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Which tables to buy?? MK2, MK3, MK5
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| Dj SHO |
I'm planning on getting some new tables soon. I'm pretty much set on Technics. I had an opportunity to use a pair of the Numark TT X-1s and I was not at all impressed after reading several articles saying they were the 'new' Techs and that they were even better than the Techs in stability and beat matching.
My biggest thing is getting tables that have a continuous pitch change. For example, if the pitch is set at +6.555, I want the table to be able to move up to +6.556, instead of going from +6.5 to +6.6. Obviously you can't tell exactly where the pitch fader is located and even on the Numarks it only tells you to a 10th of a percent. If I move the pitch fader a hair up, I want the pitch to move a hair up.
The biggest problem I've had with the tables I've used is that usually I can't keep the beats matched for very long without having to adjust the pitch on one or the other, or touching the record or platter. It's not that I don't know how to beat match. I've been spinning records for years and made many quality mix cds. I know how it works. But I have stood there and took two records and played them over and over, giving the pitch faders minor adjustments and have never been able to match the records, without having to do some adjusting, for the length of time it would take to mix them. The pitch of one or the other record is either too low or too high. There is no in-between.
Now, before we get all caught up in some pointless argument about what's what, I know that you almost always have to make adjustments no matter how good you are. It's part of Djing. Being able to make those fine adjustments to keep the beats matched and music going without a hitch. Every Dj does it, whether they're some kid spinning at their friends party or a world class Dj spinning at a dance event. You very rarely get two records that stay matched for an entire transition without some kind of help from the Dj. I also know that you have to find the table that works best for you. Just because one guy mixes perfectly on Numarks doesn't mean I'll be able to. But I'm pretty sure that with Technics I'll be getting about the best I can get for my style and needs. Besides, the biggest Djs in the world recommend and use them, and they're almost always on the top of everyone's list for what tables to use.
Now, with that said, is there any difference between the MK2, MK3 and MK5 as far as stability in beat matching is concerned??? I've read different things and heard different things. I've heard the MK2s have a problem around 0 on the pitch and that the MK5s are the best ones. I've also heard people say that the MK2s are the best ones.
I don't know what to believe, so I figured I would ask here and hopefully some of you that actually own and use 1200's, whether they're 2s, 3s or 5s, would vote on the better table.
I just want some tables that will give me time to play with the mixer during the mix. So far I haven't found a table that I don't have to constantly, and I mean constantly, monitor during a transition, but I've only experienced 3 different kinds of tables. I've used Tech MK2s 3 times at parties and I had a hell of time with them, but that was because I haven't had enough time on Techs to learn them and adjust to spinning on them. The other 3, that I have had tons of time on, are Stanton, Gemini and Numark. All direct drive. All gave me the same issues. Some were easier to control as far as keeping the beats together, but all were pretty much the same as far as me having to go back and forth from the table to the mixer.
I know that's alot of BS just for a poll question, but I wanted everyone to see things from my point of view so you could understand what I mean. Hopefully I can finally get the answer I need and get some new tables. |
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| DJTJ |
| Get the MkII's. The M3's and the M5's "upgrades" are a total waste of money, and add no extra ability to the turntable. |
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| conk |
| not true. the mk3 (aka M3D) has a pitch reset button instead of the click at the '0' point on the pitch slider so the slider is smooth up and down. and the mk5g have a +/- 16 pitch control |
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| VIO |
| it doesn't really matter which one you get. i have the mk2s and i won't be upgrading until they break, which should be in a bout 20 years. i would get the best deal, but if you can get an mk5 for pretty close to the same cost as an mk2 then i would get that. simply because they have the led stylus light and a clickless pitch fader. that would be worth an extra $20 or so each for me. replacing a burnt out stylus light is a bitch. you'll be happy with any of them though. cheers. |
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| `pr0digy |
| I just ordered a pair of M3D's. They have the pitch reset button, and they cost the same as mk2's, at least in my case. MK5's would have been a big jump in price, and it's not worth it. IMHO any one of the "versions" of techs are fine, I'd just go based on the best deal you can get. |
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| Boomer187 |
MK5's are so cool to play though, they are very sensitive which I love. PLus they have cool lights and the aforementioned +/-16 pitch.
but if you equate price into it, mk3's. wait...didn't they discontinue them, so there won't be any replacement parts. Some online stores were out of stock permanently with mk3 stuff.
with that in mind, and money in mind, mk2's. |
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| DJ Lazy |
| quote: | Originally posted by Boomer187
aforementioned +/-16 pitch. |
What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for??
You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need...
EDIT: Not to mention that with 8% is is alot easier to be MORE precise with setting the pitch.. the higher the pitch range the harder to get it spot on...
Like the Numarks, How are you suppose to get super precise using +/-50?? DAMN.. :whip: |
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| Boomer187 |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ Lazy
What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for??
You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need... |
Slowing down hard trance songs inot chill songs...?
When you play a variety o music sometimes 8 isn't enough. but then again that is all in your playin style, most won't need it. |
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| Dj SHO |
| quote: | Originally posted by DJ Lazy
What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for??
You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need... |
I agree on that point. But I have had a few situations on my tables where I could have used the extra pitch range on the fly. My tables do have a kind of ultra pitch adjustment, but you have to use a very small screwdriver to adjust it. There's a little tiny hole right at the top of the pitch adjustment that you can change where the pitch range starts and stops.
If the MK5s are the best on stability then I'll spend the money on them. I plan on having them for many years so price is not that big of a deal to me. It will just take me longer to get more expensive tables.
I just know that after everything I've heard since I started spinning over 4 years ago, the Techs are always the best. They're always on the top of the list and the tables that every Dj wants and uses. So, I'm getting Techs, I just don't know which Techs.
Thanks for all the opinions and tips people. |
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| kr00t0n |
Why do techs have more accurate pitch?
because for the same length of pitch slider, they only go 8% either way, 2% less than all other turntables (that I know off anyhoo)
This means that the changes are more gradual, just imagine how accurate you could be if the pitch sliders went up the length of the turntable!!! :eyes: :D
And I dont think you can often get 2 records to be 100% beatmatched, but who cares, know you slipping time, and in wich direction (this is why I general ensure that the track I am bringing in is slightly faster than the other, so i know that I need only touch to slow from time to time, mebbe once every 64-128 beats ;) |
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| SUNWmsf |
I think MK5's would be good for HArd trance with no vocals or really just music with not alot of vocals, but for music with vocals, I choose M3d's.
+12 pitch on a vocal track may sound chip-munky...
I gots M3d's and dere da bomb.
Someone mention'd that technics may not manufacture any replacement parts for M3d's anymore...
Does anyone know for sure about that? |
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| VIO |
| quote: | Originally posted by SUNWmsf
I think MK5's would be good for HArd trance with no vocals or really just music with not alot of vocals, but for music with vocals, I choose M3d's.
+12 pitch on a vocal track may sound chip-munky... |
the mk5s only have a +-8% pitch just like the mk2s and the m3ds. only the mk5g has the ability to do +-16% not 12% and it's user selectable between +-8% and +-16%. |
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