I used to use these as a professional DJ in Ibiza. I loved it, as it definitely gave more of that vinyl feeling than the Pioneer CDJs that were around at the time. As you mentioned in your video, it was not without its shortcomings though, the dead-zone was definitely an issue for a lot of people, and refers to the ‘wiggle’ between the top ‘vinyl’ platter and the control platter underneath, due to them making the holes that attach to the two silver pins too big. I managed to work around it for the most part, as I’m more of a mix DJ than a scratch DJ, but yeah this would have made the unit near enough impossible to use for scratch guys. The other features on the unit were ahead of their time, but fell short of what was needed in a professional environment. 192Khz MP3s sound awful when played on a big club system, and the fact that you needed proprietary software (which barely worked) to put them onto a SD card was a nightmare. The looping features would have been great if you were able to match the loop to the tempo of the music you were playing, but as it was, you were just stuck with them at their original tempo, and had to use the platter to keep the music in time to the loop, rather than the other way around. Like you say, it was a solid idea, and I think if Technics/Panasonic had worked these issues out for a mk2 version, it would have done really well, but by that time, there were already much better solutions on the market (Timecode vinyl and more integrated laptop DJ hardware). BTW - I’d love to see you do a video on timecode vinyl, and thanks for taking me back down memory lane with this one! 😁❤
Yeah this whole time I was thinking it would’ve had a much lower learning curve from vinyl. But once I read the shortcomings I went “ah, of course”. The only thing I noticed independently was the slowdown was choppy, even though it sounds like they resampled a little it wasn’t enough and introduces a kind of echo effect. Also that explains why this one was taped down, and why Mat couldn’t feel it!
@@thatbillguy5211 Most clubs may, but it's pretty bumptious to assume that someone (a DJ, for example-someone whose life is music) would purchase, curate, and enjoy what he later take and plays out as 64kbps mono. In fact I think that may be the stupidest thing I have heard this week. And it's been a long week.
@@f3rny_66 MP3 is MP3, Fraunhofer’s original encoder is still the best. (Admittedly many people used much worse free ones back then, but I’d hope Technics paid for theirs.) But there’s lots of much better codecs today - Opus 128k is at least akin to 256k MP3 if not a bit better.
12:15 it’s me!!! I’m ProfessorBX, the article writer. That was my 2nd article for SKRATCHWORX, and it means the world to me that you have read and quoted it after all these years. I truly love your channel (it is a constant reference for me!) and seeing you using my article as reference gives me all the warm fuzzies. Hilariously enough, I work in product development at Pioneer DJ today, and one of the projects I was on the team for recently was a moving platter controller. Full circle I guess? As an aside, that article got me physically threatened by one of the Technics staff at the 2005 NAMM show. Later on the guy quit the DJ industry and now does movies with Steven Seagal. You can’t make this stuff up.
I’m so glad you did it - so much of the discourse relating to this from back in the day has seemingly been lost. For older products I’d hope to get magazine article scans, for more recent ones the website might hopefully still have something, or the internet archive might have a cache - but the release of this falls somewhere in between.
Every time I see his reviews of equipment like this, I start to reconsider picking up my own models and using one of them to remix my copies of some of my own tunes. Then again, I look at them myself, and I doubt I can do the things I want with them.
You have a better grasp of the technical side of being a DJ than most new DJs. I'd say you should go deeper into DJ tech and let that part of yourself play. A lot of companies are willing to send gear to people to explore and review. DJ Techmoan is born.
They say that DJ Kool Herc invented hip hop DJ-ing at a party in NYC fifty years ago, but I reckon Techmoan was doing transformer scratching in Huddersfield in 1938.
You might not be an actual DJ, but your "crate" diversity definitely harkins back to old school DJs who prided themselves on having many types of music in the pursuit of having esoteric samples no one else did. Props
This thing is absolutely insane! While I can understand why professionals didn’t love it, man I can only imagine the countless hours I would have spent messing around with one of these in the mid 2000s
There are lots of DJ’s that have kept up with updating these. They’ve gotten them to near modern standards of use, including fixing the looping features and moving the platter controls to a completely different place, making for a bigger control platter and less latency from the wobble of the moving platter over the motor. They’re really great! Glad to see these getting some shine in 23’.
I'm something of an expert in these, having been a DJ in the 2000's. Clubs were pretty quickly swamped with "CDJs" as everyone called them (after the Pioneer version). I used various versions of these for years until Serrato technology superseded them. The DZ1200 never got anywhere near the Pioneers in terms of market saturation - they were seen as much less able to withstand the abuse that shared decks have to endure, although I suspect that was more to do with the aesthetics than actual sturdiness. CDJs were rock-solid though. The main benefit of the larger platter on the DZ1200s was really only relevant to 'turntablist'-style DJs (scratching, juggling etc) and in those days you wouldn't be allowed near a scratch competition with a CD player, so they just weren't useful.
same for techno or house music parties.... for the serious music crowds one was silently booed out of the booth for bringing in a laptop.. they called those people email djs...Ironically.. with the pioneers of now a ethernet cable and a click of a button and one is automatically beat matched.. though this is ok.. hilarious!!
@@auggysimcity I did the sound for a gig a bunch of weeks back, and the DJ, who had clearly spent hours and hours dressing up elaborately and putting on makeup, was flustered that we didn't have headphones for her. Then she was flustered that the ethernet cable wasn't already set up for the house digital decks because she didn't know how to do that. I asked her why she didn't bring her own headphones and she said she didn't want to bring a bag, just her usb key and bank card. These DJs are paid 2-3x more than any performing musicians I know and can get 3 or 4 gigs a week easily. It's a pretty sad state of affairs! I have to laugh or I'd cry 😂
@@inthefade and that’s why my friends in the industry would never conduct themselves like that. This person will be a flash in the pan. Dang. Doesn’t even know how to connect a rj45?. I’d tell her to figure it out and walk away. If it’s not in the contract for the booking. Let em rot. Word spreads fast. She will be gone in a year or two tops. That’s absolutely disgusting.
@@inthefade the only musicians imo that are worth the big bucks would be Jeff mills, aphex twin, sometimes Richie Hawtin .. Some lesser known djs from Detroit and Europe as well. … though this “dj”. I’d probably never have an interest to listen too. Let Alone go to her show..
@@auggysimcity Total. Plus FuzzMug, sLAPPY pAPPY, Liquid-diuqiL, and that dude from Morocco with the neck tattoo (before anyone else had one), Sabhad Repo, and and also the Korean guy, Ho Li Fuk.
@@kaitlyn__L he's just got to learn how to cue it up and drop it on the down beat and adjust the pitch until it holds. re-cue and wait for your spot to make your mix.
Absolutely loved this video! Also blew my mind with the Missy Elliot demo, not quite sure why I'd seemingly never realised that the "gibberish" was actually "I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it" in reverse (and not just her singing nonsense), but here we are!
I used to DJ on these but the sound was very digital when slowing down the platter/CD. I sold them to head into Pioneer territory. I saw an update for the firmware for the SL-DZ1200 that eliminated the awful digital artifacts, which made me want these again. They do look stunning.
@@Obinjess Is the one in this video on latest firmware as it seems pretty good. Its not easy to pitch digital without it sounding synthetic, or at least its wasn't in the early days.
I remember seeing a lot of Trance DJ's in videos from the mid to late 2000's at festivals, night clubs, etc. using these. These look so much cooler than what Pioneer was selling at the time and continues to sell today, as far as I know. By the early 2010's, everyone had moved on to the Pioneer CDJ's or smaller MP3 controller decks hooked to a laptop.
