Technics SL-1200M7B Direct Drive Turntable System

Music is borderless and timeless, touching people’s hearts across cultures and generations.
Each day the discovery of a truly emotive experience from an unencountered sound awaits.
Let us take you on your journey to rediscover music.

Delivering the Ultimate Emotive Musical Experience to All

At Technics we understand that the listening experience is not purely about technology but the magical and emotional relationship between people and music.
We want people to experience music as it was originally intended and enable them to feel the emotional impact that enthuses and delights them.
Through delivering this experience we want to support the development and enjoyment of the world’s many musical cultures. This is our philosophy.
With a combination of our love of music and the vast high-end audio experience of the Technics team, we stand committed to building a brand that provides the ultimate emotive musical experience by music lovers, for music lovers.
Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this product. Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future use.

• About descriptions in these operating instructions
  • Pages to be referred to are indicated as “(⇒ 00)”.
  • The illustrations shown may differ from your unit. Sales and Support Information
    Customer Communications Centre
• For customers within the UK: 0333 222 8777
• For customers within Ireland: 01 447 5229
• Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, (Excluding public holidays).
• For further support on your product, please visit our website: www.technics.com/uk/

Features

Coreless direct drive motor for high torque and reliability

• The newly developed coreless direct drive motor can reduce minute vibration during rotation while maintaining high torque.
• The high-precision motor control technology switches the drive mode depending on the operational status of the motor and thus enables high torque and stability.
• The digital control method improves tracking and accuracy, allowing for accurate and stable pitch control.

High-precision bearings for highly sensitive tonearm

• The machine-cut, high-precision bearing used in the tonearm bearing with gimbal suspension allows for improved tracking, making skating less likely even during the most intense performances.

Vibration-cutting highly rigid cabinet and high-damping insulator

• This unit is designed to not only deliver high-quality sound and high feedback resistance but also to efficiently cut off external vibration in very loud environments.

Functions to deliver a wide range of performances

• Allows for torque and brake speed adjustment.
• Allows for reverse playback.
• Allows the user to select from two LED lamp colours depending on uthe ser’s preference or the environment.

Safety precautions

Warning 

Unit 

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
  • Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
  • Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on this unit.
  • Use only the recommended accessories.
  • Do not remove covers.
  • Do not repair this unit by yourself.
  • Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
  • Do not let metal objects fall inside this unit.
  • Do not place heavy items on this unit.

AC mains lead 

• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
  • Ensure that the power supply voltage corresponds to the voltage printed on this unit.
  • Insert the mains plug fully into the socket outlet.
  • Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on the lead.
  • Do not handle the plug with wet hands.
  • Hold onto the mains plug body when disconnecting the plug.
  • Do not use a damaged mains plug or socket outlet.
• The main plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the mains plug can be unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.
• Ensure the earth pin on the mains plug is securely connected to prevent electrical shock.
  • An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a main socket outlet with a protective earth connection.

Caution 

Unit 

• Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.
• This unit may receive radio interference caused by mobile telephones during use.
  If such interference occurs, please increase separation between this unit and the mobile telephone.
• This unit is intended for use in moderate and tropical climates.
• Do not put any objects on this unit.
  This unit becomes hot while it is on.

Placement 

• Place this unit on an even surface.
• To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,
  • Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in cabinet or in another confined space.
    Ensure this unit is well ventilated.
  • Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and similar items.
  • Do not expose this unit to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, and excessive vibration.
• Ensure that the placement location is sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of this unit (⇒ 23).
• Do not lift or carry this unit by holding the knobs. Doing so may cause this unit to fall, resulting in personal injury or malfunction of this unit.
• Keep any IC card or magnetic card such as a credit card away from the turntable.
  • Otherwise, the IC card or magnetic card may become unusable due to the magnetic effect.

Disposal of Old Equipment
Only for the European Union and countries with recycling systems

These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used electrical and electronic products must not be mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products, please take them to applicable collection points in accordance with your national legislation.
By disposing of them correctly, you will help to save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment.
For more information about collection and recycling, please contact your local municipality. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.

Accessories

In order to prevent damage during shipping some of the equipment has been disassembled. Please check and identify the supplied accessories. (Some accessories parts are supplied in a bag.)

