From Controllers to Turntables

#turntabletuesday
You look at the laptop and think it's not gonna fail you. But the truth of it is, nothing is more reliable than your own instinct. Your own instinct is the most reliable source of how to navigate through any situation. So the situation happens to be DJing. But there are instincts as a DJ that you could cultivate that will help you improve your DJ skills. The computer makes it so that we have this ability to travel with 1000 hours worth of music on this skinny little contraption called a laptop instead of lugging crates, and I appreciate that about technology. But at the same time, when it comes to DJing. The techniques that we're gonna focus on today were created by DJs like GrandWizzard Theodore, Grand Master Flash, Jazzy Jay, Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc before computers. So my point is, these skill sets have existed way before computers and there's nothing a computer could do help you truly learn and develop the way you need to if you want to DJ properly.
#brolicarmy

[@eddiegrooveable]

This is how I was dj'ing back in the 80's. with ONLY vinyl's No computers, no looking at BPM's , no waves but just with the eyes and sound.

[@JBlNN]

congrats lol

[@eddiegrooveable]

@@JBlNN thanks for the lol

[@ignoranceisnotatrend4669]

Same here

[@ignoranceisnotatrend4669]

Have to have started in the 80s on actual turntables to really understand this "CRAFT", AS A DJ IM GLAD I WAS THERE 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@manusosafdz]

Legacy can only be inherited by direct transmission like we see in this video. But thanks to youtube we can be part of it. I am watching all of your videos. Learning everyday and practicing to become a better DJ. Thank you Rob. Hugs from México.

[@IMNfilms]

It's very cool to watch you, Rob, teaching a student who comes from controllers. This video will nudge some controller DJs who have been thinking about getting TTs into doing so, and this video is such a great encouragement for them. I have a controller, but I backspin on it for the reasons you set out here. I can't afford TTs/mixer, so I'm learning scratching on a PT01 Scratch that I've modded (tonearm, start/stop, fader, platter, Shure cart), and I'll probably get DVS and use the PT01 until I can get some TTs. I'm in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and space is an issue, and gear is very expensive here because I often have to order from the States/Europe, and the postage is sometimes more than the item. Anyway, thanks again for all you do.

[@JBlNN]

its not that we dont want TT's bro its that they are like $3000 for a solid setup lol

[@truthtalker911]

I never knew Rob taught people how to do real DJing so word em up bro, I remember DJ Qbert doing the same and teaching rookies so that's WhatsUp yo

[@1upmotiongraphics181]

I never cued in headphones, I always watched my cue points and counted how many times I had to spin it back.

[@TGSureal]

About 20ish years ago I learned how to mix but not scratch, on my buddies technic 1200s. We would get some beers and have all night spinning sessions. You'd pick a record based on the track that was playing to an extent. Then you had to match the beat. Once that was complete you had to throw it in at just the right spot and play with the levels to bring in the new track. I learned by ear. Jump ahead to now and I just got a controller. It is like piloting a plane, while it is on autopilot. The unit has so many FX to play with, the possibilities are endless. Beat is drifting off? Sync button! Want to mix 2 tracks with a huge difference in BPM? Not a problem. I feel like a controller makes the job of the DJ so easy. On tables you could be blind and still DJ, but on controllers, you could be deaf and still DJ.

[@1luvzp]

This is EXACTLY the point that people miss who preach all you need is a controller. Granted you can be a good DJ if you never use vinyl but there are skills you will not develop if you only use a controller (unless you brought those skills over from DJing on vinyl). If you're not a turntablist I guess it really doesn't matter, but for turntablism for sure you won't even understand why things were put in the controllers/software if you don't understand that the ideas came from skills/techniques DJs developed on turntables. And just so I'm clear controllers are NOT whack, but your skills on a controller will only be enhanced if you learn the kind of skills that are best learned on a turntable--where you MAKE YOURSELF learn actual technique and not be solely reliant on the technology. Thank you so much Rob for these videos. When I was younger it was hard to come by this kind of teaching because DJ-ing was like a secret society and you had to find somebody willing to take you on and teach you their secrets. The down side to DJ software and controllers is it makes it easy to DJ without actually knowing what the heck you are doing. LOL

[@djrobswift]

You are welcome. Respect and thanks for your comment. It was spot on.

[@willm7543]

Man I wanna learn how to DJ on turntables, I all controllered out.

