DJ DJ Equipment and Hardware 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a DJ mixer's crossfader?
- Adjust EQ frequencies
- Blend audio between two channels (Correct answer)
- Control headphone volume
- Set BPM tempo
Correct answer: Blend audio between two channels
The crossfader blends audio signals between two channels, allowing a DJ to transition smoothly from one track to another.
Question 2: Which turntable platter type uses a motor directly connected to the platter spindle?
- Belt-drive
- Direct-drive (Correct answer)
- Friction-drive
- Magnetic-drive
Correct answer: Direct-drive
Direct-drive turntables connect the motor directly to the platter, providing faster start-up torque favored by scratch DJs.
Question 3: What does the 'gain' knob on a DJ mixer control?
- Master output level
- Crossfader curve
- Input signal level for a channel (Correct answer)
- Headphone cue mix
Correct answer: Input signal level for a channel
The gain knob adjusts the input signal level for a specific channel, allowing the DJ to match levels between different tracks.
Question 4: What is the standard phono output impedance for DJ turntables?
- 75 ohms
- 600 ohms
- 47k ohms (load) (Correct answer)
- 150 ohms
Correct answer: 47k ohms (load)
Phono inputs present a 47k ohm load impedance, which is the standard for MM cartridges used on DJ turntables.
Question 5: What does 'platter weight' affect on a direct-drive turntable?
- Audio frequency response
- Motor noise level
- Rotational stability and wow/flutter (Correct answer)
- Needle tracking force
Correct answer: Rotational stability and wow/flutter
A heavier platter increases rotational inertia, improving stability and reducing wow and flutter during playback.
Question 6: Which connector type is most commonly used for professional DJ mixer balanced outputs?
- RCA
- 1/4" TS
- XLR (Correct answer)
- 3.5mm TRS
Correct answer: XLR
XLR connectors carry balanced audio signals, which reject noise over long cable runs to PA systems.
DJ DJ Equipment and Hardware 1
What is the primary function of a DJ mixer's crossfader?