Posts Tagged ‘technics sh-ex1200’

The legendary Technics is unquestionably the creator of the most intensely durable turntables of the last thirty years. So when it came time to release a quality mixer, it’s interesting that rather than piling on innovative features, knobs and meters, they’ve taken a turn in the opposite direction and released a back to basics style mixer perfect for battle and club DJ’s looking for a simple way to keep the beats loud and proud with the tried and true Technics sound.

So let’s take a look at the “official DMC world championship mixer” and figure out if it’s what you’re looking for, shall we?

Simplicity is Beautiful

The goal with this mixer is to make the DJ experience as easy and hassle free as possible, and Technics delivers on all counts. The features have definitely been pared back – there’s literally a crossfader, a reverse button, a gain and EQ for each of two channels, and finally five inputs and two outputs.

The crossfader is specifically crafted to be ergonomic, and rest assured that it provides a very smooth ride from the lowest setting to the highest. And since this is developed for battle DJ’s, there is a second crossfader included so you have a backup in case you pound the snot out of your first one. The reverse button lets you add a little backwards style to your sound, and can buff up your scratching.

The two channels sound great, especially considering with the lack of features. The EQ controls the sound with authority. Honestly, it’s enough to make you wonder why some DJ’s invest thousands of dollars in additional equipment when you can craft your sound into a powerhouse with this simple mixer.

The SH-EX1200 weighs in at under eight pounds – startlingly small and easy to carry, but still made to take a beating. There are many reports of these models lasting well over five years with little or no maintenance. It’s got the Technics logo on it, and it definitely carries along that “built like a tank” feel.

Www.getinthemix.co.uk lists this mixer at £287.62, and www.bananadj.com prices this bad boy at £339.25. In the USA, www.panasonic.com says this mixer’s worth $499.95. Considering the quality of the sound and its durability, the SH-EX1200’s a great buy.

Extremely Limited

There’s a lot of good to be said about the SH-EX1200 mixer, but then there’s the one problem that simply won’t go away: it’s unbelievably limited. Production values are going to suffer as a result, and as good as it sounds more expensive mixers could definitely improve. Even so, for the cash you’re spending and considering what you’re working with, the sound is incredible.

The EQ is somewhat limited as well, as there is no mid-range, and there is no way to noodle with the crossfader curve, which might get on the nerves of some DJ’s used to more options.

Conclusion: For the Money, There’s None Better

It’s basic and limited, sure, but that’s the appeal. Ideal for battle DJ’s, the SH-EX1200 will endure your worst and keep the sound pure for years with little maintenance.

If you’re looking for something that’s simple and sounds good, this is the mixer for you. If not, then you’d better look elsewhere.