[@DocHalliday]

Will M Make that leap if you can, bro... You'll feel more connected to the music, you'll develop your own style of movement when you're backspinning, releasing the record, scratching, etc... All of that makes you fall into a pocket where you're just in tune with everything and next thing you know, two hours have passed and you'll just want to keep going...

[@djscratchdog]

The Honey Drippers! I haven't heard that track since 86 Nice

[@KidAlmighty30]

very good instructions on how to DJ with Vinyl. Practice makes perfect. This guy is going to be very good in no time, he understands the technique very well.

[@JamBurglar]

I came up on wax and it's a little mind blowing to watch this. Good, patient teaching here and there's so many mini-lessons in there. The technology, whether its vinyl or DVS, is going to nudge you to gravitate towards certain ways of doing things. There's advantages to DVS, but there's also a LOT of disadvantages to not knowing how to use wax. Those instincts about where sounds are, using your ears first and your eyes second, touch on the vinyl, etc. are all important to juggling and scratching and they can separate a good DJ from a mediocre DJ. The cool thing here is Rob explains and SHOWS that without being condescending or trying say DVS is inherently bad.

[@sunderjirahim]

I use crayons to make my "cue point" on real vinyl, the way Grandmaster Flash did it. An "intersector" line and a "circular" line. On average 4 bars forward on a typical song at 33 1/3 RPM, the vinyl turns 6 revolutions. On 45s, its 7 revolutions...

[@1upmotiongraphics181]

21:00 Theres no better feeling than locking in that juggle, when you're first learning.

[@hobbes606a]

There are so much details when ur playing real vinyl 👍 Thx for sharing !

[@reminisce76]

Rob, thank you so much for posting THIS video. For the past couple of years I have been struggling with deciding on which aspect of this beautiful art form called DJing I should begin focussing on. Whether it's beat matching, scratching, etc. there's so much I want to do and I want to do it all. This particular video has inspired me to get back into it and just focus on the basics. Me and "Impeach the President" are about to be the best of friends. Thanks again boss. Keep up the amazing work!

[@Jojo-bz4ln]

Hello Rob, I cannot thank you enough for these videos. Could you please do a video featuring your Dj gear, please, thank you!

[@kaorikind2]

U H U R U he's got two technics 1200 i think the mark 3's and a pioneer djm s9. With serato dvs and probably shure needles. Its a pretty standard professional set up

[@Wowyana]

I seriously cannot WAIT to get on turntables!

[@djrobswift]

YES

[@ezmforeal]

I’m only 26 years old and I started spinning on vinyl. This video also hits home because I’m blind, so I have to rely on my hearing and being that serato isn’t compatible with me. So I use Records in flash drives to spin. So when you were explaining everything on timing, and an understanding rhythm and what not, this hits home. No pun intended, but I saw you at the DJ expo back in 2018. This video is awesome dude.

What a teacher! Luv tha vidz. Appreciate tha way ya simplify everything, step by step. Big Up from Weezy, UK 🇬🇧Peace

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

His timing was really solid

[@brettpoynton3057]

Your Tutorial are amazing Rob swift thank you

[@djrobswift]

You are welcome!

[@wickedwaiata2939]

The curse of the cross handed DJ

[@MasonThomas]

I started DJing on the DDJ-SB and then I got the DDJ-SX2. Going to buy Audio Technica AT-LP1240s and I can’t wait!

[@MasonThomas]

I also don’t know much about setting up vinyl and the cartridge and stuff like that

[@djrobswift]

Don't worry bro. You'll figure it out like the rest of us. Welcome.

[@tyree86]

It will be your best decision as a DJ! I started the same way in that order. I upgraded to the Mixars Duo and STAs and now I have the S9 and Reloop RP7000s. Me personally, I will never go back to a controller! Nothing beats the feel of turntables to me! Watching these videos helped me to use the computer as just the places that holds my music collection and learn to build my instincts as a DJ and not rely on it. Yeah I have carry more stuff to do an event but it is well worth it. And I find that people really appreciate the craft more when they see I don’t use controller.

[@MasonThomas]

DJ Jaznificent Going to buy them this week probably. I am still going to use my controller for events though, the turntables will be for home use and practice.

[@xtadeus4777]

Mason The DJ i am on numark pro 3 for a year as rookie but i want To make a step up. I was about To go for sx3 but Always wanted at the end To go for turntables for masterizing some techniques and genres. What would toi suggest me as équipement not ho ruin myself. It is a hobby for me. Not a job To get income. This vidéo is awsome.

