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In 1969, Technics introduced the direct drive system called the SP-10. Unlike the traditional belt drive system, that used a belt to transfer torque from the motor to the platter, the motor was directly coupled to the platter so that it turned at the same rate. Basically, the direct drive motor was driven purely by magnets, reducing the amount of parts needed. Since it was a non-mechanical drive, the turntable design allowed one to manipulate or touch the platter without slow down, wearing of the engine, and without any real existing rumble that would affect the sound. Because of their solid design and seemingly perfected direct drive, Technics turntables have become a favorite for the majority of the DJ community. While many other turntables are listed as direct drive, the Technics' patented engine has proven to be the most reliable, accurate, and powerful among most of its competitors.

In the early 70's, Technics released the first SL1200 as a hi-fi turntable, thus introducing the direct drive. Around 1978-79, Technics further improved the design by fine-tuning the motor, redesigning the casing, and adding a separate ground wire among other minor adjustments and released the SL-1200MK2, which is the model the majority of DJs use today. When the International Museum of Science held an exhibition of 250 Technological Devices that have had a strong impact and influence on the 20th century, the Technics SL1200MK2 was featured among them, and with good reason. The 1200 is arguably one of the most rugged electronic pieces ever created. The overall appearance is a timeless, clean, and functionally honest design. The 1200’s frame and faceplate are constructed of anodized metal with a base molded from high density rubber (to prevent vibration). The power switch is located atop a cylinder that also served as a red strobe light for platter speed measurement done by reading the dots on the side of the plate (left). Centered below it are a set of square buttons embossed upon the surface controlling the start/stop and 33 1/3 to 45 rpm speeds. Across from it sits a popup light for working in the dark. The tonearm on the 1200 (right) was designed to accommodate vibrations making record playing fairly skip resistant. This was done with a fully adjustable weighting system, tonearm height, and anti-skating. The "s" shape of the tonearm was actually a sound feature. The S-tonearm, as its now called, basically helped pull inward the tonearm when moving along the record so the stylus will play the full extent of the vinyl’s groove. Pitch control (left) was another unique and important feature of the time. Located under the tonearm, it simply controlled the speed of the motor to the platter by a slider commonly known as a fader that was designed conforming to the shape of pinching fingers for comfortable movement. This was a very technical and delicate feature. It allowed the DJ to “beat match” vinyl records by adjusting the speed with each other to create a seamless transition of music. A green light indicates the 0 pitch in the middle of the control. All the main components are formed from high grade steel giving the 1200s the nickname, “Wheels of steel” as well as a clean shining finish. Overall design colors were kept to black and silver that interchanged across the surface of the turntable along with simple small font instructional text and branding, although in Japan and Europe, a completely black version was made available to the public as well as a special solid gold SL1200 that was often given away at various DJ competitions around the world.

Resale value for the turntable is amazingly high because of its solid design and many DJs will refuse to use anything else than the 1200. Because Technics seemly did it right the first time, it is safe to say it aided in its mass production. More recent additions to the series design, like in the 1200MK3D pictured here, were a sunken start and stop button due to the complaint of accidentally switching off the table when manipulating the vinyl record and a pitch reset button (left) that had become a popular feature among other more recent turntables. These minimal adjustments show how much care to not mess with the classic formula was taken into consideration, and most DJs do agree that the turntable was made so beautifully that, “the first months you have them you'll stare at them before you go to sleep.” (Turn(L)able, NY)

 

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, Thursday, 02 October 2008 Written by Audible  - See all my reviews  - Top 10 Reviewer Quality Value Other Overall Rating

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