After 50 years spent dominating the high-fidelity airwaves, the iconic Technics SL-1200 Series turntable has copped a bold new refresh. The fabled audio legend has announced the launch of the new limited-edition SL-1200M7L, a revamped version of the direct drive turntable system that features a series of new colourways reminiscent of the vibrant street culture that first embraced it.
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Image: Technics
Born on the urban backstreets of seminal music cities like Los Angeles and New York, the Technics SL-1200 Series was popularised by emerging DJs and artists in the 1970s. Famed for its powerful torque and easy operation, the direct-drive system quickly became a must-have accessory, bridging the gap between amateur beat-maker and full-blown musician. In the five decades that have passed, various iterations have come and gone, but the beating heart of the SL-1200 Series, and indeed the music scene it helped create, has remained as colourful as ever.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the line, Technics has revisited some of the key elements that made the turntable such a success, while adding a modern flair. Based on the SL-1200MK7 which was released during the brand’s 2019 Australian relaunch, the SL-1200M7L is limited to just 300 units nationwide, with just 12,000 on offer globally. This time around, the limited-edition direct-drive turntable system arrives in black, red, blue, white, green, yellow and beige, with the tonearm also anodised in a gold hue. Further to that, Technics has bolstered the latest release with a special badge complete with an engraved serial number across the top panel.
Image: Technics
There are some slight change-ups for this specific model, however. For the SL-1200M7L, Technics has added a new coreless direct-drive motor that employs a coreless stator. According to the brand, the removal of the core from the stator eliminated the root cause of cogging, giving an unimpeded tonal quality. As expected, the new Technics turntable makes use of the brand’s signature two-layer structure platter, which helps to improve vibration damping performance, while listeners can also vary the starting torque and brake speed through the adjustment function. The brand hasn’t forgotten where it came from, either.
The new limited edition release cops a reverse play feature that expands the customisability of DJ play styles, giving more flexibility during playback. It’s a feature that fans will be able to see in action when Technics launches the 50 years of SL-1200s music event. Streamed on BOILER ROOM on April 7, the Streamed on BOILER ROOM, the global event will feature seven DJs, including DJ Koco, Shanti Celeste, Mala and Giles Peterson perform with an SL-1200M7L in a different colour.
Image: Technics
“For half a century, Technics has enjoyed the support of DJs and aficionados who have not only chosen the iconic brand for their turntables but customised their units themselves with unique colours that reflect their passions and identity,” Aaron Waters, product marketing manager – Imaging and Technics said. “Today we are proud to recognise this long-standing relationship between DJs and the legendary Technics brand with the launch of SL1200M7L – combining the powerful legacy of Technics with modern innovation and operational capabilities.”
Priced at AUD$1,999, the limited-edition SL-1200M7L arrives with an exclusive slipmat with a gold-coloured Technics logo and a 50th-anniversary sticker. It hits Australia stores in May 2022, via selected Technics retailers.
Image: Technics
Image: Technics
