SL-DZ1200 Review. The Real Story and history on the Technics Digital Turntable

[@sw247x5]

Technics should bring out an up to date version of these, give Pioneer plastics some well needed competition.

[@garethfoster9961]

sw247 X Yeah they should give pioneer a run for there money.

[@Breakfast_Time-r3c]

i would replace my nexus for a revamped verson of this!

[@ccricers]

It would be very fitting that it will also be called the MK2

[@nizzle6588]

I’d love a dJ controller with these on either end by technics. Newer technology on tween all the issues away and you will have the perfect controller or even deck. Please Technics. Get back into this industry and take over like before

[@Phicxtion]

I remember wanting a set of these when they first came out. They just look awesome and still extremely futuristic. If I ever came across one cheap I’ll probably pick one up.

[@LATINHANDS65]

I have one for sale if anyone is interested.

[@alexanderc.9438]

@@LATINHANDS65still available lol?

[@MarcoSpelde]

Actually, the guy that made the original bashing video with the usher song, admitted a couple of years ago he got paid a lot of money from "another" brand to make the dz1200 sound terrible. He actually had a hard time making it sound the way it sounded in the video. He had to lower the bitrate of the music a lot to get that distortion you can heard in that video. That other brand didn't want to have another Panasonic/Technics player to become the next industry standard.

[@CoroaEntertainment]

How does the DVS system handle the timecode signal playing from the DZ (while scratching with the DZ's key lock turned on)? I ask, because it looks/sounds like you where turning the key lock on/off a couple of times during the demo. My guess, the time code signal gets messed up if you try to scratch with the DZ's key lock button turned on.

[@maladjustedtv]

Great vid - thanx for the Facebook page plug! I started that group many years ago & never thought it would attract so many DZ fan...thanx again for the plug! :)

[@audiorhino4231]

I’m currently running a pair with rekordbox DVS 😄

[@romeisfallingagain]

can you play wavs? or is it literally just 128kbps mp3s? all i have found online is that you can only play 2000 era mp3s lol

[@audiorhino4231]

@@romeisfallingagain you can use as controllers with tracktor and rekordbox

[@Emontop1]

Great review and demo. I am old school DJ, I love this machine : Technics SL-DZ1200. Thank a lot.

[@1LifeTheory]

How would you consider the feel of scratching, to the actual technics? I have the 1210 M5G's and considering getting a pair.

[@AveMcree]

wait you can burn timecode CDs? please tell me thats what your saying!!!

[@theremixproject907]

There was a similar backlash from the club DJ's back in the early 80s who hated the Technics SL1500 & SL150 MK2 turntables because of the hard to use digital speed controls, prompting Panasonic to release the SL1200 , replacing the buttons with a slider speed control. Mind you, we're talking about DJs who were used to using their fingers to slow down or speed up a track. I used my math skills to develop a DJ mixing system for the SL1500 series that would be able to predict the speed difference between two songs to within two tenths of a percent accuracy. By the time I was ready to share my system with Panasonic, they had totally given up on these two models because 'the DJs only are interested in ease of use and could care less about accuracy'. Mind you, this was during an era where a huge chunk of American dance releases were produced with live drumming, an orchestra and a conductor. Artists that fall into that category include Chic, Diana Ross, Earth Wind & Fire, Thelma Houston & many more. Most of the European dance product producers had already switched to beat-locking their productions with electronic drum machines. In reality, they were producing dance tracks for the DJ , while the American product was produced for the performers mostly & radio. Thankfully, when the producers got a few hit records & socked away enough money, they made their way to Europe for holidays and were swept up by the music in the clubs. Beat locking is now the standard across all pop-rock-urban-reggae-meditation-country genres. The earliest almost beat-locked track I've found was from The Flying Machine "Smile a Little Smile", produced in 1969 by Tony Macaulay who also produced the Foundations. I wish I'd have known then what I know now. Great video. Lots of useful info. By the way, my channel features exclusive remixes you'll find nowhere else. Check it out or eat two cloves of garlic. Your choice.

[@djseraflow5580]

Thanks for sharing, great history.

