Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12

Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 – world’s first digital-analog hybrid turntable for DJs

By Connor EdneyAugust 2, 20236 mins read

Although DJs love the bragging rights of using analog vinyl players, those players have a tendancy to malfunction after a long while of use.

You know how it is, the needle starts to skip or the drive belt starts to slip, thus interrupting your performance and audience’s listening experience. Well, Pioneer has a solution in the PLX-CRSS12. By building on the success of the PLX-1000, Pioneer has delivered the world’s first digital-analog hybrid turntable.

Pioneer DJ’s parent company, AlphaTheta Corporation, has announced the release of the PLX-CRSS12 digital-analog hybrid turntable. Designed for professional use, this is the first DJ deck to offer DVS control of digital music via DJ software as well as analog playback of vinyl records.

You can use the PLX-CRSS12 in DVS mode with both Serato DJ Pro or rekordbox while the “tone-arm-free playback means you can scratch a real analog record as vigorously as you like without fear of missing a beat”. Meanwhile, you can still play your analog records the traditional way by switching the deck to Analog mode and using the tonearm as normal.

Furthermore, you can adjust the rotation dial on the included (and replaceable) MAGVEL CLAMP to suit your taste, thereby changing how “heavy” or “light” the records feel. Pioneer DJ says you can “adjust the turntable’s torque level in the utility settings,” and there are 3 stopping speeds to choose from too.

Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 connectivity ports. Image Credit: Pioneer DJ

On the rear of the PLX-CRSS12 are ports for phono RCA cables and a USB Type-C port for laptop connectivity.

Pioneer continues to say “at first glance, you’ll see how the PLX-CRSS12 has been designed for fluid scratching and intuitive performances. And when you look closer, you’ll notice new features that enable a greater level of control and creativity”. With its battle-style layout, the PLX-CRSS12 gives you room for scratching in addition to 4 MIDI-mappable Performance Pads too for triggering external gear, while the OLED display makes it easy for you to keep an eye on important track information.

In addition to the features you can see, the PLX-CRSS12 offers various component upgrades from the PLX-1000 professional turntable which “[creates] the best-ever analog sound from a Pioneer DJ deck”.