PLX CRSS12 vs Technics SL1200 MK7 Compare and Contrast

Caleb here from Hollywood DJ, I'm our lead sales engineer and help customers with DJ Equipment questions every day. 

Customers kept asking about the CRSS12, and how they can use it differently than the Sl1200, so I put together this reference article comparing it to the SL12000. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions about the CRSS12 or SL1200MK7. Reach out anytime if you have additional questions, I'm happy to help. 

When you ask many DJs what turntable they have in their live set ups, the Technics SL1200 comes up time and time again. It certainly needs no introduction. It’s a great, reliable piece of equipment that can be used with almost any mixer and in any performance application, allowing fantastic adaptability and consistency from gig to gig.

Outside of this, it can be a matter of conjecture on what other options are equally viable. Some options are deemed too digital, while others are considered cumbersome or outdated. Fortunately, Pioneer has a fantastic merger of digital convenience and analog feel: Enter the Pioneer PLX CRSS12. 

The Pioneer CRSS12 claims to be “The world's first turntable that supports both analog record playback and tone-arm-free DVS control”, and it absolutely delivers on that promise. Fans of spinning traditional vinyl will find complete ease-of-use here, while also being able to switch to a digital control vinyl setup in seconds. Likewise, scratch DJs will enjoy the tone arm free operation, preventing any troublesome needle skips or permanent damage to your records. Holding this in place is a patented Magvel Clamp, which operates right out of the center of the platter, and allows the music to be read directly off of it. The Magvel Clamp is weight adjustable, allowing you to set the weight of your vinyl/control vinyl.

As far as assorted performance features, gigging DJs who regularly do creative mixing or need more out of their turntable set up than just analog signal flow. Onboard is a customizable torque level (most club DJs will be at home on the low level, but feel free to adjust to taste), custom stopping speeds (try this on mid to start, for all you DVS fans), and even MIDI mappable performance pads for easy drop ins on hot cues and samples.

So with the main points of the CRSS12 out of the way, let’s compare features and applications:

TONE:

Technics SL1200 MK7 - The SL1200 not only has what they refer to as an “Audiophile” level of sound quality, providing a fantastic signal-to-noise floor ratio, but also brings a warm character to most records played off of it. This is in part due to the premium level stylus provided with the system. This can be considered a great characteristic by some, but needs to be taken into account with EQ-ing.

Pioneer PLX CRSS12 - The CRSS12 also boasts a fantastic signal-to-noise floor ratio, with a fantastic level of headroom in whichever mode you are using. However, fans of complete analog signal flow (such as that provided by the SL1200 MK7) may notice that the sound reproduced lacks a certain warmth and roundness compared to something like the Technics. It instead will sound more true to the mix or track being played off of it. 

PERFORMANCE FEATURES:

Technics SL1200 MK7 - For fans of a “Less is more” set up, the Technics will bring exactly what it says on the box and excel in each feature. Fans of traditional setups will be instantly familiar with the operation, with simple stop/start buttons, a button to switch between 33 and 45 RPM, and a bright LED light for use in dark clubs. However, scratch DJs still run the risk of a dreaded needle skip, and DJs wanting more modern accoutrement may bemoan the lack of spontaneous performance features that are becoming standard on other pieces.

Pioneer PLX CRSS12- In the hands of a creative DJ, the CRSS12 truly has its time to shine. The aforementioned performance features and varying customizable options allow for an extremely in depth workflow, as well as smooth scratching performances with no harsh skips. Loading up hot cues and samples is a breeze, and the OLED screen included allows for the most hands-on DJs to stay constantly aware of each detail of their mix. On the other hand, some DJs may feel overwhelmed with the workflow that the CRSS12 provides, and may not want to have that extra level of preparedness needed for each feature in the case of the most spontaneous/energetic gigs. 

SOFTWARE USAGE:

Technics SL1200 MK7 - Let’s get one thing out of the way here: Many, many newer DJs are immediately intimidated by the setup to get a 1200 integrated with DVS modes in your preferred DJ software. Many of us have been there. Once set up, however, it is still a common tool for this application.

Pioneer PLX CRSS12- Right out of the box, the CRSS12 is able to function with both Serato and Rekordbox without much fuss at all. It is also instantly able to use DVS mode with both the platters and performance pads when paired with a DVS enabled mixer.

SPECS COMPARED:

When choosing either of these premium turntables, either option will excel at the job it is meant for, but it is just a matter of what tools you need and where your priorities as a DJ lie.

If you have any further questions about either of these turntables or other DJ gear, feel free to reach out to me at Hollywood DJ and talk to me, Allan or Alex, we're here to help.