[@vjdave2164]

You will need to put in a CD with Virtual DJ Time Code on it (which is free to download on the Virtual DJ Website) or put the time code on the SD card.

[@Caillouchka]

hi, i would love to know how you can use it for video scratching ?

[@gamma1rza]

hey fellas, really love the look and feel of these tables. Thinking about getting some, however, little concerned about music files. Could I use these with Virtual DJ and just use that DVS software to select music and play without having to enter a CD or SD card? My idea is getting a back ass mixer for effects and these tables. Any thoughts?

[@ericsandie7950]

Great video do you know if traktor will work on these players. , great video I love the OG silver look.

[@steamypooo]

i just got my hands on one ,,AND FOOK ME ITS AWESOME, i don't even know what it all does ,But i can now mix cd and vinyl,,, oh im going back in time to the raveing and clubing ,,,, mental

[@DJChrisArgueta]

4:15, can you play .wav files on these?

[@johncheez]

I'm curious about the weight of these. Are they comparable to any of the Pioneer CDJs in weight? What is it like in comparison to the tech 1200s?

[@renecardenas3237]

This vid is so cool. I still have 3 of these units. Where can I get the firmware update?

[@LioSintra]

Do they have video out?

[@TheDJGUNTER]

yes man! finally i was scared to get these when i first started and there was a pair going for 600$ man i wish i got them thank u for posting this I'm going to start looking for these babys how much did u get yours for?

[@vjdave2164]

I got mine from guitar center (online) for about $350 per deck. I might of been able to get them cheaper but guitar center actually gave me a 30 day warranty so I was willing to pay a little more for that.

[@djdijitz]

Do you have info on the firmware update? I have had these for years but only use them for mobile gigs with serato and cd timecodes. I use 1210MK5's for club use. What improvements come with the firmware update?

[@hrmsmk]

I use my DZ 1200 for studio scratching on recordings

[@TCowanATL]

I was going to pickup a set BUT my buddy that works on 1200s said these are a nightmare to work on even if you can find the parts...plus, when I worked at GC back when they came out key lock scratching didn't sound that great...was that fixed with the firmware update?

[@DJNeeC]

I have a pair of these and they are built like tanks. Never has any technical issues apart from the mentioned flaws which were ironed out with the 2.3 update. Here is a short clip of one working in harmony with traktor scratch pro 2.9. Long may the dz 1200 live.

[@viirusone]

+Deejay Discs love that clip :)

[@DJNeeC]

+viirusone Thank man glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tonyplat98]

Does it play records?

[@OptimusGrind3333]

Hey, is there anyplace to download the firmware update? I've seen SD cards for sale on ebay with the update, but would rather download it and do it myself. Any ideas where to download? thanks

[@worzysp1]

Can I use this as just a cd player?

[@always_trust_all_scientists]

I know very little about these. I want to buy a pair for serato. You mentioned firmware issues. Is it still possible today in 2020 to buy a pair and get the fi mware update? Do I need the update to run it on a serato DVS system? I hope your still around to answer! Thanx anyways.

[@seung-hyunchoi8660]

Do you have the SD jukebox software?

[@DJBennyswift]

My wife’s cousin just gave me a pair of them, I’ve been wanting them because they look really amazing. So now I have them and looking to use it at home as my stationary set up in my room. I’ll use my FLX10 for gigs I get. But I want to use these already and I’ve had them since Sunday. I ordered an SL1 interface but I was told it won’t work with Serato DJ because I need the Reloop Flux. But these are just awesome!

[@chrispasternack3340]

I'm not familiar with this piece of gear but you're right they do look cool as hell even in 2022. Since there's not a record on top that slips, I would really want to feel the resistance of that motorized jog wheel when scratching

[@kickskrieg]

I remember when these first came out, ppl were complaining about how the scratching sounded bad when Key Lock was applied... ugh OF COURSE it sounds crap with key lock on! it's supposed to LOCK the KEY. But these got the same motor as the SL1200 turntables..

[@FleetTech97]

What is a time code?

