Catherines Blog

Numark TTX Professional Turntable Description:

A MODERN CLASSIC WITH COMPUTER CONNECTIVITY. The TTXUSB stands alone among professional turntables because it was exclusively designed for the modern DJ, with a silicon rubber base that absorbs vibration and dampens low end feedback, and an interchangeable tone arm system that adapts to any DJ style. The TTXUSB, like its predecesor, features user-variable torque. The TTXUSB also delivers versatility and control thanks to an illuminated output bay, a built-in BPM counter, and interchangeable S-shaped or straight tonearms. Best of all, the TTXUSB’s built-in USB connector simplifies connection to a computer for fast, professional grade vinyl-to-digital transfer. As an added benefit, vinyl-to-digital conversion takes just a few mouse clicks thanks to the bundled EZ Vinyl Converter software; a new program available exclusively to Numark that quickly converts vinyl tracks directly to iTunes. Additional features include digital outputs for direct sampling, Key Lock and ±50% pitch control for unprecedented mixing options. The TTXUSB remains ahead of the game and delivers a new standard in turntables by expanding the possibilities of vinyl. iTunes is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16908 in Musical Instruments
• Brand: Numark
• Model: TTX1
• Dimensions: 21.00″ h x 9.00″ w x 18.00″ l, 37.00 pounds

Features

• Professional DJ turntable with unique interchangeable die-cast-aluminum tonearm design
• Use S-shaped tube for mixing and blending and straight tube for scratching and battling
• Quick-start platter with 6.2 lbs./inch torque; adjustable start and brake settings
• Supports 33-1/2, 45, and 78 rpm speeds and pitch range of +/- 8, 10, 20, and 50 percent
• Switchable phono and line outputs and S/PDIF digital output; 18.1 by 5.3 by 14.6 inches (W x H x D)

Customer Reviews:

Great turntable for any style of DJing
These are great decks, and certainly hold their own against the industry standards. I’ve also got a pair of Technics (SL-1200M3D) that I’ve had for years. No complaints with those, of course, but I picked up the TTX1s so I could have a pair set up battle-style and more suited for scratching (straight tonearm, etc.).

Right out of the box, I could see that these were well-made turntables. The construction is quite solid. I believe they even weigh in slightly heavier than the 1200s.

For the price of these, the range of features is amazing. Here are some of them:

Selectable pitch control range (+/- 8%, 10%, 20% and 50%) – I tend to stick with +/- 8 because that’s what I’m used to with the Technics, but for the occasional crazy mix, it’s nice to have the option of greater range. The turntable also has a key lock feature, which allows you to adjust the tempo while the pitch stays the same. This is a very cool feature that CD DJs enjoy, so having it available for vinyl is fantastic.

Interchangeable tonearm – The tables come with both a straight and an S-shaped tonearm. They are very easy to switch out, but to be honest, I don’t find myself changing them a lot. I just stick with the straight configuration, but for someone who might be using these for both turntablism and conventional DJing, the ability to switch would be great.

Designed for battle-style use – For those who like to work battle-style (the turntable positioned so the tonearm is in back rather than on the right side), the TTX1 is designed to easily accommodate that preference. As you can see from the photo, there are two start/stop buttons, so regardless of which way you have it turned, there will always be a button right where you’re used to having it. Also, the pitch slider module and the RPM selection buttons module are interchangeable, so you can position the pitch slider to move up and down while in battle configuration (rather than having to adjust the pitch left to right). When you switch these controls, the LCD display automatically rotates so all of the info is still easily readable; a very nice touch.

Adjustable torque – Two thumbwheels on the turntable allow you to adjust the torque of the platter as well as the braking force. Compare this to the Technics, where you had to take the turntable apart and adjust some potentiometers with a small screwdriver. While on the subject of torque, I should mention that the TTX1 is insane in that department. The motor is quite noticeably more powerful than that of the Technics, and the start/stop times are phenomenal.

