Get prepared for battle with a pair of the Technics SL1210 MK7s & DJM-S7 Battle Mixer.

Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 Battle Mixer
The Pioneer DJ DJM-S7 is a two-channel battle mixer with a built-in Bluetooth receiver and new Loop MIDI functionality. The S7 is compatible with both Searto DJ Pro and Rekordbox. It unlocks both Rekordbox performance features and Serato DJ Pro when connected via USB.

Over the years, Pioneer DJ have created some iconic mixers. Many turntablists will cite the DJM-909 as a classic scratch mixer. The DJM-S9 was the first DVS battle mixer that Pioneer DJ released. It was an immediate success and has recently been superseded by the DJM-S11 as the flagship scratch mixer. The DJM-S7 replaces the DJM-S9 in the DJM-S range – upgrading almost every aspect of this modern classic, as it inherits many features from the S11.

Without doubt, a large part of the success which the DJM-S range has achieved is down to the clean and clear mixer interface. The design is intuitive, and you’ll quickly feel at home using the Pioneer DJM-S7. It’s obvious that during the research and development phase there was a focus on improving an already accepted layout. The engineers and designers at Pioneer DJ have certainly kept the performance orientated workflow at the centre of the S7 – you’ll be pulling off precision routines with ease.

Arguably one of the most important features of a battle mixer is the feel, and performance, of the faders. The DJM-S7 inherits the new and improved Magvel Pro faders. Despite being widely regarded as one of the best faders for cutting and scratching, Pioneer DJ have improved the feel and boosted the rigidity of the mounting shaft.

Technics SL 1210 MK7 Turrntable
The Technics SL 1210 MK7 turntable maintains the classic look and layout whilst featuring an all new chassis, tonearm and motor as well as the electronics and more. Technics have designed an all new motor to be even more stable, smoother and more reliable. The SL-1210 Mk7 uses a new coreless direct drive motor that still has high torque and smooth rotation while the digital pitch control and new circuitry offer precise adjustment.

A whole new level of micro computer, circuitry and all round wizardry has been developed to keep the motor running smoothly and accurately. Although the pitch fader is now digital (purists prefer analogue) it has been created to operate just like an analogue pitch. A bit like driving a manual car but still having a computer in the background helping things along.

The new tone arm is made of a lightweight but rigid aluminium to ensure the best sound reproduction and stability when scratching. The base of the arm is height adjustable with the usual settings for anti-skate and cartridge weight. All still with a solid build and acoustically isolated to minimise feedback and reverberation.

SL-1210 Mk7 also features a new chassis design with the base made from an ABS compound for audio and vibration isolation as well as the metal body to give the same solid build and feel we are all used to.

New isolator feet are made with new rubber compound and springs also go towards eliminating feedback and improving isolation. The pitch range is switchable between 8% and 16% at the press of a button. The pitch can also be reset to zero at the press of a button to instantly knock the speed back to ‘normal’.

Talking of speed, the SL-1210 Mk7 has a third speed setting (which they kind of always had anyway) but pressing the 33 and 45 RPM buttons together you get a 78RPM setting as well. Makes sense when you think about it.. 33+45 = 78, quick math.