Do you have a question about the thomann Fun Generation TT 1201 and is the answer not in the manual?
Explains the meaning of various signal words and symbols used in the manual.
Defines the proper use of the device and the qualifications of users.
Warns about suffocation and injury risks for children with packaging and small parts.
Covers risks from unsuitable environments, high voltages, and potential floor staining.
Lists core features like direct-drive, USB, speed options, and included accessories.
Covers unpacking, attaching the pick-up, and inserting the turntable.
Detailed guide to adjusting the counterweight for proper stylus force.
Provides a schematic for connecting the turntable to a mixer or PC.
Identifies and explains the numbered controls and components on the turntable's top surface.
Lists and describes numbered controls like holder, counterweight, pitch control, and illumination.
Details the 7-inch EP adapter, cover hinges, and rear panel I/O including USB and power.
Step-by-step instructions for playing a vinyl record.
Guidance on cleaning the pick-up, housing, and cover.
When to check for worn pick-ups and how to replace them.
Technical details on drive type, motor, speeds, pick-up arm dimensions, and pick-up model.
Specs for audio outputs, USB, power requirements, dimensions, weight, and ambient conditions.
Advice on selecting cables and ensuring correct connections for optimal sound.
Details the pin assignment for signal and ground on an RCA plug.
Information on recycling and proper disposal of packaging materials.
Instructions for disposing of the old device according to WEEE regulations.
Explains the meaning of various signal words and symbols used in the manual.
Defines the proper use of the device and the qualifications of users.
Warns about suffocation and injury risks for children with packaging and small parts.
Covers risks from unsuitable environments, high voltages, and potential floor staining.
Lists core features like direct-drive, USB, speed options, and included accessories.
Covers unpacking, attaching the pick-up, and inserting the turntable.
Detailed guide to adjusting the counterweight for proper stylus force.
Provides a schematic for connecting the turntable to a mixer or PC.
Identifies and explains the numbered controls and components on the turntable's top surface.
Lists and describes numbered controls like holder, counterweight, pitch control, and illumination.
Details the 7-inch EP adapter, cover hinges, and rear panel I/O including USB and power.
Step-by-step instructions for playing a vinyl record.
Guidance on cleaning the pick-up, housing, and cover.
When to check for worn pick-ups and how to replace them.
Technical details on drive type, motor, speeds, pick-up arm dimensions, and pick-up model.
Specs for audio outputs, USB, power requirements, dimensions, weight, and ambient conditions.
Advice on selecting cables and ensuring correct connections for optimal sound.
Details the pin assignment for signal and ground on an RCA plug.
Information on recycling and proper disposal of packaging materials.
Instructions for disposing of the old device according to WEEE regulations.
The Fun Generation TT 1201 is a professional direct-drive turntable designed for playing records, offering both line and phono signal outputs. This versatile device is suitable for a range of users, from casual listeners to DJs, and can be integrated into various audio setups, including mixers and PCs. Its robust construction and thoughtful features aim to provide a reliable and enjoyable vinyl playback experience.
The core function of the TT 1201 is to accurately reproduce audio from vinyl records. It achieves this through a direct-drive motor system, which ensures consistent platter speed and quick start-up times. The turntable supports two standard playback speeds: 33 and 45 revolutions per minute (rpm), allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of records, including LPs, EPs, and singles. For 7-inch EPs, a dedicated adapter is included and can be placed on the centring device for proper playback.
A key feature of the TT 1201 is its integrated USB audio interface. This allows users to connect the turntable directly to a computer (PC with Windows®7 and higher, or Mac OS X® 10.1 and higher) for digitizing vinyl collections or for use in digital DJ setups. The USB connection provides a convenient way to transfer audio from records into a digital format, expanding the utility of the turntable beyond traditional analog playback.
The turntable offers flexible output options with both line and phono signal levels. This is managed by a switch on the rear panel, allowing the user to select the appropriate output signal for their amplifier or mixer. The phono output is designed for preamplifiers with a phono input, while the line output can be connected to any standard line-level input. This versatility ensures compatibility with a broad range of audio equipment, whether it has a dedicated phono stage or not. The inclusion of a ground lead further helps in minimizing hum and noise in the audio signal, ensuring a cleaner sound.
The TT 1201 is equipped with an S-shaped pick-up arm, a design known for its tracking stability and reduced tracking error. The pick-up arm features a counterweight for precise adjustment of the stylus force, which is crucial for optimal sound quality and minimizing record wear. An anti-skate device is also present, allowing users to compensate for the inward force that pulls the stylus towards the centre of the record, further improving tracking accuracy and stereo balance. The pick-up arm also includes a lever for lowering and raising the pick-up, providing a gentle and controlled descent onto the record.
