TECHNICS

DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS PRODUCT EXTRA SHIPPING AND INSURANCE COST MAY BE REQUIRED AND ONLY SHIPPING TO UK CUSTOMERS or Please email customerservices@phonicarecords.com for any queries.

Known for their iconic SL1200Mk2, the worlds best known and loved turntable for DJs, Technics have finally released a version of the deck specifically designed for DJs - meet the SL 1210 Mk7.

While still maintaining the classic look and layout of the Mk2 and later units, the SL-1210 Mk7 has an all new chassis, tone arm and motor as well as all the electronics running it.

Over the years, from the late 80s to the early 00s, Technics never really changed much of the original SL1210 Mk2. A few minor tweaks were made from the Mk2 to Mk3 with a pitch reset button, the Mk5 hardly changed and the Mk5 G had dual pitch range, nice LEDs and a funky paint job. Overall though, there was nothing that needed changing. Everyone was happy with what they had, a great, solid turntable.

Interesting fact, the SL-1210 was never designed to be used by DJ’s. In fact, turntables like the original SL-1200 and SL-1210 helped the art of DJ’ing to evolve thanks to their unique pitch control and solid, heavy weight build.

This is why the new Technics SL-1210 mk7 is so special, it’s designed for DJ’s.

New Design

Technics have designed an all new motor to be even more stable, smoother and more reliable. The SL-1210 Mk7 uses a new coreless direct drive motor that still has high torque and smooth rotation while the digital pitch control and new circuitry offer precise adjustment.

A whole new level of micro computer, circuitry and all round wizardry has been developed to keep the motor running smoothly and accurately. Although the pitch fader is now digital (purists prefer analogue) it has been created to operate just like an analogue pitch. A bit like driving a manual car but still having a computer in the background helping things along.

The new tone arm is made of a lightweight but rigid aluminium to ensure the best sound reproduction and stability when scratching. The base of the arm is height adjustable with the usual settings for anti-skate and cartridge weight. All still with a solid build and acoustically isolated to minimise feedback and reverberation.

We tested the early units with a select group of DJs, including a DMC world champion, and they all found it as solid as the previous versions.

SL-1210 Mk7 also features a new chassis design with the base made from an ABS compound for audio and vibration isolation as well as the metal body to give the same solid build and feel we are all used to.

New isolators (feet!) made with new rubber compound and springs also go towards eliminating feedback and improving isolation.

The pitch range is switchable between 8% and 16% at the press of a button. The pitch can also be reset to zero at the press of a button to instantly knock the speed back to ‘normal’.

Talking of speed, the SL-1210 Mk7 has a third speed setting (which they kind of always had anyway) but pressing the 33 and 45 RPM buttons together you get a 78RPM setting as well. Makes sense when you think about it.. 33+45 = 78, quick math.

The other new feature is reverse play, really handy to get all those hidden messages out of old recordings. Although if you intend to use this, you need to ensure your cartridge and stylus are built to withstand this sort of abuse.

The platter on the SL1210 Mk7 is very heavy duty with think rubber insulation, again part of the constant quest to dampen and reduce any vibration and ambient pick up.

Under the platter are some settings to bypass the 78 RPM setting, adjust the start stop time and our favourite… change the colour of the LEDs!

Yes, you can chose to have your power, pitch and backlit buttons as either blue or red.

The pop up cue lamp is now a long life LED to reduce the chance of burn out and having to replace it.

Another great design change is that the power and audio cables are now recessed making it easier to position the decks any way around and they are removable. Making it a dream to replace and upgrade them if you want or need to.

Key features of the Technics SL-1210 Mk7:

High torque direct drive motor

8 / 16 % pitch range

Pitch reset switch

Reverse play

Adjustable start and stop time

33, 45 amd 78 RPM

Improved motor

Improved audio isolation

LED cue lamp

Switch LEDs can be set to blue or red

Slipmat included

Detachable audio and power cables