12:54 The article mentions the very first thing i noticed: the “laggy platter response” ☹️ The 1200s were renowned for getting to speed nearly instantly once the platter was released, a MUST for accurate scratching and cutting… this seems to have response on par with a mid-budget belt-drive 😳 Edit: Outstanding Golden-age track selection as always, Mat 😎
The probably did it on purpose to set it apart from the Pioneer and make it more vinyl like. The 1200 is quick but there is still ramp up. I bet they just went a little bit overboard with it since it's all in the software as they could have had the track snap instantly back to speed while the platter spins up as evidences by the instant change switch from forward to reverse. The platter makes no difference. They should have made it work forward/reverse but also instantly get back up to speed. Better yet make it a fader to control how fast it goes from zero to speed. Simple to implement as it's already pretty much in the firmware anyway with that instant switch.
@@robni7 What is really odd is on the Technics they added the brake control to determine how fast it should stop but didn't think, "You know maybe we should add the exact same function but for coming up to speed!" Like if you sat around a table and brainstormed ideas for the features of a project that would be like two minutes in!
The ramp up on a 1200 mk2 turntable is quite similar. That‘s why DJs use slipmats and leave the motor running but then release the record on the beat. No ramp up needed. I bet the same could be done with this.
I don't know about that, the 1200 MK2 definitely had a noticeable ramp up! I've got some more modern turntables that have virtually no ramp up in comparison (eg Reloop RP7000 MK), although I still prefer Technics decks overall
As a former Pioneer warrenty repair tech in the early 90s, i did work on the dj model that u have shown. Most repairs were replacing the lazer block because they had been dropped and the lens was no longer at a 90 degree angle to the disc.
As another former Pioneer workshop bod (hollybush Hill) I can confirm this or the other failure cause was beer related. Apart from that, the old CDJ units were tough as nails, considering who used them.
This is very much true and dependant of what file structure you use… I found playing WAV to be the most dependable and tried to stay clear of MP3’s that had been ripped at lower bitrates
Ah, one of my all-time favorite tracks from *Candy Apple Blue* starting ca. 6:09 - "Mad About You"! A very appropriate choice, in context. And do-able because CAB lets guys like VWestlife and Mat use their songs in videos without hammering them over copyright. Thus, they get the attention of folks like me, who would never discover their music otherwise, and who have consequently *bought* several of their CDs.
Came to the comments to try and see if anyone would mention the song so I could find out what it was as the clip wasn't quite long enough to catch, Thanks! Definitely checking out their music myself now too. Unfortunate with the situation about some artists and their insane copyright nonsense as it would definitely help them get further discovered but nope.
Back in 2005 when I was in the market for a CD DJ device to accompany my vinyl turntables, I was amazed when I saw this in the showroom. I wanted one so badly, but the price was insane at the time. I ended up settling for a Pioneer CDJ-200. Seeing this again bought back so many memories of my bedroom DJ'ing years.
Exactly my experience!!! I literally just sold my 2 CDJ 200 few minutes ago. After many years. I remember in the shop seeing these, but were sooo expansive. CDJ 100S was still widely used in clubs but were not sold anymore, so I got the CDJ 200. But when Pioneer came out with the CDJ 1000MK2 the just nailed it. Display, the controls, build quality. All clubs I was going to switched to them. I’ve never ever saw this Technics in the wild , just in the shops
I really like the videos where you show tech that I use in my daily life (cameras, music players, dash cams, things like that) but I also really enjoy seeing things like this. It's something I didn't know existed a few minutes ago, but now I want one for no reason at all.
If you're amazed by this thing, you should look into modern digital DJ equipment! The tech has come a *long* way since this CDJ first came out. There's just so much more you can do along with everything this device can (loops are an instant one button press now, and you can see not just the BPM but also the key of songs as well, on top of dozens of other neat features) and you don't have to spend a ton of money on a 20-year-old device that may or may not still be fully functional from all the wear and tear. You could start at the DJ section of your local Guitar Center.
@@Psythik True however I dont like the units with the built in screan, I bought a low budget Digital desks but still looks good and functions well it's the Hercules Impols 500. My one looks cool because limited edition its gold, what makes it advanced in the software Serato DJ because of the new stems function to single out drums, vocal and bass, basically now I can mix anything with anything. I intend to remove elements from pop songs and then play them live on a small sythersizor.
I have absolutely no interest in your channel's discussion topics, _but_ I have consumed every video you put have released in the past few years. Not sure why but your tone and cadence are really soothing. Thank you for the constant upload schedule!
Yeah, I'm in my fifties and gave up DJ-ing with vinyl in the early 2000s and have no experience of CD decks, let alone digital/laptop mixing, but seeing Techmoan using a varispeed control and backspinning a compact disc almost seems like magic!
Been a fan of Aznavour for 40 years so it was a bit random to see his work pop up on one of the best old tech channels on TH-cam . Instant memories out of nowhere are the best kind, thank you.
Mat, I watch these videos because I enjoy your narration and I do enjoy _weird_ tech. This is the first piece of audio gear you've ever shown that I would really, really want -- and am now considering getting -- just to *play* with. And it even looks cool!
After all these years I've finally found it, in a Techmoan video haha!! This is very cool but very frustrating CD player in my opinion but the technology was way ahead of it's time
Matt, you inspire me as a Hip-Hop artist more than 80% of gear videos I find on youtube. This thing has crazy potential and I almost regret knowing it exists because I have to touch one now
I'm the same, had a fancy minidisk player with loads of disks given to me years ago. It sat in cupboard for ages and I ended up giving it all to a charity shop. Techmoan came along and I've regretted it ever since. He's great.
I remember wanting a set of these so badly when I had my recording studio. Had completely forgotten they were ever made until I saw this video today! Thank you for the nostalgia!
After quite some time, RANE launched a professional turntable-like controller that is pretty much a reimagined version of this (minus the middle screen and the actual CD player, which is extinct in DJ land). The latest iteration is the RANE DJ Twelve MkII
I absolutely love the RANE decks! Switched from timecode with regular vinyl players to RANE, and I never regret it ever since! It gives a real feeling of dj'ing with vinyl without the "real" vinyl and recordplayers.
What I really want is a standalone player with a big spinning platter though. I am surprised Pioneer hasn't made one. Denon have, but the platter is only 7" I believe, plus I'm not a fan of their Engine software nor the build quality of their products
Pioneer Rev7 (corrected) is the spiritual child of this. Rane line cames from Numark cdx/hdx/X2/ns7/v7… and also Denon prime M series. Few oem devices were also made from gemini (cdt05) and U.S.Blaster. Some other worth mentioning units are vestax cd05 with tascam ttm-1 attachment.
congratulations Matt one of your best videos in a while, I often enjoy your older videos from 5 or 6 years ago where you tended to cover obsolete formats, but this one was right up there amongst one of your best.
As a younger DJ, these things are wild. I learned to mix on some budget friendly Numark CDJs that cost about $200 or $250 each in 2008 or so. Pretty crazy that the cost came down so quickly with this type of gear. Also, I do love the chrome look. There are a few older Vestax DJ mixers from the early 2000s that have a similar look. I always figured they would get covered in fingerprints and need constant cleaning!
I really enjoyed this video Especially when learning that this famous sample came from a Charles Aznavour track Not what I intended to learn but this is what I love about your channel 😊
This thing is AWESOME! I always thought the dots on the parameter of the wheel were aesthetic. Thanks for teaching me that! I'd love to learn more about DJ turn tables!
I got 2 of these.. they are amazing.. the sd slot was ahead of it’s time… but is limited… my favorite video thus far … that Critical Beatdown CD gets the GUARANTEED thumbs up
It came out about 10 years too late, IMHO. If Technics could have gotten it to market in the mid 90s, then they might have made an imprint on the DJ world, and had another "Stratocaster" success (IE, the 1200) on their hands. That said, Matt, that deck is incredible!!! Thanks for sharing that with us!
It's sometimes the case that a company that makes the "industry standard" device (in this case the SL-1200) is very reluctant to get involved in being part of the paradigm shift of a new technology, since they might "kill the golden goose", but by waiting around too long while claiming that vinyl was still best, Technics allowed Pioneer and others to breed a better goose! We see this with social media and search engines (and even cars). You can't sit on your laurels when you are number one. You have to adapt and try to preempt competition from rivals, not ignore it and hope it goes away.
