Technics DJ Gear

The Technics Sl 1200 MK2 are a series of turntables that have actually been around for a while now. The MK2’s are more on the lower end of the totem pole because there are upgraded versions now of these. But they are classic and still built to last. The original model of this line was the SL 1200 then the MK2’s started, the MK2 I think came out in the 80’s and it was huge through out the up and coming world of hip hop and rap music, which is part of the reason the Technics SL 1200 MK2 made its way to the united states. I like the tone arm, its very sturdy and it’s a classic design with the S shape, turntables today don’t have these. The MK2’s came out a while back in Europe but made there way over here to the US and am I glad they did! They are very good turntables, they are exactly what a DJ needs, even today with everything going digital and dj’s switching over to computer software to dj on. There are a few dj’s who still own these myself included who value the real art of dj’ing. Overall these were and still are great turntable’s they are built to last, very solid structure and very sturdy. They are ready for any gig you have and will not break on your even when getting them in and out of the back of the van. You can even purchase a casing for them so you don’t damage them at all. Actually purchasing parts for the Yamaha SL MK2’s is pretty easy because Yamaha still manufacturers these and pretty much all of there machines keep the same parts line so if you ever need a fix even if its discontinued you can still purchase a part. Great turntables!

The Technics SL-1200 MK5 is probably the only turntable you will ever need as a DJ or casual vinyl listener. The options and features are stripped down, basic, and to the point. The pitch adjust is spot on and needs hardly any maintenance whatsoever to stay in great shape, and these things are tanks (meaning they can withstand almost anything you throw at them, or anything that may happen to them in the process of ownership and natural wear and tear. The only thing that has begun to break down on my models are the plastic dust covers, which get a little scratched up and have no connector hinges, which makes keeping them connected to the turntable difficult sometimes. They are somewhat fragile and tend to crack and chip if treated roughly. What I really love about this model as compared to the original Technics 1200 model is that the pitch adjust has no notch or lock at 0, which made beatmatching around 0 a real pain in the neck on the older models. Due to the elimination of the locking mechanism, you can now slide around wherever you wish and not have any more beatmatching wavering around the midpoint of the pitch. The pitch lock button, although seemingly pointless, allows the pitch to be locked at 0 no matter where on the pitch adjust you are at the time. As far as DJ's go, the Technics 1200 series are the club standard, so if you get a set of Technics, you can pretty much expect to play on the same equipment in the club. As far as practicing and performance comfort goes, the 1200 MK5 is a great bet to be prepared for live DJing in the club setting. Upgrade the cartridges, add Serato Scratch, or upgrade the cables, and your talking about an even more rock solid DJ tool.

(Originally written by emdeecuts/translated from Audiofanzine FR) I've been using it for about... one month and I bought it secondhand. Surely a big mistake...! In short, it's true it's absolutely great!!!! sublime.... It's fully made out of metal and it's heavy! Mixing is at least as easy as with a mk2!!! ... However, a short time after buying it I noticed a problem during play back: You can hear a slight noise when the plate is rotating (due to the rotation speed) and it even affects the audio signal's quality. It's almost like a scratched vinyl record!!! (this problems occurs both with burned AND original CDs!) And my MP3 tracks are not recognized anymore by my player... ... I probably made a mistake buying it secondhand. Now I have a player which is not even 2 years old and I cannot use live because of its hideous sound. I'm still waiting for Panasonic's after-sale service to get back to me but I'm not optimistic... Until now, I'm very disappointed. I'll update this review as soon as I get information from the after-sale service! Talk to you soon!!! MDC

I have given the brand new model of Technics famous turntable a 10 / 10. They are almost perfect! Precisive control, gorgeous classic looks, ease and simplicity of use. The only thing which I would suggest for the MK4s, is perhaps make the pitch bend higher than + & - 8%! £500 Perfect sound quality for any genre, and any sound system. From Bedroom hi-fi, to a raves super sound system. These are perfect! If you now how, then these will simply make life more enjoyable and easier for you! The proven industy standard! What else can you say? My life without a set of Technics would be miserable! And this new model simply proves that point further! Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown ( 1-, 2003)

This mixer is a solid 4 channel 19" rackmountable mixer. It features an assignable crossfader, 3 band EQ per input, and gain control. Another feature this mixer has are kill switches for Low, Mid, & High on each side of the crossfader, and it also has momentary kills on the main output. Each input channel is switchable between line and phono. Giving you inputs for up to 4 line devices and 4 turntables. There is also an input for one microphone and this input also has its own EQ and gain section. Plenty of outputs on this mixer, there are balanced main and monitor outs 1/4", balanced main and monitor outs (XLR), RCA main and monitor outs, and last but not least one RCA record output. This mixer also has send returns (1/4") for connecting an external effects box in. All inputs and outputs are gold plated! Headphone output is loud, there is a mix control for blending between main out and cued source. There is a cue source select knob that allows for selecting all 4 channels individually or all 4 + mic at once. This mixer has everything you'll ever need without the bells and whistles that sound cheesy or that probably would go unused. The only thing i wish this mixer had was a crossfader curve adjustment. heres a pic: http://www.panasonic.co.jp/technics/product_catalogue/sh-mx1200/sh-mx1200.htm $399.00 UTILIZATION Yeah theres a manual, but if you need to read it to figure this mixer out then you should be going back to DJ school 101. Solid as a Rock this thing feels like a tank, just like their turntables. Its evident that Technics only puts its name behind quality equipment. It should be noted that the mixer does come with a spare input fader and spare crossfader inside the mixer in the event that you need to replace one. Nice touch in my opinion. SOUNDS I found the sound quality to be top notch, the EQ's were smooth and effective. The kills were actually full kills...all three EQ bands killed = no sound. The input faders were smooth as butter and crystal clear. The Crossfader featured a sharp cut, i was told this is the same crossfader they used in the first series SCRATCH mixer they put out. So potentially you could scratch on this mixer with ease. I however would have like a crossfade curve adjustment since this mixer is geared more for club applications (ie Dance music), so the sharp cut took a few mixes to adjust to. I have played on all the pioneer mixers, the tascam X-9 and just about all the Vestax mixers. I would say This mixer sounds as good if not better then all of those mixers , but falls a bit short when compared to an A&H or Rane. OVERALL OPINION I love this mixer, its basic and to the point, built like a tank and sounds good. If you want external effects or sampler then go external you'll get better quality that way. I would recommend this mixer to anyone who is also looking at the Rane or Pioneer club mixers. PLEASE NOTE: I listed my purchase price as $399. This was a special discount price i got from www.musiciansfriend.com Apparantly they aren't going to be carrying this mixer any longer and are planning to clear out there inventory. Try there first to see if you can get that same price i did. I have searched high and wide on the net and have yet to find this mixer anywhere else for less then $699. The list price on it is $1200. I don't understand why Technics isn't advertising and pushing this mixer more?!?!? Its a great piece get one while you can. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown (January 0-, 2002)