[@DJMAZ514]

hahaha

[@djnigellove]

We had the classic twin tray Denon's at a bar for Student nights, no issues, all good. Manager replaced them with these. No warning, super busy night. They we unintuitive and terrible. Good job I had records with me. Glad to hear there's been an update, might see who still has these now

[@drjoopj]

the firmware update really didn't solve the issues regarding the inability to scratch with the pitch lock on. and yes you could use them if you weren't a Scratch DJ and they would work just fine if you we're willing to spend the time to learn them. I personally found them difficult to manipulate using my hands on the platter to adjust speed and timing. you will notice that Louie Vega is riding the pitch control in the original promotion video which I thought was kind of odd but after I purchased them I realized why he was doing that. I can understand the frustration and the talk, because I was one of the people that spent full price on these decks based on the initial reviews by professionals... which were nothing more than paid advertisements. Those guys weren't using that equipment, and they probably thought these decks weren't that great, but they "sold out" and promoted a product that wasn't good, and because of this a lot of people got screwed. they are nice to look at, but at this point they are obsolete. I gave mine away to a friend a couple of years ago.

[@DJNeeC]

Jared Johnson The best way to manipulate these in my opinion is by pushing the platter instead of the silver disc. Touching that is a recipe for disaster. Ha!

[@superlazy3355]

That's how your supposed to pitch mix.... By sliding the pitch fader up and down to get the bpms in sync.... Check it out

[@helldotsin]

Where can I get a time code?

[@charlesd.morgan362]

I have a pair, my brother gave me. He upgraded his set back when Pioneers came out. I learned on those dz's back in the early 90's. They still going strong.

[@drjoopj]

The Technics SLDZ decks debuted in 2004.....what were you using in the early 90s?

[@GregersLife]

Soooo I can bay really good looking cd player for hom??? Only because dj dont like it?

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Any info on Where to get the SD Jukebox software? Thanks.,

[@drjoopj]

sergio santarelli to be honest with you I think the software is only going to work with Windows XP it's probably so outdated and the drivers probably won't work with modern operating systems. there is maybe a way around the proprietary software and encryption if I remember correctly see my comment below

[@CAVAFRERO]

How do you make scratch video clips

[@malcolmapse]

yeah, how?

[@DaltonSR20DET]

I've always wanted a pair of these when they came out but just wasn't worth the price... until now, I had just picked up a clean pair off of Craigs for $250 and with using Serato, this does everything I need it to do.

[@1VMDJAnomalous]

Hello VJ Dave could you email me the Firmware update or a link on where to get it . I purchased a used SL-DZ1200 that is in great shape and have tried to update firmware but I can only find one video on how to do this and have followed it but seems to not be a success. Any help is much appreciated thanks .

[@TheK1234567890]

1VMDJAnomalous make sure the sd card you use to update is no bigger than 64mb or it will not work

[@OGSumoVIBE]

i bought these the first month they came out and actually liked the feel. it felt a whole bunch more "natural" than the cdjs. i sold mines for about 50 bucks less than what i paid, and have been thinking of getting a pair again just to have. only problem i ever had with it is that the platter would always come off during transport but nothing like the deck i bought right after getting rid of this, the denon 3500s - by far the worst cdj ever! good video. great points here that i forgot about.

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Hi excellent video,Thanks for sharing it,I have a Question,I have 4 of of these,and I can't get them to play Music on SD cards,I was able to Update the firmware on all 4 units ,formatIng the SD cards etc,But it keep saying every single time I insert a SD ,,,,,,,...,,,,,,,,,,,,.(NO SD AUDIO TRACK),I have a mac Do I have somehow format my music or my SD cards on my mac,Any Help Thanks Have Great Day.,

[@drjoopj]

sergio santarelli Panasonic had a proprietary card reader and proprietary software that you had to purchase separately in order to put music on the cards. the man in the video said that it was encrypted but what I discovered was simply changing the file format from MP3 to whatever file extension the turntable uses took care of the problem. I don't remember what file extension it recognized but basically what you can do is just record some samples on an SD card in your deck then put it in your PC and unhide all the files on the card and look and see what the majority of the files with the larger sizes are and it's some weird file extension that I've never heard of if you drag and drop those files to your desktop and convert the extension from whatever they call it to MP3 you will find that they play just fine. you could probably just throw some MP3 files in a folder and rename them to the file extension and it should work okay from what I remember