In my parts, djs were still buying vinyl until 2005ish. It wasn't until that time that club djs started taking cdjs seriously -- and the pioneers were not without their quirks. It was then that two camps were born: control vinyl and cdjs. I belonged to the former group, but cdjs eventually overtook control vinyl as cdjs further improved and tech1200s further degraded; and serato kinda dropped the ball e.g., SL1 was actually more reliable than later products like SL3. .
I used to DJ back in the day and I bought myself a couple of Numark CDXs. A similar concept but at a more reasonable price. They have a more understated look than the Technics but a good user interface. The selling point for me was that I could burn a load of tracks as MP3 to a disc and play them so I didn't have to carry around half a dozen flight cases full of CDs when I did a gig. I still have them but don't have the room to have them out on display.
I'm not surprised the previous owner stuck down the platter as the lateral play in it is definitely "odd feeling". If you're just after a cd player that's a break from the norm then you won't be disappointed with one of these and it's built like a tank. I bought one a couple of years ago and I'm waiting to have room and a setup it fits into. Thanks Techmoan for the great overview, I actually watched the video at 1x which should say something. :)
As a vinyl DJ exclusively trained on SL-1200s, these things were like the holy grail at the time....amazing decks pity they never caught on. Like hen's teeth now
Technics (Panasonic) crippled the way that it read MP3s off of the SD card with DRM. Also the firmware wasn’t solid until a revision that came out much later.
I don't remember us reacting like they were the holy grail.. didn't you know Serato was around? They were mostly ignored in the vinyl circles around here. I have nothing against a fancy CD player it's just kinda iffy.
I always wondered if there was something like this. I even dabbled at trying to DJ once and would have loved a machine like this (was during the height of CDs). Thanks Mat!
Great Video! Thank you for this. I still have a pair along with the associated mixer at the time The Technics MZ1200. As a long time professional working DJ myself playing clubs,bars,mobile even weddings etc continually evolving adapting to the technology at the time Iva had a vast array of equipment including pioneers cdj500s etc at the time I still love the technics DZ1200. Sure they have their quirks but like anything I get used to and work with it regardless. I have Serato loaded onto SD cards in each as slot & they run fine not just as a cd player but as a controller with all functionality of todays best when coupled up with a Pioneer S11. There are so many modifications and up grades available for these now. I’ve always been a bit of a nostalgic person & still rate these. Build quality is robust and superb. I still enjoy using them. Though I still have my cd collection I find I tend to run them with Serato more often than CDs. Just use them at home now.
Oh man. I remember how i was absolutely stunned by the design back then and i am still. Completely forgot i wanted it so much, but the price was so out of my range.
It looks really good, definitely much more akin to a technics turntable than the Pioneer ones. Must admit, making the “platter“ look like a CD made me laugh though
I have been using Ableton Live for years… Then I take my DJ setup and mix those songs on stage… Or atleast I did before the pandemic I have been a dj for 30 years of my life though and have seen a great deal of gear come and go over that time
I had this choice! I was coming off vinyl and needed some CD decks and it was these or the CDJ's - I REALLY wanted these as they matched my 1210's - but unfortunately the "club standard" was and still is with pioneer equipment. And considering you were using them at the club - you really needed the same gear to practice on! I have had a good play with these in the past and they were great fun, but i'm glad i went the way I did! Great video mat, a one close to my heart!
Being involved in the scratch/turntablism scene at the time, I remember there being a lot of hype for the release of this thing. Technics' DJ products weren't always winners, but their turntables were super high quality, performed well, and would last decades if looked after, so a lot of people were excited to add one or two of these to their setup. Unfortunately, the performance was just terrible for scratching, and with key lock on it was basically unusable. Had they really nailed the performance they'd have given Pioneer and Denon a run for their money. I'm surprised they never released a MK2, given that there are mods you can have done to the original that fix several of the main problems, but they just gave up on it.
As always, excellent video, not only it managed to keep me completely interested and amused but it also shed some light on the intricacies of the DJ labor. Really, I can't say enough about how good this channel is.
I bought one of these about 5 years ago as they are the best looking CD player. I thought they would become a really collectable bit of history especially with the re-release of the Technics 1210 turntables. But as a DJ (of 30 years) & a user of the CDJ models from Pioneer, This thing was almost impossible to beat match with another player. That was the basic thing wrong with it. No one was really that bothered about the effects or other functions. Compared to pioneer CDJ1000's, it was really sloppy. I thought I could integrate it djing at home but It was useless so I got rid of it. But it's a great looking CD player if that's what you want it for.
when you say it was impossible to beat match, why? Did the pitch not stay constant? I can get the delay when you release would be a PITA (I only played on pioneer CDJ's and even then not for long because they had that too) I'm just thinking, it did have a BPM display and the platter edges were the same as a SL1200.
Beatmixing in the early days I used Denon DN2500F. Loop sample great dubble deck. I wasn't scratching. Now a day djing is buttonpushing.... If you can push a button they called themselfs a dj.
Great review. I love what you do. I hated those things because the sound was full of artifacts ESPECIALLY when scratching. The top of that thing was taped because it wobbled like crazy. I actually had 10 inch vinyl fitted on mine. The sound was the killer for me. It is a beautiful unit but the sound and the platter wobble was a killer. You are great man.
Great video - always thought you would enjoy this device! A lot of these problems got fixed in firmware updates but by that point it was too late. Technics were already too late to the CDJ party and releasing a device that didn't even perform to the standard of the CDJ1000 they were trying to tempt DJs away from was never going to work.
I absolutely loved the design of this unit when it came out, but it did not take off on the DJ market. It was a perfect translation, looks wise, of the classic 1210. I love spinning platters, and have never been fan of the Pioneer static wheel.
This is so great looking, and I loved watching you play around with it. In 2004 I was in my sophomore year of college and had just gotten very interested in instrumental hip-hop. I wanted to buy some DJ equipment to have fun with, no real plan but it was very exciting. While researching models, I learned about the upcoming "Numark CDX mp3 cd turntable". It is in many ways exactly the same as this Technics model from the video, but with more features and came out a year earlier. What really set it apart, at the time and I think still, is that the platter is a full 12" vinyl record. A real record, bolted into place, for maximum "authentic feel". You could install any record you wanted onto the CDX (it had no way to play the audio from the record, it was just for aesthetics) and I installed two picture disc records onto mine. I loved that the platter had the same torque as a regular turntable, so many of the CDJ type players had tiny platters that didn't even spin under their own power, let alone replicate a full record. It pretty much had all the same features you showed here, with the other biggest difference being it could play an mp3-cd, giving you a large library to work with. I had a lot of fun playing around with them for a few years, but in 2007 or so I had to face the fact that I was never going to be any kind of DJ. So I managed to sell them for basically exactly what I paid for them 3 years prior. It was the right choice, but damn if they weren't fun to play with, and watching you use this Technics model was very nostalgic. Such cool technology!
I remember when these came out. Very cool looking and worked pretty well, except for the limitations. Granted when they came out, most people weren't using flash drives as 2gb was cost prohibitive for most, and CDs were still the main way to buy pre-recorded music. Technics also made these to visually complement the SL-1200 series. The CD players at the time were quite poor in features and aesthetics comparatively. I think the CDJ 200/300s were pretty common place with the CDJ-800 on it's way out, if not owned by the highest of spenders back then.
Nice! Are you familiar with Netta, the Israeli musician? She became famous from appearing on Eurovision, but she began with looping, which she’s very, very good at. You should check out her channel.
I'm looking forward to buy one of these so I did a bit of research: Many of the issues when the device came out should have been fixed later, but most DJs have already switched to Pioneer (and Denon). Another thing: The platter shouldn't be useless when switched to CD-Mode, you can use it for quickly adjusting the tempo (pitch bend like the Pioneer CDJ 1000s with a non rotating platter). However, thank you for creating this very interesting video and keep up the great work!