• The model numbers of the accessories are as of May 2024.
  They are subject to change without notice.
• Keep the packaging materials after taking out the goods.
  You will need them when carrying the product over long distances.
• Follow the local regulations when disposing of the product.
• Do not use any other AC mains lead, PHONO cable and PHONO earth lead except the supplied one.
• Keep the cartridge, nuts, screws and washers out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

Parts Name

Numbers such as (⇒ 00) indicate reference pages.

Putting the player together

Attaching the cartridge 

Attention 

When performing scratching (including reverse play), use a cartridge and stylus for DJs.

Attach a cartridge (store-bought) tentatively. Follow the cartridge’s instructions to correctly attach it to the head shell, and tighten the screws lightly.

• If the mounting screws are included in the cartridge, use them.
• When playing SP records, use a cartridge for SP records.
• Use a commercially available mini-flat screwdriver (4 mm).
• Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.

Adjust the overhang.

• Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
• Move the cartridge to adjust the overhang in such a way that the stylus tip is at 52 mm from the headshell mounting end, as shown in the figure below.

The cartridge should be parallel on the shell head when viewed from the top and side (the illustration is the top view).

Tighten the screw for a cartridge.

• Be careful not to allow the cartridge to slip out of place.

Note

• The headshell stand (⇒ 8) can be used to store the headshell with the cartridge attached or to store the headshell temporarily removed to replace the cartridge and the like. It allows you to prevent cartridge and/or stylus failure or trouble due to headshell overturning.
• Depending on the cartridge type, attaching the dust cover (⇒ 13) when the headshell is stored in the headshell stand with the cartridge attached may cause the dust cover to touch and break the cartridge. Be sure the headshell is not stored in the headshell stand when attaching the dust cover.

Attaching the headshell

Fit the headshell with the cartridge into the tone arm. Keep the headshell horizontal and tighten the locking nut.

• Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.

In order to prevent damage during shipping, some of the equipment has been disassembled. Put the player together in the following order.

Attention

• Before setting up, put on the stylus guard to protect the stylus tip, return the tone arm to the armrest and fix it with the arm clamp.
• Do not connect the AC mains lead until set up is complete.
• When fitting the turntable, prevent foreign material from getting in between the main unit and the turntable.
• Do not touch or scratch the board.

Before fitting the turntable

Remove the magnet cover from the turntable.

• There is a magnet and its cover on the back side of the turntable. Remove the magnet cover before fitting to the main unit.

Attention

• Keep any magnetic-sensitive object such as a magnetic card and watch away from the magnet.
• Prevent the turntable from hitting the main unit or falling off. Prevent dust or iron powder from adhering to the magnet on the backside.
• Do not touch the fixing screws (three locations) of the turntable. The rating performance cannot be guaranteed if they are out of position.

Fitting the turntable

Slowly set the turntable on the centre spindle.

Attention

• Be careful when handling the turntable, as it is heavy.
• Keep your fingers from being caught.
• Wipe off fingerprints or dirt with a soft cloth.

Fitting the slipmat

Lay the slipmat and slip sheet on the turntable.

• A record on the rotating turntable can be stopped manually as well as rotated in reverse.
• Laying a slip sheet on the turntable changes the slip-cueing feel.

Attention

• When performing scratching (including reverse play), use a cartridge and stylus for DJs.

Attaching the balanced weight

Attach the balance weight to the rear of the tonearm.

The inside of the balance weight is greased.

To remove the turntable

As shown in the figure on the right, set your fingers in the two holes on the turntable, hold the center spindle down, and remove the turntable upward.

Connections and installation

• Turn off all units and disconnect the AC mains lead from the socket before making any connections.
• Connect the AC mains lead only after all other connections are completed.
• Be sure to connect the PHONO earth lead. Otherwise mains hum may occur.
• Refer also to the instruction manual of the connected device.

Connect the PHONO cable and PHONO earth lead to the PHONO input terminals of the connected equipment.

• You will not have adequate volume or sound quality if the connected amplifier has no PHONO input terminals.

Connect the AC mains lead.

• Confirm the wattage of the AC outlet on the connected equipment before using it for this unit. For the power consumption of this unit, see the specifications. (⇒ 23)

Connecting to a pre-main amplifier or component system / Connecting to a mixer

Attention

• Tighten the PHONO earth terminal using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Note

• The operation switch does not separate the entire unit from the mains even if in the “OFF“ position. Remove the plug from the main socket if you will not be using the unit for an extended period of time. Place the unit so that the plug can be easily removed.

