Technics SL 1210 II Turntable

Product Information

The drive system designed by Matsushita is direct-drive rather than the more commonly found belt-drive type, a less expensive design. The direct-drive design, which was developed to reduce wow and flutter, produces a very quiet turntable that, for a direct-drive turntable, has minimal motor and bearing noise, (although the bearing rumble does tend to become characteristic in well-used turntables). This was partially achieved through the fact that the SL1210/1200 made the platter a part of the motor mechanism. Technics SL-1200 is a series of direct-drive turntables originally manufactured from October 1972 until 2010, and resumed in 2016, by Turning off the strobe light allows the listener to concentrate more effectively on the music, especially in dimmed environment. These were limited edition versions, with 24 karat gold plated metal parts including tonearm and buttons. Many "non-official" special models of the SL-1200 and SL-1210 appeared over the years, mainly given away as prizes for turntablism, most notably the DMC World Championship, who awarded the winner a pair of 24K gold plated Technics turntables. Due to the customisation trend that has grown in the DJ community, many local events or competitions gave away custom coloured or finished units.

On the other hand, there is also a big problem with almost all direct-drive motors, as well as the older SL series turntables. It is about ‘cogging’, a motor problem whose parts are permanent magnets that attract all magnetic materials, including the motor core. As the steel core occupies a fixed position, while the magnets rotate, due to interaction and unequal appealing forces, uneven rotations occur. Pictured out, try to show the drum rotation in the washing machine and you’ll be clear about what I’m writing about and what’s the biggest problem with the ‘direct drive’ motors. Technics SL-1210GR is the winner of IF Design Design Awards in 2018. Development of a completely rebuilt SL-1200 from the ground up with the intent to create a new system for Hi-Fi use and to redefine the direct-drive turntable reference. Technics have also upgraded the pitch control – this digital unit uses a dedicated microprocessor to emulate the original analogue pitch from the MK2. The results of the emulation are staggering – with many claiming the MK7 is the tightest SL1210 they’ve ever mixed on! Using Technics’ famous and expensively engineered direct drive system, the SL1210 MK7 delivers class-leading torque for super-stable pitch and rapid start/stop action. When you need to precisely control your mixing, this is still the standard setter.

Features

The MK7 models were launched as the first new Technics standard DJ turntable in approximately nine years. [25] The MK7, along with the Grand Class models, no longer have "QUARTZ" printed on the plinth nor dust cover. Honestly, I have no experience with the initial SL-1200 models apart from my youth in the clubs, where by morning I was convinced by DJs and vinyl that I’d be better off with them than at home in bed. To be honest, in the golden age of the SL-1200 model, I used a Pioneer turntable that I do not remember very well, but that does not matter. At that point, I did not consider myself an audiophile and I did not even try to detect the sound differences between the turntables or any other HI-FI component. At that time, it was more important to listen to records and enjoy music. I’m not saying that I do not do it now, but the perspective has changed a lot, and in the last few years I intensively listen to the turntable in my system so I claim the right to write how I know how to notice certain parallels.

But the fact is that ‘direct drive’ nevertheless in the basic idea has a significant advantage as the engine power directly relies on the rotation of the platter. Furthermore, direct-drive motors operate at a lower speed(lower RPM) and due to minimally generated vibrations cancel the negative vibration effect on the signal and noise ratio. Finally, they are more reliable at work and longer-lasting. Technics will release a new limited edition SL1200MK7SP turntable in very limited numbers for the fall-winter 2023, in collaboration with streetwear brand, Supreme. The core unit is identical to the 1200MK7 but features a white plinth and accessories such as headshell, buttons, power switch, anti-skate, tonearm weight, tonearm height adjuster and pitch slider knob. It sports a metallic Supreme badge on the unit’s body as well as a Supreme logo on the slipmat. Lastly, it features a Technics logo featured in Supreme's iconic red on the dust cover. The SL-1210 Mk7 is equipped with a range of enhanced features that ensures ease of use at all times. A microcomputer works alongside advanced motor control technology to offer an accurate response when utilising a variety of DJ styles such as scratching and beatmatching. Adjustable controls now allow you to adjust the starting torque and brake speed to suit your exact preferences.

Grand Class Direct Drive Turntable System SL-1210GAE Hi-Fi Audio | Technics". www.technics.com . Retrieved 2020-06-18. The SL-1210GAE is wholly made in Japan by skilled artisans’ hands, with a significant level of hand-made processes to ensure the highest quality possible. The top panel features a special badge, inscribed with the unique serial number to signify that it is a 55th anniversary model.