When talking about a world-class turntable that costs less than $500, there is only one company that can make this possible i.e. Audio Technica. It is one of the few sound equipment manufacturers that offer premium quality equipment across all price ranges. In this case, we’ll be reviewing the Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB turntable.
Audio Technica’s AT-LP1240 has been revered by many prominent DJs around the world, owing to its essential features and an appealing design. Let’s breakdown the different factors of the product, to know about the different features incorporated by the company.
Build and Design
The AT-LP1240 is an audiophile turntable and hence comes with a design and construction that is superior to most of the conventional turntables. It has a direct-drive system which is a perfect replica of the legendary Technics SL-1200.
AT-LP1240 has been constructed on a thoughtful concept that has been validated for decades. The tone-arm of this device uses high precision bearings, an impeccable wiring system, and an adjustable tracking force, acceptable tone-arm height, and anti-skating.
You can use a wide variety of cartridges with the device such as the simple MM models, special models that are integrated into the Concorde, and high-quality MC models.
The drive features a powerful motor along with a precisely machined massive aluminum platter. It has rubber on the underside that suspends the ring of the plate in a better way. The turntable has an impeccable resistance to acoustic feedback which is arranged in a similar way.
It has an unconventional body construction which consists of metal in the upper part while the lower part of the turntable is made of a very hard polymer. The quality, robustness, and unique concept fits the description of the requirements of all kinds of DJs.
The turntable has all the necessary features that are essential for DJing such as a modern and user-friendly interface, advanced stroboscope, removable stylus, break and speed adjustment dials, and more.
To see how the Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB is assembled, you can watch this video.
Features
As there are many parts mentioned above, let us learn about their uses while we explore the other parts that are incorporated into the system. The most important feature of the AT-LP1240 is the direct-drive system that has been combined with an aluminum platter and an electronic speed change system.
The turntable has a brushless DC motor that works well with the direct-drive and the electronic brake system. The top section of the turntable comes with a high quality felt slipmat that gives the record the necessary freedom required for movement.
Its wide range of electronic speed system allows you to play vinyl records at 33⅓, 45, and 78rpm. It comes with a detachable headshell but lacks the cartridge required for playing. You can get one from an online store but to ensure that you make the most out of your turntable, you can pair the cartridge with Audio Technica AT95E/BL that comes at $40.
The fancy stroboscope on top of turntable indicates speed accuracy and can be great for beatmatching. This feature can be particularly helpful for beginners, as the LEDs make it easier to match the beat timing easily.
If you perform in the clubs or have an upcoming performance that is supposedly in a dark ambiance the AT-LP1240’s stylus target light will help you find the right groove spot in the dark. The best thing about this feature is detachability; you can remove the light when not needed.
The turntable features a brake speed adjustment dial, that allows you to gain maximum control over the speed of the record while playing. It has min and max levels on the ends that you can turn to get the desired speed.
The pitch slider key on top of the turntable can be a great feature for helping adjust or modify the pitch of the track. It also comes with a quartz lock button next to the pitch slider that allows you to bypass the pitch slider so that it does not affect the speed of the track.
Among the many features that are included in the Audio Technica AT-LP1240, there is a reverse button placed on top of the turntable. Since this button plays the record reverse, you wouldn’t use this feature too much as you might end up damaging the stylus and the record.
You can use the reverse feature to record or play the save the songs on your computer.
To avoid the external vibration from affecting the record, you can increase the height of the turntable’s feet and the tone-arm.
Watch this video to see the Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB in action.
It is designed to offer exceptional durability owing to the superior quality materials used in the construction of the product. All of the components are designed to support prolonged use.
The turntable also includes numerous connectivity ports that allow you to use the system with different devices. You can use the USB output to store the recording on the PC/Mac computer using the bundled software Audacity.
Performance
After looking at so many components combining to create such an amazing turntable, it becomes necessary to learn about how the product actually performs. The turntable offers a great sense of drive which attributes to phenomenal sound clarity.
The S-shaped tone-arm rests firmly and precisely in the grooves of the record and captures any sudden movement. You can make the best use of this precision to learn the different techniques of scratching.
If you are a DJ who loves using vinyl or wishes to use them in the future the AT-LP1240 will surely impress you beyond compare with its captivating sound output.
The deck can be great equipment if you want to record a track onto your computer for further use. It beautifully captures even the smallest of the notes with its advanced stylus. It can be hard to deny that the turntable has impressive raw power and energy.
It produces almost zero distortion sound as the company has managed to keep the wow and flutter to as low as < 0.1% WRMS (JIS WTD).
It is almost impossible to find any other turntable as powerful as this one at such an amazing price. The Audio Technica AT-LP1240 is a great find for seasoned DJs.
It can be super tough to get rid of dust once it settles in the different parts of the turntable. You might have to dismantle the entire system and rid all the dust. The company has taken care of this problem by adding a good quality tinted lid cover to the system.
Overall verdict
The Audio Technica AT-LP1240 is an incredible turntable and offers tremendous value. Top-notch performance and a reasonable price may seem like a dream come true for DJs who are looking for a quality turntable.
Furthermore, the system works perfectly in all kinds of situations, as it was designed for DJs. While there is a vast array of products in the market at the same price, very few are able to offer the features and performance of AT-LP1240.
The only problem is the cartridge, as it isn’t a part of the package and has to be purchased separately. This can be good in a way as it allows you to use the kind of cartridge you prefer. It is very easy to install a cartridge in this system and there are instructions for it too. Anti-skating and weight tracking are also very easy to install.
Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB is a fine blend of aesthetics and quality. It has a gorgeous look with a black surface, metal tone-arm, and an aesthetically pleasing strobe light. The dust cover might seem a bit shaky but can be removed for convenience.
The log wheel is covered with a felt mat, that gives a perfect balance of traction and maneuverability. However, a cock mat would have been a better addition to the system as it offers slightly more traction.
AT-LP1240USB delivers super clear sound and there is zero distortion which eliminates the chances of the listener detecting any flutter, hum, or wow. It is very easy to assemble the arm and work marvelously with the entire system.
Every component provided by the company, even the cables, has been designed to offer excellent quality.
If you are looking for an upgrade from your old turntable, the AT-LP1240 is a perfect option. It offers all the necessary features and also enables you to get a quality budget set up. The speed and stability can another major factor that you can bet on when buying this turntable.
Conclusion
Audio Technica is a widely popular name in the sound equipment industry, therefore investing in a product like AT-LP1240 USB will surely give you a great DJing experience. If you are an entry-level DJ, this product can be a wise purchase as it will surely support you in the long run.
I hope the above information has helped to gain more knowledge about the Audio Technica AT-LP1240 USB and enables you to make an informed decision. If you have any queries or suggestions, you write them in the comments.
