Like London buses, you wait years for black turntables to come around the corner (the Mixars LTA and STA missed the Worxlab rotation) and then two appear at the same time. Yesterday it was the new Technics SL-1210 MK7, and today out of nowhere comes Reloop’s bid for turntable dominance with the next level RP-8000 MK2. All those bells and whistles you’d hoped for on the MK7 are most definitely in place on the 8000 MK2.
The usual extensive words from Reloop follow:
RELOOP RP-8000 MK2
THE MOST ADVANCED DJ TURNTABLE EVER MADE.
Muenster, 08th January 2019
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The most advanced DJ turntable ever made, developed in close collaboration with renowned international turntable musicians
- Designed for Serato DJ Pro: Control 7 new colour-coded performance modes
– Platter Play mode: Performance pads can be used to control the speed of the platter to enable melodic and musical live performances
DJ JFB (3 x UK DMC Champion)
„Platter Play is a real game changer, because it enables DJs to play the turntable actually like a real instrument, finally!”
DJ Angelo (International Turntablist)
“It’s a turntable that has everything I’m looking for!”
DJ Flip (World Scratch Champion)
“It’s my favourite turntable I’ve ever used!”
With the RP-8000 MK2, we present the most advanced turntable of all time, developed in close cooperation with renowned international turntable artists. This turntable is designed for a seamless integration with Serato DJ Pro, offering the possibility of controlling up to 7 different performance modes via the pad section. And thanks to the unique Platter Play mode, the pads can be used to control the platter’s rotation speed to create melodies and authentic musical performances. The RP-8000 MK2 represents the perfect balance of a first-class professional turntable and an innovative musical instrument.
Pad section with 7 New Performance Modes:
Developed for application with Serato DJ Pro, and thanks to the seamless plug-and-play integration, the RP-8000 MK2 in a DVS setup offers unparalleled creative possibilities. The 8 large pads with RGB illumination can control over 7 different performance modes (Cue, Sampler, Saved Loops, Pitch Play, Loop, Loop Roll, Slicer), as well as 2 user modes, which can be custom assigned with individual preferred functions. Furthermore, by using the multi encoder it is possible to browse tracks directly from the turntable unit itself, and load them instantly to the respective deck. Thanks to its MIDI compatibility, the RP-8000 MK2 can communicate with every MIDI compatible DJ software – this way, an additional controller for performance modes is not necessary.
Platter Play – Creative Platter Pitch Control:
Platter Play mode allows users to control the platter’s pitch via the performance pads, opening up new possibilities for musical live performances and turning the RP-8000 MK2 into a legitimate musical instrument. A total of 22 scales and 34 notes are at your disposal with an option to create up to 9 user-defined scales. The two speed select buttons can be used for pitch bending in Platter Play mode and also to respectively increase or decrease the audio material’s pitch in steps of one half-tone. Furthermore, the platter’s speed can also be controlled via an external MIDI keyboard.
Powerful Motor with Extensive Adjustment Possibilities:
The fine-tuned, quartz-driven motor with digital pitch correction operates at a starting torque of 2.8kg/cm, which can be adjusted up to a maximum of 4.5kg/cm. This makes the RP-8000 MK2 an extremely smooth running turntable. Also, the turntable break speed (platter stop) can be adjusted from 0.2 – 6 seconds and the precision-machined, heavy die-cast aluminium platter is lined with vibration-reducing rubber to eliminate unwanted vibrations and resonance.
Balanced S-Shaped Tone Arm with Upgraded Tone Arm Base:
The RP-8000 MK2 features a statically balanced S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti- skating mechanism. The newly developed tone arm base provides improved stability and adjustable height/vertical tracking angle (VTA). The low-resonance tone arm comes with a universal connection for pick-up cartridge systems (SME).
High-Resolution Pitch Section with Digital Fader:
By using the high-resolution pitch fader, you can adjust the platter speed in the classic turntable pitch range +/-8%. The RP-8000 MK2 is also cable of a wider, DJ-friendly +/- 16% pitch range and a massive +/-50% ultra-pitch, allowing for increased creativity when manipulating and mixing records. If quartz lock is active, the platter speed will remain unaffected by the fader position and will spin at zero pitch (0%).
