Hi-Fi Hall of Fame
2023 Inductee
Technics SL-1200
Direct Drive Turntable
Introduction
Our next nominee is the Technics SL-1200 Direct Drive Turntable.
When the Panasonic Corporation decided to develop their own high end audio line in 1965, they created the “Technics” brand. The Technics name first appeared on loudspeakers and amplifiers, but in 1970 Technics introduced their first turntable: the SP-10, which was the world’s first “direct drive” turntable. The SP-10 was aimed primarily at the professional market, and was rapidly adopted in broadcast and recording studios worldwide.
The SP-10 was created by Shuichi Obata, an engineer at Technics. The key advantage of direct drive technology is that it eliminates the belts or idler wheels required by conventional turntables. Instead, the turntable employs a motor which directly drives the record platter.
In 1971, a year after the SP-10 was released, Technics released their second direct drive turntable, the SL-1100. This was a more conventional design, with a built in tonearm, making it appealing to the consumer Hi-Fi enthusiast.
The SL-1100 was very successful, and so Technics developed a new model, the Technics SL-1200, which made it’s first appearance in October 1972. More than fifty years later, the SL-1200 is still going strong! Let’s take a look at this remarkable turntable.
Key Facts
| Manufacturer | Technics |
| Model | SL-1200 |
| Category | Direct Drive Turntable |
| Years in Production | 1972 – present |
| Hi-Fi Hall of Fame Induction | September 2023 |
| Link to Technics website | https://us.technics.com/ |
Technics SL-1200: Technologies
Technics direct drive turntables, particularly the iconic Technics SL-1200 series, incorporate several key technologies and features that contribute to their performance and durability. Here are some of those key technologies.
Direct Drive Motor
The hallmark feature of Technics turntables is their direct drive motor system. Unlike belt-driven turntables, where a belt connects the motor to the platter, direct drive turntables have the motor directly integrated into the turntable’s platter. This design offers advantages like high torque and reduced wow and flutter (speed fluctuations). Technics turntables are known for their high torque motors, which provide quick start-up and precise speed control. This high torque is essential for Disc Jockeys (DJs) who need to manipulate the platter for beatmatching and scratching.
Pitch Control
Technics turntables typically feature a pitch control slider or knob that allows users to adjust the turntable’s rotational speed (pitch) with precision. This feature is crucial for DJs who need to match the beats of two tracks seamlessly.
S-Shaped Tonearm
The tonearm on a Technics SL-1200 turntable is S-shaped, which is a design that helps reduce tracking error and improve overall tracking accuracy. This is important for maintaining the fidelity of the audio playback. An anti-skate mechanism is included to counteract the inward force applied by the tonearm’s tracking force. This helps ensure the stylus maintains proper contact with the record groove and prevents distortion.
Stroboscopic Platter Speed Indicator
The SL-1200 has a stroboscopic platter speed indicator with markings that, when illuminated by a light source, make it easy to visually confirm the turntable’s rotational speed accuracy.
Heavy Base and Isolation Feet
The SL-1200 is heavy and well built, with a solid base (plinth) designed to minimize vibrations and resonance. This construction contributes to their stability and audio quality. It also employs isolation feet to further reduce vibrations and prevent feedback, especially when used in DJ environments with loud sound systems.
Fine-Tuned Bearings and Components
Technics is known for its attention to detail in the manufacturing process, including high-precision bearings and components to ensure smooth and consistent performance.
Anti-Vibration and Damping Materials
To minimize unwanted vibrations and resonance, Technics turntables incorporate anti-vibration and damping materials within the construction.
Digital Features
In more recent iterations of Technics turntables, you may find digital features like USB connectivity for digitizing vinyl records, built-in phono preamplifiers, and compatibility with DVS (Digital Vinyl System) software for digital Disc Jockeying.
Technics SL-1200: Performance
Compared to previous technologies such as idler wheel or belt drive, the SL-1200 delivers outstandingly good performance. The powerful motor offers very high torque, which means the platter spins at the desired speed almost immediately. An SL-1200 can go from “Zero to 33 ¹⁄₃ RPM” in just 7 tenths of a second. In a nightclub, the high torque allows the DJ to drag or nudge the record, and the record will rapidly reacquire the desired speed.
