Technics SL-1200 is a series of direct-drive turntables originally manufactured from October 1972 until 2010, and resumed in 2016, by 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. A new 'x2' button lets you double the range of the pitch control from +/- 8% to +/-16%. This extra range makes it even more flexible as a mixing tool and even handier in the studio than ever. Using Technics’ famous and expensively engineered direct drive system, the SL1200 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. Both the power and phono terminals let you detach the cables which prevent the cables from accidentally being disconnected while you perform. Thanks to the disconnecting cable terminals maintenance of the cables is easier and if you wish you can connect your preferred phono cable. The gold-plated phono terminals minimise degradation of sound quality.

We could say that, but not only in the light of the price that still exits from the expected but also by the significant technological advancements. First of all, there is a newly developed ‘direct drive’ engine (with which Technics in the early 1970s had made a commercial revolution), and then the turntable base that was far better resolved and made, and it feels in the moment when you try to lift this turntable, mechanically more precisely constructed tonearm and ultimately a more advanced electronic / software system that takes care of turntable work. High torque (1.5 kgf·cm or 0.15 N·m), which means the platter spins at the desired speed almost immediately (0.7 seconds to reach 33 ¹⁄₃ RPM from standstill), and rapidly reacquires the desired speed, without "overshooting", if the platter is dragged or nudged. This aids beatmatching. Current MK5 models have a removable lid as opposed to the MK2 and MK3 removable hinged lid. Unlike some earlier 1200' models, The 1200MK5 also has a voltage select switch under the platter, Previously only found on '1210' models. The MK5 is the last 1200 model to retain an analog pitch control. 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.A newly designed stylus illuminator comes with a push-type structure and is equipped with a super bright and long-life white LED. The intensity and illumination area have been redeveloped to give you improved visibility of the stylus tip; this allows you to place the needle exactly where you need it, even in dark environments. The SL-1200 was introduced in 1972 as an evolution to the popular SL-1100. It was dubbed "The Middle Class Player System". It was delivered in two different versions: The SL-1200 came with a tonearm section. The SL-120 came without a tonearm section. An SME tonearm was the usual choice for the audiophile. The updated platter comes with a two-layer construction that features deadening rubber on the rear surface which eliminates unwanted resonances in the aluminium die-cast platter. The exceptional vibration-damping characteristics prevent harmful vibrations from being transmitted to your records giving you a clear sound at all times.

The SL-1210GR ensures high rigidity by using a body with a two-layered construction solidly unifying the BMC and the aluminum die-cast chassis. For the insulators supporting the body, as with the SL-1200G, the SL-1210GR uses special silicon rubber that ensures both high vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability. Vibration in the horizontal direction is absorbed by reinforcement with cylindrical tubes using microcell polymers. While inheriting the technology of the SL-1200G, the insulators have had tuning performed specifically for the SL-1210GR. 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! The SL-1210MK7 doesn't feel as solid as the more expensive SL-1200GR and SL-1200G models. The stop/start and speed buttons don't have the same reassuring response nor quite the bombproof feel, and the LED stylus illuminator, which you can pop up and down, felt a little flimsy on the sample we saw. There was no legacy SL-1200 model on hand for a direct comparison but we'll look to further clarify the build differences.

At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Panasonic announced it would be resuming production with a new line of turntables, [32] beginning with the Limited Edition SL-1200GAE [33] The aluminium die-cast chassis has been integrated with a special ABS glass fibre material giving you a two-layer structure that significantly reduces external vibrations while staying highly-durable and robust. A spring and rubber insulator helps provide you with optimal frequency characteristics and a high-quality sound while simultaneously eliminating external vibrations caused by high sound pressure levels. 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.

The earlier MK2 models 1978-1983 or so also have a different construction in the rubber base of the turntable. These turntables were made with a base that was completely rubber, whereas the newer version has 2 separate parts: rubber outside and a bakelite inlay that makes it considerably easier to take apart. New Limited Edition Technics SL-1210GAE Looks and Sounds Great". Analog Planet. 2020-06-08 . Retrieved 2020-06-18. Most users remove the rubber turntable mat and replace it with a slip-mat for mixing. However, without the rubber mat, the platter is prone to resonance at 250Hz when used near a large club sound system. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. In recent times, different materials have emerged from which belts have been designed to avoid changing properties over time. You will see one of these in the Kuzma high-class turntables where the belt is made from one piece of swirling plastic.From the disco era to today’s super-clubs, the Technics SL1200 (and similar SL1210) has been and still is the heart of most professional DJs’ gigs. World renowned for its robust build quality, reliability and precise and stable sound, the SL1200 is a living legend. Now in MK7 form, it’s as capable as ever and great value for the engineering involved. From the disco era to today’s super-clubs, the Technics SL1210 (and similar SL1200) has been and still is the heart of most professional DJs’ gigs. World renowned for its robust build quality, reliability and precise and stable sound, the SL1210 is a living legend. Now in MK7 form, it’s as capable as ever and great value for the engineering involved. The SL-1210 Mk2 has earned its place in the history books because, up until fairly recently, it was by far the best DJ turntable available. Its key features have always been the torqey direct-drive motor, smooth, accurate pitch control, solid build quality, well-damped feet to soak up the vibrations of a busy club and a touchability factor that makes it a pleasure to use. With its gimbal suspension construction, the tonearm bearing section uses a cut-processed housing that employs high-precision bearings, as in the SL-1200G and SL-1200GR. The high initial-motion sensitivity of 5 mg or less is achieved through manual assembly and adjustment by skilled Japanese artisans. This enables the grooves etched into the records to be accurately traced.

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 have finally unveiled their brand new SL-1210 Mk7 direct drive turntable, a high torque turntable aimed primarily for DJ purposes. The new Mk7 model inherits the traditional design of previous SL-1210 turntables yet with enhanced reliability and durability and features a brand new coreless direct drive motor alongside a wealth of various sound-enhancing technologies. The SL-1210 Mk7 is Technics first new standard DJ turntable in nine years.Of course, the sound changed depending on the recording material itself, i.e. the record, but can generally describe it as calm and with no excess in the bandwidth. Technics SL-1210GR also showed as a turntable that achieves excellent timing and rhythm. Panasonic Corporation of North America. "Technics* SL-1200GLD Sweepstakes". Archived from the original on 2004-08-10 . Retrieved 2018-11-25. Announced in January 2016 CES in Las Vegas, released in October 2016, SL-1200 Grand Class, an aluminum bound turntable with a high–damping matte magnesium tonearm, a four–layer turntable cabinet, three-layer platter, complete with a microprocessor and the use of a newly developed coreless twin-rotor direct-drive motor with no iron core with rotary positing sensors to eliminate cogging, as well as providing 78 rpm speed compatibility.