Tradition meets progress: supporting DJ culture with the Technics SL-1200MK7
We understand that to a DJ a turntable is a musical instrument, and the Technics SL-1200 series has supported DJ culture since its very beginning. Now, for the first time in 11 years, a new model has arrived: the SL-1200MK7. While retaining the exceptional feel of control that has made the series a favorite of DJs around the world, the SL-1200MK7 offers a fully updated design and exciting new features. It’s new technology and new value for a new era. From the start, our goal was to establish a new global standard in DJ turntables. The SL-1200MK7 has the advanced features to help take DJ culture to the next level.
Respecting tradition. Advancing technology.
Since its debut in 1972, the SL-1200 series has earned a reputation for exceptional sound and durability. Starting with the launch of the SL-1200MK2 in 1979, the series has offered slide pitch control, allowing DJs to play the turntable just like a musical instrument. The turntable soon became a staple piece of equipment in discos and clubs around the globe. In 2010, however, the Technics brand left the market, taking with it a piece of history.
Fast-forward to 2014. The Technics brand was reborn, and DJs everywhere called for a new turntable for the new era. Thus began the development of the SL-1200MK7. While retaining the overall layout and feel that DJs have long appreciated about the SL-1200MK series, the new model delivers greater structural refinement and higher quality than ever before, thanks to our advanced manufacturing technologies. DJs are sure to recognize the extra value this turntable offers in every dimension.
The intuitive design that DJs demand
In developing the SL-1200MK7, we met with DJs from around Japan and around the world, asking them to give prototypes a spin. We listened carefully to their feedback and refined the model again and again, determined to give DJs exactly what they wanted. We added an adjustable torque brake, reverse playback capability, and other new features that take DJs’ sonic toolkit to an exciting new level.
While applying the latest in digital technologies to maximize performance, we knew it was crucial to maintain the old-school SL-1200MK control that DJs have come to know and love. When a turntable is used as a musical instrument, the click of the buttons, the level of force needed to turn the platter, and all the other details have a major impact on the performance. Keeping these exactly as is was the best way forward.
A solid structure for a strong future DJ culture
One significant upgrade to the SL-1200MK7 is the replacement, wherever possible, of metal-tone resin with die-cast aluminum. Moreover, all extraneous elements have been shaved away, leaving the look clean and simple and the feel of the entire package solid.
Since DJs tend to prefer black for their equipment, the SL-1200MK7 features all-black parts. It’s the first all-black design in the SL-1200 series. Unadorned and honest in appearance, this is a turntable optimized for audio performance in materials, structure and packaging.