The SL-1200 also delivers very low “wow and flutter”, which means the platter spins at precisely the right speed. The heavy base and increased isolation of platter from base, reduces the likelihood of feedback or stylus jumping.
Many models offer variable pitch control, allowing the rotational speed to be adjusted from -8% to +8%. This is especially useful in nighclub and music production settings.
Finally, the SL-1200 is built for great durability and reliability. There are many examples of SL-1200s lasting well over 15 years of heavy use and withstanding physical shock without functional impairment.
Technics SL-1200 Evolution
The Technics SL-1200 has evolved many times over the years, with new models appearing every few years.
Original “Mark 1” model (1972)
The original model was produced from 1972 until 1979. It had great performance, a clean modern look, and a good quality tonearm that could accept all of the popular phono cartridges of the day. In the Hi-Fi market, it competed with turntables such as the Dual 1229, Linn Sondek LP-12, Thorens TD-160, and Pioneer PL-12D, but none of these employed direct drive technology.
Mark 2 model (1979)
By the end of the 1970s, the SL-1200 had been widely adopted by Hi-Fi enthusiasts and nightclub disc jockeys. During this period, disco and hip hop (rap) music had become very popular. A skilled DJ could employ turntables to cue, mix, and “scratch” the music, and the Technics SL-1200 was ideal for this purpose. In fact, the story goes that Shuichi Obata , the chief engineer of Technics turntables, travelled to New York City to see how DJs were using the turntable. A few months later, Technics introduced the Mark 2 model, with upgrades aimed at the DJ market.
Released in the summer of 1979, the Mark 2 was available in both silver and matte black. Technics improved the motor and shock resistance, introduced a new tonearm, and changed the pitch control from rotary controls to a slider style.
Mark 3 models (1989)
Technics released a few different “Mark 3” models starting in 1989. Some of these were just for the Japanese market. The most significant was the SL-1200M3D, which had a detachable dust cover (no hinges), a recessed power switch to prevent DJs from accidentally turning the deck off during use, and no self-locking detent (“click”) at the zero point of the pitch adjustment slider, allowing more precise control of pitch near that point.
Mark 4 model (1996)
The SL-1200 Mark 4 was introduced in 1996 and was available only in Japan. This model was aimed at the high end audiophile market and could operate at 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM speeds.
Mark 5 model (2000)
Released in November 2000, the Mark 5 had a silver finish and increased the range of anti skate settings from 0–3 grams to 0–6 grams.
Mark 6 models (2007)
SL-1200 Mark 6 models offered some minor improvements including improved tonearm mounting, oxygen-free copper wire, improved vibration damping in the body, and improvements to the pitch control accuracy.
SL-1200 production halt (2010)
By the late 2000s, the era of vinyl records seemed to be drawing to a close. Music was widely available in digital format, on Compact Discs, USB keys, or even SD cards. Music streaming was also starting to become popular, with Spotify launching their service in 2006. Hi-Fi enthusiasts and DJs were switching to digital, replacing their turntables with CD players. With sales declining, Technics halted production of the SL-1200 in 2010.
SL-1200 resumes production (2016)
Miraculously, vinyl records began to make a comeback, both with Hi-Fi enthusiasts and DJs. The community started a petition asking Technics to resurrect the SL-1200 turntable. By September 2015, the petition had enough supporters, and Panasonic/Technics agreed to resume production. At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Panasonic announced it would be resuming production with a new line of turntables, beginning with the limited edition “Grand Class” SL-1200GAE and SL-1200GR models.
Mark 7 models (2019-present)
By 2019, SL-1200 production was back in full gear and Technics launched the “Mark 7” series. The new models had some features aimed at the DJ market, as well as some special liveries. In 2022, Technics released a 50th Anniversary edition called the SL-1200M7L. It was a limited edition version and was available in seven colours: black, red, blue, white, green, yellow and beige. There was also a very special model sporting a gold tonearm and a commemorative badge.
If you’d like to see the official history of this fantastic turntable, please check out the Technics SL-1200 Heritage website:
Technics SL-1200: Impact on Hi-Fi and Music
The Technics SL-1200 had a substantial impact in two industries: Hi-Fi and Music. Let’s take a look at how this turntable changed the world.
