DJ Equipment Reviews

 

Technics SL-DZ1200

For years, Technics has been a proud supplier of working DJ equipment. For the most part, DJs love them because they get the job done. Technics headphones are among the best on the market, their mixers are a visual description of style and sophistication, while their turntables are…well, debatable. My friend, who is a DJ and major Technics fan (as most working DJs are) told me that there is no "general consensus" in terms of Technics turntables. Some get the job done, others don’t. As I browse my mind through all of turntables designed by this DJ manufacturer, one controversial table comes to mind: The Technics SL-DZ1200. Is it worth loving? Or is it worth hating? Let’s find out.

Technics SL-DZ1200

Physical Appearance: Check. I love it. I can’t take my eyes off the sleek, modern design of the DZ1200. Simplicity works for Technics, and it certainly works for this turntable. I wouldn’t mind taking it to the clubs with me, or placing favored CDs on the platter and feel them glide against my fingertips. My only complaint is with the buttons/knobs on the face of the SL-DZ1200. I would like them to pop out more, and I really don’t like how they blend with the rest of the color. I think about how the Numark TT500 has a charcoal face and silver knobs that blatantly stand out. I know Technics can do a lot better in the knob coloring department. But this is just one insignificant flaw.

Functions/Features: Half check. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Technics DZ1200 doesn’t have a lot of features–I only wish it had more. From all the working DJs rave reviews about Technics, I expected more. I’m not a devout fan of the digital turntable era, and I prefer vinyl over CD. However, Technics states that this digital turntable has the modernized, convenient and digital approach, while maintaining the traditional feel of vinyl. I like that. Working DJs have the convenience of digital turntables, but the reliability of vinyl. With the Technics SL-DZ1200, working Djs get to:

• Store
• Playback
• Scratch
• Loop sampled media from a removable SD memory Card

The SD memory card is extremely tiny and super convenient. You can also store entire albums on it. Then fit the memory card into your pocket and go from gig to gig with your music library in your pants. The only difficulty most working DJs may stumble across with this SD memory card is losing it. After all, it’s the size of a postal stamp.

One function I do not admire is the display in the center. You can hardly read anything. Very tricky unless you have a magnifying glass. I’m only joking–but honestly, the size can be larger. While we’re on the subject of "enhancements", Technics can also enhance the sound/pitch when DJs are using the SL-DZ1200. I love powerful sound, and I think every working DJ can agree with me: sound is important. Technics needs to get cracking on that. They have a great digital turntable here, but with several minor flaws that turn into one huge, super problematic flaw.

My honest opinion: Strangely, my honest opinion about the SL-DZ1200 isn’t brutal. First off, this is the sexiest turntable I have ever seen. Plus, when you’re scratching, it feels like traditional vinyl (although I wouldn’t say it sounds like it). If I had the money (because WOW is it expensive on the official Web Site), I would definitely by one for myself rather than "borrow" it from others.

All in all, Technics has made an extremely convenient, portable and overall ultimate digital turntable for the digital working DJ. People are going to love it, people are going to hate it. For those undecided, get decided–join the discussion and try out an SL-DZ1200 ASAP. For me, this Technic digital turntable is better than all the tables in most popular brands except Pioneer. And Dave Clarke sure doesn’t mind it.

 

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