KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY (02) PDF DOCUMENT

The KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY is designed for portability with the following features:

It is compact and lightweight. You can attach the cover and easily carry the unit with the handle.

It can be powered with six type AA batteries or the included AC adapter.

It features a built-in phono equalizer and speaker, providing everything you need to play records anywhere.

The KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY includes several features for sonic enjoyment:

A built-in looper lets you record the sound from a record, change the pitch to one of three settings, and then play it back as a loop or trigger the playback.

It is equipped for DJ mixing, including scratch playing with a loop running in the background and swapping records while a loop plays.

It features a smooth-touch crossfader that is optimized for scratch techniques.

Three types of filters with varying characteristics, as well as a digital delay for making tricky sounds, are available. These effects can be controlled in real time with knobs and sliders.

The KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY accommodates different user preferences with a reverse switch that inverts the direction of the crossfader effect (left/right). Additionally, by switching the front/rear orientation of the control panel and remounting the crossfader, the unit can be conveniently used by left-handed players.

The top panel of the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY includes:

1. Platter

2. Slip mat

3. Spindle

4. EP adapter

5. Needle pressure adjustment screw (Note: This screw comes preadjusted at the optimum pressure for the included cartridge. Do not adjust this screw unless you have replaced the cartridge.)

6. Tonearm lock

7. Tonearm

8. Headshell (integrated with tonearm)

9. Speaker

10. Control panel

11. Dust cover

The control panel of the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY features:

1. Power indicator

2. SCRATCH/EFFECT switch

3. MASTER VOLUME knob

4. FILTER section

5. LOOP section

6. RPM switch

7. PITCH knob

8. DELAY section

9. Crossfader

The side panel of the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY includes the following:

1. **FADER REVERSE switch:** Toggles the crossfader control orientation.

2. **Headphones jack:** (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack) Connect your headphones here.

3. **Headphones volume knob:** Adjusts the output volume for the headphones.

4. **Headphones DIRECT/MASTER switch:** Switches between output sources for the headphones.

5. **CARTRIDGE switch:** Set to match your cartridge. Use the “CERAMIC” setting for the included cartridge.

6. **OUTPUT jacks:** (RCA pin jacks) Connect to powered monitor speakers or a stereo amp.

7. **SPEAKER switch:** Switches the built-in speaker audio output on/off.

8. **AUX IN jack:** (3.5 mm stereo mini-phone jack) Connect line-level output from a device like a music player.

9. **DC 5V IN port:** (USB type-C) Connect the included AC adapter here.

10. **Power button:** Long-press this button to turn the instrument on or off.

To use the dust cover on your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY:

To attach: Insert the tabs on the rear side of the dust cover into the grooves on the rear of the top panel, then put the dust cover down. Slide the front buckles on the dust cover to lock them in place.

To remove: Slide the buckles to unlock them, and tip the front cover back to open it. Remove the tabs from the grooves to take off the cover.

For proper setup of your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY:

Place the handytraxx play on a flat surface.

To prevent the unit from picking up vibrations or sound pressure waves, do not place it next to speakers or similar equipment.

Placing the handytraxx play next to a radio may cause it to pick up wireless electrostatic interference. For this reason, keep the handytraxx play away from any wireless devices. Placing this unit near devices that emit strong radio waves (such as a cellphone) may cause noise.

To insert batteries, remove the screw from the bottom of the battery compartment, open the cover, and insert the batteries while making sure they are facing the right direction.

Important notes on battery usage:

When using the unit on battery power, the power indicator blinks at a specific interval if the remaining battery level is low. If this happens, replace the batteries.

Batteries are not included and must be purchased separately.

Turn off the power before replacing the batteries.

Remove depleted batteries immediately to avoid product failure from battery leakage. Also, remove batteries if you won’t be using the unit for a long time.

Do not mix new and partially used batteries, or batteries of different types.

The unit operates on AC power while the AC adapter is connected, even if batteries are installed.

To assemble the AC adapter, attach the appropriate exchangeable plug according to the type of outlet you will be using:

1. Insert the exchangeable plug, aligning it with the groove of the contact points on the AC adapter.

2. Slide the exchangeable plug until you hear a click, ensuring it is securely attached.

Use the OUTPUT jacks (RCA) if you wish to connect to an audio amp or the like. The audio output from the OUTPUT jacks is the same as the sound that’s output from the speakers.

