章節 57: Music Shop
A turntable is an essential piece of equipment for any aspiring DJ. In this context, a turntable refers to a digital DJ controller, as physical vinyl records have long gone out of fashion.
While a turntable cannot be classified as a musical instrument since it requires external files to produce sound, it serves as the closest equivalent for a DJ.
Technically speaking, turntables are no longer necessary. Midi controllers and electronic editing software have replaced most of the functions of a traditional turntable.
However, in the realm of DJing, turntables are still indispensable. After all, who wants to go to a club where the DJ simply presses the spacebar and goes to sleep for the rest of the night?
It also allows for much faster work, giving DJs the ability to make up new mixes on the fly, enabling for every performance to be unique.
On the other hand, for producers who rarely perform live, and every song is mathematically perfect, the utility of turntables is considerably reduced. Nowadays, only ostentatious or over-the-top producers would consider acquiring one.
...
..
.
So, naturally, Tang Miaoyi wanted one.
Speaking of turntables, there was a popular meme in Asia back in 2015 featuring a Filipino man using a gas stove as a makeshift turntable. Accompanied by the tune of "C'mon (Catch 'em By Surprise)" by Tiesto/Diplo/Busta Rhymes, DJ Stove Aoki delivered a surprisingly realistic performance as a DJ over his stovetop, leading to the term "gas stoves" being used to refer to turntables in certain circles.
One of Miaoyi's greatest regrets from her past life was never having the opportunity to own either type of gas stove. Despite being critical of DJs, she never even encountered a turntable once!
She would have even settled for a regular gas stove since they bore a resemblance to turntables. Unfortunately, neither wish was able to come true.
Now, with funds available and the perfect opportunity to rectify this regret, Miaoyi decided to stop wasting time and take the plunge. If she deliberates for too long, she might miss out on owning one in this life as well!
However, since Miaoyi is pursuing a turntable more for novelty than practicality, she needs to decide: electronic or vinyl? Both serve as turntables, though the newer electronic ones are much more user-friendly.
On the other hand, traditional vinyl turntables offer unparalleled sound quality. When songs are stored on a computer, they undergo compression, causing the loss of top and bottom wavelengths. This process is also responsible for 8-bit songs, although they employ a different approach to achieve the desired outcome.
Vinyl records, however, provide a depth of sound that cannot be replicated elsewhere, as all recorded audio and video are subjected to compression.
Nonetheless, the significant drawback of vinyl turntables is their price...
Hmm, it might be more practical to opt for a digital one.
Next comes the matter of brand... Well, that no longer poses a problem.
During breakfast, Miaoyi searched on her phone and discovered to her surprise, that all those classic professional turntables from her past life existed in this world. Remarkably, no changes have occurred in this regard.
In fact, this turns out to be advantageous, as Miaoyi is spared the effort of searching for the highest-rated option. She can simply choose equipment based on the comments and popularity she was aware of in her past life.
After investigating the brand matter, Miaoyi also checked the nearest music equipment store to her home and found one only four or five kilometers away. The store enjoys a solid reputation and offers high-quality products.
Miaoyi discussed her findings with An Qiuying, and together, they devised a detailed travel plan specifying the order of their visits. Finally, after finishing breakfast and changing their clothes, their first stop would be the music equipment store.
The Dongpu Commercial District in Shanghai is one of the city's more prosperous business areas, conveniently located near Miaoyi's residence. This bustling district serves as a convergence point for numerous industries and is renowned for offering a wide variety of goods all in one place.
While Miaoyi typically spends her time at home engrossed in gaming and anime, Qiuying, the unsuspecting wealthy girl, often indulges in shopping sprees within this area. Naturally, Qiuying is far more acquainted with the district than Miaoyi.
Guiding the way, Qiuying leads Miaoyi through the district; their hands interlocked as they navigate the bustling streets. Inevitably, it seems Miaoyi's stamina would have led them to this point, regardless.
"Miaoyi, are you certain you know the store's location?" Miaoyi inquires, feeling a touch of unease as she fails to recognize her surroundings.
"I have a faint impression. I never bothered to pay close attention before, but... the store is quite prominent. I believe we will find it if we continue forward for a while," Qiuying responds without glancing back, confidently leading the way.
Miaoyi silently grumbles to herself, "This isn't helping at all! How can a guide be unfamiliar with a major residential district? Where do I leave a bad review? If you were a map, You were drawn with crayons!"
"..."
- - - - - - - - - -
Of course, they locate the music store just five minutes after Miaoyi's rant. As expected, it boasts an impressive façade, nestled beneath a small skyscraper with residential apartments above. The store itself stands as a comprehensive hub for music equipment, perfectly matching the description they had come across online.
"Hello, are you here to browse or purchase musical instruments?" a magnetic and deep male voice echoes from behind as Miaoyi and Qiuying enter the store. They turn to face the store owner - a man with semi-long hair exuding an air of elegance - who greets them with a warm smile. "Feel free to explore. We offer the finest instruments and equipment. Should your piano require tuning, we provide that service as well."
Surveying the store's layout, Miaoyi confirms its grandeur. Showcases line the expansive establishment, proudly presenting an array of instruments and equipment. Her keen eye even catches sight of a familiar piece - a hard-to-find mixer, if she isn't mistaken.
"Hello, sir, we are interested in mixers and turntables," Miaoyi confidently declares her intent to make a purchase, conveying her requirements.
"Mixer? Turntable?" The store owner momentarily registers surprise before swiftly regaining his composure. He gazes at Tang Miaoyi with astonishment and suggests, "Please follow me."
After navigating a series of turns, they arrive at a display showcasing exquisite mixers. Skirting past several high-priced models, the store owner gravitates towards a moderately priced option. Placing his hand on the mixer's label, he explains, "Take a look at this one; the CDJ-2000 NXS, or as you may know it, the Pioneer 2000. This series boasts an exceptional reputation within the industry, providing excellent value for your investment. Many professional producers opt for this model. Perhaps it's worth considering."
The label displays a price of 17,000.
Examining the mixer, Miaoyi recognizes it immediately. She is well acquainted with this series, the legendary Pioneer 2000 from her previous life. It represents an extraordinary line of equipment. "You're selling this for 17,000... Is it a refurbished unit?"
"You possess impressive knowledge," the store owner remarks, displaying his surprise.
Initially, judging from Miaoyi and Qiuying's appearance, two petite and charming girls who could pass for students, it didn't seem likely that they would be interested in purchasing such an expensive piece of DJ equipment. Nevertheless, adhering to his professional ethics, the store owner provides attentive service.
To his astonishment, Tang Miaoyi immediately exhibits the demeanor of a seasoned individual. It turns out that the showcased equipment is indeed a second-hand item that has undergone professional refurbishment.
"Very well, I'm not here to browse. This series is highly regarded. If you happen to possess a brand-new item with no previous owners, I am prepared to make an immediate purchase. Let's disregard the refurbished unit," Miaoyi asserts with forthrightness, eschewing any superfluous conversation. "Do you have a new one?"
The store owner experiences a hint of embarrassment but promptly nods. Recognizing Miaoyi's resolute demeanor and quick decision-making, he promptly escorts her to the second floor.
Finally, the store owner directs their attention to a Pioneer 2000 turntable on the second floor, identical to the one downstairs, albeit with a price tag of 71,099. Miaoyi subjects it to careful scrutiny.
Upon obtaining the owner's permission, she proceeds to test it, reveling in a flawless experience. The turntable proves remarkably user-friendly.
Without hesitation, Miaoyi arrives at a quick decision. "Yes, this is the one!"
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