomdeori8106]

What is cartridge? Im confused between cartridge, headshell and needle.

[@kenjomdeori8106]

@TheKizilg1 what is google?

[@mxtechnicalsupport]

Your vids helped me a lot!! Thanks

[@djeezyedpeopleschoice2557]

Great 👍🏾 tips dude!

[@holler02me]

Thx. Great explanation.

[@SuperBubba360]

how many grams do you set your needles at?

[@rcecil88]

SuperBubba360 it depends on what the manufacturer recommends

[@mihajlomadzarevic7455]

hey djtlm can you make a tutorial on how to protect your own music on youtube

[@jlwasmer]

Technics never shipped with needles.... and the Ortofon were actually called Concorde (vs the OM). Banana is a model Ortofon made that had the Concorde form factor.

[@richmck007]

Stanton 890 FS. You cannot scratch your vinyl ( unless you are a fool... or a scratch deejay, then get the 505.V3 version ) with this beauty!