Finally Technics is back with a SL-1200 for DJs after 9 years. Back in 2016 Technics revived the the 1200 line with a SL-1200G. The problem was that it wasn’t geared towards DJing. It was designed for audiophiles and came with a hefty price tag. Now Panasonic has announced the new SL-1200MK7 which has been designed specifically for DJs. This new model will feature a lighter coreless direct drive motor, a reverse button, and a new motor control aimed to help benefit scratch DJs. It has a matte black finish and an all black tonearm. Yes, I said a tone arm. Thank god. It looks like needles will still have a use for those of us not exactly excited about the Phase wireless DJ system or the Rane 12. They have also improved the chassis in an attempt to further minimize distortion caused by vibrations in loud environments. All that’s left now is finding out the accompanying price tag. Hopefully it will be affordable to the average DJ. I’m just glad that there is still hope for the art of turntablism in a world of CDJs and controllers.
