Technics SL-1200M7L - Direct Drive Turntable System Manual

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 tone arm

• The machine-cut, high-precision bearing used in the tone arm 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 colors depending on user's preferences or the environment.

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.)

• In case of repair, the accessories might be different in color, logo, and so on.
• The model numbers of the accessories are as of March 2022.
  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 power supply cord, 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.
• Illustrations and figures in this manual are of the black main body.

Parts Name

Front

*The LED lamps can be set to blue or red with the LED color setting.

Back

Putting the player together

Attaching the cartridge

Attention

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

1. 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 [⁵/₃₂"]).
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
2. Adjust the overhang.
   • Be careful not to touch the stylus tip.
   1. Move the cartridge to adjust the overhang in such a way that the stylus tip is at 52 mm (2-³/₆₄") from the head shell mounting end, as shown in the figure below.
      
   2. The cartridge should be parallel on the shell head when viewed from the top and side (the illustration is the top view).
      
   3. Tighten the screw for cartridge.
      • Be careful not to allow the cartridge to slip out of place.
        

Note

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

Attaching the head shell

3. Fit the head shell with the cartridge into the tone arm. Keep the head shell 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 arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp.
• Do not connect the AC power supply cord until set up is complete.
• When fitting the turntable, prevent foreign material from getting in between the main unit and turntable.
• Do not touch or scratch the board.

Before fitting the turntable

1. 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 back side.
• 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

2. Slowly set the turntable on the center 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

3. 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 balance weight

4. Attach the balance weight to the rear of the tone arm.
   

Note

• 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 power supply cord from the socket before making any connections.
• Connect the AC power supply cord 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.

1. 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.
2. Connect the AC power supply cord.
   • 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.

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

• Although the AC power switch is in the "OFF" position, the unit is not completely disconnected from the mains. Remove the plug from the main electrical outlet if you will not be using the unit for an extended period of time. Place the unit so 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 (to the right hand) when seen from below: Reduces the height.
• Counter-clockwise (to the left hand) when seen from below: 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

1. 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 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.
• 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".

1. 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.
   • Take care not to allow the stylus tip to touch the turntable or main unit.
     

Stylus pressure

Preparation

• Return the tone arm to the arm rest and fix it with the arm clamp.

1. Turn the stylus pressure control until "0" comes to the center line of the rear of the tone arm.
   • Hold the balance weight still while doing this.
     

Note

• Refer to the user's guide for your stylus for the appropriate stylus pressure.

2. 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 center line points to the appropriate stylus pressure.
     

Anti-skating

1. 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 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.

Tone arm height

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

Preparation

• Put a record on the turntable.

1. Release the arm lock.
   
2. Adjust the height with the armheight 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)

      	Cartridge height (H) in millimeters	Height control position
      	17 18 19 20 21 22 23	0 1 2 3 4 5 6

   2. Turn the arm-height control ring to align the position mark with the index line. 0 to 6 mm (0 to ¹⁵/₆₄") are marked on the arm height control ring.
      

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 head shell
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).
  

3. After arm height adjustment is finished, lock the tone arm 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.

1. Check the armlift height (distance between the stylus tip and record surface).
   If adjustment is needed, go to step 2.
   • The armlift height is factory-adjusted to 8 to 13 mm (⁵/₁₆ to ³³/₆₄").
     
2. Return the tone arm to the arm rest, clamp it with the arm clamp and while pressing the armlift down with your finger, turn the screw to adjust the height.
   • Turning the screw clockwise lowers the armlift.
   • Turning the screw anti-clockwise raises the armlift.
     

Operation settings

Allows for LED color setting, reverse playback setting, 78 rpm setting, 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.
   

LED color setting

Allows you to select red or blue for the color of the strobe light, speed select buttons, pitch range select button and RESET LED lamp.

Reverse playback setting

Allows you to disable or enable reverse playback.

78 rpm setting

Allows you to disable or enable 78 rpm.

Torque setting

Allows you to select from four levels of strength to adjust the torque.