Installation

Install the unit on a horizontal surface protected from vibrations.
Keep this unit as far as possible from speakers.

Adjusting the height to make the unit horizontal

Raise the main unit to turn the insulators and adjust the height.

• Clockwise: Reduces the height.
• Anti-clockwise: Increases the height.

Attention

• Do not turn the insulators too far. Doing so may cause them to come off or damage them.

Fit the dust cover

While holding the dust cover from both sides, put it in place by aligning its four corners with the four corners of the unit.

• When removing, lift the dust cover straight up.

Attention

• Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp before you attach or detach the dust cover.
• Remove the dust cover while playing.
• Be sure the stylus light (⇒ 19) is pressed down when attaching the dust cover. If the dust cover is attached with the stylus light raised, it may touch the dust cover.

Notes for installation

• Before you move the unit, turn the unit off, pull out the power plug and disconnect all connected devices.
• Ensure the unit is not exposed to direct sunlight, dust, humidity, and heat from a heating appliance.
• This unit may pick up interference from a radio if there is one nearby. Keep the unit as far as possible from a radio.
• Do not install the unit on a heat source.
• Avoid a place with large temperature variations.
• Avoid a place with frequent condensation.
• Avoid an unstable place.
• Do not put an object on the unit.
• Do not install the unit in a confined space such as a book shelf.
• Install the unit at a position well away from walls or other devices to ensure effective heat radiation from the inside of the unit.
• Make sure the installation location is sufficiently strong to withstand the total weight of the unit and system. (⇒ 23)
• Note that the unit may be damaged by cigarette smoke or moisture from an ultrasonic humidifier.
• Condensation
  Think of taking out a cold bottle from a refrigerator. If you leave it in a room for a while, dewdrops will form on the bottle surface. This phenomenon is called “condensation“.
• Conditions causing condensation
  • Rapid temperature change (caused by moving from a warm place to a cold place or vice versa, rapid cooling or heating, or direct exposure to cooled air)
  • High humidity in a room with much steam, etc.
  • Rainy season
• Condensation may damage the unit. If it has occurred, turn the unit off and leave it until it adapts to the ambient temperature (approximately 2 to 3 hours).

Adjustment

Horizontal balance

Preparation

• Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp.
• Lower the cue lever.
• Turn the anti-skating control to “0”.

Free the tone arm from the arm rest and adjust horizontal balance by turning the balance weight. Hold the tone arm and turn the balance weight in the arrow direction to adjust the balance until the arm is approximately horizontal.

Stylus pressure

Preparation

Return the tone arm to the armrest and fix it with the arm clamp.

Turn the stylus pressure control until “0“ comes to the center line of the rear of the tonearm.

Note
Refer to the user’s guide for your stylus for the appropriate stylus pressure.

Turn the balance weight to adjust to the appropriate stylus pressure for the cartridge.

• The stylus pressure control will turn together with the balance weight.
• Turn until the centre line points to the appropriate stylus pressure.

Anti-skating

Turn the anti-skating control to adjust it to the same value as the stylus pressure control.

Note

• For stylus pressures 3 g and above, adjust the anti-skating control to “3”.
• When performing scratching (including reverse play), adjust the anti-skating control depending on the scratch movements to perform to reduce skating.

Tonearm height

Make this adjustment only if the cartridge you are using makes it necessary.

Preparation

• Put a record on the turntable.

Release the arm lock.

Adjust the height with the arm-height control ring.
Adjust the arm height until the tone arm becomes parallel to the record.

1. Use the chart below as reference to find the appropriate position mark for the height of your cartridge.
   (For supplied head shell)

Note
When performing scratching (including reverse play), adjust the arm-height control ring depending on the scratch movements to perform to reduce skating.

When you don’t know the cartridge height (H) or when you don’t use the supplied headshell

Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp. Lower the cue lever, rest the stylus on the record and adjust the height control until the tone arm and record are parallel.

• If the cartridge height (H) is too small to make them parallel to each other, add a “cartridge spacer” (not supplied).

After the arm height adjustment is finished, lock the tonearm by turning the arm lock knob.

• Be sure to turn the arm lock knob to the end as shown in the figure below. You may need to apply some force to do so.

