The Hybrid Turntable Experience

One of the biggest benefits of using timecode records for scratching is that they’re resistant to skipping since the signal is robust enough to ignore the needle jumping. But in the moments we’re generating timecode, why use a needle at all? The CRSS12 does this digitally, instead. On top of that, it has MIDI-mappable buttons on the side. These are not only great for accessing things like hot cues, but for using stems as well. In the video above, Fatty Lumpkin doubles the track in both decks, but scratches only individual parts of the song, to make a sort of live remix.

The basic concept is this: take Pioneer DJ’s PLX-1000 turntable, add some buttons and features to make it friendly for scratch DJs, and make it automatically generate timecode. There’s a lot of talk about this being a hybrid controller-slash-turntable thing, but really, that’s all that’s happening here. It’s a great turntable, with features made to enhance the experience of Serato or rekordbox-based scratch DJs.

Layout & Features

The PLX-CRSS12 has 4 built-in MIDI-mappable Performance Pads right where you need them – just below the platter – great for firing off Hot Cues as well as accessing Stems. Using Stems on the new PLX is a breeze. Simply hit shift + Hot Cue, and the four buttons switch to the four stem parts supported in your software. When used in combination with a mixer’s pads such as the DJM-S5, S7, or S11, you can access Stems while still accessing other pad modes at the same time. I truly appreciate some of the added touches, like the included dust cover. It would be nice if this could snap on, like some third-party covers do, rather than just sitting loosely.

Another nice touch is the new Magvel Clamp. This provides a way to adjust the “weight” of your records (almost like adjusting the tension of your jog wheels on CDJs). To me, this is the most underrated part of this new turntable.

The Clamp forms a magnetic pressure bond between your record and the spindle, which allows you to adjust the perceived “weight” of the record. This ensures that the spindle moves accurately with the movement of your chosen record. As an added bonus, I had great success using slightly warped records, by using the Clamp to press down a bowled record. It instantly breathed new life into records that I otherwise found quite annoying to use.

Torque on the new turntable is strong, though you can adjust it to three different levels using the onboard OLED screen. The screen also allows you to keep an eye on the tempo range and key when Step Pitching and, when you connect via USB to your PC/Mac running DJ software, you can reference BPM, key, deck number information. Braking speed is adjustable via a switch on the front of the unit.

Overall, the CRSS12 feels solid in the hands. The matte black-on-black finish looks very classy, and the torquey push of the platter truly gives a feeling of confidence.

Value Proposition

As with most Pioneer DJ equipment, the discussion must center around value. At $1399 each, a pair of CRSS12’s is not a cheap decision. Technically, you could accomplish all of these things with other hardware. However, the benefit and convenience of this turntable lies in its versatility. It’s like a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT ( a high-performance SUV that is just as good at taking your kids to soccer practice as it is at handling a day at the track).

That is to say, it’s higher-end, but not exotic. It’s good at almost everything it claims to do. And, there are certainly cheaper ways to get the job done. But some people don’t want a Porsche track car AND a daily driver. They just want one car that can do it all, and look cool doing it. The CRSS12 is for the DJ who likes Pioneer DJ (or at the very least, Serato), likes mixing real records, but will very often be using timecode. This DJ is willing to pay for an all-in-one experience, perhaps in a bid to save space or clutter.

This new turntable has piqued our interest, and we hope it’s caught your attention too. The CRSS12 is a device that is pretty good at everything, but you’re going to have to pay to play. That being said, it would be on my short list if I were in the market for a new turntable.

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