[@gavdjdaddymac9266]

Yea man.. spot on.. - @ 6.20 - you focus with your ears/ the SOUND .. Not your eyes.. ( as in button pressing ) This is MUSIC maan.. explains the old skool skills again brilliantly in a nutshell , so to speak. Viva Rob Swift ;) - thumbs 'UP' lol

[@ArtemReady]

Rob , you explain it so simply , i wish every newcomer-laptop-dj has a mentor like you. BIG UP

[@samuelhackson828]

That dude has some dope timing on the one. Took me a lot more practice to get that seamless myself

[@dolphinbuc]

Mad props to Cool Herc!!!

[@magneticproductions7066]

wow this the second video of saw of these lessons where the dude never used cue before.. its amazing.

[@timothysmith7080]

Been on controller's for years. Just got a turntable set up...this is going to be a challenge!!! These videos will definitely help.

[@ShadowDemized]

I swear I keep thinking scrubs is about to play

[@djfach]

Love these videos man, your doing great things. I have been a DJ for a while, I started out with turntables but went CD then MP3s as turning into a Mobil DJ. I really love the whole turntablism culture (beat juggling and scratching) that's what got me into DJ ing as a kid. But I fell off it and seeing these videos I need to up my skills and get back on to 1200's Watching these videos helps

[@soloshooter5806]

I don't even have a turntable set up at the moment, but your info is valuable sir, thank you.

[@pushtwo]

thank you Rob, as always!

[@WickedWaiata]

I've seen DJs who are 20 year veterans who still cross their hands over as well as the new generation who cue by looking at the laptop like this guy - very hard bad habits to break

[@djshaunreed8215]

I agree with Rob that you should learn how to DJ on Turntables! But once you have that down you can go to the controller and put everything you have learned and then take it further by looping sections and dropping accapellers over the top, scratching and remixing on the fly!! Don't ever think that being on a controller makes you a lesser DJ!! With Turntable skills + controller skills together on a controller you will be unstoppable!!

[@MasonThomas]

A good tip to avoid looking at the laptop screen is to lower the brightness all the way. I put my MacBook to zero brightness so it’s completely black. Also, on the DDJ-SX2 there is a little red circle on the jog wheel to show when a cue point is approaching, etc. I turned that off so it forces me to learn how much I need to backspin to get back to my cue point, rather than looking at the red circle and knowing (hope that makes sense).

[@runchunesound6546]

GREAT TEACHINGS PROFESSOR SHIFT!!! IM GLAD IM FROM THE DONT BUMP THE TABLE, AND BABY TOUCH THE RECORDS AND TONE ARM ERA... MIXERS, SELECTORS AKA DJS WHO STEM FROM RECORD DAYS CAN EASILY WORK WITH THE NOW A DAYS TECHNOLOGY BUT CONTROLLER DJS CAN NEVER PUT A NEEDLE ON A RECORD WITHOUT HURTING THE EQUIPMENT

[@roro_fosho]

thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world, Rob!

[@djpineapple3156]

I had to start with a controller for the cost level of entry level learning. Saving money soon with small gigs. Can’t wait to get myself a turntable set up.

[@psalmeighty2six410]

Kudos Rob Swift. Excellent video. He'll be quicker if he also learns to pick up the needle and drop it at the beginning...he can watch Grandmaster Flash pick up and drop to learn.....looking at the grooves on the record and seeing where the beat begins is also another skill to learn. As a teen, I started on Technics B3 belt driven before going to 1200s...also as a teen I used to practice 4 hours a day, 7 days a week...its addictive...

[@StayOnIt]

Very good tutorial, great lessons bro.

[@2119rocky]

Good stuff right here

[@hot4futureyears2come]

great teaching , you are cool

[@Solname]

So nice videos. Thanks for uploading these ;)

[@DiamondDigitalDash]

I first started djing on turntables, then I went to controllers , because I couldn’t afford to buy needles and interfaces and etc. Swift is right (always trust your instincts) I’ve been using my controller only for a month and I don’t look at the computer when I’m beat juggling or scratching, it’s a feeling thing for me I guess

[@DeeJPhillyPhil]

This is so dope!

[@djflashb]

Another great video

[@djrobswift]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jamesstewart1794]

A new movement. Props

[@CJScratch]

always solid info

[@monkiferr]

Instincts! Truth!