		Switch no.: 5 (TQ1)	Switch no.: 6 (TQ2)
High Low	①	ON	ON
	②	OFF	ON
	③	OFF (Factory setting)	OFF (Factory setting)
	④	ON	OFF

Brake setting

Allows you to select from four levels of brake strength to stop the turntable after [START-STOP] is pressed.

		Switch no.: 7 (BK1)	Switch no.: 8 (BK2)
High Low	①	OFF	ON
	②	OFF (Factory setting)	OFF (Factory setting)
	③	ON	OFF
	④	ON	ON

Playing records

Preparation

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

1. Turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit on.
   The strobe light comes on. 33-¹/₃ rpm is The turntable starts revolving. automatically selected and the indicator [33] lights.
   
2. 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.

3. 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.
   
   • Fine adjustment to pitch
4. Lift the cue lever and move the tone arm over the record.
   
5. Lower the cue lever slowly.
   The tone arm moves down slowly.
   Play starts.
   

To play in reverse

• Enable reverse playback with the Reverse playback setting.
• 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 [STARTSTOP] 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

1. Lift the cue lever, return the tone arm to the arm rest and lower the cue lever.
2. Press [START-STOP].
   The electronic brake gently stops the turntable.
3. Turn [ON/OFF] to turn the unit off.
4. Clamp the tone arm with the arm clamp.
5. 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.
• 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)

1. Press [RESET] to turn off the RESET LED lamp.
2. Press the pitch range select button to select the pitch range.
   • [×2] light on: ±16 %
   • [×2] light off: ±8 %
3. 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.

1. +6.4% change in pitch when stationary
2. +3.3% change in pitch when stationary
3. Normal turntable speed (33- 1 / 3, 45 or 78 rpm) when stationary
4. -3.3% change in pitch when stationary

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 head shell terminals occasionally.
Wipe the head shell terminals with a soft cloth and fit the head shell to the tone arm.

Turn the amplifier volume down or turn the amplifier off before fitting or removing the head shell.
Damage to your speakers can occur if the head shell 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 tone arm 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 weight from 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.
  

Troubleshooting guide

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

No power.

• Is the AC power supply cord plugged in?
  → Plug the mains lead in firmly.

There is power but no sound.
Sound is weak.

• Are connections to the amplifier/receiver's PHONO terminals correct?
  → Connect the PHONO cables to the amplifier's PHONO input terminals.

Left and right sounds are reversed.

• Are the stereo connection cable connections to the amplifier or receiver reversed?
  → Double check all connections.
• Are connections of the head shell's lead wires to the cartridge terminals correct?
  → Double check all connections.

Humming is heard during play.

• Are there other appliances or their AC power supply cord near the stereo connection cable?
  → Separate the appliances and their AC power supply cord from this unit.
• Is the earth lead connected?
  → Make sure the earth lead is correctly connected.

The indicator on the speed select button [33] or [45] blinks.
Perform the following operations when the indicator on the speed select button [33] or [45] blinks. The symptom may be improved.

1. Turn [ON/OFF] to OFF.
2. Pull out the power plug, wait for three seconds, and then insert the plug again.
3. Turn [ON/OFF] to ON and press [START-STOP] to rotate the turntable.

• If the indicator on the speed select button blinks again, check which one is blinking and contact our service representative.

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below.
Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
    
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

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.

AC power supply cord

• The power plug is the disconnecting device. Install this unit so that the power plug can be unplugged from the socket outlet immediately.
• Ensure the earth pin on the power plug is securely connected to prevent electrical shock.
  • An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a power socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Unit

• Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted candles, on this unit.

Placement

• 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.
• Keep your speakers at least 10 mm (¹³/₃₂") away from the system for proper ventilation.
• 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 magnetic effect.

The following mark and symbols are located on bottom of the unit.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

If you have any questions, visit:
U.S.A.: http://shop.panasonic.com/support
Canada: www.panasonic.ca/english/support
Register online at http://shop.panasonic.com/support (U.S. customers only)