This digital – analog hybrid turntable brings the retro gadget to the modern age

Parties with DJs spinning aren’t exactly my cup of tea. I prefer to listen to a band or to have the music just be in the background while I get to talk and relax with people. But of course there are a lot of people who prefer to have a DJ spin some tunes and dance along to various songs that they’re mixing. Nowadays, most DJs prefer using digital tools and platforms but there are still some that prefer the feel and sound of analog tools. What if you could have the best of both worlds in one device?

Designer: Pioneer

Pioneer has been a, well, pioneer in the DJ world with its various turntables and analog decks. Even with the advent of digital tools, they’re still pushing analog turntables but now they’re also adding something to the mix, so to speak. The PLX-CRSS12 is a hybrid turntable that brings the best of both worlds with its digital-analog option. It is actually the world’s first turntable that offers analog record playback as well as tone-arm-free DVS control. These are important features for DJs who want to still use “old school” vinyls but also some of the convenience that digital platforms employ.

When a DJ uses the Digital Vinyl mode, the Magvel clamp holds the record in place so you won’t scratch the record and at the same time control the digital music file. They say that the experience is actually similar to using the other vinyl platforms that Pioneer offers. You can also adjust the “weight” of the record without having to change slip mats or slip sheets, which is convenient if you’re in the middle of mixing or spinning.

The PLX-CRSS12 has a lot of other features that should be useful for the DJ who wants both analog and digital. You get things like a switch to adjust the timing of the turntable when you press stop, built-in MIDI-mappable Performance Pads, built-in OLED display, and high-quality sound reproduction. It comes in a matte black color with some color details in the buttons. It looks pretty classy and cool and has several customizable features as well so it should match what the DJ needs and what he would like his system to look like.