30 November 2009
By: Florin Panaitescu, Gadgets Editor
Panasonic Ceasing Technics Turntables SL1200MK5 and SL1210MK5 Production

Sad day, my friends

Technics Technics
I always get sad when a company I have complete respect for announces that it will be stopping manufacturing one of its products, even more if that product is one of the best it has ever made. Case in point, what I am now talking about is Technics, that has Panasonic behind it, revealing that it will be ceasing the production of the most famous turntables in the world (and I really mean and know that), namely the Technics SL 1200MK5 and the 1210MK5. "It is a sad day today but due to low sales globally in analogue turntables a decision to stop production has been made on Technics Turntables," Panasonic spokesman Ian North explained. "For Australia this means we will receive our last shipment in March." Sad day for the discerning users, for the DJs, turntablists and many others that were keen on the 1200 and 1210 MK5 turntables. What the company is actually doing is to mark a clearer line between the flagship 1210MK5G and the MK2 models, renouncing the MK5 series that usually confused matters for the non-discerning users. I really don't care about that, but I mind of the company's decision to stop producing the top notch, the world's most beloved turntable. I played with both of the models, the 1200 and the 1210MK5, and know those like the palm of my hand. Without any hesitation, I can easily state that those are the best turntables I put my hands on, and so do many friends and DJs. I can only get sick to the stomach with posers that keep stating they abandoned the "outdated" medium in favor of the commodity and ease of use of digital tune libraries (I won't name them because they're not worthy of a free advert).
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DJ CHRISTOPHER SEALEY / EQUIPMENT RIDER! !
DJ CHRISTOPHER SEALEY plays using a Serato Scratch Live (www.scratchlive.net) setup with Technics turntables. The below equipment list assumes plugging in to house sound system via white/red or XLR output directly from DJ Mixer. (Additional speaker rentals may be necessary.) Please note that equipment brands, makes, or models other than the below will not be considered suitable without prior authorization.
EQUIPMENT MAKES + MODELS:
Turntables: Two (2) Technics SL-1200MK5 Turntables [OR] Two (2) Technics SL-1200MK2 or SL-1210MK2 Turntables (http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/technics_dj/prod_intro_sl1200mk5.asp)
Setup Notes: Turntables should be set up sideways with the tonearm at the top (and the mixer in between). It is preferable that turntables be placed in individual DJ coffins, but turntables placed directly on table or other playing surface are also acceptable.

Mixer:

One (1) Rane TTM57SL Mixer (http://www.rane.com/ttm57sl.html) One (1) Shure microphone (or similar). One (1) DJ monitor speaker. (Mackie, Alesis, JBL, etc) One (1) DJ performance table. (Approx 3.5 high (waist height) x 2.5 deep x 6 wide). DJ Coffins with stand or DJ booth also acceptable, but must have room (lengthwise) for turntables, mixer and Apple 15 powerbook laptop aligned side-by-side. One (1) CD Player (any kind). (In case of turntable failure). Two (2) surge protector power strips. (Minimum of 6 available outlets) One (1) roll black electrical tape
Microphone (if necessary): Other:
*Note: It is assumed that monitor speaker, DJ table and House sound system will be set up by House audio staff prior to arrival at venue.
PREFERRED EQUIPMENT VENDOR:
Scratch Events | www.scratch-events.com | events@scratch.com +*Ask for Colin Kelly and mention DJ Christopher Sealey
WWW.CHRISTOPHERSEALEY.NET/MUSIC

+767 0011