My older brother used these to make his own mixes as a DJ. If you find this interesting check out the DVD mixers for VJ's or the equipment I have, which is the Korg Entrancer and Kaptivator. I think you would be interested in the way that equipment works in syncing the music bpm to video playback. I did a few shows with my brother using my Korg equipment and a projector in the early 2000's when I was in the Army. I've been a big admirer of your content for years BTW, in fact, you inspired one of my videos, sir.
Great video as usual! I did exclaim in a happy surprise, when at 21:00 I saw the label. It seems this unit was meant for the Hungarian market specifically, or Central European the very least, but the text has the largest type in Hungarian. Quite amusing! (I live in Hungary) This is I think the second time I saw something in a video of yours that was from here :) Thanks again!
I learned to dj on Numark CDX’s of the same era. Full 12” direct drive vinyl platter CD player for that vinyl feel. They are bad ass. My best friend still has his and I sold him mine so he’s had 4 of them for like 10 years now.
Sony WM-D6C was an amazing walkman! I still have mine from the late 80'ies. Very expensive, very capable, and I've listened for countless hours while commuting. I still have mine, but haven't used it for 20+ years!
I was reading about them the other day. There's a guy called Dr Walkman who apparently tweaks and restores them to perfect working order and the sound quality is said to be on a par with hi-fi stereos, like the much larger tape machines in a stack of separates. It's pretty incredible how much technology Sony could squeeze into a "reporter's Walkman" that wasn't much bigger than the basic consumer models.
The platter is going to be a bit more complex than just simply controlling the CD, It's likely not playing from the CD directly but the CD is read into a sizeable buffer which gets topped up/updated from the CD as necessary.
What a funky machine! Looks fun to play around with, for a while. Also helpful for scanning your CD collection for backwards satanic messages!🤘BTW, nice "shout out" to Facebook! 😅
Always loved the look and feel of these, I have had Technics 1210s since the late 90s and these felt very similar. I already had Pioneer CDJ-500S units by the time this came out, so could never justify buying one, they look really slick though.
I feel like even Panasonic is a shell of what it used to be, it’s just not a brand that is really considered today which is a game because it was one of the go to brands when it came to Viera plasma TVs and home audio back in the early to mid 00’s.
I think the entire (mainstream) hi-fi industry has suffered enormously. If you look at both Sony and Panasonic, all of their real engineering prowess these days is seen only in their professional equipment (broadcast video, etc.).
@@markrowe8824 That’s one thing. They also are huge in cameras (and camera sensors, which they sell to many companies) and professional broadcast gear.
I think one problem was the software had very strict DRM control and restricted what could be copied to the SD card on the first version of the firmware and then later a revision changed it.
22 years and I had no idea "What's The Difference" beat was sampled....Damn bro, I love your channel. This player is pretty badass too...I don't even need it but I want it
Hey Techmoan! Check out the Sony MDS-DRE1. It's like a CDJ but with minidiscs. It also has the sample thing and a lot of other unique features like play and record simultaneously. I'm sure you know about it but it would be nice if you could cover it in a video. Cheers!
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I used to use these as a professional DJ in Ibiza. I loved it, as it definitely gave more of that vinyl feeling than the Pioneer CDJs that were around at the time. As you mentioned in your video, it was not without its shortcomings though, the dead-zone was definitely an issue for a lot of people, and refers to the ‘wiggle’ between the top ‘vinyl’ platter and the control platter underneath, due to them making the holes that attach to the two silver pins too big. I managed to work around it for the most part, as I’m more of a mix DJ than a scratch DJ, but yeah this would have made the unit near enough impossible to use for scratch guys. The other features on the unit were ahead of their time, but fell short of what was needed in a professional environment. 192Khz MP3s sound awful when played on a big club system, and the fact that you needed proprietary software (which barely worked) to put them onto a SD card was a nightmare. The looping features would have been great if you were able to match the loop to the tempo of the music you were playing, but as it was, you were just stuck with them at their original tempo, and had to use the platter to keep the music in time to the loop, rather than the other way around. Like you say, it was a solid idea, and I think if Technics/Panasonic had worked these issues out for a mk2 version, it would have done really well, but by that time, there were already much better solutions on the market (Timecode vinyl and more integrated laptop DJ hardware). BTW - I’d love to see you do a video on timecode vinyl, and thanks for taking me back down memory lane with this one! 😁❤
Yeah this whole time I was thinking it would’ve had a much lower learning curve from vinyl. But once I read the shortcomings I went “ah, of course”. The only thing I noticed independently was the slowdown was choppy, even though it sounds like they resampled a little it wasn’t enough and introduces a kind of echo effect.
Also that explains why this one was taped down, and why Mat couldn’t feel it!
Seeing as most clubs use mono 64 or 128 kbps audio, this is audiophile territory for such use.
@@thatbillguy5211 Most clubs may, but it's pretty bumptious to assume that someone (a DJ, for example-someone whose life is music) would purchase, curate, and enjoy what he later take and plays out as 64kbps mono. In fact I think that may be the stupidest thing I have heard this week. And it's been a long week.
@@f3rny_66 MP3 is MP3, Fraunhofer’s original encoder is still the best. (Admittedly many people used much worse free ones back then, but I’d hope Technics paid for theirs.) But there’s lots of much better codecs today - Opus 128k is at least akin to 256k MP3 if not a bit better.
@@f3rny_66 oh my Lord I just had to imagine that. Solid one, mate.
12:15 it’s me!!! I’m ProfessorBX, the article writer. That was my 2nd article for SKRATCHWORX, and it means the world to me that you have read and quoted it after all these years. I truly love your channel (it is a constant reference for me!) and seeing you using my article as reference gives me all the warm fuzzies.
Hilariously enough, I work in product development at Pioneer DJ today, and one of the projects I was on the team for recently was a moving platter controller. Full circle I guess?
As an aside, that article got me physically threatened by one of the Technics staff at the 2005 NAMM show. Later on the guy quit the DJ industry and now does movies with Steven Seagal. You can’t make this stuff up.
I’m so glad you did it - so much of the discourse relating to this from back in the day has seemingly been lost. For older products I’d hope to get magazine article scans, for more recent ones the website might hopefully still have something, or the internet archive might have a cache - but the release of this falls somewhere in between.
Making movies with Steven Seagal sounds like a dream and also a nightmare at the same time.
@@jimbles5071 Hollywood Steven Seagal in 1990 = dream.
Putin's Puppet Steven Seagal in 2024 = nightmare
DJ Techmoan in the house! Presenting us all the classic mixes trying not upset the TH-cam algorithm. HOT STUFF! 🔥🔥🔥
Can't wait for the "Terrible Person" remix of this video...
he shure doged some content hits there :)
D-D-D-DJ M-M-Mat-att is in the houuuuuuuuuuuuse!! *air horns*
@@mbirth Lol was thinking the same.
Every time I see his reviews of equipment like this, I start to reconsider picking up my own models and using one of them to remix my copies of some of my own tunes. Then again, I look at them myself, and I doubt I can do the things I want with them.
I love the fact that Techmoan always throws in his love for 80s and 90s hiphop in his videos.
Man knows his stuff. The fact that he has a copy of Paris The Devil made me do it is sensational
@@jokerfleckcast3196 I love it. In one video he had a Godfather Don cassette.
Techmoan is a real one
You have a better grasp of the technical side of being a DJ than most new DJs. I'd say you should go deeper into DJ tech and let that part of yourself play. A lot of companies are willing to send gear to people to explore and review. DJ Techmoan is born.
I'd love to see it
@@JC20XX Me too! When you think that Techmoan isn't a dj yet everything he touched on was correct, that's pretty awesome.
They say that DJ Kool Herc invented hip hop DJ-ing at a party in NYC fifty years ago, but I reckon Techmoan was doing transformer scratching in Huddersfield in 1938.
that made remember him singing i dont want to get lucky, lol
haha that would be brilliant! Seconded!