For ease of use and precision, the turntable incorporates a pitch control slider, enabling users to adjust the playback speed by +/- 10%. This feature is particularly useful for DJs who need to match tempos between tracks or for listeners who want to fine-tune the playback speed. A strobe light and strobe illumination are also provided, allowing for visual confirmation of the platter's rotational speed, ensuring it is accurate and stable.
The device comes with a headshell and pick-up (Ortofon OM 5S with a spherical shape) already included, making it ready for use shortly after unpacking. A slip mat is also provided, which helps to protect records and allows for easier manipulation of the record during DJing. The turntable is protected by a hinged cover, which helps to keep dust off the platter and pick-up arm when not in use.
Setting up the TT 1201 involves a few key steps to ensure optimal performance. First, the headshell with the pick-up needs to be securely inserted into the pick-up arm and locked into place. This ensures a stable connection for accurate signal transmission.
Adjusting the counterweight is a critical step for proper pick-up arm balance and stylus force. The process involves pushing the counterweight onto the rear of the pick-up arm, setting the anti-skate device to zero, and then carefully balancing the pick-up arm so it remains horizontal when released. Once balanced, the stylus force can be set by rotating the counterweight, with a recommended force of 1.75 g for the supplied pick-up. Finally, the anti-skate device is adjusted to match the set stylus force, which helps prevent the stylus from skipping or favouring one channel.
To play a record, the user first places the record on the centring device, using the 7-inch EP adapter if needed, and then places the slip mat on the record turntable. The turntable is switched on using the rotary power switch. The desired playback speed (33 or 45 rpm) is selected using the dedicated buttons. The pick-up arm is then released from its holder, positioned above the record, and the turntable is started using the [START / STOP] button. Finally, the lever for lowering the pick-up arm is moved downwards to gently lower the stylus onto the record, initiating playback.
The TT 1201 is designed for indoor use within specified ambient conditions to prevent damage and ensure longevity. It should be operated in environments free from direct sunlight, heavy dirt, strong vibrations, and extreme temperature fluctuations. If the device has been exposed to low outside temperatures, it is advised to allow it to acclimatize before switching it on. Protection from liquids and moisture is also essential. When moving the device, it should be powered off and handled carefully.
The device is powered by an external power supply, and it is crucial to ensure that the voltage specification matches the local power grid to prevent damage and potential hazards. Using a professionally installed mains socket with a residual current circuit breaker (FI) is recommended for safety. Disconnecting the power supply during storms or extended periods of non-use is also a good practice.
Regular maintenance is straightforward and essential for preserving the performance and lifespan of the TT 1201. The pick-up, which includes the stylus, should be cleaned regularly with a soft brush. This helps to remove dust and debris that can accumulate on the stylus, which can degrade sound quality and potentially damage records.
The housing and the cover of the turntable should also be cleaned regularly with a soft, dry cloth. This helps to keep the device looking good and prevents dust from accumulating in sensitive areas.
Replacing the pick-up is necessary if the sound becomes distorted or hissing, as this often indicates that the pick-up or stylus is worn. While the manual does not detail the replacement process, it highlights the importance of this action for maintaining optimal audio fidelity.
It is also important to be aware of potential issues with the rubber feet of the device. The plasticizer in the rubber feet may react with certain floor coatings, potentially causing permanent dark stains over time. To prevent this, using a suitable mat or felt slide underneath the turntable is recommended to create a barrier between the rubber feet and the floor.
For any issues beyond routine cleaning and pick-up replacement, especially in environments with increased dirt levels, it is advised to have the device cleaned by qualified specialists to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.
The packaging materials used for the TT 1201 are environmentally friendly and chosen for normal recycling. Users are encouraged to dispose of plastic bags and other packaging materials properly, ensuring they are collected for recycling rather than being discarded with normal household waste. For the device itself, as an electronic product, it is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE). This means it should not be disposed of with normal household waste but should be delivered for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or through a local waste facility. Thomann GmbH also offers a free return service for old devices, and users are advised to delete any personal data from the device before disposal.
| Motor | DC Motor |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33 1/3, 45 RPM |
| Braking System | Electronic Brake |
| Tracking Force Adjustment Range | 0-4 g |
| Platter | Aluminium Die-cast, 332 mm diameter |
| Pitch Control | +/-10% |
| Outputs | RCA |
| USB | No |
| Type | Direct Drive |
| S/N Ratio | 50 dB |
| Starting Torque | 1.0 kgf.cm |
| Tonearm Type | S-shaped |