The pitch function helps you make small adjustments to speed i.e., you can make the platter rotate faster or slower. To find out if the platter is rotating at the correct speed, use the stroboscope that is provided with your TT. The platter of the 1210 has markings on the periphery, which you need to observe under the light from a stroboscope. When light from the stroboscope shines on the platter's markings, they form a pattern.... when the speed is correct, these markings form a pattern that seems to stand still....you will need to adjust the pitch till the pattern stands still. The procedure is something like that.....read about it in your manual?
Alternatively, ou could also use a free iPhone or Android app but you will need a record with a 3150 Hz test signal. They are available in India through TLR (Jochen):
Dr.Feickert Analogue Platter Speed - a free App for Android and iOS
Disclaimer: I have never owned a TT with similar functionality, just sharing what I have learnt![]()
Forgot to add, you can also download and print strobe-discs from Vinylengine:
Strobe Discs | Free Turntable Timing Patterns | Vinyl Engine
Thanks for your replies.
But my doubt remains on one thing and that is when I bought the Technics SL1200 MK5 I was told that it was built on Quartz Technology and its a factory set perfect speed where there is no need to do anything.If that is so then why do I need to do this excercise to check the speed?
2ndly in the Pitch control there is a setting at ZERO and then one can go up and down using the slider.Is it that by default the slider has to be in ZERO to get the perfect speed at which the platter should rotate?
I am sorry but these questions do come to my mind which I wish to get clarified.
Which free strobo discs do I download and print as what hz works in India?
And after downloading how does it work?Can you please guide me.
Thanks for your replies.
But my doubt remains on one thing and that is when I bought the Technics SL1200 MK5 I was told that it was built on Quartz Technology and its a factory set perfect speed where there is no need to do anything.If that is so then why do I need to do this excercise to check the speed?
2ndly in the Pitch control there is a setting at ZERO and then one can go up and down using the slider.Is it that by default the slider has to be in ZERO to get the perfect speed at which the platter should rotate?
I am sorry but these questions do come to my mind which I wish to get clarified.
Quartz Motor Technology is definitely better in ensuring correct speeds. They come factory set, but good to do a check after you have set up your turntable.
Correct speeds means that the tracks play at the right speed - neither too fast nor too slow. On familiar tracks, you would be able to tell if the platter speed is incorrect - when the song sounds slower/faster than you are used to. This is when you check the speed to confirm your doubts and fix it using the pitch adjustment. The Slider does not have to be in ZERO, it has to be at the position where the bars appear still.
India works under 50Hz. Use this one (you will need to become a member if you already aren't) since the SL1200 has only two speeds 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.
Library Downloads | Vinyl Engine
And just follow the instructions in the link I posted earlier.
A quartz lock servo controls the rotation frequency of a turntable by detecting pulses of light passing through a slit inside the motor. A quartz lock servo and direct drive motor work together to ensure high-precision rotation. I suggest you dont worry much about the speed. Just let the pitch control comfortably rest at ZERO and enjoy your vinyl. You can increase or reduce the tempo (speed) of your music by going above or below the ZERO point. You must keep in mind that the SL1200 series, although designed for Hi-Fi listening in the beginning was adopted as staple by DJs, the world over. The pitch control is on there to help DJs increase or decrease the tempo of music while mixing. Hope this helps.
Hi,
Can someone please help me with this as I have a feeling that my Technics MK5 is running slower.
I am told as its Quartz technology the speed is set perfectly.Is it correct?If not how do I set the speed correctly?
TThe platter of the 1210 has markings on the periphery, which you need to observe under the light from a stroboscope. When light from the stroboscope shines on the platter's markings, they form a pattern.... when the speed is correct, these markings form a pattern that seems to stand still....you will need to adjust the pitch till the pattern stands still. The procedure is something like that.....read about it in your manual?
Thanks for your replies.
But my doubt remains on one thing and that is when I bought the Technics SL1200 MK5 I was told that it was built on Quartz Technology and its a factory set perfect speed where there is no need to do anything.If that is so then why do I need to do this excercise to check the speed?
2ndly in the Pitch control there is a setting at ZERO and then one can go up and down using the slider.Is it that by default the slider has to be in ZERO to get the perfect speed at which the platter should rotate?
I am sorry but these questions do come to my mind which I wish to get clarified.
Hello Friends
IMO there is no need of any outside strobe sheet to be downloaded
the platter is already with the markings with the one which has on the strobe
the red florescent light is already there to the left of the platter to a small knob
The pitch function helps you make small adjustments to speed i.e., you can make the platter rotate faster or slower. To find out if the platter is rotating at the correct speed, use the stroboscope that is provided with your TT. The platter of the 1210 has markings on the periphery, which you need to observe under the light from a stroboscope. When light from the stroboscope shines on the platter's markings, they form a pattern.... when the speed is correct, these markings form a pattern that seems to stand still....you will need to adjust the pitch till the pattern stands still. The procedure is something like that.....read about it in your manual?
Alternatively, you could also use a free iPhone or Android app but you will need a record with a 3150 Hz test signal. They are available in India through TLR (Jochen):
Dr.Feickert Analogue Platter Speed - a free App for Android and iOS
Disclaimer: I have never owned a TT with similar functionality, just sharing what I have learnt![]()