Korg handytraxx 1bit Portable Record Player

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Korg PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER handytraxx 1bit. To ensure you get the most out of its features and enjoy it for a long time, please read this manual carefully before use.

About the Notation in this Manual

Main Features

About the Notation in this Manual

• Product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
• Illustrations used in this manual may differ in shape or display from the actual product.
• Symbols used in this manual:
• A: Indicates matters that could prevent correct utilization of performance or functions, requiring caution.
• Note: Indicates matters requiring attention.
• Tip: Provides supplementary information that may be useful.
• All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Main Features

Enjoy Record Playback Anywhere

• Compact and lightweight design. Can be carried with the top cover on and handle.
• Operates on AC adapter or 6 AA batteries.
• Built-in phono equalizer and stereo speakers.

Full-fledged Record Player

• Features a static-balance universal straight tonearm that allows for cartridge replacement.
• Equipped with a heavy-duty aluminum die-cast platter for stable turntable rotation.
• Includes a digital rotation correction function that monitors turntable rotation and controls the motor with a microcomputer to maintain accurate speed.

JICO Cartridge Adopted

• The cartridge, the heart of the turntable, uses a JICO (Nippon Seiki Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) cartridge, highly regarded by music professionals. Enjoy the authentic sound of an MM cartridge.

Phono Equalizer Using Nutube

• The phono equalizer's preamplifier section is equipped with Nutube. The vacuum tube effect adds rich harmonics to the record playback sound, creating a lustrous tone.
• The harmonic effect of the vacuum tube can be adjusted to your preferred sound using the knob.

Built-in 1bit 5.6MHz USB Audio Interface

• With KORG AudioGate 4 (https://www.korg.com/products/audio/audiogate4/), you can save analog record audio as high-quality data files to your computer, up to PCM: 192kHz (24bit) and 1bit: 5.6MHz.
• Audio saved to your computer can be played back on the unit in its original format. By converting to WAV or AAC using AudioGate 4's audio format conversion function, you can listen to record audio on digital audio players or smartphones while on the move.
• For SP records and old LP records, you can apply the digital phono equalizer built into AudioGate 4 without going through RIAA, allowing for playback in the original sound quality.

What is Nutube?

Nutube is a new vacuum tube developed by KORG Inc. and Noritake Itron Corp. by applying fluorescent display tube technology.

Like conventional vacuum tubes, Nutube has an anode-grid-filament structure and operates as a complete triode. It also produces the rich harmonics and response characteristic of vacuum tubes.

If strong impact is applied to this product, high-frequency noise may be output. This is due to the structure of Nutube and is not a malfunction.

About JICO (Nippon Seiki Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.)

A manufacturer that provides high-quality analog-related products such as record needles and cartridges with Japan's outstanding technological capabilities.

Products with meticulous attention to detail maximize the appeal of analog sources and have been evaluated by record enthusiasts in 120 countries worldwide for over 50 years. Embodies timeless "craftsmanship" through precise manufacturing processes and thorough quality control.

About the Included Cartridge

The cartridge installed in the handytraxx 1bit is the JICO J44A 7 IMP SD. Please refer to the instruction manual included with the cartridge for details.

Names of Each Part

Top Panel

1. Platter

2. Record Mat

3. Spindle

4. EP Adapter

5. Counterweight

6. Power Indicator

7. Nutube

8. USB Indicator

9. RPM Switch

10. TUBE Knob

11. TONE Knob

12. MAIN VOLUME Knob

13. STOP/START Switch

14. Headshell

15. Tonearm Lock

16. Tonearm

17. Speaker

Side Panel

1. Headphone Jack (3.5mm stereo mini-jack, unbalanced): Connect headphones.

2. MODE Switch: Selects the audio output source. Set to ANALOG to output sound from the OUTPUT terminals, speaker, or headphones. Set to USB to output sound from the connected computer.

3. ANALOG OUTPUT Switch: When the MODE switch is set to ANALOG, set this switch appropriately according to the connection destination of the OUTPUT terminals. Set to LINE when connecting to the line input terminals of audio equipment. Set to PHONO when connecting to the phono input terminals of an audio amplifier.

4. OUTPUT Terminals (RCA pin jacks): Connect to powered monitor speakers, stereo amplifiers, etc.

5. SPEAKER Switch: Set to ON to use the built-in speakers, and OFF when not using the speakers.

6. USB Terminal (USB Type-B): Connect the unit to your computer using a commercial USB cable when recording records on your computer.

