Technics SL-1210 MK7: The professional turntable for DJs

The Technics SL-1210 MK7 model traditionally has a direct drive, a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm and a familiar appearance. The changes affected the engine itself: there is no iron core in the stator, due to which it was possible to increase the smoothness of rotation. The stator magnetic force was increased and the gaps between the rotor and stator were optimized, achieving results comparable to the SL-1200MK5.

Technics SL-1210MK7 is a new revision of the model, which has become very popular among music lovers and DJs. The player retained the basic design principle – direct drive from a motor with high starting torque. Direct drive ensures stable and precise maintenance of the speed of rotation of the record, as well as the possibility of its smooth adjustment and manual braking (the last two circumstances make the player so desirable for professionals). The engine in the player was modified, which further improved its parameters and increased the reliability and stability of operation.

The Technics SL-1210MK7 turntable is equipped with a statically balanced S-shaped tonearm, which is also a classic for the company’s turntables. Thanks to high precision manufacturing and thoughtful design, the tonearm provides excellent tracking and high-quality sound even on records with imperfect surfaces.

The Technics SL-1210MK7 features a massive, non-resonating cast aluminum chassis with an ABS bottom plate, which is mounted on a combination of damped mounts that feature a rubber shell and an internal spring. At the same time, the supports are height adjustable, which allows the Technics SL-1210MK7 to be positioned exactly horizontally even on uneven surfaces. The turntable’s platter is also made of aluminum and is covered with rubber, which cushions it and also serves as a mat for the record. The color of the strobe light and controls in the player can be changed using a microswitch.

The Technics SL-1210 MK7 model has a digital pitch control circuit (smoothly changing the disk rotation speed), operating in the range of ± 8 or 16%, which increases the accuracy of adjustment. The Technics SL-1200MK7 is equipped with an electronic speed selector of 33, 45 or 78 rpm. There is also a convenient Target Light backlight, which was first used in the SL-1210MK2 model.

Specifications Technics SL-1210 MK7

Disc speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm, electronic switching
Platen 332 mm, aluminum, 1.8 kg
Platen spindle stainless steel
Direct drive
Detonation and speed instability ± 0.025%
Starting force
Outputs RCA (Phono)
Tonearm 9 inches, S-shaped
Effective tonearm length 230 mm
Tracking force adjustment 0 – 4 g
Allowable cartridge weight 14.3 – 20.7 g (with shell)
Excursion 15 mm
Dimensions (WxHxD) 453 x 169 x 353 mm
Weight 9 .6 kg