You might not be an actual DJ, but your "crate" diversity definitely harkins back to old school DJs who prided themselves on having many types of music in the pursuit of having esoteric samples no one else did. Props
This thing is absolutely insane! While I can understand why professionals didn’t love it, man I can only imagine the countless hours I would have spent messing around with one of these in the mid 2000s
They looks much smarter than the pioneer counterpart as well ,also the build quality looks top quality .
Simply because they were a crap on durability... And extremely expensive compared with the competition...
@@WinterInTheForest Yup... more than 2 times the price of the Pioneer 1000mk2 back in the day...
You don't know what you're talking about.
@@sepalot100 Right... And you know everything about it... Because...?
There are lots of DJ’s that have kept up with updating these. They’ve gotten them to near modern standards of use, including fixing the looping features and moving the platter controls to a completely different place, making for a bigger control platter and less latency from the wobble of the moving platter over the motor. They’re really great! Glad to see these getting some shine in 23’.
I'm something of an expert in these, having been a DJ in the 2000's. Clubs were pretty quickly swamped with "CDJs" as everyone called them (after the Pioneer version). I used various versions of these for years until Serrato technology superseded them. The DZ1200 never got anywhere near the Pioneers in terms of market saturation - they were seen as much less able to withstand the abuse that shared decks have to endure, although I suspect that was more to do with the aesthetics than actual sturdiness. CDJs were rock-solid though.
The main benefit of the larger platter on the DZ1200s was really only relevant to 'turntablist'-style DJs (scratching, juggling etc) and in those days you wouldn't be allowed near a scratch competition with a CD player, so they just weren't useful.
same for techno or house music parties.... for the serious music crowds one was silently booed out of the booth for bringing in a laptop.. they called those people email djs...Ironically.. with the pioneers of now a ethernet cable and a click of a button and one is automatically beat matched.. though this is ok.. hilarious!!
@@auggysimcity I did the sound for a gig a bunch of weeks back, and the DJ, who had clearly spent hours and hours dressing up elaborately and putting on makeup, was flustered that we didn't have headphones for her. Then she was flustered that the ethernet cable wasn't already set up for the house digital decks because she didn't know how to do that. I asked her why she didn't bring her own headphones and she said she didn't want to bring a bag, just her usb key and bank card.
These DJs are paid 2-3x more than any performing musicians I know and can get 3 or 4 gigs a week easily. It's a pretty sad state of affairs! I have to laugh or I'd cry 😂
@@inthefade and that’s why my friends in the industry would never conduct themselves like that. This person will be a flash in the pan. Dang. Doesn’t even know how to connect a rj45?. I’d tell her to figure it out and walk away. If it’s not in the contract for the booking. Let em rot. Word spreads fast. She will be gone in a year or two tops. That’s absolutely disgusting.
@@inthefade the only musicians imo that are worth the big bucks would be Jeff mills, aphex twin, sometimes Richie Hawtin .. Some lesser known djs from Detroit and Europe as well. … though this “dj”. I’d probably never have an interest to listen too. Let Alone go to her show..
@@auggysimcity Total. Plus FuzzMug, sLAPPY pAPPY, Liquid-diuqiL, and that dude from Morocco with the neck tattoo (before anyone else had one), Sabhad Repo, and and also the Korean guy, Ho Li Fuk.
Matt isn't a DJ but you can tell he's having lots of fun with this thing
that's how you become a DJ
Your matching of the sample and the CD was quite good .especially for someone who isn't into dj'ing.
Yeah it wasn’t that far off
@@kaitlyn__L he's just got to learn how to cue it up and drop it on the down beat and adjust the pitch until it holds. re-cue and wait for your spot to make your mix.
Absolutely loved this video! Also blew my mind with the Missy Elliot demo, not quite sure why I'd seemingly never realised that the "gibberish" was actually "I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it" in reverse (and not just her singing nonsense), but here we are!
Better late than never, I guess
You could try it out on your now fully functional DDJ-1000 😉
It only took me 20 years too, don't feel so bad 🤣🤣
Yeah that was eye opening!
@@NorthernMonkeeUK I literally paused the video and did exactly that! 😉 (I'm very easily entertained)
Perhaps the most fully featured CD player I've ever seen. And just aesthetically I love the idea of the CD player which looks like a record player.
"...and I am as likely to visit a Facebook page as I am to visit North Korea." -Techmoan 2023
I used to DJ on these but the sound was very digital when slowing down the platter/CD. I sold them to head into Pioneer territory. I saw an update for the firmware for the SL-DZ1200 that eliminated the awful digital artifacts, which made me want these again. They do look stunning.
I'd use it for sample beats which usually is ripped from Vinyl.
I have two with the latest updated firmware and it is a world of difference. I love using them now.
@@Obinjess are you using stock PC and IC?
@@Obinjess Is the one in this video on latest firmware as it seems pretty good. Its not easy to pitch digital without it sounding synthetic, or at least its wasn't in the early days.
@@alexatkin Have to agree, without the pitch lock enabled it seemed pretty good
I remember seeing a lot of Trance DJ's in videos from the mid to late 2000's at festivals, night clubs, etc. using these. These look so much cooler than what Pioneer was selling at the time and continues to sell today, as far as I know. By the early 2010's, everyone had moved on to the Pioneer CDJ's or smaller MP3 controller decks hooked to a laptop.
12:54 The article mentions the very first thing i noticed: the “laggy platter response” ☹️ The 1200s were renowned for getting to speed nearly instantly once the platter was released, a MUST for accurate scratching and cutting… this seems to have response on par with a mid-budget belt-drive 😳
Edit: Outstanding Golden-age track selection as always, Mat 😎
The probably did it on purpose to set it apart from the Pioneer and make it more vinyl like. The 1200 is quick but there is still ramp up. I bet they just went a little bit overboard with it since it's all in the software as they could have had the track snap instantly back to speed while the platter spins up as evidences by the instant change switch from forward to reverse. The platter makes no difference. They should have made it work forward/reverse but also instantly get back up to speed. Better yet make it a fader to control how fast it goes from zero to speed. Simple to implement as it's already pretty much in the firmware anyway with that instant switch.
Ironically enough, the CDJ-1000s have exactly these controls for start and stop ramp speed. Quite surprising this deck doesn’t, imho.
@@robni7 What is really odd is on the Technics they added the brake control to determine how fast it should stop but didn't think, "You know maybe we should add the exact same function but for coming up to speed!"
Like if you sat around a table and brainstormed ideas for the features of a project that would be like two minutes in!
The ramp up on a 1200 mk2 turntable is quite similar. That‘s why DJs use slipmats and leave the motor running but then release the record on the beat. No ramp up needed. I bet the same could be done with this.
I don't know about that, the 1200 MK2 definitely had a noticeable ramp up! I've got some more modern turntables that have virtually no ramp up in comparison (eg Reloop RP7000 MK), although I still prefer Technics decks overall
As a DJ myself, I found it interesting to hear a little bit about the history of dj gear, this might appeal to other DJs as well.
100%❤
As a former Pioneer warrenty repair tech in the early 90s, i did work on the dj model that u have shown. Most repairs were replacing the lazer block because they had been dropped and the lens was no longer at a 90 degree angle to the disc.
Do you know a way of getting cheap early pioneer CDJ models? For a home DJ that doesn’t wanna spend a lot
I can imagine many DJ CD players suffered a lot of drops and abuse just from being set up, taken down, and transported over and over.
As another former Pioneer workshop bod (hollybush Hill) I can confirm this or the other failure cause was beer related.
Apart from that, the old CDJ units were tough as nails, considering who used them.
@@djstuc with a discerning ear you can hear the difference between a pioneer mix vs ableton / tracktor mix..
This is very much true and dependant of what file structure you use… I found playing WAV to be the most dependable and tried to stay clear of MP3’s that had been ripped at lower bitrates
Ah, one of my all-time favorite tracks from *Candy Apple Blue* starting ca. 6:09 - "Mad About You"! A very appropriate choice, in context. And do-able because CAB lets guys like VWestlife and Mat use their songs in videos without hammering them over copyright. Thus, they get the attention of folks like me, who would never discover their music otherwise, and who have consequently *bought* several of their CDs.