7. DC 5V IN Power Terminal (USB Type-C): Connect the supplied AC adapter.

8. Power Button: Press and hold the button to turn the power on or off.

Preparation

Assembly

Some assembly is required before using this unit for the first time. The parts required for assembly are as follows:

1. Main Unit

2. Headshell (with cartridge attached)

3. Tonearm

4. Counterweight

5. Record Mat

6. Platter

7. Belt

8. EP Adapter

Do not connect the AC adapter until assembly is complete.

Assembly Steps

1. Attach the platter to the unit's spindle.
2. Attach the belt to the motor pulley. Align the platter's opening with the motor pulley, and attach the belt to the motor pulley while pulling the belt up with the supplied red ribbon (see diagram). Ensure the belt is not twisted when attaching it to the motor pulley. Remove the red ribbon.
3. Ensure the cartridge is attached and then attach the headshell to the tip of the tonearm.
4. Attach the counterweight to the tonearm.
5. Place the record mat on the platter.

Using the Dust Cover

Hook the rear claws of the dust cover into the rear groove of the top panel, lower it forward, and slide the front buckle of the dust cover to lock it.

To remove, slide the buckle to release the lock, open the dust cover by tilting it backward, and detach the cover's claws from the groove.

Setup

• Place the unit on a flat surface.
• Do not place it next to speakers or other devices that may be affected by vibration or sound pressure.
• Placing the unit next to a radio may pick up static electricity.
• Placing the unit near radio equipment may cause radio interference. Placing it near devices that emit strong radio waves (such as mobile phones) may cause noise.

Moving the Unit

When changing the installation location or carrying the unit, pay attention to the following points:

• When moving the unit within a room, attach the platter stopper (black rubber cap) to the spindle and carry it as horizontally as possible.
• When transporting, remove the platter, counterweight, and headshell (with cartridge) and pack them individually for transport.

Stylus Pressure Adjustment

1. Turn the counterweight to adjust the tonearm so that it is horizontal.
2. Turn the scale ring of the counterweight freely to align it with 0.
3. Turn the counterweight to the left to set the appropriate stylus pressure for the cartridge. For the supplied cartridge, set the stylus pressure to 1.5g to 3.0g.

AC Adapter Assembly

Attaching the AC Adapter Plug

Attach the exchangeable plug for the AC adapter according to the type of outlet you will be using.

1. Align the groove on the contact part of the AC adapter and insert the exchangeable plug.
2. Slide the exchangeable plug until it clicks into place.

Removing the AC Adapter Exchangeable Plug

1. Press the lock button on the AC adapter and slide the exchangeable plug.
2. Once it cannot be slid further, the exchangeable plug can be removed.

Connections

Connect headphones, audio amplifier, amplifier-equipped speakers, or other playback devices. Connect to a computer.

Connect the supplied AC adapter.

Connecting the AC Adapter

Connect the supplied AC adapter to the DC 5V IN terminal (USB TYPE-C) and plug the AC adapter into an outlet.

Always use the supplied AC adapter. Using other AC adapters may cause malfunctions.

Always use AC100V for power.

Connecting Audio Cables

When connecting headphones, connect them to the headphone jack. The audio output from the headphone jack is the same as the audio output from the speakers (output passing through MAIN VOLUME, phono equalizer, and tone circuits).

When connecting to an audio amplifier or amplifier-equipped speakers, connect to the OUTPUT terminals.

When connecting the unit's OUTPUT terminals to the line input terminals of audio equipment, set the ANALOG OUTPUT switch to LINE (output passing through MAIN VOLUME, phono equalizer, and tone circuits).

When connecting to the phono input terminals of an audio amplifier, set the ANALOG OUTPUT switch to PHONO.

Connecting a Computer

When recording on a computer, connect the unit to your computer using a commercial USB cable. You can digitize record audio using audio recording software. When using the built-in 1bit 5.6 MHz compatible USB audio interface, set the MODE switch to USB.

Inserting Batteries

Unscrew the battery compartment on the bottom, open the cover, and insert the batteries, paying attention to polarity. When operating on batteries, if the power indicator flashes, the battery level is low, so replace the batteries.

Batteries are not included. Please purchase separately.

Replace batteries with the power turned off.

Remove used batteries from the unit immediately. Leaving batteries in may cause malfunctions (e.g., battery leakage). Also, remove the batteries if you do not plan to use the unit for a long period.

Do not mix new and used batteries, or batteries of different types.

Even if batteries are inserted, the unit will operate from the AC adapter when it is connected.

