The story behind S-120 - From shared visions to combined ideas
This is the story of how a unique product was born. A story of how two companies, thousands of miles apart, ended up creating an extraordinary DJ cartridge from one shared vision: to enable DJs and creative music producers all over the world - through improved technology, construction and design - to reach new levels of artistry and creativity.
Browse through the story behind the S-120.
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The start-up
It all started out with two leaders in their field dedicated to accommodating the performance requirements of professional DJs, with a shared commitment to perfection, and a shared desire to give DJs the ultimate performance tool.
Ortofon wanted to develop a unique cartridge for the DJ market which had the best possible features for the high demands of the performance DJ. Serato wanted a reliable and stable signal path to secure the signals from their timecoded vinyl, when used with Serato Scratch Live.
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The vision
They both wanted extreme stability and unparalleled reliability, even under extreme performance conditions. In other words, the two companies possessed a common interest - and the competencies and abilities to reach this shared ambitious goal.
The ultimate performance cartridge, the Ortofon-Serato S-120, was about to become a reality.
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The ideas
When Leif Johannsen from Ortofon visited Serato in Auckland, New Zealand, and Steve West from Serato visited Ortofon Headquarters in Nakskov, Denmark, ideas began to flow.
Ortofon had undertaken a basic research program on the reduction of record wear, including extensive testing with different components and variations. Leif Johannsen hit upon the idea of asymmetrical rubber suspension.
Leif and Steve discussed these findings and realized that the potential for better control was ideal for users of Scratch Live. Leif ran computer simulations for this asymmetrical suspension technology, and Ortofon started working on samples. The ideas were being realized.
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The knowledge
Ortofon brought to the partnership a deep knowledge of cartridge technology, industrial processing, computer simulation as well as competencies in technological materials, fine mechanicals and acoustics.
Serato came from the world of DJs and software engineering. They brought to the project an extensive understanding of the wants and needs of the performing DJ, new and exclusive design concepts, extensive testing and feedback possibilities.
Together they had the know-how and expertise to make their vision a reality.
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The process
It was a challenging process for the companies to work together, when they faced a 12-hour time difference. Everybody involved in Denmark and New Zealand was very enthusiastic about the project, with design proposals and samples flying between Denmark and New Zealand.
With their converging cultures and shared ideas about product development, both companies took great pride in working towards the highest quality possible.
The commitment and engagement from all the people involved made it possible to evolve from vision to finished product.
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The S-120
The culmination of this successful partnership is now ready to be launched: the Ortofon-Serato S-120 Performing Cartridge.
With horizontal tracking ability topping 120 μm, a superior tracking force resulting in virtually no need for calibration and record wear reduced to a minimum, we have reached our shared goal.
The S-120 is a product both Ortofon and Serato are immensely proud to present to the global DJ community and music production industry. The S-120 gives you the power to perform.
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Ortofon
Today Ortofon is the world's leading cartridge specialist and one-stop supplier of cartridges. This is a result of the company’s extensive design experience and great technological know-how.
The Ortofon factory in Nakskov equipped with purpose built machinery, combines human craftsmanship with uniform industrial quality.
Ortofon has been producing high precision instruments and products for sound reproduction since 1918. Throughout the company’s long history, Ortofon has received numerous awards and prizes for both sound quality and design. During the last two decades, Ortofon cartridges and styli have become the DJ community’s favourite choice.
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Serato
Serato Audio Research is based in
Auckland, New Zealand and has been recognised as the market leader in time and
pitch adjustment since its inception in 1999.
Serato formed a product partnership
with Rane Corporation in 2004 with Serato Scratch Live. Scratch Live is a
revolutionary DJ product that enables DJs to control digital audio files on
their computer.
Serato has since expanded its reputation for
excellent pro DJ products with the release of the ITCH DJ Software in 2008.