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Hey First of it all Thanks for your answer,and taking the time to respond to this Question,I really appreciate it ,I'll try to do it,when you mentioned (just record some samples on an SD card in your deck then put it in your PC( WHAT DO YOU MEAN OR HOW DO YOU MEAN THAT,if the Deck it's not recognizing anything on Sd card,How do I get to record the samples in the Decks,I'll be scrutinizing this matter,Thanks so much again Bud.,

[@drjoopj]

sergio santarelli you format the card in the deck.....just pop the card in and format. follow the instructions in the users manual to format the card if you don't know how to do it. samples can be recorded on the fly on these decks, and they are stored on the SD card. cue points are also stored on the card. so record some hot samples on the deck using the 1 2 3 4 buttons and then take the card out. then place the card in the card reader on your PC and select show hidden files on your file browser on your computer. you will see some files that are hidden in a folder. you will know which files they are because they will be approximately the size you would expect a short MP3 file to be. you can take those files that you recorded on the fly on your deck and copy and paste them onto your desktop. rename them to xxxx .mp3 and they will recognized on your computer and will play . so they're not really encrypted. all they did was change the file extension. take some MP3 files and rename them to the file extension that is being used and your deck should play the files. I did do this on these decks, and although I don't have them anymore, I vividly remember doing it. I hope that helps.

[@drjoopj]

How did it go? Did you try it?

[@powerbookg4apple]

I love this deck it looks awesome I've been looking on the net all day to try get my hands on one to go with my pioneer DDJ-SX set up I already have at home and BINGO I've found one and ordered it can't wait for it to arrive :))))

[@melvinrawles689]

Hi I know I'm late to the party, but does anyone know of any shops that can repair these?

[@koopatroopa187]

I got one of these for next to nothing at a store sale years and years ago. To this day I have no idea why I ever got rid of that. I made some awesome mixes with it. I couldn't scratch for shit with it though, but then again I've never been good at that. Thanks for the vid. You brought back some fun memories with that thing.

[@aliasghar907]

so how u get the music in there if not for cd and sd ?

[@vjdave2164]

Serato or Traktor or any other DVS software. You use CD or SD cards with timecode recorded on them

[@aliasghar907]

vjdave if ur timecode is on cd..then ur songs can only be from SD rite? But it can control 1 or 2 decks (like in layer mode on the Denon dnhs5500)?

[@vjdave2164]

The songs would be on the hard drive on the computer. You may want to research what a DVS system is (Serato/Traktor/Virtual DJ/etc)

[@aliasghar907]

vjdave hi.. i have a dvs using Korg Zero4's builtin soundcard. So does this deck have a builtin soundcard..or do u need an external soundcard(audio interface) ? I only ask bcus i try to avoid external soundcards that DOUBLE ur wires, connections, and chances for problems.

[@vjdave2164]

This deck is strictly a CD deck. No soundcard built in.

[@albertaguilar681]

I bought a pair 3 years ago on eBay and I just tried them this past weekend and notice they work very well with Serato on timecode cd no issues, only did some maintenance before use them and that’s all I like them a lot.

[@samb8996]

I’m just watching your excellent video in 2022 Thanks for posting Very informative

[@thomaslindsay3984]

I have recently came across a site on Facebook, where a person located in the UK modifies the SLDZ1200 into everything it could ever want to be the page is SLDZ-1200 MK II the finished product is awesome. I'm considering ordering me a pair EARLY 2017

[@robinbanks3288]

Please people don't bash these. Check out Ross Para and his DZ1200 mkIIs. They are a custom pair modded with real spindles and the center console for each deck is mobile. So now you can place vinyl on the DZ and there is no longer excess platter movement. Plus they sound and react just as your standard 1200 or 1210.

[@HitchHikersBlues]

They look beautiful.. but you can't judge a book by its cover. I'm not in to software and screens.