Output options – The TTX1 allows for three output configurations. You can output a phono-level signal (like most other turntables). This tends to be the cleanest signal because it’s more or less a straight connection to the cartridge without going through the signal processor. The turntable also has line-level outputs (more like a CD player). These go through the internal signal processor to enable effects like the pitch lock feature. I have mine set up like this, and cannot discern any degradation in sound quality from the phono configuration. The third option is a digital (S/PDIF) output for use with a digital mixer or a direct connection to your computer.

I am hard-pressed to find anything bad to say about this product. There are a few minor things, but they’re not big concerns. Here are the cons:

The left side of the turntable has a curve to it, which would make the turntable difficult to fit into a standard coffin case, if that was your preference.

The 45 adapter that comes with these is a light plastic thing, so I tend to use the solid metal ones that came with my 1200s. There’s no place on the turntable to store the adapter, which isn’t too big of a deal, since most people won’t be spinning a lot of 7″ 45s these days anyhow.

The turntable doesn’t include a shell (dust cover). The TTX1 isn’t really designed to sit on top of your home stereo anyway, so that omission isn’t a big concern.

Overall, this is a fantastic turntable, and well deserving of the five stars I’m giving it. It’s worthy to stand up there with the great decks from Technics and Vestax. I’m quite confident that these will give me many years of reliable use, just as I’ve come to expect from my 1200s.

One final note: As of this writing, the product photo here on Amazon depicts the TT1600, and not the TTX1. To see what the LCD and other cool features look like, check out the Numark web site for the correct photo (they call it the TTX, and not the TTX1).

not a Technics, but second best
very good table for the money. if you aren’t going to spend almost double for a Technics M5G, the best table ever made, then this is a valid alternative.

has more “bells and whistles” than the Technics, including a reverse feature, amazing pitch range (from +/- 8% up to 50%), and phono/line out switch option. however, the pitch fader just isn’t as smooth and precise as a M5G (but then again, nothing is). i’ve owned a pair and was quite happy with them.

solid decks for a low price
well, i’m upgrading from the numark pro TT-1 and these are much better. the motors are much more powerful, forcing me to adjust mixing styles. The interchangable tonearms are neat, though i haven’t really gotten into using them yet.

Amazon.com Product Description
The result of extensive research into the needs of professional DJs, the TTX1 deftly combines unmatched torque, incredible precision, and the world’s first interchangeable tonearm design for optimal performance under all conditions. The turntable is sleek and attractive, with an ergonomic housing that weighs a hefty 28.6 pounds and accommodates the requirements of both beat mixing and scratching setups. It’s specifically built with a solid core to fight vibration and unwanted noise while employing an anti-drag aluminum platter to reduce friction. The platter also boasts a quick-start setting with 6.2 lbs./inch of torque, though the start can be adjusted, as can the brake system.

It’s the tonearm assembly that really shines, however. The tonearm is made from die-cast aluminum and is compatible with both S-shaped and straight tubes. DJs can use an S-shaped tube in conventional mode to mix and blend tracks, or they can turn the deck 90 degrees and attach the straight arm for scratching and battling. The latter setting is made more user-friendly by the beveled left-hand edge and the pair of stop/start buttons. Users can also swap the pitch fader with the control buttons for further accessibility.

DJs will delight in the backlit LCD display, which not only informs them of the motor’s direction, but also includes tidbits such as the platter speed, pitch adjustment, key lock status (which changes song tempo without affecting the key), and beats per minute. Speaking of turntable speeds and pitch control, the TTX1 supports 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm vinyl and toggles between a pitch range of +/- 8, 10, 20, and 50 percent, allowing the DJ to mix endlessly with few restrictions. Additional features include switchable phono and line outputs, an S/PDIF output for digital devices, and an illuminated output bay. The assembly measures 18.1 by 5.3 by 14.6 inches (W x H x D) and carries a two-year warranty.

What’s in the Box
TTX1 turntable, right-angle IEC power cord, right-angle RCA cord, S-shaped tonearm tube, straight tonearm tube, phono cartridge, warranty card, user’s manual.