this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2024
108 points (100.0% liked)

Mildly Interesting

17105 readers
261 users here now

This is for strictly mildly interesting material. If it's too interesting, it doesn't belong. If it's not interesting, it doesn't belong.

This is obviously an objective criteria, so the mods are always right. Or maybe mildly right? Ahh.. what do we know?

Just post some stuff and don't spam.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

"The portable 'Calvin Discjockey' could be plugged into any amp or pa system. It was primarily marketed to radio DJs as a convenient console in a suitcase for personal appearances and dances. It played both old-standard 78s and new microgroove 33/45s, using a two-sided cartridge with a knob on the head that flipped it over. Separate volume controls for each turntable and a microphone. No cue channel. The metal platters were covered in soft fiber and driven by a pinch-roller between the inside rim and motor capstans. The white knobs adjusted the speed by moving the roller across the capstan's three diameters. The mic jack was whimsically labeled "Mike". c-1962"

(No link, sorry. Got this from a friend who emailed it to me.)

top 6 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] ChicoSuave@lemmy.world 7 points 4 hours ago

Back when there were enough radio DJs to create a market that something like this could be sold. Now it would be nearly a hundred thousand dollars and only available to the wildly successful and corporate buyers. Imagine, so many DJs that every city had its own soundtrack. What a time to be alive.

[–] Grimy@lemmy.world 6 points 5 hours ago

It looks like it's made out of chocolate.

[–] eestileib@sh.itjust.works 5 points 5 hours ago

I can see one of these behind the counter at a Brooklyn coffee place I can't afford playing Charles Mingus.

[–] VonReposti@feddit.dk 3 points 5 hours ago

Only thing missing is a review from Techmoan

[–] henfredemars@infosec.pub 6 points 6 hours ago (1 children)
[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 2 points 6 hours ago

I agree. I would love to see one in person.