Note: Stylus not included
There are few technical products that deserve to be called a legend, but the Technics SL-1200 turntable series is definitely one of them. The so-called "twelve hundred" is much more than just a record player: It is the archetype for all DJ turntables, an icon of club culture, and even a musical instrument in the hands of a capable DJ. After discontinuing production of the world's most renowned turntable series many years ago, Technics now presents its revamped version: The new SL-1210 MK7. While all the important features of the original SL-1210 MK2 have been retained in the MK7, Technics has also added a whole bunch of sophisticated improvements that have long been awaited with great anticipation by the worldwide DJ community.
Although almost all DJ turntables resemble the SL-1210 model in terms of design and functionality, most DJs will agree that only a Technics "twelve hundred" is the real deal. With the new SL-1210 MK7 DJ turntable, Technics has successfully revived this tradition and added quite a few modern twists. The elegant Technics SL-1210 MK7 Black model is designed entirely in black – from the robust shock-absorbing chassis and S-shaped tonearm to the balance weight and buttons. The MK7 has the exact same dimensions as its predecessor, but weighs in at just 9.6kg – around 2.5kg lighter than the legendary MK2 – thanks to its redesigned chassis made from die-cast aluminium and glass fibre-reinforced plastic. Another major change is that Technics has finally got rid of the fixed audio and power cables that were previously found on all 1200-series models. Instead, the MK7 now comes with gold-plated sockets that allow the use of high-quality RCA cinch cables and a connection for an IEC power cable on the rear panel.
The SL-1210 MK7 turntable features the same rotary power switch at the top of the strobe light as its predecessors, and its surface finish, pitch control, torque, and brake speed immediately offer users the familiar Technics feel – except that it's all brand new. The MK7 also has a whole bunch of new adjustment options in store: Instead of the previous mechanical zero-position lock, the 10cm pitch fader now features a digital reset function/quartz lock that allows the pitch range to be adjusted between +/-8% and +/-16%. The Technics SL-1210 MK7 boasts the same powerful direct drive motor as the premium SL-1210 GAE, G, and GR variants with a higher price tag, which means that the familiar factory-set MK2 start-up torque and brake speed are complemented by three additional fine-tuning options that can be accessed beneath the turntable, where users can also change the colour of the LED lights, e.g. from red to blue, in order to be able to distinguish between two turntables in a DJ set more easily.
Technics was created as a brand for premium HiFi equipment by Japanese Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. in 1965. The brand name went down in history with the launch of its flagship SL-1210 MK2 record player in 1978, which soon played a pivotal role in shaping DJ culture and became the most iconic DJ turntable of all time. Scratching and beatmixing would probably never have been invented without the innovative features of the "wheels of steel". Technics suddenly disappeared from the scene in 2010, and did not return until 2014 when the Panasonic Corporation decided to revive the brand. After initially launching high-priced versions of its legendary 1200 turntable series, Technics finally presented the SL-1200 MK7 turntable and the EAH-DJ 1200 headphones in 2023 to provide DJs with modern, updated versions of classic products that have long been awaited with great anticipation, and to revive the renowned Technics tradition across the entire DJ community.
After many years of chasing after replicas or refurbished models, clubs and DJs can finally get their hands on new Technics 1210 turntables. The Technics SL-1210 MK7 gives users not only the true original version of an icon but also one of the world’s most reliable and durable turntables. And this is an opportunity not to be missed - after all, nobody knows if, or when, Technics will decide to discontinue the 1200 series once again. In view of the large number of original SL-1210 MK2 turntables worldwide that have been doing their job reliably weekend after weekend to this day, it is quite safe to bet that the new SL-1210 MK7 will also offer DJs countless hours of vinyl mixing pleasure over many years – or even for a lifetime if they take good care of it.
Hidden features
The front panel of the Technics SL-1200 MK7 features a clear layout and a clean design, so the DJ's attention is immediately focused on the familiar, proven control elements. This is complemented by a whole bunch of hidden features with surprisingly new functions, such as reverse play, which allows the platter to turn in the opposite direction by pressing the speed select and start/stop buttons at the same time. Further modification options for torque, brake speed, and LED colour settings are provided under the turntable's platter. And last but not least, the "X2" button above the pitch fader allows the speed to be doubled for even more creative transitions. Happy mixing!