I have been back in the club scene for some time and this is the mixer that I have been using. Pretty good one and it has Technics quality written all over it. I must say that I am very pleased with the sound and the durability of this mixer. But this mixer has its caveats and one of them is that it is pretty expensive. But anyway, features-wise, according to Panasonic’s website:
Optical Cross Fader
The unique four-channel play mode gives you complete control as you assign tracks to Right/Left Front/Rear.
Four Channel Surround Sound
Reinforced joints help prevent breakage in folding parts.
Twelve Inputs / Seven Outputs
The MZ1200 comes equipped with twelve inputs outputs (Master1/FRONT x 2, Master2/REAR x 1, Headphone x 1, Monitor x 1, Recording x 1, Digital x 1).
Send And Return Effects Loop
Effects controls include level adjustment, send and return, a pre/post switch and individual effect on/off switches for each channel. These effects can be previewed via headphone cueing.
Fader-Start Sync
Using stereo-mini-cord connections to digital turntables, you can trigger the decks to start and stop by operating the connected channel fader or cross fader.
More features
- Each channel has its own 3-band equalizer with -24dB (12dB/oct) attenuation.
- Left/Right Split for independent fader and equalizer control over the left and right stereo channels.
- Separate output to send channel 1 or 2 to the front speakers, and channel 3 or 4 to rear speakers.
- Two digital inputs, one digital output, and reverse selectors for all faders.
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This is probably the closest that you can get to the performanceof the old Technics SL1200 MKII turntables, which are not being manufactured by Panasonic/Technics anymore. I do not know why but I suppose that they have their reasons but you can bet that DJs all over the world are lamenting the fact that we do not have what we consider the icons of the DJ industry being made any more. A pity really. There are a few other brands out there in the market…some look like the Technics, some try to have the same performance like the Technics. However, one of them, in my opinion, is capable of the same performance that the Technics had. And that honour goes to the Reloop RP-6000 MK6 b
According to their website:
Reloop’s RP-6000 MK6 b professional turntable comes in an all black makeover. The rubberized surface and operating elements harmonise with the white super bright LEDs that never leave you in the dark. Furthermore Reloop’s flagship is compatible to any kind of mixer and amplifier due to the signal output as line or phono – no grounding necessary. Its highly dependable direct drive furthermore features a variable torque (2.5 or 4.5 kg/cm) which will satisfy club DJs and turntablists alike. The Reloop MK6 b: A statement.
I have actually had a look at these turntables and they are quite solidly made and the finish is awesome. They may not have the minimal looks of the SL-1200 MKII but they do make up in a few other features and the famous torgue that was so famous on the Technics turntable is there. If you ever get one of these turntables, look at the motor assembly. Yep. The Reloop turntable, with the platter being part of the motor, just like the Technics,is what gives it the great performance, torgue-wise. And the features? Here we go:
- Quarz-driven DJ turntable with upper torque direct drive
- Adjustable starting torque (2.5 kg/cm 4.5 kg/cm)
- Noble rubber paint finish
- Phono and line output (no grounding necessary)
- Direct interconnection of turntable and motor for maximum stability
- Adjustable start/stop speed (0.2 – 6 sec.)
- Metal chassis
- Extra heavy design
- Height adjustable S-shaped pickup arm with anti-skating
- Pitch range ±10%, ±20%, ±50%
- Easy-to-exchange, freely revolving stylus illumination with super bright LED
- Quartz lock
- Safety mains switch
- Forward and reverse mode
- Additional start/stop button for vertical installation
- Rubber ply to reduce vibration and ambient noises
- Detachable mains and RCA cable
- Immersed connection cavity for easy case installation
- Shock-absorbing feet
So as you can see, you get quality. I still have my Technics. If they ever croak, I did have the Numark TTXs in mind. But after trying out this reloop, looks like my mind has been changed, and yes, made up too. Reloops will be the choice.
I used these Technics babies last night. I had heard so much about them but yesterday was the first time I actually tried them out. I must say that they are relatively easy to use but I am not too sure what happens when push comes to shove and we have to use them in the mobile business. Their predecessors, the Technics SL-1200 MKII turntable could take lots of punishment and were pretty durable. I wonder if these can be as durable when we use them for the mobile disco market. I mean, they do look pretty fragile and I wonder if the slightest “ding” will make them unusable. And, I might add, these babies are not cheap. They cost about $1500 dollars each. I think I will stick with controllers for the time being.
I have been aware of this SL-1200 copy turntable for some time now. I have never tried it before but from what I have read on the Internet, it seems that it is pretty decent. Looks like a 100% carbon copy of the SL-1200 but it has some things that the SL-1200 does not have. First off, it has the ability to play 78-rpm records. Also, the connection on this model is a USB or universal serial bus connection which means that you can hook it up to a computer directly and play your vinyl. I am not privy to the cost of these things but I hear that it is almost half the price of the SL-1200. Well, since Technics are no longer making the SL-1200 MKII, I suppose that those that really need a MKII-esque turntable can look at this and get it.
It was in the year 1978. Dad wanted to get a proper hi-fi system so he bought a Sony hi-fi system, replacing the old Loewe Opta that we had for bloody ages. The new hi-fi system came with a turntable, integrated amplifier, tuner and cassette deck. Dad was mighty happy with his hi-fi and I remember years of listening to it. Somehow, dad did not buy many records, preferring cassette tapes. After a while, the hi-fi system fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1985, I decided to become a DJ and so, I needed a turntable. What did I use? The turntable above of course! I sent it for servicing as the motor was cranky. I also put a Stanton 500AL cartridge and stylus on this thing. I used this turntable for my mobile gigs for years until I got my Technics SL-1200s in 1988. This turntable was thus relegated to a backup turntable but it still functioned flawlessly.
Today, this turntable is used by my sister to play her music. It is still functioning, almost 33 years later! Sony built a workhorse in this PS-11. If you ever come across this model, do not ask questions…buy it! If it can survive years of DJ mixing and the rigours of the road, it can handle anything…guaranteed.
Oh, and there is a little bit of information. If for some reason you are not happy with the pitch control, or would like to make it faster, there is a screw at the bottom of the turntable, under its base. You can use that to make the pitch faster. Its like a master pitch-control. And, if you happen to take off the platter, you will notice some magnetic strip running round the rim of the platter. This, coupled with a reading head, makes sure that the wow and flutter is kept to a minimum.