Impact on Hi-Fi
The Technics SL-1200 has had a significant and lasting impact on the Hi-Fi industry; here are some of the key impacts.
Technological Advancements
Technics revolutionized turntable design when they introduced the SP-10. Direct drive was a quantum leap in performance over the idler wheel and belt drive turntables of that era. Ever since, Technics has released updated versions of the SL-1200 series turntables incorporating new technologies while preserving the classic design and performance.
Influential Design
The design of the Technics SL-1200 influenced other turntable manufacturers. The familiar look and layout of the turntable, including the direct drive platter and S-shaped tonearm, have been emulated by other manufacturers. In fact, just prior to the SL-1200 being discontinued, Audio-Technica released a turntable (the AT-LP120) which was very similar to the SL-1200.
Vinyl Resurgence
While vinyl records had been largely replaced by digital formats, the enduring popularity of Technics turntables, along with the resurgence of interest in vinyl records and analog sound, played a role in the vinyl revival. Many music enthusiasts and audiophiles rediscovered the warmth and tactile experience of vinyl, leading to increased vinyl sales and the continued production of vinyl records.
Collectors’ Items
Vintage Technics turntables, especially the older SL-1200 models, have become highly sought after collector’s items. Their enduring popularity and reputation for quality have driven up demand for vintage units in good condition.
Impact on Music
The Technics SL-1200 has also had a profound impact on the music industry, particularly within the realms of rap music and hip-hop. Here are some key ways in which it influenced these genres:
DJ Culture
The SL-1200 became synonymous with DJ culture. Its direct-drive system provided precise control over the vinyl record, allowing DJs to manipulate and scratch records with great accuracy. This turntable’s durability and reliability made it a favorite among DJs, and it became an essential tool for the development of “turntablism” as an art form.
Beat Juggling and Sampling
Hip-hop producers and DJs began using the SL-1200 for beat juggling and sampling. Its pitch control and responsive platter allowed for the creation of intricate rhythmic patterns by manipulating vinyl records. DJs like Grandmaster Flash and later innovators like DJ Premier and Q-Bert used the SL-1200 to sample and loop breakbeats, contributing to the development of hip-hop’s signature sound.
Scratching and Mixing
The SL-1200’s high torque motor and responsive tonearm made it ideal for scratching and mixing, which are fundamental techniques in hip-hop DJing. DJs like Grandmaster Flash, Grand Wizard Theodore, and Mix Master Mike pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with this turntable, incorporating complex scratching techniques and seamless mixing into their performances.
Turntable as a Musical Instrument
The SL-1200’s capabilities allowed DJs to use it as a musical instrument in its own right. It became a key component of live performances and studio production, shaping the sonic landscape of hip-hop. This turntable’s versatility in pitch control and its ability to handle heavy use made it a reliable instrument for DJs and producers.
Industry Standard
The SL-1200 series turntables became the industry standard for DJs worldwide. Its widespread adoption helped establish a consistent platform for DJs, making it easier for them to perform on various setups globally. This standardization contributed to the growth and globalization of hip-hop and DJ culture.
Vinyl Resurgence
While the music industry transitioned to digital formats, the SL-1200 and vinyl records continued to hold a special place in hip-hop culture. The resurgence of vinyl in the 2010s brought new attention to the turntable and its classic sound, reinforcing its historical significance.
Technics SL-1200: Induction to the Hi-Fi Hall of Fame
The Technics SL-1200 Direct Drive Turntable is an iconic piece of Hi-Fi history, a true classic that has kept on spinning for more than 50 years. They can be found in home Hi-Fi systems, recording studios, radio stations, and live music performances.
The SL-1200 is also one of the most durable and reliable pieces of stereo equipment ever produced. Many of the earliest models are still spinning after 50 years!
The SL-1200 is one of the best selling pieces of Hi-Fi equipment ever produced. It is estimated that Technics has sold more than 3 million units since production started in 1972!
And finally, the SL-1200 played a key role in the emergence of hip-hop and rap, two entirely new genres of music.
For all of these reasons, the Technics SL-1200 turntable is inducted into the Hi-Fi Hall of Fame.