It's sad that people like yourself have to repeatedly highlight this. It feels like a lesson that should have been learned with Napster.
I haven't even gotten that far. I went down a rabbit hole as soon as the first NEFFEX song started playing and I heard Heather Sommer's voice.
Came to the comments to try and see if anyone would mention the song so I could find out what it was as the clip wasn't quite long enough to catch, Thanks! Definitely checking out their music myself now too. Unfortunate with the situation about some artists and their insane copyright nonsense as it would definitely help them get further discovered but nope.
Back in 2005 when I was in the market for a CD DJ device to accompany my vinyl turntables, I was amazed when I saw this in the showroom. I wanted one so badly, but the price was insane at the time. I ended up settling for a Pioneer CDJ-200. Seeing this again bought back so many memories of my bedroom DJ'ing years.
Exactly my experience!!!
I literally just sold my 2 CDJ 200 few minutes ago. After many years.
I remember in the shop seeing these, but were sooo expansive. CDJ 100S was still widely used in clubs but were not sold anymore, so I got the CDJ 200.
But when Pioneer came out with the CDJ 1000MK2 the just nailed it. Display, the controls, build quality.
All clubs I was going to switched to them.
I’ve never ever saw this Technics in the wild , just in the shops
it looked cobbled together back then like an afterthought.. and still does.
Ahhh the 200's with their lovely orange glow...
This thing is incredible. Mat you did an amazing job using it!
I really like the videos where you show tech that I use in my daily life (cameras, music players, dash cams, things like that) but I also really enjoy seeing things like this. It's something I didn't know existed a few minutes ago, but now I want one for no reason at all.
Did I hear Techmoan sample the same sample from Riana Umbrella?
Its a nice cd player, i have a “knock off” cdj and i use to play my cds, works great and i like to have fun with the scratch function and the effects.
+1 (for wanting one, not 'not knowing about it') 👍
If you're amazed by this thing, you should look into modern digital DJ equipment! The tech has come a *long* way since this CDJ first came out. There's just so much more you can do along with everything this device can (loops are an instant one button press now, and you can see not just the BPM but also the key of songs as well, on top of dozens of other neat features) and you don't have to spend a ton of money on a 20-year-old device that may or may not still be fully functional from all the wear and tear. You could start at the DJ section of your local Guitar Center.
@@Psythik True however I dont like the units with the built in screan, I bought a low budget Digital desks but still looks good and functions well it's the Hercules Impols 500. My one looks cool because limited edition its gold, what makes it advanced in the software Serato DJ because of the new stems function to single out drums, vocal and bass, basically now I can mix anything with anything. I intend to remove elements from pop songs and then play them live on a small sythersizor.
You got me really excited for your North Korean travel vlog series!
I don't know, with a few more hours of practice you'll be a hip hop DJ god. I loved that Aznavour loop!
I have absolutely no interest in your channel's discussion topics, _but_ I have consumed every video you put have released in the past few years. Not sure why but your tone and cadence are really soothing. Thank you for the constant upload schedule!
So weird to see this on Tech Moan this is still cutting-edge DJ tech in my old-ass eyes lol
We DnB, only used pioneer players next to notebooks
I'm no DJ but I know that feeling of some old-ass thing being forever cutting edge in my mind.
@@David-ln8qh i still have my pioneer RT-909 reel-to-reel. it still looks like the future to me.
those blue meters, auto reverse, pitch control . . ..
Yeah, I'm in my fifties and gave up DJ-ing with vinyl in the early 2000s and have no experience of CD decks, let alone digital/laptop mixing, but seeing Techmoan using a varispeed control and backspinning a compact disc almost seems like magic!
This piece of equipment is amazing. I had no idea something like this even existed. Thank you for showcasing this!
Unless you DJ legit the average person wouldn't know anything about the equipment
Can it be used as just a regular cd player? I think it’d be cool to just have one for aesthetic
Been a fan of Aznavour for 40 years so it was a bit random to see his work pop up on one of the best old tech channels on TH-cam . Instant memories out of nowhere are the best kind, thank you.
Mat, I watch these videos because I enjoy your narration and I do enjoy _weird_ tech.
This is the first piece of audio gear you've ever shown that I would really, really want -- and am now considering getting -- just to *play* with. And it even looks cool!
You keep finding these amazing and very different devices. Thank you for your hard work, always worth watching.
"I'm as likely to visit a Facebook page as I am to visit North Korea" 15:20 bars
After all these years I've finally found it, in a Techmoan video haha!! This is very cool but very frustrating CD player in my opinion but the technology was way ahead of it's time
Matt, you inspire me as a Hip-Hop artist more than 80% of gear videos I find on youtube. This thing has crazy potential and I almost regret knowing it exists because I have to touch one now
Amazing. You seem to have the knack of making me interested in things I previously had no interest in! Yet another great video.
I'm the same, had a fancy minidisk player with loads of disks given to me years ago. It sat in cupboard for ages and I ended up giving it all to a charity shop.
Techmoan came along and I've regretted it ever since.
He's great.
Me too. I was looking on eBay before the video finished!
It's called the techmoan effect. Made me get into minidisc. Downside is the featured tech prices on eBay go through the roof after a video drops 😄
I remember wanting a set of these so badly when I had my recording studio. Had completely forgotten they were ever made until I saw this video today! Thank you for the nostalgia!
After quite some time, RANE launched a professional turntable-like controller that is pretty much a reimagined version of this (minus the middle screen and the actual CD player, which is extinct in DJ land). The latest iteration is the RANE DJ Twelve MkII
I absolutely love the RANE decks! Switched from timecode with regular vinyl players to RANE, and I never regret it ever since! It gives a real feeling of dj'ing with vinyl without the "real" vinyl and recordplayers.
What I really want is a standalone player with a big spinning platter though. I am surprised Pioneer hasn't made one. Denon have, but the platter is only 7" I believe, plus I'm not a fan of their Engine software nor the build quality of their products
Pioneer Rev7 (corrected) is the spiritual child of this. Rane line cames from Numark cdx/hdx/X2/ns7/v7… and also Denon prime M series. Few oem devices were also made from gemini (cdt05) and U.S.Blaster. Some other worth mentioning units are vestax cd05 with tascam ttm-1 attachment.
I've never seen a product like that. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
congratulations Matt one of your best videos in a while, I often enjoy your older videos from 5 or 6 years ago where you tended to cover obsolete formats, but this one was right up there amongst one of your best.
For anyone curious: The sample used at 9:16 is the same one Dr. Dre used for his song What's The Difference.
I own two of these and I upgraded them to the latest firmware. The SL-DZ1200 is a really fun turntable that has the feel of the SL-1200 Mk II.
We needed maranz, rewinding issues..
Masterful with Missy, excellent choice for demonstrating the reverse feature, loved that 😆👌
As a younger DJ, these things are wild. I learned to mix on some budget friendly Numark CDJs that cost about $200 or $250 each in 2008 or so. Pretty crazy that the cost came down so quickly with this type of gear.
Also, I do love the chrome look. There are a few older Vestax DJ mixers from the early 2000s that have a similar look. I always figured they would get covered in fingerprints and need constant cleaning!
Me too!! I had the cdx. Reconnected with them last year because it’s just pure nostalgia for me.
I had the Vestax PMC 05, mostly for the faders, soundwise they were overrated imho. Loved the look though in champagne
DJ equipment hasn't really become any cheaper. quite the opposite
Very well done. I worked in Music retail for years and sold bunches of these. Your demo and description was excellent. They are very fun machines!
As a turntablist, I thought these were the coolest things ever when they were first announced. Then I tried a pair....
Yep, such a disappointment. I guess we all had high expectations though given it was a Technics product
Vinyl better meeeen. DUUUUH.
yeaaah
just nah after trying these
Wow Rasteri you are also here. Good to find a DJ who also loves retro tech equipment. By the way you still scratch?
