FAQs on Direct Digital Turntable SL-DZ1200

Question1. What is a digital turntable?

Answer1.
 
Unlike so-called "CDJ", DZ1200 is a turntable based on a totally new concept. For many analog DJs who have stayed away from digital materials such as CDs, DZ1200 is a tool that enables musical performances out of a large variety of digital materials in an analog style without odd feeling. The product, which was created from the image of SL1200 but intends to eliminate the barrier between the digital and analog worlds, is the digital turntable DZ1200.

Question2. Why are the functions and operating rules different from those of other companies' CDJs?

Answer2.
 
DZ1200 is a digital turntable based on a totally different concept from that of a CDJ. In the course of integrating digital and analog technologies, some of the functions were made similar to those of a CDJ, but simpler and more intuitive operations were made possible by eliminating the functions that require complex settings as much as possible.

Question3. The reproduced sound is not very good when the tempo is changed with the pitch lock-on.

Answer3.
 
Because the pitch lock function is achieved by digital signal processing, slightly unnatural feeling deviating from the original sound is unavoidable. If any unnatural feeling is felt by changing the tempo by around 5%, please contact our service personnel.

Question4. When a disc is scratched with the pitch lock-on, the normal scratch sound typical during the pitch lock-off is not generated.

Answer4.
 
During the pitch lock-on, DZ1200 locks the pitch or tune at that of the original music regardless of the platter rotation speed. Because a scratch operation is an action of forcibly changing the platter rotation speed or direction, the pitch is still maintained during the scratch operation. When general scratch sound is required, the pitch lock needs to be turned off manually during a scratch. On the other hand, new sound effects or expressions not experienced before can be obtained by using the scratch sound with a fixed pitch.

Question5. The time required from inserting a CD until the start of the music is too long.

Answer5.
 
After a CD is inserted, DZ1200 makes various settings (cue, cue pad, effect etc) for each CD and readies for an immediate scratch before starting the music. Compared with other models without such high functionality, it may require slightly more time until the playback is ready. This condition is not different from that of the current high-functionality models of other manufacturers.

Question6. Can you make the method and function of CUE same as that of other CDJs?

Answer6.
 
The cue operation for DZ1200 is defined as the same operation as stopping the turntable of SL1200 and dropping the needle at a predetermined point. On the other hand, use of the cue pads facilitates immediate playback from a predetermined point. When repeated playbacks from the same predetermined point are required, the four cue pads may be used for that purpose.

Question7. When CD playback is stopped, I need a mode for continuously hearing the sound from that frame for cueing purpose.

Answer7.
 
This is the function provided with a CD player made for DJ purpose but only with a jog dial. As in the case of an analog turntable, such function is not supported in the digital turntable, because cueing can be achieved by a platter operation.

Question8. MP3 music when copied on a CD-R cannot be played back.

Answer8.
 
The MP3 in the range specified in the user's manual can be played back. The range is limited to ensure correct performances such as playback and scratch at a tempo +16% etc. The bit rate of 32-192kbps and sampling frequency of 48/44.1/32kHz are not supported. The files recorded with the packet write method or highMAT specification are not supported.

Question9. I want to move across the tracks quickly when many pieces of music are in a CD-R or SD memory card.

Answer9.
 
High-speed track feed is possible by pressing the track button for a certain period of time. More specifically, high-speed track feed starts after skipping 20 pieces.

Question10. When copying MP3 music on a CD-R, the procedure of renaming each file name by inserting a 3-digit number is cumbersome.

Answer10.
 
Playback is possible without renaming the file names. Rename the file number when the playback sequence needs to be setup for the MP3 files.

Question11. I want to copy MP3 to a SD memory card and playback on the Windows Explorer.

Answer11.
 
Audio programs on a SD are supported only for SD-AUDIO (encrypted copyrighted audio). Any MP3 simply copied on a folder of a SD card cannot be played back. Storing audio programs on a SD card requires SD-JUKEBOX, separately sold Windows application software.

Question12. I want to write some MP3 music on a SD card by using a Mac computer but no tools are available.

Answer12.
 
There is no plan for marketing SD-AUDIO writing software. Please use a Windows PC.

Question13. Much thicker marker is preferred for the platter.

Answer13.
 
The current marker has been adopted by considering the overall design and mark recognition. If a user wants to apply a thicker marker, personalized marking can be made with a piece of tape as in the case of a record.

Question14. Is there any plan to upgrade the firmware?

Answer14.
 
The system enables firmware upgrades but no specific upgrade plan exists at present.

Question15. Motor torque is weak. The recovery time from a hand-off after a reverse rotation with a scratch is too long.

Answer15.
 
The 10-inch platter size used for DZ1200 has been determined to be the best by considering ease of use as a CD player and styling. In order to realize a stable operation including the variable pitch of 50% by using the somewhat small platter and a DD motor equivalent to that for SL1200, the current torque is the best for providing the DJ performance typical for an analog turntable.

Question16. The sound is "hard". It really sounds like a CD with digital flavor.

Answer16.
 
The product has been designed to reproduce the original sound with a flat response from the high to the lowest frequency range, with no intentional featuring in the playback system. Analog-like sound feature can be obtained by using the VINYL simulator effect.

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