January 8th, Consumer Electronics Show 2018, Las Vegas: Japanese audio specialists, Audio-Technica, are introducing the next generation model of their critically-acclaimed AT-LP120USB professional direct drive turntable. Popular with both aspiring DJs and music fans, the new feature-rich AT-LP120XUSB arrives with improved features and performance, a refreshed design and a more streamlined profile, including a new DC servo direct-drive motor, upgraded adjustable dynamic anti-skate control and an enhanced built-in selectable phono preamplifier.

Retaining the original’s look and feel, the AT-LP120XUSB design has been fine-tuned, while boasting a more compact height. The all new direct drive 1kg torque motor ensures a more accurate and consistent rotating speed, coupled with greater control and reduced distortion from the S-shaped tonearm’s dynamic anti-skate control.

Offering three selectable three rotating speeds – 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM – the LP120XUSB plays all types of records, including 78 shellac singles (via an optional compatible cartridge).  DJs can experiment with the selectable, highly-accurate, quartz-controlled pitch lock and pitch change slider control with +/-8% or +/-16% adjustment ranges.

The AT-LP120XUSB now features an improved onboard preamplifier with a switchable phono/line output, allowing direct connection to active powered speakers or a non-phono enabled amplifier. Alternatively you can make the switch and hook-up the turntable to a dedicated phono-enabled amp. The turntable comes with detachable RCA phono cables for easy connection to amplifiers, mixers,  sound cards and other audio-devices.

As you would expect from a professional turntable, the AT-LP120XUSB boasts essential DJ  features including a detachable stylus-type target LED light to help cue records in dark club environments and a handy die-cast aluminium stroboscopic platter for monitoring pitch speeds.

The AT-LP120XUSB is also equipped with a USB output for connection to a PC or Mac to digitise your record collection. Using the easy-to-use free Audacity recording software* to convert your favourite records into digital files, you can take the unique sound of vinyl with you on the move for listening on your smartphone, digital portable music player and laptop.

The turntable is fitted with the AT-VM95E cartridge from Audio-Technica’s newly introduced AT-VM95 series. Replacing the legendary and biggest selling cartridge of all time, the AT-95E, its successor arrives mounted on a AT-HS6 headshell and is equipped with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus. The new AT-VM95 cartridge series allows easy interchange and installation of replacement stylus within the range, covering all budgets and styles.

The LP-120XUSB is available in black and silver finishes.

* USB operation system requirements: PC or Mac with a USB port 1.1 or higher. Windows 7 or above, or Mac OS X or above.