Technics 1200 turntable

Since its introduction in 1972, the Technics 1200 turntable has been the go-to for professional DJs worldwide. The Technics SL 1200 series is known for its robust build, high torque, and precise pitch control. The Technics 1200 SL has a direct-drive motor, which allows for quick start-up time, consistent speed, and the ability to control the platter's rotation without the need for belts. In addition, the 1200 SL series also features a pitch control slider that enables DJs to adjust the platter's speed, making it easy to beatmatch and transition between tracks seamlessly.

Technics SL 1200 MK

The Technics SL 1200 MK series includes the MK2, MK3, MK4, MK5, and other models. The MK2, released in 1979, is considered a classic and is highly sought after by audiophiles and DJs. The MK2 introduced features such as the iconic S-shaped tonearm, anti-skate control, and pitch control with a range of +/-8%. The SL 1200 MK3 and the MK3D models, released in the 1980s, brought improvements such as a more robust chassis, a redesigned tonearm, and a quartz-lock feature for precise speed control. The SL 1200 MK4, MK5, and M5G models continued to refine the turntable's design, with enhancements like upgraded circuitry, improved insulation for reducing vibration, and the addition of digital pitch controls in the SL 1200 M5G.

One of the most significant updates in the SL 1200 MK6 was the inclusion of a digital pitch control, which replaced the traditional analog slider, allowing for better accuracy and making it easier to switch between different pitch ranges. The SL 1200 MK6 also featured a blue LED target light for improved visibility. The 1200 SL series has also seen a resurgence in popularity with the release of the SL 1200 MK7 and SL 1200 MK7R models. These turntables retain the classic design elements that made the SL 1200 series iconic while incorporating modern features such as a coreless direct-drive motor, reverse play functionality, and detachable RCA and power cables for easier customization and maintenance.

Technics SL1200

While the Technics 1200 series is renowned for its direct-drive system, the company has also developed belt-driven turntables like the SL-10, which was the first linear tracking turntable to be commercially available. The SL-10 featured a linear tracking tonearm, which minimized tracking error and distortion. The SL-DZ1200 was a digital turntable designed for DJ use, featuring a built-in CD player that allowed DJs to mix and scratch digital audio files. The SL-1200 GAE and SL-1200 G models were part of Technics' Grand Class series, which aimed to combine the brand's legacy with modern technology. These models featured a three-layer platter, a high-precision motor control technology, and a high-sensitivity tonearm.