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Review: Numark PT-01 Portable Turntable

Numark PT-01 on playaAs a DJ there’s one gig that I always wanted to spin – Burning Man. The problem is that I’m not real eager to drag my Technics SL-1210M5G turntables (which weigh 26 pounds each) to the hot and dusty Nevada dessert. I found the perfect solution in Numark’s PT-01 portable turntables.
The Numark PT-01 is a US$99 portable battery operated turntable that is perfect for those traveling gigs when you can’t or don’t want to bring your big and heavy DJ rig. They’re also perfect for light use, resurrecting your dusty vinyl collection and for kids. The best part is that the PT-01 packs up into a tiny footprint when you attach the included lid and fits in a standard record bag or crates. Read more…


Numark PT-01 on playaAs a DJ there’s one gig that I always wanted to spin – Burning Man. The problem is that I’m not real eager to drag my Technics SL-1210M5G turntables (which weigh 26 pounds each) to the hot and dusty Nevada dessert. I found the perfect solution in Numark’s PT-01 portable turntables.
The Numark PT-01 is a US$99 portable battery operated turntable that is perfect for those traveling gigs when you can’t or don’t want to bring your big and heavy DJ rig. They’re also perfect for light use, resurrecting your dusty vinyl collection and for kids. The best part is that the PT-01 packs up into a tiny footprint when you attach the included lid and fits in a standard record bag or crates.
If you live for climbing through stacks of vinyl at used record stores or garage sales – it takes nothing to bring along a PT-01 to preview a record before you buy it via in the built-in speaker. If you want to use the PT-01 to spin at home or at a party you can connect the included AC adapter and spin all night long. There’s also a full set of analog outputs for connecting it to a standard mixer and PA system.
The turntable itself is no toy, the belt-drive motor operates at 33, 45, and 78 RPM and there is +/-10 percent pitch control (for beat matching). The PT-01 has tone and volume controls and 1/4 and 1/8th-inch headphone jacks. Even though it’s a belt drive platter you can still scratch on this puppy because it comes with a high-quality slipmat built-into the 7-inch platter.
Numark PT-01s at Burning Man 2005Using the PT-01s in the desert was a dream. The dust covers kept them clean while packed away in my tent and they were easy to grab, setup and spin due to their light weight. The sound was great, the pitch control was super-useful and the built-in cartridges saved me from near near disaster when I completely forgot to bring a set. It would be nice if the PT-01’s built-in speaker was a little louder for times when you want to use it without a PA. My only other requests for the PT-01s would be for a place to put the lid when not in use, it would be great it snapped onto the bottom of the turntable for safekeeping, and it lacks a place to store the AC adapter which I’m bound to lose at the most inopportune time.
If you looking for a portable turntable to try-before-you-buy or to breathe new life into your long-forgotten vinyl collection, then the Numark PT-01 is for you.
Specifications:
– 12″ X 12″ X 3.875″
– Built-in carry handle
– Removable dust cover with locking slide latch
– 7″ platter plays at 33 1/3 , 45, and 78 RPM
– Plays both 12″ and 45 records with included 45 adapter
– +/- 10% pitch control
– Tone control
– Gain control
– On board monitor for use with out headphones
– High quality felt slipmat allows for scratching
– Durable auto-start/stop tonearm
– 1/8″ & 1/4″ headphone outputs
– Lineout for recording
– Use 6 “D” Cell batteries or use included 12V AC adapter

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.