Technics SL-1200MK7 Direct Drive Turntable

The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

The SL-1200 Series has constantly evolved with the times to meet the exacting requirements of DJs everywhere. It epitomizes Technics’ unwavering dedication to quality engineering that fuses sound, technology and design.

Significance of the SL-1200

The SL-1200 Direct Drive Turntable has continued evolving as the world standard DJ turntable. It is the mission imposed only on SL-1200 series.

Rediscover Music for All

Technics has pursued all possibilities for delivering a premium music experience to all music fans, and will continue to do so into the future. This commitment is also demonstrated clearly in the SL-1200MK7. Packed with accumulated technologies and knowhow, it aims to contribute to the further development of the club DJ culture.

The Direct Drive System That Pioneered the DJ Culture

The direct drive motor (D.D. Motor) formed the core of the SL-1200 Series. In addition to providing unparalleled accuracy, the D.D. Motor technology that was introduced in 1970 offered reliability for long-term use with its excellent durability. This further evolved with the SL-1200MK7, and achieved even higher sound quality as the Coreless Direct Drive Motor.

S-shaped Tonearm, a Technics Tradition

The SL-1200MK7 comes with a static balance S-shaped tonearm to carry on the Technics tradition. The tonearm moves in a unique arc as it tracks the record disc, and reproduces music with high fidelity. The bearing section features a high-precision bearing structure. The tonearm provides high tracking performance without stylus skipping even under hard usage such as scratching.

Stable Operation under All Conditions

Each insulator foot consists of an internal spring and rubber, and the bottom surface is covered with a cushion material. They effectively shut out vibration even in a loud sound environment. If the turntable cannot be set up on a perfectly level surface, its height and inclination can be adjusted by turning individual insulator feet.

Pitch Control for a New Chapter in Music History

Pitch control on the SL-1200 was originally utilised for the precise adjustment of rotation speed. Club DJs began using this function to match the pitch between two tracks to achieve smooth transition. This technique led to the explosive popularity of the SL-1200 worldwide. The current vertical fader was first installed on the SL-1200MK2. This change was made to simplify use for DJs. The MK7 has newly incorporated full digital control to enable accurate and stable adjustment within the range of ±8/16%.

User-friendly Stylus Light

The light that illuminates the stylus and its position on the record was featured for the first time on the SL-1200MK2. Technics opted for a popup-type light, not a detachable type, for easier use. The SL-1200MK7 comes with a white LED that offers high brightness and a long life. The illumination was improved and its range was reviewed to ensure optimal visibility.

Symbol of the SL-1200 Series

The original purpose of the strobe light, a standard feature on all models from the first-generation SL-1200, was to enable an accurate visual adjustment of the rotation speed. Since Technics incorporated quartz control, in models starting with the MK2, the rotation speed became extremely stable; thus, there was no need for the strobe anymore. However, DJs wanted the familiar strobe on the turntables they use, so it is still provided on the current model. The SL-1200MK7 comes with an LED strobe that can be set to illuminate in red or blue.

Sound Quality Backed by Functional Beauty

The SL-1200 Series was originally developed in pursuit of pure audio performance. The vibration-absorbing cabinet and insulators suppress undesirable noise, while the gimbal suspension tonearm provides high tracking performance for high-fidelity sound reproduction. The design has not been changed much for more than 40 years, thus retaining the ultimate functional beauty achieved in the first-generation model. The SL-1200MK7 has also further unified the all black design scheme, even in every part, to become more stylish and attractive.

Specifications

Technology for Rotational Stability

• Coreless Direct Drive Motor
• High-Precision Motor Controller

Construction for Vibration Tolerance

• High-Dumping Turntable Platter
• Rigid Cabinet Construction
• High-Dumping Insulator

High Quality Parts

• High Sensitive Tonearm
• Detachable PHONO Terminal

Technics Definitive Design

• Inherited SL-1200 Series

Turntable Section

• Drive Method: Direct Drive
• Turntable Speeds: 33 1/3, 45rpm (with switch 78 rpm)
• Starting Torque: 0.18N?m / 1.8kg?cm (1.56 lbs-in)
• Build-up Characteristics: 0.7 s. from standstill to 33 1/3 rpm
• Wow and Flutter: 0.025%?W.R.M.S.
• Turntable Platter: Aluminum die-cast
  • Diameter?332mm (13-5/64")
  • Weight?Approx. 1.8kg (4.0 lbs) (Including slipmat and slipsheet)

Tonearm Section

• Type: Universal, Static Balance
• Effective Length: 230mm (9-1/16")
• Overhang: 15mm (19/32")
• Tracking Error Angle:
  Within 2° 32'?(at the outer groove of 30cm(12") record)
  Within 0° 32'?(at the inner groove of 30cm(12") record)
• Offset Angle: 22° •Arm Height Adjustment Range: 0 - 6mm
• Stylus Pressure Adjustment Range: 0 - 4g (Direct Reading)
• Head Shell Weight: Approx. 7.6g
• Applicable Cartridge Weight Range:
  [without auxiliary weight] 5.6 - 12.0g (14.3 - 20.7g (including head shell))
• Head Shell Terminal Lug: 1.2mm? 4-pin terminal lug

Terminals

• Audio Output: PHONO (Pin Jack) x 1, EARTH TERMINAL x 1

General

• Power Supply: AC120 V, 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 8W (Approx. 0.2W (Standby))
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 453 x 169 x 353mm (17-27/32 × 6-21/32 × 13-29/32 inch)
• Weight: Approx. 9.6kg (Approx. 21.2lbs)
• Accessories:
  Turntable, Slipmat, Slipsheet, Dust cover, EP record adaptor, Balance weight, Head shell, Screw set for cartridge, PHONO cable, PHONO earth lead, AC power supply cord, Owner's Manual