Let Me First Say, Digital is a great inclusion into the DJ's realm of tools to
be used in a set, and I even use it myself. But it is Not a
replacement.
And you may think I'm biased because I own a record store, but I think
that just gives me a better idea. Over the past 2-3 years I've observed
this subject and these differences while working in a nightclub weekly
and being a DJ myself. Owning the record store is an extension of my
passion for this music and vinyl records.
And, so I guess maybe people are just going deaf after all the loud
music events they've attended, and DJs with the screaming headphones
and booth monitors. But, to me, it's baffling that the digital medium
is beginning to (if not already) dominate the DJ circuit. Are people
really listening anymore?
The difference is not minute. The difference is substantial and it is
degrading to the music. The digital format is an image of the music,
not the music itself. It's like looking at a photo versus being in the
picture.
Vinyl sounds amazing! Just because it is hands on is not the Only
reason DJs started with vinyl. There is not a more true replication of
music than the vinyl medium, when it comes to DJing (only the
reel-to-reel rivals vinyl sound). Why should producers spend time with
attention to details - and labels send their music to be mastered as
close to perfection as possible - if we're only to regurgitate it back
in a packet of 0's and 1's. Limit the sound and digitize it for
convenience in storage space and price, but at what cost? It's as if
the sound touches your skin, but never goes inside. Duh! there Is a
reason audiophiles for decades continue to enjoy their music on vinyl,
because of the Sound!
Now when we amplify this sound to great measures, as we do in our music
nightclubs and events. These imperfections become even more evident
and substantial in the degradation of the original music. We can hear
the musical idea, and it's cool, but we are not getting the real deal.
DJs are cheating the audience for the sake of a buck, and while on one
hand I can see why (low attendance and support for any DJ other than a
'paul oakenfold' - and DJs don't typically get paid, Very Unfortunate),
on the other it's fairly lacking in quality, and I'm sorry but I hold
that against a DJ. Quality is part of the experience, is it not? This
statement goes for any DJ, even the headlining acts that tour the
world. A greater respect to those that still use vinyl.
I love this music and I want it to be heard in the best way possible.
No CD or Serato is going to give the listeners that. Long live vinyl
and the DJs that spin it.