Fully equipped – Real Time LC Display, Reverse Function and Smart USB Connection:
Besides all creative improvements, the RP-8000 MK2 has everything a DJ turntable should be equipped with. A digital LC display shows information regarding pitch, BPM, deck assignment, scales and notes, elapsed/remaining time of current track, as well as firmware settings. In Serato DJ Pro, it is possible, for example, to show the current BPM value of a track, in order to exactly match your tracks without the need to look at your computer monitor. The smart USB connection is particularly sophisticated and can connect up to 4 turntables together via USB. The single units assign themselves automatically and constantly, so that only one turntable needs to be connected to a computer via USB. The newly developed aluminium LED target light in unibody design is freely moveable to enable you to find the stylus position in dark surroundings. The target light is also removable and easily replaceable. By using the buttons on the RP-8000 MK2’s top panel, you can switch between the three motor speeds (33 1/3, 45 & 78 rpm). Dedicated buttons for forward and reverse mode allow for further creativity in your mix.
High-Quality Connections and Integrated Phono Pre-Amp:
Thanks to the recessed rear connection panel, the RP-8000 MK2 can easily be mounted in a flight case and seamlessly positioned next to other DJ gear. Due to the additional output, the turntable can be connected to 2 mixers simultaneously, also allowing an easy switch from DVS to vinyl. An optional ground terminal offers additional protection in club environments. All cable connections (RCA/mains) are detachable and easy to exchange, which also helps with transport and storage.
Sturdy Casing Construction:
By using a combination of metal, rubber and synthetic materials, the RP-8000 MK2’s housing is more reinforced and heavier than ever before. This results in a turntable that is extremely resistant to vibrations caused by heavy bass sounds, and its shock-absorbing feet help to further improve this isolation. The surface is coated with a scratch-resistant high-quality deep black metallic finish.
Features
NEW in the MK2 version:
- The most advanced DJ turntable ever made, developed in close collaboration with renowned international turntable musicians
- Designed for Serato DJ Pro: Control 7 new RGB colour-coded performance modes
- Platter Play: In this mode, the performance pads can be used to control the speed of the platter to enable melodic and more musical live performances
- Extra large, highly responsive performance pads with multi-colour LEDs
- 22 scales are available with the option to create up to 9 custom scales
- Pitch bending function via speed select buttons in Platter Play mode
- Reworked control section: More streamlined multi-encoder and intuitive mode section
- First of its kind: Independent pad modes (when used in conjunction with the ELITE mixer)
- Rigid chassis construction with an even heavier design with additional reinforcements out of metal, rubber and moulding compound for high vibration damping and isolation
- More powerful starting torque (adjustable from 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm)
- Fine-tuned motor control for further optimization of wow and flutter and rotation
- Newly-developed, height-adjustable MK2 tone arm base (VTA)
- Particularly lightweight and rigid satin aluminium material used for tone arm
- Adjustable pitch scale for precise adjustments
- Additional output: The turntable can be connected to two mixers at the same time and also allows easy switching from DVS to vinyl
- Optional ground terminal offers additional protection in complex club & studio environments
- Easily replaceable, freely rotatable LED needle light in new unibody aluminium design
- High-quality and hard-wearing deep black, metallic finish
- Quartz driven hybrid turntable instrument with upper-torque direct drive
- Takes your DJ performances to a new level of creativity and musicality
- MIDI compatible control section consists of multi-encoder, 8 large LED pads, three layers with 7 performance modes (cue, sampler, saved loops, pitch play, loop, loop roll, slicer) and 2 user modes
Digital LC display for pitch, BPM, scale, key, deck assignment and firmware settings
- Seamlessly combines a powerful musical instrument and a world class professional DJ turntable
- Adjustable stop time (0.2 – 6 sec.)
- Precise motor control with 3 speeds (33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM)
- Precision manufactured, die cast aluminium turntable
- Rubber inlays reduce vibrations and background noise
- Statically balanced, universal S-shaped tone arm with hydraulic lift and anti-skating mechanism
- Universal connection for pick-up systems (SME)
- High-resolution pitch fader (0.02 % resolution)
– Pitch range +/-8 %, +/-16 %, +/-50 % (Ultra Pitch) Quartz lock
- Reverse function: Switch for forward and reverse operation
- Smart USB link for up to 4 turntables
- Auto deck-assign feature when linked
- Recessed connection cavity for easy installation in cases & seamless adjustment
- Phono and line out (no grounding required)
- Removable mains and RCA cables
- Safety mains switch
- Shock-absorbing feet insulate against vibrations
- Incl. turntable, slipmat, LED needle light, counterweight, phono RCA cable with grounding, USB cable, power cord, operating instructions
Technical details
Turntable:
- Type: direct-drive turntable
- Drive: quartz driven upper-torque direct drive
- Motor: 16-pole, 3-phase, brushless motor
- Turntable speeds: 3 speeds, manual (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM)
- Starting torque: 2.8 – 4.5 kg/cm (adjustable)
- Adjustable stop time (0.2 – 6 sec.)
