|
|
|
|
All materials © 2000-2007 Disc Jockey 101, unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized use prohibited. External sites are not endorsed or controlled by Disc Jockey 101.
|
Q u a r t e r l y - T i p
Elliptical versus Spherical Styli
by Rob WegnerSummer 2007
From turntable-based DJ programs such as Rane Serato and Virtual DJ to a recent increase in 7-inch indie/underground record sales, vinyl records are still alive. This means that turntables and cartridges are still an essential part of the DJ industry. The purpose of this Quarterly Tip is to explain the difference between an elliptical and spherical stylus with an eye towards DJ techniques.
An elliptical stylus (aka bi-radial) is a record "needle" that is shaped like a sharp-edged knife. The diamond tip of the stylus is cut so that it's elongated vertically. As a result, the stylus exerts less pressure per square inch on the vinyl -- resulting in less record wear relative to a spherical stylus. In addition, because of its narrower front to back facing shape, the diamond tipped stylus is better suited to recover smaller high-frequency groove modulations. In other words, an elliptical stylus digs deeper into the vinyl groove, which improves higher frequency playback (see Figure 1).
A spherical stylus (aka conical) is a record "needle" that is shaped spherically -- resembling a ball point pen. The diamond tip of the stylus is cut so that it's symmetrical and rather round/circular in appearance. Because the contact area of the stylus is restricted to two very small points, the downward pressure or tracking force tends to increase record wear (see Figure 2). In addition, the relatively reduced contact area during playback results in a lower level of fidelity.
Because a spherical stylus is easier to manufacture, it's less expensive than an elliptical stylus.
DJ's and Styli: Which to Use?
For scratching and back-cueing purposes, the spherical stylus is recommended. This is because -- during scratching -- the spherical stylus wears your record less than an elliptical stylus. Ironically, the same two small contact points that wears out your record during standard play (on a spherical stylus) is also the reason that your records wear down less during scratching (i.e., there's less contact area being destroyed).
If you are looking to improve high-fidelity during playback, obviously you want to use an elliptical stylus. You may also want to try an elliptical stylus on a worn record. This is because -- since most records are played on a spherical stylus -- the deeper inner grooves are not likely to be worn down and the elliptical stylus may be able to extract the deeper/unworn analog wave-forms (hopefully, to improve audio fidelity). If you are recording from a vinyl record on to a computer and seek improved frequency response, an elliptical stylus is recommended.
It's very important to clean your stylus and records. This is because as a stylus passes over a record, the record grooves are briefly subjected to temperatures as high as 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The soft vinyl therefore melts temporarily. If there is any dust on the stylus or record, it will be baked on to the surface of the record -- hence, permanently damaging your record(s). This is the cause of pop sounds and sonic distortion.
You should view dust and dirt on a record or stylus as grinding powder damaging your records and styli.
Industry News* Beatmatcher.net is a website that lists most of the Internet websites that sell digital downloads of DJ related music.
* DVJ Vision sells 30 minute visual loops to accompany a DJ's audio set.
* Remix Hotel will be joined by the SAE Institute of Technology on September 20-22, 2007 at the SAE Institute's 17,500 square foot school in Atlanta, Georgia. Hank Shocklee is the featured guest speaker who will be hosting industry-related panels. For more information, see Remix Hotel Atlanta 2007.
* The DJ Times DJ Expo will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center on August 13-16, 2007. For more information, see DJ Expo 2007.
-
Home Page
U p d a t e s Quarterly Tip
Subscribe to the Disc Jockey 101 Quarterly Tip (Free) Tip Archive
S e c t i o n s Equipment 101 Mixing Tips (Introduction to Beat Mixing) Scratching Tips About Nightclubs (Tips) Formatting Tips
O t h e r Links SCC DJ Classes MySpace Page Contact Disc Jockey 101 Link to Disc Jockey 101 Privacy Statement S p o n s o r s
-
