DJ Life - posted on March 21, 2023 by RealDJVybe.com

DJ Vybe’s Review: Technics SL-1200MK7

In case you haven’t heard, vinyl is making a comeback. And with it, so too shall the world’s best DJ turntable since 1972 come back into production, the gold standard Technics SL-1200 [Mark 7] by Panasonic-Technics. Hip hop hooray for turntablism!

I purchased my Technics Turntables on 2018 advanced presale order many months before the June 2019 release date. But I’ve reserved giving my review of the SL-1200 MK7 because the pandemic slowed down battle and “in-the-field” testing conditions like: hot summer day party temps, to cold overnight temps in vehicles, and even a few drops and tumbles off dollies or down a staircase. After all, in mobile DJing shit like this happens. Plus, I think manufacturers and retailers get over when they ask for product reviews while the “thing” is still brand new out the box. So, before laying down my critique [just in time for the 50th anniversary edition release], let me express how Technics is “hands down” still the best turntable ever made, in my opinion and in the opinion of thousands of DJs around the world. But there is some room for improvement…

Now for Technics to have over 50+ years experience making the SL-1200, they definitely improved the construction quality of the titan turntable. They got rid of hard wired-RCA jacks which means no more jack port servicing every 7-10 years. They made the direct-drive system an enclosed system that almost eliminates dust build up and requires no more periodic lubrication of the spindle. They gave us more range in the pitch control, no hinge turntable covers, a red or blue color selection for the strobe and control LED buttons, a brighter LED needle spotlight, and they have claimed this is the world’s first and only maintenance-free turntable, thus, the more expensive $1200.00 price tag far from older models which sold for less, $450.00 – $600.00 each.

Here’s my wish list for design improvements to the SL-1200 [I hope Technics is paying attention]…

So, first — the 45 ADAPTER. Technics, Technics, Technics. If by now your engineers and personnel haven’t seen the “tape down” jobs every DJ at every tradeshow, convention, or live event has had to do to the 45 adapter since the beginning of time for transport, you’re not paying attention. The 45 adapter slot should be magnetic to hold the adapter in place at all times.

Next, the SPARE CARTRIDGE BAY. No DJ has ever been able to use the spare cartridge slot unless the turntable is stationary, and as per Technics, these “turns” are made solely with DJs in mind, which means they must be mobile transport ready 100%. Expensive Ortofons and cartridges can’t go floating around in transport. By now there should be a sort of “medicine-cap like” twist-n-lock incorporated into the slot to secure the cartridge.

Next, the PITCH CONTROL ZERO LOCK [not the reset]. Most DJs spin in semi-darkness or low light atmospheres from the DJ booth or DJ setup space. In these situations it is helpful to feel the pitch control “click” at zero, either that or make the numbers illuminate for easier visibility.

Next, the POWER CORD (and RCA cables). The power cable type is basically a thick IEC computer power cord that’s not as flexible to easily channel the cord inside battle style DJ coffins or flight zone cases, unless you raise the balancing feet on the 1200s. DJs that usually take the feet off will probably not be able to do this in tight-fit cases. And come on Technics! Over a thousand dollars for a turntable and you are still including the cheapest, crappy “reck-it-on” RCA wires. Step that up Panasonic. A braided, balanced, military grade RCA cord would be greatly appreciated for the money.

Lastly, the BALANCING FEET. This maybe a bit of a nitpicking stretch, but the ability to balance the SL-1200 according to the condition of use is somewhat important. By now we shouldn’t be playing a guessing game or pulling out the tape measure to accurately measure the height of the foot. There should be markings on the feet similar to those of the tone arm weight balance dial. And while on the subject of weight balancing, what happened to the mini weight that’s supposed to go on the rear of the tone arm, kinda looks unfinished in the rear, don’t ya think?

Leave a comment on the 411 and let me know what you think about the SL-1200s. #VybeOn