- Start-up time / change to RPM: < 0.2 sec
- Wow and flutter: 0.01% WRMS*
- S/N ratio: > 55 dB (DIN-B)
- Brake system: electronic brake
Platter:
- Material: die cast aluminium
- Diameter: 332 mm
- Weight: approx. 1.5 kg
Tone arm:
- Type: universal, static balanced, S-shaped
- Effective length: 230 mm
- Overhang: 15 mm
- Tracking error range: < 3°
- VTA setting range: 0 – 6 mm
- Usable weight of pick-ups: 3.5 ~ 8.5 g (incl. headshell 13 ~ 18 g)
- Anti-skating range: 0 – 3 g
- Effective tone arm mass: 30 g
Connections:
- 1x PHONO/1x LINE out (gold-plated), 1x GND earth connection
General:
– Power supply: AC 115/230 V, 60/50 Hz (EU/US), AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz (JP)
- Power consumption: 17 W
– Dimensions: 458 (w) x 354 (d) x 144,6 (h) mm
- Weight: approx. 11.8 kg
Accessories included:
- Turntable, slipmat, LED needle light, counterweight, phono RCA cable with grounding, USB cable, power cord, operating instructions
MSRP: 599,99 € | US$ 699,99 | £525.00
Available: end of January 2019
Cutting through the words
…because there are lots of them, what we have here is the updated RP-8000, the updates largely being based around interoperability with Serato DJ Pro. The new pad modes bring standard controller features (loops, cues, samples, slice etc) to the RP-8000 MK2. You can now load tracks directly from the deck, and with the display you can see important track information like BPM.
Platter play is a new feature for Vestax and Serato, giving it tone play features much like the old Vestax Controller One, albeit not quite as in-depth though. That was a real musician’s piece. The one thing to bear in mind is that this will directly control the rotation speed, thus playing notes will be subject to the weight of the platter and won’t be instant. You can also use an external keyboard to do the same thing too, which is especially useful if you’re more at home pressing keys rather than buttons.
Basically, Reloop raided the Vestax playbook and brought those niche features that Vestax users loved and put them inside a Reloop turntable. And in the absence of Vestax who did it first, I welcome it.
For me, it’s a real merging of controller workflows into a turntable, which is a good thing. I loved the original RP-8000, and this looks to bring even more flexibility, especially with Serato DJ Pro. Time will tell if you can use this with other software. I hope that you can, and will get popcorn in to read comments if you can’t.
CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS
Having seen the Technics SL-1210 MK7 launched, and shortly after get notification of the RP-8000 MK2, I could not help but smirk to myself about the timing. Deliberate on Reloop’s part? Perhaps, but it comes at a time when the Technics fan voice is a tad more muted than it once was. The biggest issue seems to be pitch, specifically 50% range. Because of the preponderance of Vestax PDX and superOEM decks in the market that have had 50% pitch for well over a decade now, it has become more or less a standard feature, and is especially popular with turntablists. And then there’s all the other stuff that we know all too well that DJs have come to know and love.
So here we are, with the industry favourite Technics going nose to nose with Reloop from different ends of the scale for the hearts, minds, and wallets of DJs everywhere with what on the face of it are just black turntables, but in reality entirely different beasts. There is no winner here, but the comparisons will doubtlessly appear. More features/less money (Reloop) vs fewer features/more money (Technics) is an easy on paper battle to win, but it doesn’t work for everyone. For me, they’re chalk and cheese — apples and oranges — and have different customers. Reloop just became this decade’s equivalent of the old Vestax vs Technics online battle that nobody ever won, and will be boring to read all over again.
I’m also glad to see that it bucks the trend of dumbing down turntables that I spoke about previously. Reloop and Serato have gone pretty dick out of the table with this setup (not to mention the Elite mixer seen in the pics and video — more on that this afternoon apparently), and have laid down the gauntlet to others in the industry that I hope one of them picks up (looks at Denon DJ and Rane).
Summing up
The RP-8000 MK2 will cost €599/$699/£525 and will be available at the end of January.
GALLERY