[@thearchiveable]

Before it came out, Technics had one dj model before this one. Featured the same pitch slider as the sl1200. Talking 1992 till 1994 here

[@RarityGalora]

I swear the mp3 collection at 1:43 might as well have been mine!

[@lkkovalskleo9149]

Watching this 2020 ? I have two units.

[@theshadowman1398]

Regarding the encrypted part. Try to get hold of an MMC card ( same size as SD but without the secure nonsense ). I once had a Pioneer DMP 555 that also read music of SD card. With SD card it’s the same encrypted crap only special software, etc. When I had put the music on an MMC card and put it in the player I was immediately rocking.

[@DJEDDIEFINGAZ]

I have had mine when they first came out. They look cool too I never gave up technics for life. I also have black face plate and blue vinly.

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

The reason i didnt choose it at that time cause its unable to pitch bending..... They didnt make any button +/1 for it...and its soooo important !

[@MoistMoments]

Panasonic/Technics dropped the ball! They had monopoly on DJ equipment then someone fell asleep, Pioneer jumped in and now its Industry standard. Pioneer cant beat beat ;) Technics turntables are the pinnacle of turntable evolution. PLUR

[@jal187]

Have mine... Still paired with my 1200M3D's and the rock solid SH-MZ1200

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i wish technics would update these very underrated and gorgeouse decks.They would totally destroy pioneer

[@TokyoChopSquad]

Yea and no, Its really what kind of mixing you do. I have some Stanton turntables that i love, but i fully believe that CDJ's have there place. I see them used more for semi music production. Throw in a Midi Fighter and some Pioneer CDJ's with a NI X1 and you've got a banging set up for house music.

[@maladjustedtv]

btw - ive been using the DZs with Torq in a professional environment for over 6yrs! :)

[@leadsolo2751]

Unbeatable in Good Looks !!

[@fhdk227]

im looking for something like this because in my country its rare to find vinyl records is it a good idea im mostly gonna hook it up to fl studio or something like it to record scratches

[@voltare2amstereo]

looks like they'd make an excelent Jog dial for video editing

[@ftnrbhmwk]

I'm glad you mentioned Denon!!!!

[@essex1ned]

i've had my sl-dz for around 10 years now... looks awesome but crappy digital noise when playing cd's

[@ftnrbhmwk]

I'm glad he mentioned Denon.. good video.

[@alitis1000]

They were awsome but one big problem was laser would go out of alignment all the time

[@Cranium1210]

I bought a pair and the are as good as or even better than pioneer 800 s with firmware update they rule

[@saren6538]

you cant beat mix on them you said ????

[@jayjeffrey3314]

go with pioneer when using cdj, go with technics when using vinyl...nothing beats the SL-1200MK2 turntable, i was never interested in playing crappy mp3s or cds anyway

[@markb9488]

Love the VINYL....Love the SL1210's....

[@robertschnobert9090]

They're called records. Records are often made out of vinyl, but sometimes other materials like shellac. 🌈

[@ccricers]

IMO having SD card support saves this player from being irrelevant today.

[@mattietee7566]

I didn't know they play videos too, ima pick up a couple n use them on serato as well.

[@reedwhatts9694]

I always wanted this turntable since I started 7 years ago.. my friend had them and with serato they worked just fine anyways but I picked upa pair of sl1200mk5's since they were marked down to about $350 each brand new for a 2 day special.. Ever since then I see them for no lower than $500 for used some discontinued.. owell.. Maybe in the next life, I still love my techniques sl1200mk5.. Running on Serato Video and pioneer 909 mixer, my favorite.. got rid of my rane mixer, ddnt like any of the new rane mixers, pioneer mixers have always been my preference..

[@sir0623]

I had two of those when I was on the radio in Dallas when one of my CDJ's was in the shop, TOTAL CRAP!!

[@gilguy816]

Hey I just subscribed. I am a 64 yr old male AUDIOPHILE. I just got a bit lucky as I have been looking for a second t.table. He (my bro-in-law)is a old fishing equip. Collector. So what a good guy to keep his eye out for me. Well his buddy found a mint Technics SL-33A linear tracking t.t..when you lift the lid on the rt. In the back there is a black rubber cover. When you remove it it let's you adjust where the tone arm drops and picks up. I had to adjust it and I did. But that little piece broke. Do you know where I could look for a new one? Thanks, WarrenG

[@vjdave2164]

The video shows pretty much how bright they are.

