Panasonic Technics SL-DZ1200 MK2 (1)
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Dear Panasonic — let’s talk about an SL-DZ1200 MK2

The fallout from NAMM 2019 has been immense. The DJ world waited with bated breath to see what the gathered hive mind of media types would think of the new DJ tailored SL-1200/1210 MK7 turntable. Well… hmmm. From a DJ perspective, the feedback has been less than positive. Some of you clearly like what you saw, but our own ProfessorBX lamented the drop in quality. And even the ever-positive Phil Morse from Digital DJ Tips gave it quite a slating (extra points for doing in their face on their stand). See — it’s not just us.

After the show, we were collectively shaking out heads and asking the question “why did Panasonic do this?”. It felt like they didn’t have a conversation with anyone before pressing go.

But rather than kicking a brand when it’s down, perhaps there’s another question that should be posed, one that offers hope and positivity.

Dear Panasonic — let's talk about an SL-DZ1200 MK2

WHAT IF?

What if Panasonic looked to the future instead of trading on the past?

What if they could properly built upon the rock solid foundation of the Technics brand?

What if the Technics brand could genuinely give the rest of the industry something to worry about?

What if there was a proper digital version of the legendary SL-1200?

What if there was an SL-DZ1200 MK2?

Dear Panasonic — let's talk about an SL-DZ1200 MK2

THERE COULD BE

As the video shows, with a few tweaks and put in the right hands, the original is more than capable of delivering a killer performance. And this is just a home-brew mod — now imagine what could be achieved by working with Panasonic’s considerable resources to make the digital deck from the ground up that the masses would buy.

Dear Panasonic — let's talk about an SL-DZ1200 MK2

INTERESTED?

As part of the DJWORX community, would you like to see the Technics brand push forward beyond their established heritage? Is there real interest in a proper digital 1200? 

And to Panasonic — we are critical of the MK7 because we care. Since the start of our journey 15 years ago, all we have ever wanted is to help the DJ industry make better DJ gear. And we’d like to help you too. Let’s start a conversation together. 

Dear Panasonic — let's talk about an SL-DZ1200 MK2

ABOUT THE VIDEO

We pushed out a cheeky teaser via social media a couple of days ago. Some spotted what it was immediately, others wanted it to be true, and some even went as far as ringing their local retailer to see if Technics really was pushing out a MK2. I’m not apologising — it was fun.

Concept and Production: Suresh Kara at Documovie

DZ Modification: SL-DZ1200 MKII Facebook Page

Skins: 12InchSkinz

Skills: DJ Prime Cuts

Tags
Mark Settle
The Old Owner
I was the editor around these parts for the first two decades of the DJWORX journey. I’m on a creative journey at The Worxlab, and drop in occasionally here. Expect the odd article from me every now and again.
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17 Comments

  1. I might just buy a pair of old DZ’s and do this mod. Im sure an arduino or Livid Brain could be used to make every button and switch midi mappable. I would love these way more than the Rane 12’s (bought one, got it replaced due to motor spin up issue, then returned the replacement shortly after for just not feeling tactile enough for my heavy use).

  5. That digital DJ tips fella is clueless about turntables, he had no idea that the tonearm is not the same as the older MK2s. Also he totally ignores specs he just wants to see flashy bottons on a controller. You cannot take those kind of people serious.
    Also he is not really a DJ never saw him getting busy and tearin up the place with skills.

    Technics doesn’t need to make an SLDZMK2 for the simple fact that the 1200 is made for people who still like to play and cut with vinyl.

    The Rane Twelve has many issues from what ive read so those kind of things are for people who like to spend money on hype.

    The MK7 is still the best in current market and i exoect it to sell like hot sandwiches this summer. Hanpin you cannot trust in the long run.

  6. An updated version of the SL DZ would be dreamy, I’ve long since thought that a 10″ platter for a media device like this would be ideal. 10″ doesn’t limit to what is achievable scratch wise but once you drop anything below that – 7″ or even a 9″ like the old denon moving platter decks, the weight of the vinyl and available hand space make a noticeable impact to cuts vs a 10″ which if anything jus feels a bit lighter than a 12″.

    Why not just a 12″ controller like the Rane Twelve? For those of us have to take turntables to gigs every weekend or lug a full size setup round a hectic festival site…….anything to make life easier/more practical would be most welcome.

    Looking at Technics history at knowing what dj’s want leaves my faith in there ability to design a decent mk2 SL DZ at a pretty low level, even despite the fact that all they’d need to do is copy what the excellent DZ Modification has done, add up to date media playback features and possibly add user definable torque control.

  7. this will be never attractive for most djs and because of one main argument, the mp3 database / track collection.
    djs are locked into serato, traktor or rekordbox. playlists, cue points, loops, beat grids, track ratings and waveforms data are in general not compatible with the software of the competition.
    if we had a open format for all the dj specific meta data, a platform switch would be more easy.

  9. I still have my OGs and still love them although in DVS mode. So many little things that pile up to significant inconvenience when using them with CDs/MP3s. It is a different era without all that DRM hoopla, so a new model even with just barebone but updated features would generate interest. They had fifteen years to read their mistakes, but would they accept the challenge?

  10. Absolutely genius !!! Love this constructive approach ! Also Love this mk2 mod for years, but the modding thing makes people afraid….
    So like you said if only Panasonic decides to invest to make this mod a real manufactured product it would be killer !

  11. But, is that all it does?
    Thats it? Digital turntable
    When when when are we ever going to have some discussions about how to add to these performance capabilities?

    Two functions at once!
    Cues plus platter
    Fader plus pitch
    Platter plus pitch, somethin

    Why is this so hard to comprehend?
    Keep pushing
    “Just scratchin”
    And this whole thing gonna Collapse overnight

  12. did anyone else here anonymous talking in the video? i watched the video and halfway in some robot voice started talking claiming to be anonymous