Korg has unveiled a trio of portable record players, the Handytraxx series, each designed with a specific user in mind. The series revives the spirit of the early-2000s Vestax Handy Trax, developed in collaboration with its co-creator, Toshihide Nakama. These new turntables cater to DJs, audiophiles, and vinyl archivists, offering a range of features and price points. The introductory model, the Handytraxx Play, targets DJs with its performance-oriented features. The mid-range Handytraxx Tube prioritizes sound quality with premium components and vacuum tube technology. Finally, the top-tier Handytraxx 1bit adds digital conversion capabilities for archiving vinyl in high-resolution DSD format.
The Handytraxx Play, priced at $399, is a DJ’s toolkit in a portable format. It includes an integrated crossfader, essential for seamless transitions between tracks, as well as low-pass, high-pass, and EQ filters for shaping the sound. A built-in delay effect adds another layer of creative control, while a variable speed looper allows for capturing samples and crafting beats on the fly. The control panel’s reversible design accommodates both right and left-handed users. Portability is further enhanced by the option of powering the device with six AA batteries, enabling performances anywhere. Integrated 2.5-watt speakers provide sound for smaller gatherings, while a headphone jack allows for private practice or monitoring.
Stepping up to the Handytraxx Tube, priced at $799, brings a significant enhancement in sound quality. Its aluminum die-cast platter, coupled with software-controlled pitch and speed monitoring, ensures stable rotation and optimal playback. An adjustable counterweight on the tonearm allows for swapping needles while maintaining the correct tracking force, crucial for preserving vinyl. The Tube’s defining feature is Korg’s Nutube technology, a miniature vacuum tube that replicates the rich overtones and harmonic characteristics of traditional vacuum tubes, adding warmth and depth to the sound. Bass and treble controls allow for further fine-tuning of the audio output.
For those seeking the ultimate in vinyl playback and archival, the Handytraxx 1bit, priced at $999, combines the Tube’s hardware upgrades with advanced digital conversion capabilities. Using Korg’s AudioGate 4 software, the 1bit can digitize vinyl records to the Direct Stream Digital (DSD) format, a high-resolution audio format originally developed for Super Audio CDs. DSD captures audio at a significantly higher sampling rate than traditional CDs, resulting in a more accurate and detailed representation of the original analog signal. This makes the 1bit an ideal tool for archiving valuable vinyl collections in a format that preserves their sonic integrity for future generations.
Korg also offers a limited edition version of the Handytraxx Tube, the Tube J, in collaboration with Japanese cartridge manufacturer JICO. Priced at $1,199, the Tube J features an upgraded JICO Clipper MM Cartridge, promising even more refined performance than the standard Tube model. This collaboration caters to the discerning audiophile seeking the best possible sound quality from their vinyl collection.
The Handytraxx series represents a resurgence of portable turntable technology, combining classic design elements with modern features and digital capabilities. Whether a DJ looking for a portable performance setup, an audiophile pursuing the warmest sound quality, or a collector aiming to preserve their vinyl legacy digitally, Korg’s Handytraxx series offers a tailored solution. The pricing structure reflects the tiered functionality, ranging from the accessible Play for DJs to the premium Tube for audiophiles and the top-of-the-line 1bit for archival purposes. With the resurgence of vinyl records, the Handytraxx series provides a modern take on a classic format, bridging the gap between analog warmth and digital convenience.
