Turntables, also known as record players, trace their origins to the early 20th century, with the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison. Initially used for playing vinyl records, they have evolved over decades, becoming central to DJing, music production, and audiophile culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, turntables gained prominence in the hip-hop scene with the advent of scratching and mixing techniques. Notable manufacturers of turntables include Technics (SL-1200 series, a staple in DJ culture), Pioneer DJ (PLX-1000, known for its high-quality sound and durability), Audio-Technica (AT-LP120XUSB, a popular entry-level model), and Rega (Planar series, revered for audiophile quality). Turntables continue to be essential for both DJs and vinyl enthusiasts, offering tactile engagement with music and a rich analog sound that digital formats cannot replicate. They are used in clubs, radio stations, home audio systems, and music production studios, providing versatile functions from basic playback to advanced performance features for mixing and scratching.