We’re talking about Technics collaboration with Red Bull BC One, the world’s biggest breakdance outfit. Turntable traditionalists who adore the standard Technics SL-1210 turntable will no doubt divide into two camps: those that love the pimped up Red Bull One version and, those that don’t.

The point is, the SL-1210MK7R (R for Red Bull) was conceived to celebrate hip-hop culture and as we all know that culture is rich in musical history and very, very loud and proud.

Which, unsurprisingly is just what the new turntable pitches with its bright red headshell and gold tonearm wand. As for the black and gold platter mat almost entirely covered with the red and gold Red Bull BC One logo, well that’s inspired.

Elsewhere, should you be wondering, the SL-1210MK7R is a genuine SL-1210 turntable with some additional tech features that are really worthwhile, sonically speaking.

A direct drive model that sees the spindle driven by the motor underneath and no belt of any kind to be seen, the SL-1210MK7R has been fitted with what Technics calls “a coreless stator” which means this model’s direct drive motor is coreless.

In the past, direct drive turntables have been accused of a glitch called “cogging” which refers to rotation irregularity, a problem that many audiophiles say is audible. No more.

Sonic performance has also been enhanced by giving the new turntable a platter with a two-layered structure with dampening rubber on all of the back surface to reduce resonances in the aluminium die-cast platter.

The new turntable’s die-cast chassis is also heavily dampened using a special material made from ABS mixed with glass fibre to end up with a two-layer construction.

The SL-1210MK7R’s tonearm composition is lightweight, low mass, high-rigidity aluminium. Bearings chosen are gimbal, and these hard-wearing bearings are housed in a machined housing.

Ease of use was paramount when designing the cable housekeeping for the new turntable. Technics intelligently chose to opt for detachable power and phono cables.

Torque and brake speed, the bane of DJ play style users, has also been addressed by using motor control technology refined by the development of Blu-ray discs. Both can be adjusted to suit any user’s preference. Pitch control can also be fine-tuned for 33 1/3, 45 or 78 rpm.

But the one feature prized by DJ play style users is a Reverse Play Function (RPF). And yes, this new Technics vinyl spinner has RPF speed selector which can be engaged by pressing its button and Start/Stop button at the same time.

And for those that like to see what their turntable’s stylus tip is doing, Technics has employed a very-bright, long-life LED that gives users much better visibility at the pointy end of their turntable.

The new Technics SL-1210MK7R is available now and sells in Australia for $2,099 RRP.

For more information visit Technics