@@HBC101TVStudios every day mate :)
Thank you for the Missy Elliott drop... hilarious!
This is my favorite video by you so far....was an aspiring DJ back in 04! Gonna get me one of this, thanks for sharing!
I really enjoyed this video
Especially when learning that this famous sample came from a Charles Aznavour track
Not what I intended to learn but this is what I love about your channel 😊
This thing is AWESOME! I always thought the dots on the parameter of the wheel were aesthetic. Thanks for teaching me that! I'd love to learn more about DJ turn tables!
I got 2 of these.. they are amazing.. the sd slot was ahead of it’s time… but is limited… my favorite video thus far … that Critical Beatdown CD gets the GUARANTEED thumbs up
It came out about 10 years too late, IMHO. If Technics could have gotten it to market in the mid 90s, then they might have made an imprint on the DJ world, and had another "Stratocaster" success (IE, the 1200) on their hands. That said, Matt, that deck is incredible!!! Thanks for sharing that with us!
It's sometimes the case that a company that makes the "industry standard" device (in this case the SL-1200) is very reluctant to get involved in being part of the paradigm shift of a new technology, since they might "kill the golden goose", but by waiting around too long while claiming that vinyl was still best, Technics allowed Pioneer and others to breed a better goose! We see this with social media and search engines (and even cars). You can't sit on your laurels when you are number one. You have to adapt and try to preempt competition from rivals, not ignore it and hope it goes away.
In my parts, djs were still buying vinyl until 2005ish. It wasn't until that time that club djs started taking cdjs seriously -- and the pioneers were not without their quirks. It was then that two camps were born: control vinyl and cdjs. I belonged to the former group, but cdjs eventually overtook control vinyl as cdjs further improved and tech1200s further degraded; and serato kinda dropped the ball e.g., SL1 was actually more reliable than later products like SL3. .
@@upnhere8513 And then it turned into mp3 DJs lol
I used to DJ back in the day and I bought myself a couple of Numark CDXs. A similar concept but at a more reasonable price. They have a more understated look than the Technics but a good user interface. The selling point for me was that I could burn a load of tracks as MP3 to a disc and play them so I didn't have to carry around half a dozen flight cases full of CDs when I did a gig. I still have them but don't have the room to have them out on display.
What happened to "REVISED Coturn CT-01 portable vinyl record player. Worth the premium?"?
I'm not surprised the previous owner stuck down the platter as the lateral play in it is definitely "odd feeling". If you're just after a cd player that's a break from the norm then you won't be disappointed with one of these and it's built like a tank. I bought one a couple of years ago and I'm waiting to have room and a setup it fits into. Thanks Techmoan for the great overview, I actually watched the video at 1x which should say something. :)
I got pure excited when I clocked Step In The Arena in your stack of CDs. Was hoping you'd loop one of the tracks off that.
As a vinyl DJ exclusively trained on SL-1200s, these things were like the holy grail at the time....amazing decks pity they never caught on. Like hen's teeth now
Technics (Panasonic) crippled the way that it read MP3s off of the SD card with DRM. Also the firmware wasn’t solid until a revision that came out much later.
@@seanwieland9763 wasn't bothered about the mp3 thing. the spinning platter you could slow down with your fingers was the sweet feature for me.
I don't remember us reacting like they were the holy grail.. didn't you know Serato was around? They were mostly ignored in the vinyl circles around here. I have nothing against a fancy CD player it's just kinda iffy.
They wherent. At the time they where universally hated. They're was/is a lot wrong about them
No they weren't. Never met a DJ that liked using these.
My mate had two of them but untold problem's when it came to tight mixing....Pioneer just hit the sweet spot....keep up the good work my man.
Techmoan videos are always very well made and with great quality. You can almost get a feel for the devices he is testing. Love the channel
He is the most based of TH-camrs.
That's why He is so successful as a TH-camr.
I always wondered if there was something like this. I even dabbled at trying to DJ once and would have loved a machine like this (was during the height of CDs). Thanks Mat!
I had a set of mark 2 1210s around 98-02, this thing looks absolutely stunning 😍
yup they really do
Great Video! Thank you for this.
I still have a pair along with the associated mixer at the time The Technics MZ1200. As a long time professional working DJ myself playing clubs,bars,mobile even weddings etc continually evolving adapting to the technology at the time Iva had a vast array of equipment including pioneers cdj500s etc at the time I still love the technics DZ1200. Sure they have their quirks but like anything I get used to and work with it regardless. I have Serato loaded onto SD cards in each as slot & they run fine not just as a cd player but as a controller with all functionality of todays best when coupled up with a Pioneer S11.
There are so many modifications and up grades available for these now. I’ve always been a bit of a nostalgic person & still rate these. Build quality is robust and superb. I still enjoy using them. Though I still have my cd collection I find I tend to run them with Serato more often than CDs. Just use them at home now.
Oh man. I remember how i was absolutely stunned by the design back then and i am still.
Completely forgot i wanted it so much, but the price was so out of my range.
The disign still holds true, a real work of art
It looks really good, definitely much more akin to a technics turntable than the Pioneer ones. Must admit, making the “platter“ look like a CD made me laugh though
One of my favourite Techmoan videos so far, what a fascinating device. I never imagined that a CD DJ deck would work so well.
Still use them today I have 4 of them I do have a few set on my channel love them the most reliable cdj I have ever used
I really dig the Candy Apple Blue you threw in there! From someone who is a DJ (and plays synthwave) I really appreciate that.
I've never created music in my life but now I want one of these so damn badly... It looks just so absurdly good!
ableton is waayy cheaper and more effective for making tracks
I have been using Ableton Live for years…
Then I take my DJ setup and mix those songs on stage…
Or atleast I did before the pandemic
I have been a dj for 30 years of my life though and have seen a great deal of gear come and go over that time
I had this choice!
I was coming off vinyl and needed some CD decks and it was these or the CDJ's - I REALLY wanted these as they matched my 1210's - but unfortunately the "club standard" was and still is with pioneer equipment. And considering you were using them at the club - you really needed the same gear to practice on! I have had a good play with these in the past and they were great fun, but i'm glad i went the way I did!
Great video mat, a one close to my heart!
Being involved in the scratch/turntablism scene at the time, I remember there being a lot of hype for the release of this thing. Technics' DJ products weren't always winners, but their turntables were super high quality, performed well, and would last decades if looked after, so a lot of people were excited to add one or two of these to their setup. Unfortunately, the performance was just terrible for scratching, and with key lock on it was basically unusable. Had they really nailed the performance they'd have given Pioneer and Denon a run for their money. I'm surprised they never released a MK2, given that there are mods you can have done to the original that fix several of the main problems, but they just gave up on it.
Yeah it’s a shame. I could’ve imagined it being really competitive by a version 3. Grr Panasonic management
As always, excellent video, not only it managed to keep me completely interested and amused but it also shed some light on the intricacies of the DJ labor. Really, I can't say enough about how good this channel is.
I bought one of these about 5 years ago as they are the best looking CD player. I thought they would become a really collectable bit of history especially with the re-release of the Technics 1210 turntables. But as a DJ (of 30 years) & a user of the CDJ models from Pioneer, This thing was almost impossible to beat match with another player. That was the basic thing wrong with it. No one was really that bothered about the effects or other functions. Compared to pioneer CDJ1000's, it was really sloppy. I thought I could integrate it djing at home but It was useless so I got rid of it. But it's a great looking CD player if that's what you want it for.
when you say it was impossible to beat match, why? Did the pitch not stay constant? I can get the delay when you release would be a PITA (I only played on pioneer CDJ's and even then not for long because they had that too) I'm just thinking, it did have a BPM display and the platter edges were the same as a SL1200.
@@Brascofarian it simply was not accurate.. too flawed..beat matching was better for the pioneer.. unfortunately the Dacs in both were garbage...
@@auggysimcity the pitch?