Connect your CD player, smartphone or other music player to the AUX IN jack (3.5 mm stereo mini phone jack). The signal input from the AUX IN jack is mixed just before the MASTER VOLUME knob stage. For this reason, the SCRATCH&EFFECT switch has no effect even when it is set to ON. You can’t adjust the level of the input from the AUX IN jack; set the level as appropriate on the output device.

1. Unlock the dust cover and remove the cover.

2. Place the slip mat onto the platter.

3. Remove the needle cover from the cartridge.

4. Turn the power on. Hold down the power button to turn on the power. The power indicator lights up. To turn off the power, hold down the power button until the power indicator blinks.

5. Set the SCRATCH/EFFECT switch to BYPASS. This outputs the record playback audio without sending it through the looper, effects or crossfader.

6. Place your record onto the platter. The spindle should be inserted through the hole on your record. When playing an EP record (such as a single or a donut-shaped record with a larger hole in the middle), attach the included EP adapter to the spindle and then place the record onto the platter.

7. Use the RPM switch to set the playback speed. The RPM switch sets how fast the turntable rotates, so set this switch according to the type of record you’re playing. Turn the PITCH knob to make finer adjustments to the speed.

8. Turn the speakers on/off. If you want to hear sound from the built-in speaker, turn the SPEAKER switch on the side panel to ON. If you don’t want to output sound from the built-in speaker, turn the switch to OFF and listen to the sound either through the headphones jack or the OUTPUT jacks.

9. Unlock the arm lock on the armrest. Release the tonearm from the lock.

10. While holding the tonearm using the finger lift on the headshell, place the needle onto the record. The turntable spins and the record plays.

11. Use the MASTER VOLUME knob to adjust the built-in speaker volume. Use the headphone volume knob to control the headphone volume.

Yes, the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY automatically turns off if the switches are not operated for 20 minutes and the turntable is stopped. This feature does not activate when the looper is recording.

You can enjoy DJ play by recording the sound of the record with the looper, and then use the crossfader while the loop is playing in the background to scratch the record or apply delay and filter effects. Follow these steps:

1. Turn the SCRATCH/EFFECT switch ON. This enables the looper and effects. Start by setting the MIX knob to the center position so that you can hear the record playback sound, and then move the crossfader from either side towards the middle.

2. Press the TYPE button in the FILTER section when you want to apply a filter.

3. Press the ON button in the DELAY section to add a delay effect.

4. When using the looper, you can press the REC button in the LOOP section to record audio, and press the PLAY button to play back audio.

5. Use the crossfader to switch between the looper and record playback sounds.

Note: When playing scratch techniques, pressing the turntable too hard to make it stop rotating will put a load on the motor and belt, which could cause a malfunction or break the unit. For this reason, only stop the record and allow the turntable to keep rotating when you use this technique. You can place the included slip sheet between the slip mat and turntable to make the record slip more easily, which should make scratch playing smoother.

Recording a loop:

1. Play the record.

2. Press the REC button to start recording.

3. Press the STOP button to stop recording. When recording is successful, the indicator slowly blinks green.

4. Press the PLAY button to play back what you recorded in a loop. While recording, you can press the PLAY or REC button to start loop playback right away.

Playing the loop:

You can use the crossfader while the loop is playing in the background to scratch the record, or apply delay and filter effects. You can also switch between playback speeds.

MIX knob: This adjusts the volume balance between the loop playback and record playback audio. In the center position, both sources are at the same volume. Turning the knob clockwise makes the record audio quieter. Turning it counterclockwise makes the loop audio quieter.

SPEED switch: This switches between speeds for loop recording and playback. 33/45 is slower than normal, and 45/33 is faster than normal. This allows for pitch-shifting effects based on the recording and playback speed combination.

REC button: This records to the looper. Pressing it during loop playback enables overdub recording.

STOP/CLEAR button: This stops loop recording or playback. To erase the recorded loop, long-press this button while the loop is stopped until the indicator blinks green in short intervals.

