M-Audio Torq 2.0 [166/171] Wreckin the records

Appendix B: Torq Vinyl Control System

161

Torq 2.0 User Guide

Wreckin' the Records

As explained above, Torq is paying meticulous attention to the audio signals being received from the turnta-

ble. A slight variation in pitch represents a change in the speed of the record. The difference between left and

right channels helps determine direction and position. If any of these systems are compromised, the tracking

system will start to degrade (or completely fail). Sometimes these issues are hard to track down because, during

normal usage of Control Vinyl, you're not listening to the sounds from the vinyl-you're listening to the output

of the computer. There could be all sorts of noise being picked up by the turntable that doesn't make it to the

speakers. The tips below should help you identify the source of such problems as well as identify solutions.

Dust and Dirt

Dust and dirt is the number one cause of vinyl tracking failure. The main reason for this is that the digital DJ

uses the same records over and over again throughout the entire performance. This differs from traditional

DJing where the record is changed for every song. While a traditional DJ might play 50 records one time each

during his set, a digital DJ will play the same control record 50 times. Since the same records stay on the turn-

tables for the entire set, this greatly increases the record's exposure to dirt, dust, and other nasty elements

which will quickly build up over time. Even worse, since the same records are used for each performance,

many DJ's never remove their vinyl from the turntables, leaving them out to collect dust all day and night.

That dust and dirt will collect within the grooves of the record compromising the control signals. Dust and

dirt will also collect on the stylus itself, usually looking like a grey ball of dust on the end of the needle. This

ball will limit the movement of the stylus which, in turn, distorts the control signals.

The obvious solution to this problem is to remain diligent with your cleaning efforts. Clean the records and

styli at the beginning of your set and continue to do so throughout the duration. This is extremely important

in club environments where dust from smoke machines, cigarettes, dusty ventilation systems, and more can

collect extremely fast. This is compounded by the fact that sweat and oils from the DJ's fingers help glue the

dust and dirt to the surface of the vinyl. Get into a routine of checking for dust every 5-10 songs. Using prod-

ucts like Discwasher and Gruv Glide will help keep the surface of the vinyl nice and clean.

Cue Burn

The second most common reason for tracking failure is cue burn. Cue burn occurs on all records and is caused

by repeatedly dragging the stylus over the same surface of the record over and over again. As the DJ works the

record back and forth getting ready to drop it into the mix, the friction built up between the vinyl and stylus

increases and turns into heat. This heat, along with the abrasive nature of dragging a sharp point across vinyl,

starts to physically distort and destroy the grooves on the record. Once they're destroyed, Torq will no longer

be able to track accurately over that section of the record.

There are a number of techniques you can use to help limit cue burn on the control records. The first is track-

ing force of the stylus. Many DJ's will put a lot of weight on their styli, either by adjusting the counterweight

on the tonearm or by placing additional weight on the headshell, to help keep the needle from skipping across

the record during vigorous scratching. While this may help prevent skipping in some cases, the extra weight

makes the stylus dig into the vinyl with even greater force, thus increasing friction and heat, which leads to

cue burn. It is recommended that you do not set the weight of the needle any higher than recommended by

the stylus manufacturer. Setting the proper weight will increase the life of the vinyl.