@@Brascofarian pitch was fine. Touching the platter had lag compared to the pioneer
Beatmixing in the early days I used Denon DN2500F.
Loop sample great dubble deck.
I wasn't scratching.
Now a day djing is buttonpushing.... If you can push a button they called themselfs a dj.
This is the most gorgeous of all the turntables/CDJ//DJ Media players imo. An updated version of this from Technics would be a gamechanger.
Solid song selections all around.
Yet another entire technology I knew almost nothing about, described in your usual, excellent way.
And at 15:30, I feel a sense of camaraderie.
Great review. I love what you do. I hated those things because the sound was full of artifacts ESPECIALLY when scratching. The top of that thing was taped because it wobbled like crazy. I actually had 10 inch vinyl fitted on mine. The sound was the killer for me. It is a beautiful unit but the sound and the platter wobble was a killer.
You are great man.
Great video - always thought you would enjoy this device! A lot of these problems got fixed in firmware updates but by that point it was too late. Technics were already too late to the CDJ party and releasing a device that didn't even perform to the standard of the CDJ1000 they were trying to tempt DJs away from was never going to work.
Awesome review Mat, I can’t wait for DJ Techmoan to cover the Sony MiniDisc one too (MDS-DRE1) - which are also rare, odd, and flopped! ;)
That thing looks like a TON of fun!
I absolutely loved the design of this unit when it came out, but it did not take off on the DJ market. It was a perfect translation, looks wise, of the classic 1210. I love spinning platters, and have never been fan of the Pioneer static wheel.
the technics was static as well!!!!!!!
This is so great looking, and I loved watching you play around with it. In 2004 I was in my sophomore year of college and had just gotten very interested in instrumental hip-hop. I wanted to buy some DJ equipment to have fun with, no real plan but it was very exciting. While researching models, I learned about the upcoming "Numark CDX mp3 cd turntable". It is in many ways exactly the same as this Technics model from the video, but with more features and came out a year earlier. What really set it apart, at the time and I think still, is that the platter is a full 12" vinyl record. A real record, bolted into place, for maximum "authentic feel". You could install any record you wanted onto the CDX (it had no way to play the audio from the record, it was just for aesthetics) and I installed two picture disc records onto mine. I loved that the platter had the same torque as a regular turntable, so many of the CDJ type players had tiny platters that didn't even spin under their own power, let alone replicate a full record. It pretty much had all the same features you showed here, with the other biggest difference being it could play an mp3-cd, giving you a large library to work with. I had a lot of fun playing around with them for a few years, but in 2007 or so I had to face the fact that I was never going to be any kind of DJ. So I managed to sell them for basically exactly what I paid for them 3 years prior. It was the right choice, but damn if they weren't fun to play with, and watching you use this Technics model was very nostalgic. Such cool technology!
I remember when these came out. Very cool looking and worked pretty well, except for the limitations. Granted when they came out, most people weren't using flash drives as 2gb was cost prohibitive for most, and CDs were still the main way to buy pre-recorded music. Technics also made these to visually complement the SL-1200 series. The CD players at the time were quite poor in features and aesthetics comparatively. I think the CDJ 200/300s were pretty common place with the CDJ-800 on it's way out, if not owned by the highest of spenders back then.
Excellent work as always Mr. Moan!
I once watched a DJ in a club re-create Daft Punk's "One More Time" ( within a margin of success ) using one of these sometime around 2008?
Nice! Are you familiar with Netta, the Israeli musician? She became famous from appearing on Eurovision, but she began with looping, which she’s very, very good at. You should check out her channel.
I'm looking forward to buy one of these so I did a bit of research: Many of the issues when the device came out should have been fixed later, but most DJs have already switched to Pioneer (and Denon).
Another thing: The platter shouldn't be useless when switched to CD-Mode, you can use it for quickly adjusting the tempo (pitch bend like the Pioneer CDJ 1000s with a non rotating platter).
However, thank you for creating this very interesting video and keep up the great work!
My older brother used these to make his own mixes as a DJ. If you find this interesting check out the DVD mixers for VJ's or the equipment I have, which is the Korg Entrancer and Kaptivator. I think you would be interested in the way that equipment works in syncing the music bpm to video playback. I did a few shows with my brother using my Korg equipment and a projector in the early 2000's when I was in the Army. I've been a big admirer of your content for years BTW, in fact, you inspired one of my videos, sir.
Great video as usual! I did exclaim in a happy surprise, when at 21:00 I saw the label. It seems this unit was meant for the Hungarian market specifically, or Central European the very least, but the text has the largest type in Hungarian. Quite amusing! (I live in Hungary) This is I think the second time I saw something in a video of yours that was from here :) Thanks again!
My first thought with the reverse was Work it and so was yours then lol
I learned to dj on Numark CDX’s of the same era. Full 12” direct drive vinyl platter CD player for that vinyl feel. They are bad ass. My best friend still has his and I sold him mine so he’s had 4 of them for like 10 years now.
Sony WM-D6C was an amazing walkman! I still have mine from the late 80'ies. Very expensive, very capable, and I've listened for countless hours while commuting. I still have mine, but haven't used it for 20+ years!
I was reading about them the other day. There's a guy called Dr Walkman who apparently tweaks and restores them to perfect working order and the sound quality is said to be on a par with hi-fi stereos, like the much larger tape machines in a stack of separates. It's pretty incredible how much technology Sony could squeeze into a "reporter's Walkman" that wasn't much bigger than the basic consumer models.
Were they the ones used to produce low budget (and sometimes unofficial) live albums?
@@himoffthequakeroatbox4320 not unlikely. I never used it for live recordings, but mixed my own tapes from CDs for commuting.
@@himoffthequakeroatbox4320 I think some of the bootleg tapes I bought as a student were recorded with a potato!
I am so impressed with the technology that's gone into this. It's an amazing piece of equipment.
The platter is going to be a bit more complex than just simply controlling the CD, It's likely not playing from the CD directly but the CD is read into a sizeable buffer which gets topped up/updated from the CD as necessary.
Of course, my thoughts too.
Love your videos for several years. A few months ago started to learn about DJing. And voila - you are making these video! Thank you :)
What a funky machine! Looks fun to play around with, for a while. Also helpful for scanning your CD collection for backwards satanic messages!🤘BTW, nice "shout out" to Facebook! 😅
I’m looking at you Judas Priest!
Always loved the look and feel of these, I have had Technics 1210s since the late 90s and these felt very similar. I already had Pioneer CDJ-500S units by the time this came out, so could never justify buying one, they look really slick though.
I feel like even Panasonic is a shell of what it used to be, it’s just not a brand that is really considered today which is a game because it was one of the go to brands when it came to Viera plasma TVs and home audio back in the early to mid 00’s.
They still produce great OLED TVs if you are lucky enough to live in a market they sell to...
I think the entire (mainstream) hi-fi industry has suffered enormously. If you look at both Sony and Panasonic, all of their real engineering prowess these days is seen only in their professional equipment (broadcast video, etc.).
Sony have also switched their focus to the games market
@@markrowe8824 That’s one thing. They also are huge in cameras (and camera sensors, which they sell to many companies) and professional broadcast gear.
Yea the company was everywhere back in the day .now i think the only thing i got from them are batteries.
I love my vintage 80's Technics gear. They make some great electronics. My gear is 40 years old and still working like new.
I think one problem was the software had very strict DRM control and restricted what could be copied to the SD card on the first version of the firmware and then later a revision changed it.
22 years and I had no idea "What's The Difference" beat was sampled....Damn bro, I love your channel. This player is pretty badass too...I don't even need it but I want it
Hey Techmoan! Check out the Sony MDS-DRE1. It's like a CDJ but with minidiscs. It also has the sample thing and a lot of other unique features like play and record simultaneously. I'm sure you know about it but it would be nice if you could cover it in a video. Cheers!
This would be super useful for creating samples from CD’s. Thank you for sharing and great music taste
Flippin 'eck, this is peak Techmoan!
Only thing missing are the puppets. 😟