 

Attention

• Be careful not to damage the stylus tip.
• Do not use the product with the arm lock released.
• For finer adjustment, use a level (not included) to adjust the arm height so that the cartridge becomes parallel to a record.

Armlift height

Make an adjustment according to your cartridge if necessary.

Preparation

• Put a record on the turntable.
• Remove the stylus cover, taking care not to damage the stylus, then release the arm clamp.
• Lift the cue lever and move the tone arm over the record.

Check the arm lift height (distance between the stylus tip and the record surface). If adjustment is needed, go to step 2 .

• The armlift height is factory-adjusted to 8 to 13 mm.

Return the tone arm to the armrest, clamp it with the arm clamp,a nd while pressing the arm lift down with your finger, turn the screw to adjust the height.

• Turning the screw clockwise lowers the adjust the torque.
• Turning the screw anti-clockwise raises the arm lift.

Operation settings

Allows for LED color setting, reverse playback setting, 78 rpm set, torque setting, and brake setting.

1. Turn the unit off and pull out the power plug.
2. Adjust as desired by setting the switches with a fine Phillips head screwdriver and the like.

Playing records

Preparation

1. Put a record (not included) on the turntable.
2. Take off the stylus cover and release the arm clamp.

Turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit on.
The strobe light comes on. 33-1/3 rpm is automatically selected and the indicator [33] lights.

Press [START-STOP].

The turntable starts revolving.
Attention

Do not press [START-STOP] when the turntable is removed.

If you have accidentally pressed [START-STOP]

• The indicator of the speed select button ([33] or [45]) starts blinking.
• If it is blinking, turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit off, fit the turntable and then turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit on.

Press [RESET] to light the pitch control RESET LED lamp.
The unit plays at a preset pitch (33-1/3, 45 or 78 rpm) regardless of the [PITCH ADJ] position.

Lift the cue lever and move the tone arm over the record.

Lower the cue lever slowly.
The tonearm moves down slowly.

To play in reverse

• Enable reverse playback with the Reverse playback setting (⇒ 17).
• Simultaneously press the turntable speed select button or buttons ([33], [45] or [33] and [45]) and [START-STOP] while the turntable is rotating.
• Reverse playback starts at the turntable speed selected by pressing the speed select button or buttons.
• To return to normal playback, press [START-STOP] again while pressing the turntable speed select button or buttons.
• Pressing [START-STOP] again after pressing [START-STOP] during reverse playback starts normal playback.
• Simultaneously pressing the turntable speed select button or buttons and [START-STOP] with the turntable stopped starts reverse playback.

To temporarily stop play
Lift the cue lever.

• The stylus lifts off the record.
• To start play again, lower the cue lever.

When play finishes

• Lift the cue lever, return the tone arm to the armrest ,and lower the cue lever.
• Press [START-STOP]. The electronic brake gently stops the turntable.
• Turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit off.
• Clamp the tonearm with the arm clamp.
• Put the stylus cover back on (to protect the stylus tip).

 To light up the stylus
The stylus tip is illuminated during play.

Press the stylus light.

• The stylus light (white LED) rises up and illuminates the stylus.
• Press down the stylus light to turn off the light.

When playing EP records

• Press the speed select button [45] ([45] lights).
• Fit the EP record adaptor over the center spindle.

 When playing SP (78 rpm) records

• Enable 78 rpm with the 78 rpm setting (⇒ 17).
• Press the speed select buttons [33] and [45] at the same time (78 rpm: [33] and [45] light).

When using a record stabilizer (not included)

• See the instruction manual of the record stabilizer.
• Maximum weight: 1 kg

Pitch control (fine adjustment to pitch)

Press [RESET] to turn off the RESET LED lamp.

Press the pitch range select button to select the pitch range.

• [×2] light on: ±16 %
• [×2] light off: ±8 %

While the turntable is revolving Slide [PITCH ADJ].

• Pitch can be adjusted between approx. –8 % and +8 % or approx. –16 % and +16 % according to your selection.
• The numbers represent approximate percentages for your adjustment.

 

To reset pitch to the preset value Press [RESET].

The RESET LED lamp lights and the pitch immediately returns to a preset value regardless of the [PITCH ADJ] position. (33-1/3, 45 or 78 rpm)

• RESET LED on: Fixed to the preset value.
• RESET LED off: Can be adjusted with [PITCH ADJ].

