A tech-savvy Russian turntable enthusiast has modified a Technics SL-1200 to play digital tracks as well as vinyl.

YouTube user Андрей Анацко’s unique mod means the turntable can play music from a digital library of tracks without the aid of a computer, instead reading data from an on board SD card.

As he explains in his demo video, the turntable works as usual unless you switch it on with the speed buttons held down, which shifts it into DVS mode.

A new nano-scale chemical coating for vinyl from a Japanese company called Ulvac may put an end to scratched records.

Last week the company unveiled samples of vinyl coated in a chemical called molybdenum at the Hi-End Audio Show in Taiwan.

Ulvac claims the nano-coating protects records from scratches, mold and static charges caused by handling. Molybdenum also has the potential to aid the poor heat conductivity of vinyl, which may mean the end of warping too.

WORDS: Declan McGlynn
PICS: Richard Stow

One never knows when or where creativity is going to strike. Limiting creation to the studio is confining - you really want to be able to act on creative impulses whenever they should decide to hit. For me, as a touring artist, that becomes pretty difficult - I am away from home more than half of the time, with nothing more than my travel mic and an audio box.

It is great being a music technology journalist, getting to play on all the new gear months in advance of anyone else, and enjoying the perks of the job like being whisked off to Los Angeles every year to keep abreast of the hot new technological developments, on all the bits of kit soon to hit the streets.

Point Blank are feeling festive as we draw closer to Christmas, and to celebrate the holiday season they’ve partnered with their good friends at Moog to bring you a very special giveaway. By simply registering with Point Blank, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Moog Minitaur analog bass synthesizer – the perfect addition to any studio from one of the most iconic manufacturers in the business.

Stems are the latest bit of tech designed to change the way DJs and producers play live. But there's been some divided opinion as to how their use is going to pan out. DJ Mag contacted two DJ/producers with opposing views to tell us what they think about stems...

Stems are basically the parts of a track broken down into different elements. Unlike regular stereo files, Stems contain four music components alongside a stereo master. Just like a four-track recording, drums, synths, vocals and bass elements play on different tracks. 

Discover what goes into the programming of the UK rapper’s seminal track

Point Blank are back with a new competition this month

For Point Blank’s latest competition, you have the chance to win an Analog Rytm drum machine from Elektron alongside the Overhub 7-Port USB 3.0 hub and Overbridge integration software. They’re also throwing a Point Blank online course into the mix as well, making for a truly epic prize bundle that’s worth over £1,850!

What was the first piece of kit you ever bought?
“I bought a pair of KRK 6 monitors when I was 12 or 13 years old.”