Operation

Playing Records

Adjusting Tone

Playing Records

1. Turn on the power. Press the power button to turn on the power indicator. To turn off the power, press and hold the power button.
2. Place the record on the turntable. Insert the spindle into the center hole of the record. When using EP records (singles), attach the supplied EP adapter to the spindle before placing the record on the turntable.
3. Set the rotation speed using the RPM switch according to the record you are playing.
4. Set the speaker on/off. To output sound from the built-in speakers, set the SPEAKER switch on the side panel to ON. If you do not want to output sound from the built-in speakers, set the switch to OFF and play through the headphone jack or OUTPUT terminals.
5. Release the tonearm lock. Release the lock that secures the tonearm.
6. Set the STOP/START switch to START and rotate the turntable.
7. Hold the finger lift of the headshell and place the stylus on the record. The record will start playing.
8. Adjust the volume with the MAIN VOLUME knob. Turning it to the right increases the volume. The MAIN VOLUME knob affects all outputs from the speakers, headphone jack, and OUTPUT terminals.

When outputting playback sound from the connected device at the OUTPUT terminals, set the OUTPUT switch appropriately according to the connected device.

Auto Power Off Function

This unit automatically turns off the power if no operation is performed for 20 minutes while the turntable is stopped.

Adjusting Tone

TONE Adjustment

Adjust to your preferred tone using the BASS and TREBLE knobs.

• BASS Knob: Turning to the right boosts bass, turning to the left reduces it.
• TREBLE Knob: Turning to the right boosts treble, turning to the left reduces it.

TUBE Effect Adjustment

Adjust the effect of the vacuum tube (Nutube) adding harmonics with the TUBE knob.

• TUBE Knob: Adjusts the tonal effect of the vacuum tube (Nutube). Turning to the right increases the effect, turning to the left decreases it.

Recording to a Computer

When recording records on a computer, connect the unit to your computer using a commercial USB cable.

With KORG AudioGate 4, you can save analog record audio as high-quality data files to your computer, up to PCM: 192kHz (24bit) and 1bit: 5.6MHz.

Before Connecting the Unit

To use the unit with Windows (ASIO), driver settings are required. For smooth setup, do not connect the unit to your computer before installing the drivers. Please read "Downloading and Installing Drivers" carefully, download and install the Setup program, then connect the unit to your computer.

The built-in 1bit 5.6MHz compatible USB audio interface is recognized by the computer as "DS-DAC-10R". The instructions for driver installation and subsequent steps assume the connection of DS-DAC-10R.

Downloading and Installing Drivers

For Windows

ASIO Driver / AudioGate Installation Preparation

Install the ASIO driver and AudioGate using the KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup program.

Do not connect the unit to your computer before completing the driver installation. If it is already connected, disconnect it, complete the driver installation, and then reconnect.

1. Access the AudioGate 4 download page: http://www.korg.com/products/audio/audiogate4/download.php
2. Press the download button for Windows for "AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup" to download the Setup file.
3. Extract the downloaded ZIP file, run Setup within the "KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup" folder, and display the KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup panel.
4. Click "Install DS-DAC-10R Driver" to install the ASIO driver. ASIO Driver Installation
5. To continue installing AudioGate, click "Install AudioGate" on the KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup panel. Read "About AudioGate Activation" displayed during installation carefully and complete the installation.
6. Click "Exit" to close the Setup program. If you need to record with software other than AudioGate, you will need the DS-DAC-10R Setting Tool to set the input level. Click "Install DS-DAC-10R Setting Tool" to install it.

ASIO Driver Installation

Do not connect the unit to your computer before completing the driver installation. If it is already connected, disconnect it and reconnect after completing the driver installation.

The installation screen displayed on your computer may vary slightly depending on the Windows version and environment, but the procedure is the same. This explanation uses a standard Windows 11 screen. If a dialog asking whether to install or not appears during installation, click "Install".

1. Click "Install DS-DAC-10R Driver" on the downloaded KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup panel to launch the installer.
2. A language selection dialog will appear. Select "Japanese" and click "Next (N) >".

KORG 2ch 1bit Audio Driver - Control Panel Settings

Display all control panel items from the Windows Start menu, and click "KORG 2ch 1bit Audio Driver" to display the control panel shown below.

Buffer Size

Select the buffer size. Moving the slider to the left reduces the size, and moving it to the right increases it.

Increasing the buffer size increases the delay (latency) between the direct sound and the monitor sound, but allows for safe recording without noise.

For record recording, it is usually recommended to set it to the maximum.

