Nearing Half A Century, Technics Turntables Keep Spinning
The Technics electronics line began forty years ago through Panasonic and continues releasing challenging hardware to this day. With tens of turntables and countless accessories to its credit, Technics is considered the founder of modern hip hop and has played an important role in shaping the sound of dance music.
In the Beginning
In'69, Panasonic created the Technics brand by releasing the first direct drive professional turntable in spite of the marketplace's then obsession with belt drive machines. Despite cries to the contrary, the belt drives were popular because they were inexpensive to produce, not because they functioned better than the new direct drive technology. Matsushita's marketing caused that first turntable -- the SL-1100 -- to catch the public eye by appealing to the average consumer. The SL-1100's unique capabilities helped kickstart the DJ craze and the unique "scratching" moves that DJ's use regularly even today.
But this was nothing compared to what Technics would unveil next.
Creative and Functional: Technics' Peak
Technics' next step, the SL-1200, eclipses any other turntable released for professional DJ's then or now. Released in'72, the SL-1200 has sold over three million units to date, and it is still available for purchase today, over thirty five years later! The SL-1200MK2, an enhanced version of that same model, essentially set the bar for all DJ equipment to come and quickly made its way into turntable legend. In time, it picked up the nickname "Tec 12" and went on to redefine the sound of modern music.
In time, the Tec 12's own success became like a double edged sword. It was an impossible act to follow, though Technics attempted to expand on their line of turntables and released numerous electric appliances to capitalize on its brand name recognition. Nothing caught on, and ultimately all subsequent efforts were shelved and Technics remained well known for turntables and cartridges only.
After Forty Years
Technics hasn't been able to release anything new of any importance for many years, but still enjoys solid sales for that groundbreaking SL-1200 series of turntables. The only new releases have been upgrades to the SL-1200, but even so these editions have performed great for DJ's worldwide and sold well enough to keep the company's legend afloat.
Recently, Technics pushed another upgrade to the SL-1200, this time to take advantage of the digital music revolution. Using this MP3 compatible turntable, DJ's can keep hours and hours of high bit rate music and store it on tiny SD cards. This move has had its share of disapproval -- there is always going to be some audio quality lost, regardless of the bit rate.
Despite this backlash, Technics is worshipped as the creator of the best turntables ever released, a reputation which will continue for many years as their legend grows. - 18762
In the Beginning
In'69, Panasonic created the Technics brand by releasing the first direct drive professional turntable in spite of the marketplace's then obsession with belt drive machines. Despite cries to the contrary, the belt drives were popular because they were inexpensive to produce, not because they functioned better than the new direct drive technology. Matsushita's marketing caused that first turntable -- the SL-1100 -- to catch the public eye by appealing to the average consumer. The SL-1100's unique capabilities helped kickstart the DJ craze and the unique "scratching" moves that DJ's use regularly even today.
But this was nothing compared to what Technics would unveil next.
Creative and Functional: Technics' Peak
Technics' next step, the SL-1200, eclipses any other turntable released for professional DJ's then or now. Released in'72, the SL-1200 has sold over three million units to date, and it is still available for purchase today, over thirty five years later! The SL-1200MK2, an enhanced version of that same model, essentially set the bar for all DJ equipment to come and quickly made its way into turntable legend. In time, it picked up the nickname "Tec 12" and went on to redefine the sound of modern music.
In time, the Tec 12's own success became like a double edged sword. It was an impossible act to follow, though Technics attempted to expand on their line of turntables and released numerous electric appliances to capitalize on its brand name recognition. Nothing caught on, and ultimately all subsequent efforts were shelved and Technics remained well known for turntables and cartridges only.
After Forty Years
Technics hasn't been able to release anything new of any importance for many years, but still enjoys solid sales for that groundbreaking SL-1200 series of turntables. The only new releases have been upgrades to the SL-1200, but even so these editions have performed great for DJ's worldwide and sold well enough to keep the company's legend afloat.
Recently, Technics pushed another upgrade to the SL-1200, this time to take advantage of the digital music revolution. Using this MP3 compatible turntable, DJ's can keep hours and hours of high bit rate music and store it on tiny SD cards. This move has had its share of disapproval -- there is always going to be some audio quality lost, regardless of the bit rate.
Despite this backlash, Technics is worshipped as the creator of the best turntables ever released, a reputation which will continue for many years as their legend grows. - 18762
About the Author:
There is no mistaking the amazing vibrant tones of Technics turntables. If you are looking to buy the best DJ equipment your money can buy, be sure to obtain your Technics goods from trusted online sources.
posted by X - Men at
5:51 AM
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