mixing versus scratching needles ?

[then_dude]

hello everybody,

a friend of mine asked what cartridge he should use on his new turntables he will buy. They will be DD "dj-tables". Maybe the sl1200 but probably a super oem or less. Like the rp-4000 or rp-6000 or the sinq.

95% he plays his records at home, 5% he is mixing them at parties. he doesn't scratch, but offcourse he sets up the record for mixing. In this proces he turns the record backwards. I think a lot of needles could be damaged by doing so.

So here is my question: even if you turn the record backwards: do you need a scratching needle ? or can you get away with needles for mixing ? i expect that there are a third category : the hifi needle which is not made for even gently backward operation.

Well can somebody advice me a good mixing cartridge ? sound quality and wear on the record is important. (he doesn't play very loud, so tracking isn't that much of a problem)

thanks guys
from a turntable noob

[Panicos K]

ortofon have some OM professional cartridges.Your friend can check them.Good thing with them is that he can buy a hi-fi stylus too for home use.OM-PRO,OM Night club etc for mixing,stylus 10,20,30 for home use.

[Robbie42]

Audio-Technica AT440 series. Intended as a home cartridge, but rugged enough for back-cueing / mixing service. Very nice sonics!