{"id":3615,"date":"2015-05-13T21:50:19","date_gmt":"2015-05-14T04:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mp3poolonline.com\/blog\/?p=3615"},"modified":"2015-05-13T21:50:19","modified_gmt":"2015-05-14T04:50:19","slug":"vinyl-and-45s-only-mixing-with-45s-via-dj-techtools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mp3poolonline.com\/blog\/vinyl-and-45s-only-mixing-with-45s-via-dj-techtools\/","title":{"rendered":"Vinyl And 45s Only: Mixing With 45s via DJ TechTools"},"content":{"rendered":"

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It\u2019s becoming harder and harder to find DJs playing strictly vinyl, even more rare are DJs that mix entirely using \u201c45s\u201d (7\u2033 records). Mixing with 45s comes with it\u2019s own unique set of challenges: the surface area is smaller making it easier to bump the needle, there\u2019s no extended intro\u2019s which means shorter mixes and the track selection is limited, every track isn\u2019t released as a single.<\/p>\n

Today we want to put a spotlight on this unique format by sharing the differences between 12\u2033 and 7\u2033 vinyl, where to find 45s, and feature some \u201c45\u2033 only mixes to help you dive into 45 culture.<\/p>\n

12\u2033 vs. 7\u2033 Vinyl<\/p>\n

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Besides the obvious size difference, what else separates 7\u2033 vinyl from the familiar 12\u2033 record. Due to the smaller size 7\u2033 records are only capable of holding about 4.5 min at 45 RPM (the more common speed) or 7 minutes per side at 33 RPM, while 12\u2033 records are capable of fitting about 22 minutes at 33 RPM or 15 minutes at 45 RPM. The limited time makes the format suitable for singles rather than full albums.<\/p>\n

Although 7\u2033 records can be cut for 33 RPM it\u2019s not the best idea:<\/p>\n

“7\u2033 records are smaller, so naturally the grooves are more compressed. As the grooves get closer to the center of a record the groove width is reduced. Therefore, at the slower speed of 33rpm, distortion can be highly noticeable and cause an unattractive sound. With the circumference of 12\u2033 records, there is more surface area to experiment with. It is more manageable to engrave the outside of the disc where there is better frequency response and minimal tracing distortion. If you have your heart set on putting out a 7\u2033 record, remember that it is highly recommended to record at the speed of 45rpm. (Source: Record Pressing)”<\/p>\n

Another notable difference is with the weight. While the weight varies, 7\u2033 records are generally around 40 grams vs. 120 \u2013 180 grams for 12\u2033 records, making 7\u2033 records 4x lighter. This weight may not seem like a big deal, but try telling that to any DJ that\u2019s lugged multiple crates of 12\u2033 vinyl to and from gigs.<\/p>\n

Why 45\u2032s over 12\u2033?<\/p>\n

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So if mixing with 45\u2032s is more of a challenge compared to mixing 12\u2033 records, why do DJs do it in the first place? As mentioned earlier the smaller size\/weight makes them easier to carry around to gigs. They\u2019re also cheaper relative to a 12\u2033, since it\u2019s just a single track on each side rather than a full album with multiple tracks.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest challenges with mixing vinyl, whether it\u2019s 12\u2033 or 7\u2033 records is you\u2019re limited to how much you can carry or travel with from gig to gig. How can you prepare for a vinyl only gig? How should the set start? DJTT caught up with vinyl only DJ, DJ Format to learn why he only mixes with vinyl and how he prepares for his sets.<\/p>\n

Where To Find 45\u2032s?<\/p>\n

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So maybe now you\u2019re inspired to start experimenting with 45\u2032s but where do you find them? A great place to start is the local record shop or garage sales in the neighbourhood, where you can probably get them for a $1 or less each.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s no record shop in town, no problem. Start checking out Craigslist or online record shops. There are several record stores that ship and sell 45s around the world. We\u2019ve listed 4 worthwhile sites to check out below:<\/p>\n

Amoeba Records<\/a> – One of the largest independent record stores and featured in the famous documentry \u201cScratch\u201c. They include free shipping, so spend that money you saved on more records!<\/p>\n

Discogs<\/a> – A massive marketplace with over 15 million records available to purchase.<\/p>\n

Turntable Lab<\/a> – While they don\u2019t have the biggest collection of 7\u2033 vinyl available, it\u2019s a great site to find brand new 7\u2033 records.<\/p>\n

Classic 45s<\/a> – This site only sells 45 records. The design is dated but it\u2019s still updated regularly, with over 165 releases added this week.<\/p>\n

All 45 Mixes and Performances<\/p>\n

There are some incredible performances and mixes that strictly use 45s. We\u2019ve compiled a few great mixes and routines to inspire DJs that are up to the challenge of mixing with this format.<\/p>\n

Skratch Bastid and The Gaff \u2013 4 x 45s Freda Payne \/ JVC Force Routine<\/p>\n

Skratch Bastid and The Gaff team up to showcase a routine from their \u201cSoul Sisters, Stand Up\u201d mix, cutting and juggling four 45 copies of Freda Payne. Super soulful!<\/p>\n