[@DevTr3nd]

I Also have that problem with a laptop, I think I play better without it. good teaching Rob

[@ankitcho]

man i really appreciated this, thanks for always putting up good stuff i personally need to get back to the basics and stop the bad habbit of looking at the visual laptop cues thanks as always @rob swift

[@eddiegrooveable]

Vinyl 4 life.

[@djaynok9233]

I can relate to this so much honestly

[@buddafingaz9403]

Great video, man you are appreciated, that's why im only fukn with my own hands, as far as practicing my Skratchn on tables, or should I say Portable table, in my case, at the moment. But, I definitely like being more hands on, changing records, manipulating records, using tape to loop beats, instead of just relying on mp3's, & loop buttons. Your a great DJ, & its cool videos like this one, that really hit home, cause their wasnt always S9's, & all the bells, & whistles. So, where im from the old school party scene, im really trying to learn without any computers, or tech, as far as anything that can help me manipulate my Scratching. That way, I'll be able to depend on myself, as far as my Scratching goes, & wanna learn beat juggling, but have to incorporate changing records, inbetween my juggling skills, stuff like that. Rite now, im strictly practicing my skratching, & trying to get certain scratches down, & then when I feel comfortable enough to move on & have the scratches down better, then I'll start to work on many other steps in this very important process. Thanks for sharing these videos, good times..... 👍💪🙏😎

[@wonderc7373]

rob u da real bro i like (rns)

[@rickeydj_yadot_3225]

I need this bc I'm bad at that.

[@nospam4279]

I heard the music, Rob and Seth Rogan.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

close the laptop , you can run it without the laptop just adjust it in the settings

[@hichemchakour9533]

Rob Swift is a good teacher

[@sissiwasabi]

rob you are awesome. would love to be your student, but i live in germany 😅

[@filthyrich335]

What are your rates for personal lessons like this ?

[@julius_sert]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@riddim7774]

Any thoughts on juggling hamster Rob? I’ve got the basics down plus some intermediate stuff. Will juggling hamster hinder me down the line or does it make much of a difference?

[@robswift1551]

Hamster style works for scratching but it will most definitely hinder you from progressing as a "Beat Juggler". It makes a BIG BIG BIG difference.

[@djrobswift]

Hamster style works for scratching but from my experience teaching, hamster style does get in the way from progressing. It also depends on the DJ to a degree. I've seen a handful of DJs be able to rock "beat juggles" hamster but the majority reach a point where they can't figure out more complex moves because they fader configuration is backwards.

[@riddim7774]

Thanks for the reply Rob. Blessings from Ireland.

[@The_Master_Brain]

Yes.. to learn Djing with Vinyl is better than with PC because the PC already did the Work a Dj had to do. I learned Djing with Vinyl and think that Djing with PC not really is Djing. It simply is "Start" and "Stop" a Track via pressing Buttons. It does not have to do anything with Art and it not makes that Fun like Djing with Vinyl does.

[@tempo1874]

Wing chun week one

[@georgemapp2855]

I agree the computer takes away my flow because all my records were marked at 12:00 know my cues are all over the place haven’t figured out sticker lock.

[@deejaymagma1852]

So mentor I got a question I am looking forward on owning a DJ controller but am torn apart between the numark pro fx and a ddj Sr considering the numark has a hefty jog wheel feel and it lacks a tension adjust mind u am a scratch enthusiast so advice me sir kindly what should I go for Kenyan 💪💪💪

[@AndrewLopez909]

Love the message you’re trying to get across but spinning on vinyl isn’t the only way to “dj properly”

[@Raffles666]

rob any chance of listing the tracks you use in each lesson -so we can practice at home? thanks not everyone knows big beat etc ;)

[@beezilla87]

💪🏾💪🏾

[@reflux043]

Ive just started learning to scratch on a Pioneer DDJ-SB3 and it's pretty hard. I like the idea of vinyl but prefer controllers, so am i better off buying a numark ns7, ns7ii or a rane one for scratching?

[@chipkakoo]

Rob, how to mix further to another funk song? Just to find a breakbeat part and drop it on the one? Thank you!

[@agustingiosa5338]

With what i can start four my first turn table?

[@DiamondDigitalDash]

I wish I could meet you Rob Swift. I would love to learn more about scratching techniques. Everything I know about djing is from experience no one teaches

[@DiamondDigitalDash]

Me*

[@DiamondDigitalDash]

You’re techniques remind me of how I started

[@mrndlprsnr]

no headphones thats the way!