[@christopherlinnane7577]

The platter should have being made changable. Upgradeable. The deck after the finished product should have being changeable

[@especialistqap]

in the other video is an mp3 at 64kbps

[@Cranium1210]

Since firmware I been playing 320mp3s on cd no problems

[@Cranium1210]

I wrecked in the future technics are going to bring out a cdj that is unreal making pioneer look stone age . Can't wait for that .

[@sounddj25]

stephen kisbey I hope so

[@MainDrainStudios]

+stephen kisbey Ever have issues playing CD-Rs or WAV files? looking at picking up one of these...

[@Cranium1210]

If you can pick a pair up do it ,they play all cd files and if I remember wav and you can put control cds in and use traktor serato reloop and put them through the laptop.I had a pair brand new and sold them and bought a pair of pioneer nexus and I love the pioneer they are great . but if someone asked me what was the 1000pound deck I would say the technics cdj and I'm not joking I felt like I waisted 1500pounds to join the pioneer crowd because everything in clubs was going pioneer and I did not want to be left behind tech wise and it didn't matter anyway because they bring a new piece of tech out a month which is bloody annoying. End of the day it was the biggest mistake I made getting rid of two technics cdjs and two 1210s turntables to have pioneers. Just so I could have rekordbox and have music on my phone ready to plug n play in clubs and I could of done it all .kept technics and used rekordbox I'm a fool ,you will love them they are up there with pioneer IMO. Don't listen too hate as well its all lies and I scratched as well as turntablism and long blending mixes, roll's Royce cdjs. This setup is 10\10 brilliant. The only thing they don't play is dvd discs so you can and have to put all music and data to blank cds ,apart from that superior.

[@mrbowtie64]

Bought a pair of these when they first came out.. Didnt work too good with cd's but work great with serato! I've kept them cuz they look really nice.

[@djcranium1210]

info for the scratch dj . I had these and had update and serato connected and they were awesome and I had cds with 320 bit rate and no problems whatever. Anyway I sold my 1210s and my cdj technics to buy a pair of nexus . SIGH SIGH SIGH I PAID A FORTUNE AND I FEEL ROBBED AND UNHAPPY WITH PIONEER THE TECHNICS LOOKED AND FELT LIKE THE EXPENSIVE CDJS . ANYWAY! I HAVE BEEN Mixing and scratching over 20 yrs and I honestly was unhappy. but the bonus with pioneer was the connection between my mobiles and ipads n laptops through rekordbox and you can also use a adapter for the phone and swap files onto a usb stick and just plug n play . if technics had them features they would piss all over the pioneers badly. I wish I still had my technics set up badly

[@XBASS247]

djcranium1210 i hate that piooner run club land ,i too had too sell my 1210s too my with the flipping times

[@mitchellgiffard1978]

Interesting was gonna purchase both technics decks back in 2010 just as well i dident now.

[@youkounkoun2]

I sold mine and I regret it... They were so good looking.

[@christopherlinnane7577]

Soon.

[@culturemax234]

Thanks I was thinking about getting one

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

And as an interface - i prefer serato + mk2...

[@frankiefingerz8047]

This triggered my interest im gonna get a pair

[@doingitbigent]

mine for sale

[@lightsoutentertainmentdj]

USHER YEAH....... this is true every video about these seems to have this song :)

[@alitis1000]

These actualy work like turntables something cdjers couldnt grasp

[@sebastianheredia2207]

excelente video !!!

[@allstar930]

dope video. with the timecode, these would be awesome!

[@narcisjr]

you can do the same thing with dj controller that costs 100bucks and viritual dj....time is doing its thing

[@vjdave2164]

see link in video description

[@Uckertay]

Timecodes on sd cards?! No way... That's revolutionary. I'm not even sure if the CDJ-1000s can even do that. Awhhhh.... so I can't use 320kbps files that are burned on CDs?