Sampling Rate

Set the sampling frequency when using WDM (WASAPI/Direct Sound). Select from 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz.

For Mac

Install AudioGate using the KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup program.

No driver installation is required when using this unit with a Mac.

AudioGate Installation

1. Access the AudioGate 4 download page: http://www.korg.com/products/audio/audiogate4/download.php
2. Press the download button for Mac for "AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup" to download the Setup file.
3. Extract the dmg file, run Setup within the "KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup" folder, and display the KORG AudioGate and USB Audio Device Setup panel.
4. Click "Install AudioGate". Read "About AudioGate Activation" displayed during installation carefully and complete the installation.
5. Click "Exit" to close the Setup program. If you need to record with software other than AudioGate, you will need the DS-DAC-10R Setting Tool to set the input level. Click "Install DS-DAC-10R Setting Tool" to install it.

Sampling frequency changes can be made from AudioGate or Mac's Audio MIDI Setup.

Recording Record Playback Sound

Let's try recording record playback sound using AudioGate installed on your computer.

DSD Recording (Recording with AudioGate)

1. Connect the computer and the unit with a USB cable.
2. Switch the unit's MODE switch to USB.
3. Launch AudioGate.
4. Set up for DSD native playback. Select "KORG 2ch 1bit Audio Device" as the "Input Device Name". The recorded file will be stereo, and the sampling frequency will be the value displayed at the top of AudioGate.
5. Click the Rec Setting button to display the recording settings.

6. Click "Input Type" and select "Line" or "Phono". If "Line" is selected, the sound recorded will be the same as when playing through the unit's speakers, using the built-in phono amplifier, with the built-in phono equalizer (RIAA) applied and tone adjustments via the TUBE knob and TONE knob effective. If "Phono" is selected, the sound without the built-in phono amplifier will be recorded, and you will need to apply the phono equalizer in AudioGate.
7. Set the type of phono equalizer for recording. If "Line" was selected in step 6, the phono equalizer is already applied, so set it to "Off". If "Phono" was selected in step 6, there are two methods: recording with the phono equalizer set to "On", or recording with it set to "Off" and applying the phono equalizer during playback. The following cases are recommended for applying the phono equalizer during playback: When the type of phono equalizer used during the cutting of analog records is unknown (allows comparison of phono equalizers while playing). When you want to reduce the processing load on the computer during recording.

8. General EP/LP records are recorded with an RIAA curve.

   For SP records, if the built-in SP curve in AudioGate does not sound right, adjust to the appropriate sound quality by using the built-in RIAA phono equalizer and adjusting with TONE.

9. Click "DSD Recording File Format" and select "DSDIFF", "DSF", or "WSD".
10. Click the OK button to close the recording settings.
11. Click the Input Monitor button in AudioGate.
12. Play a record on the unit and adjust the input level slider so that the clip indicator on AudioGate's level meter does not light up.

Record sound has large volume fluctuations, so it is advisable to set the playback volume so that the average volume is around -6dB.

The setting of the MAIN VOLUME knob does not affect the recorded volume.

12. Click the recording button [●] in AudioGate to start recording.
13. Click the stop button [■] to end recording.

For details, please refer to the AudioGate 4 instruction manual.

Appendix

Cartridge and Stylus Replacement

If You Think It Might Be a Malfunction

Cartridge and Stylus Replacement

Cleaning the Stylus Tip

Remove dust and dirt adhering to the stylus tip with a commercially available cleaning brush. When cleaning with a brush, move the brush from the base of the stylus towards the tip.

About Cartridge and Stylus Replacement

• If the stylus tip of the cartridge wears out, sound quality may deteriorate, or records may be damaged.
• For information on replacing the cartridge or stylus, please contact the customer support center.

If You Think It Might Be a Malfunction

No Power

• Is the AC adapter disconnected from the outlet? Please plug the AC adapter into the outlet.
• If operating on batteries, is the battery level low? The power indicator flashes when the battery is low. Replace the batteries.

Platter Not Rotating

• Has the belt come off the platter? Please attach the belt correctly to the platter.
• Is the belt attached to the motor pulley? Check if the belt is correctly attached to the motor pulley.
• Has the belt broken? Replace the belt with a new one.