[@ethandelafontaine]

pardon?

[@JCDuran5]

yoo is that my boy BASEPAY???

[@OvaCadobra]

You also can count how many times the mark goes by for quicker que returns... Maybe I'm late or I just didn't see it....

[@djrobswift]

Counting rotations distracts.

[@seasickvision]

It would actually be cool for a guy , like that, to understand how a turntable works before turntablism...

[@OvaCadobra]

Rob swift you remember the tech 1800

[@yatabshamar6983]

wow

[@ArtemAleksashkin]

Do The James - Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud ?? About controller. But I can close laptop, leave only sound and work with sound only. I'm training both - ear and sight. 2 tracks I'm mixing with screen and without all night counting 1,2,3,4... I agree that software is not perfect today. It's put wrong marks and wrong bpm (traktor pro) if song begins not from 1. But even from 1 - it can put 1 on 3. Not good. But controller is light weight, cheeper, it includes everything that I need and I can take a lot of music with my laptop. That's the technology. My target is - to DJ for friends and family. I'm collecting all music that you have to train my ears and feelings to do my best. Thank you.

[@babylonbwoy5715]

You always had your mark on twelve or is it since DVS ?

[@djrobswift]

Not always...

[@renaissancemusicllc9804]

Peace @robswift How does one become a student in one of your courses?

[@djchubbithecheka6050]

Since most programs display BPM's and you state that mixing by ear is the best way how do you ensure you match beat in time for the next if you are mixing open format? I do a lot of social events which require me to accommodate various types of ppl all in the same set. Even after prepping the set prior the time constraint beats on my desire for perfection.

[@robswift1551]

DJing was never intended to be perfect. I ensure I'm beat matching on time by practicing beat matching in time.

[@djchubbithecheka6050]

Rob Swift that makes sense, I remember you saying in another video that if an issue arises, not to panic and keep the music moving seamlessly and smoothly. Raw improvisation is how Dj'ing developed into such a phenomenon. Thank you so much

[@tarj526]

Put those earphones on and listen 👂. Adjust your pitch, put it where you want to come in from , and bring it in!

[@robswift1551]

@Alexander Hernandez Something I want to point out is you seem to be operating under the misconception that when you're DJing a party/event every song you play must be mixed. Sometimes all you need is a hard drop to make a transition sound good.

[@djchubbithecheka6050]

Rob Swift wow your right I do or did think that.

[@priamwellington9984]

Teach me how you aint with the ghosts of $?!

[@jasonkuy7100]

Long live the X-Men

[@TheSilentninja200]

What kind of turntables are these?

[@MilanFourTimesEight]

Technics 1200

[@cesarsalazar28]

What's the name of the track you are using Rob?

[@jewelertv980]

Cesar Salazar like the Prop Master Kool DJ Red Alert would say "I play it, I don't say it"... I'm messing with you. It's The Honey Drippers - impeach the president, ENJOY.

[@cesarsalazar28]

Hahaha! Thank you man.

[@jonathonlesko3554]

What beat is that?

[@eastslide6996]

Darude Sandstorm

[@Coolcuttersproductionsllc]

I need some turntables really bad. Started on a Vestax Spin upgraded to a DDJ SB2. Anybody donating some starter turntables?

[@chrisrobinson5484]

you got a top end pioneer mixer (that does that shit for him) practically. give hima a 600 an a set o 1210s and then lets see what cats about,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@BocaNejra]

WTF are you speaking about dude? they weren't even using the pads here bro...

[@dimitrisklonaris6733]

Fkn A

[@Sairamark]

it really need to teach this? I f any one to do djing should be everything clear in the first sight, if not you never be a DJ.

[@robpeters5204]

If you are going to use this type of playing music then accept that it is a game console and NOT real djing. Real djing is playing two t tables with a mixer and headphones to use for cueing up your next song to mix in without missing a beat. This is just a video game and should be treated as such. Everything is computerized with auto sync.

[@illsim]

i dont use headphones

[@djrobswift]

That's horrible but to each his own.

[@illsim]

Rob Swift I have ears and know my music.

[@djrobswift]

Bruh, respectfully, if your not using headphones you're not using your ears. Your using your eyes and verifying every thing you do by looking at the computer screen first. That's a backwards way of DJing but again, to each his own.

[@illsim]

Rob Swift I cut my screen off on my mac. Dim the light all the way off. Pick next song cut off screen

[@magneticproductions7066]

controllers are for posers