How Phase saved me....

Phase.  Perfect timing, with a lot of things.  My favorite needles have always been Shure M44-7's.  I've felt more comfortable with these bad boys than anything else in the world.  For decades.  When I found out Shure was going to discontinue making them my heart broke a little bit.  Do I get a controller and finally retire the turntables?  No way.  I'm still on the same Technics I've been rocking for decades too.  They're my kids... and yes, I kiss them and say goodnight before I put them in the cases at the end of the night.  Then I saw this YouTube video.  If you're familiar with Phase and it's impact on the DJ world you know the one.  The one with that super G on the turntables... the guy that got thrown around by Uncle Phil... Mr. DJ Jazzy Jeff.  I saw that and knew my life was saved.  Here's the video in case you haven't seen it yet..... CLICK HERE

I decided to wait until they were out to get some.  I wanted to see others use them in action before I sprung for them.  I do weddings and spend a lot of time playing on the wheels of steel once in a while, so I knew I'd have to make sure they tested well.  Now since they've been out some have had issues, but I got mine about 6 months ago and they've been a God-send.  A blessing.  And they're fun.  Sometimes I'll pick one up and spin it around like it's my mini-light-saber, with one of Q-Bert's scratch samples pulled up in Serato.  These little gadgets grab on to a magnet you can put on any record or piece of vinyl.... or anything that spins for that matter, and through some sort of magical bluetooth type of signal it controls your track in Serato or whatever other DJ software you're using so you don't break your back carrying records.  Made by a company called "MWM" their mission is to create musical experiences through technology.  Yeah, they're off to a damn good start, or at least to me since it's the first time I've heard of them.  Now that I've gone to look at their website - https://musicworldmedia.com/ I see they make music related apps too.  Cool, maybe I'll have to review those soon.

Back to my light sabres.  They have a cool LED strip on them that blinks at you when the battery is low.  I bought the four-pack, and I'm glad I did.  I've ran one for about 7 hours but then I had to swap it out.  Now I keep my turntables plugged in my mixer and my needles handy just in case anyways, but so far I haven't had to use those worn out M44-7's ever since.  There have been a few connectivity drop outs, but I can always get it back up and running before the song runs out anyways.  Just flip your track to internal mode and swap it out.  

If you're a turntablist or an old school DJ and you're sad because you can't get your favorite needles anymore, I really suggest picking up a pair of these bad boys.  I'll drop some links below so you can order some for yourself.  They aren't cheap, but see if you can find M44-7's anywhere.  Oh yeah, you won't be worrying about replacing control vinyl anymore either.  It's not getting worn out.  They do come with 4 magnetic strips but you can always find those online, and I'll drop a link for those two.  Seriously... take it from DJ Biggz.... they are well worth every penny.  Here's another hint... you can click on the PHASE pictures below and buy them, OR you can look to the ZZounds.com banner to the right or this article... click on that and search "Phase" and get it split on payments.  Either way, if you've got turntables and worried about where to get needles, here's your answer.  Never buy needles again.  

There are two Phase systems for purchase as well as a carrying case. I personally don't use the carrying case, I've read that the box they come in is specially designed to protect the Phase controllers in more than just packaging.  It's pretty durable so it lasts a while if you're a DJ who cares about their gear like I do. Both are listed below and linked to Zzounds.com. I am an affiliate with Zzounds.com so picking them up through there will give me a little commission to help me keep this website going. Also there are flexible payment plans so it's really affordable on ANY budget. I'll also drop a link to the case as well, and the magnetic stickers that keep Phase locked on your records are cool, Phase comes with four of them so you can put them on whatever vinyl you want, but if you have some other colors of vinyl or special pieces you'd like to use there's a link to E-Bay to pick them up there as well.  Dust off the turntables and get to rockin' 'em again!

Phase Ultimate - 4-Pack

The Carrying Case

Phase Essential 2-Pack

Magnetic Strips