No Sound, or Low Volume / Distorted or Loud Sound

• Are the function settings or input selections of connected equipment such as amplifiers incorrect? Check if the connected equipment settings are appropriate.
• Is the MAIN VOLUME knob set to the minimum?
• If there is no sound from the speakers, is the SPEAKER switch set to OFF?
• Is the stylus correctly attached to the cartridge body? Check the cartridge and adjust the stylus attachment.
• Check the MODE switch setting (ANALOG/USB). If the MODE switch is set to ANALOG, also check the ANALOG OUTPUT switch setting.
• Is the ANALOG OUTPUT switch set to the wrong position? Ensure it is set correctly according to the amplifier's input. If there is no sound or the volume is low, the unit may be set to "PHONO" and connected to the AUX/LINE input of the amplifier. If the volume is too high or distorted, the unit may be set to "LINE" and connected to the PHONO input of the connected equipment.
• Is there dust on the cartridge stylus tip? If there is dust, remove it with a commercially available cleaning brush.
• Is the cartridge stylus tip damaged? If the stylus tip is damaged, replace the stylus.

Skipping

• Is the record warped? Check the record.
• Are there scratches on the record? Check the record.
• Is the unit placed on an unstable surface? Check if the installation location is appropriate.
• Is the stylus pressure adjusted correctly? Set the correct stylus pressure.
• Is there dust on the cartridge stylus tip? If there is dust, remove it with a commercially available cleaning brush.
• Is the cartridge stylus tip damaged? If the stylus tip is damaged, replace the stylus.

Howling Occurs

• Is the unit picking up excessive vibration from the floor, walls, or nearby speakers? Reduce vibration or place the unit in a location unaffected by vibration.
• Is the unit placed on an unstable surface? Check if the installation location is appropriate.
• If the BASS, TREBLE, and MAIN VOLUME knobs are all set to maximum, the unit may vibrate and cause howling, so adjust them appropriately.
• Some records may cause howling due to high volume. In such cases, lower the volume until the howling stops.

Noise in Record Playback Sound

• Is there dust on the cartridge stylus tip? If there is dust, remove it with a commercially available cleaning brush.
• Are there scratches on the record? Check the record.

Playback Speed Too Fast or Too Slow

• Is the unit's rotation speed setting incorrect? Select the correct rotation speed for the type of record being played using the RPM switch.

Playback Speed Slows Down or Rotation is Uneven

• Has the belt stretched? Replace the belt with a new one.

Distorted Sound from Speakers

• Distortion may occur if the output from the speakers is too high. Adjust the volume using the BASS, TREBLE, and MAIN VOLUME knobs.

Specifications

Drive System

Belt Drive System (with Digital Rotation Correction Function)

Drive Motor

DC Servo Motor

Rotation Speeds

33-1/3, 45, 78 rpm

Platter

Aluminum Die-Cast

Wow and Flutter

<0.15% WTD at 3 kHz

S/N Ratio

> 60 dB DIN-B (TUBE knob at minimum)

Cartridge Type

MM Type Stereo Cartridge

Stylus Pressure: 1.5 - 3.0g

For information on other cartridges, please refer to the following website: https://jico.online/2024/12/03/handytraxx/

Effective Tonearm Length (Distance from tonearm center to stylus tip): 190 mm

Output Level

• PHONO: 420 - 750 mV at 1 KHz (TUBE knob at minimum)
• LINE: +14.75dBu (4.24Vrms) THD 1% or less
• Headphone: 70mW (1.5Vrms) @32Ω THD 1% or less
• Speaker: 2.5W @ 4Ω x2 THD 1% or less

PHONO Preamp

• Gain: 38dB
• Equalizer Characteristic: RIAA

Tone Controls

• BASS Knob: 130Hz, ±8dB
• TREBLE Knob: 5.5kHz, ±8dB

TUBE Control

• Gain: 0-6dB

USB Audio

• DSD: 2.8224MHz / 5.6448MHz, 1bit
• PCM: 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz, 16bit / 24bit

Power

AC Adapter, 6 AA Batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH)

Battery Life

Approx. 11 hours (Speaker: ON, MAIN VOLUME/TUBE: center, using alkaline batteries)

Battery life varies depending on the volume of the record being played and the speaker volume.

Power Consumption

2.35 W (No-load power consumption: 0.1 W, at 230 V)

External Dimensions

370 x 286 x 118 mm (including dust cover and protrusions)

Mass

2.8 kg (including dust cover, excluding batteries)

Accessories

Quick Start Guide, AC Adapter (USB Type-C cable attached), AC Adapter Replacement Plugs (5 types), Dust Cover, Platter, Belt, Record Mat, EP Adapter, Headshell, Cartridge (attached to headshell), Counterweight, Platter Stopper

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for improvement.