To measure pitch
The four rows of strobe mirrors around the edge of the turntable can assist you in measuring pitch.

Attention
The strobe mirrors are lit by the strobe light (LED lighting) synchronized with the precise frequency of the digital control. Always use this LED lighting to measure the pitch.

Maintenance

Care of the parts

Thoroughly clean dust off the stylus and record.

• Take off the head shell with the cartridge and clean the stylus using a soft brush. Brush from the base to the tip.
• Use a record cleaner to keep your records clean.

Wipe the headshell terminals occasionally. Wipe the headshell terminals with a soft cloth and fit the headshell to the tonearm.
Turn the amplifier volume down or turn the amplifier off before fitting or removing the headshell.
Damage to your speakers can occur if the headshell is moved while the volume is turned up.

Cleaning the dust cover and cabinet

Wipe the dust cover and cabinet with a soft cloth.
Do not touch the board while cleaning. Otherwise, the player may fail.
When dirt is heavy, wring a wet cloth tightly to wipe the dirt, and then wipe it with a soft cloth.

• Do not use solvents including benzene, thinner, alcohol, kitchen detergent, a chemical wiper, etc. This might cause the exterior case to be deformed or the coating to come off.
• Do not wipe the dust cover when it is in place. Doing so may cause the tonearm to be attracted towards the dust cover as a result of the generated static electricity. Be sure the dust cover is removed while playing a record.

Moving the unit

Repackage the unit in the packaging it came in.
Keep the packaging materials after taking out the goods. If you no longer have the packaging, do the following:

• Take off the turntable and slipmat and carefully wrap them.
• Remove the head shell and balance weightfrom the tone arm and carefully wrap them.
• Clamp the tone arm with the arm clamp and tape it in place.
• Carefully wrap the main unit in a blanket or paper.

WEEE symbol

Troubleshooting guide

Before requesting service, make the below checks. If you are in doubt about some of the checkpoints, or if the remedies indicated in the chart do not solve the problem, contact your dealer.

Specifications

General
Power supply	AC 110 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption	8.0 W (Power ON) Approx. 0.2 W (Power OFF)
Dimensions (W×H×D)	453 x 169 x 353 mm
Mass	Approx. 9.6 kg
Operating temperature range	0 °C to +40 °C
Operating humidity range	35 % to 80 % RH (no condensation)
Turntable section
Type	Direct drive manual
	turntable
Drive method	Direct drive
Motor	Brushless DC motor
Turntable platter	Aluminum diecast
	Diameter: 332 mm
	Weight: About 1.8 kg
	(Including slipmat and slip
	sheet)
Turntable speeds	33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm
	(with switch 78 rpm)
Variable range pitch	±8, ±16 %
Starting torque	1.8 kg-cm
Build-up characteristics	0.7 s. from standstill to 33-1/3 rpm
Braking system	Electronic brake
Wow and flutter	0.025 % W.R.M.S.

Tone arm section
Type	Static Balance
Effective length	230 mm
Overhang	15 mm
Tracking error angle	Within 2° 32′ (at the outer groove of 30 cm (12“) record) Within 0° 32′ (at the inner groove of 30 cm (12“) record)
Offset angle	22°
Arm-height adjustment range	0 – 6 mm
Stylus pressure adjustment range	0 – 4 g (direct reading)
Head shell weight	Approx. 7.6 g
Applicable cartridge weight range	5.6 – 12.0 g (without auxiliary weight) 14.3 – 20.7 g (including the head shell)
Shell terminal	ø1.2 mm 4 pin terminal

The “Automobili Lamborghini” and “Automobili Lamborghini Bull and Shield” trademarks, copyrights, designs and models are used under license from Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Italy.

Headquarters Address: Panasonic Corporation 1006 Oaza Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka 571-8501, Japan
Authorized Representative in EU : Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH Panasonic Testing Centre Winsbergring 15, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
Producent Panasonic Corporation 1006 Oaza Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka 571-8501, Japonia

Panasonic Corporation Web Site: http://www.panasonic.com

TQBM2006 S0324HE1034

© Panasonic Corporation 2024

Documents / Resources

Technics SL-1200M7B Direct Drive Turntable System [pdf] Instruction Manual SL-1200M7B, SL-1200M7B Direct Drive Turntable System, Direct Drive Turntable System, Turntable System

References

• User Manual