Overdub recording on the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY allows you to layer additional sounds, such as a record scratch, over an existing loop. The overdub recording starts once the loop sound plays all the way to the end and then returns to the beginning, not when you press the REC button during playback. Note that the filter and delay effects are not recorded to the looper.

The crossfader on the KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY is a horizontal fader with a curve used for scratch techniques. The leftmost and rightmost sides of the fader are used for cutting out the record playback sound and the looper playback sound respectively. You can use the REVERSE switch on the side panel to change the crossfader orientation.

FADER REVERSE = OFF: Left side is looper audio, right side is record playback audio.

FADER REVERSE = ON: Left side is record playback audio, right side is looper audio.

The KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY has three filter types, indicated by the FILTER indicator color. You can cycle through them using the TYPE button.

FILTER 1 (lit green): DJ filter. This is an orthodox filter for DJs that integrates both a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter. Turning the FILTER knob counterclockwise makes the low-pass filter frequencies move towards the low end, and turning the knob clockwise makes the high-pass filter frequencies move towards the high end.

FILTER 2 (lit orange): EQ and isolator. This is an EQ and isolator that focuses on sound processing in the low frequency range. Turning the FILTER knob counterclockwise makes the EQ boost the low frequencies, and turning the knob clockwise makes the isolator smoothly cut out the low frequencies.

FILTER 3 (lit red): Peaking wah. This is an experimental sound effect that combines a peaking EQ that emphasizes certain frequencies with cyclical modulation. Turning the FILTER knob counterclockwise speeds up the cycle of the peaking wah that emphasizes the mid- to low-frequency range. Turning the knob clockwise speeds up the cycle of the peaking wah that emphasizes the mid- to high-frequency range.

FEEDBACK knob: Sets how many times the feedback delay sound is repeated. Turn this knob clockwise for more repetitions, and counterclockwise for less repetitions.

TEMPO knob: Adjusts the delay time. Turn the knob clockwise for a longer delay time, and counterclockwise for a shorter delay time.

LEVEL fader: Adjusts the level of the delay sound. Raising the fader makes the delay louder.

ON/OFF button: Switches the delay on/off.

DELAY indicator: This indicator blinks in time with the delay when the delay is on. Longer delay times make the blinking intervals longer, and shorter delay times make the blinking intervals shorter.

Use a commercially available cleaning brush or similar tool to remove any dust or dirt from the tip of the needle. When using a brush, move the brush from the base of the needle to the tip as you clean.

If your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY does not turn on, check the following:

Is the AC adapter plugged into the AC outlet? Connect the AC adapter to the AC outlet.

Have you installed batteries, and are they in the correct orientation?

If you are using this unit on battery power, check whether the batteries have enough charge. The power indicator blinks when the remaining battery level is low.

If you are experiencing audio issues with your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY, check these possible causes:

Either the function settings on your amp or other connected equipment or the input selection may be wrong. Check that the settings for the connected devices are appropriate.

The crossfader might be set all the way to the left or to the right.

Make sure the MASTER VOLUME knob is not turned down all the way (counterclockwise).

For no sound from the speakers, the SPEAKER switch might be set to OFF, or the MASTER VOLUME might be turned down.

For no sound from the headphones, the headphone volume might be turned down all the way.

The CARTRIDGE switch may be set to the wrong position. Toggle the switch to the correct position to match the cartridge that’s installed. (If you’re using the cartridge that’s included with this unit, use the “CERAMIC” setting.)

The cartridge needle may be damaged. Check the needle and replace if necessary.

If the needle on your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY is skipping, consider the following:

The record may be warped or scratched. Check the condition of the record.

The needle pressure may be incorrect. If you’ve accidentally turned the needle pressure adjustment screw when using the included ceramic cartridge, use a commercially available needle/stylus pressure gauge to readjust the needle pressure to 5-6 g (the standard value is 5.5 g).

Is the unit set up on a level surface? Make sure that the unit is resting on a level surface with no protrusions.

The needle tip may be damaged. If you’re using scratch techniques when playing records, the needle will wear out more quickly than when playing records normally.

If you hear feedback from your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY:

The unit may be picking up excessive vibrations from the floor, walls or nearby speakers. Try reducing the vibrations, or place this unit on a surface that does not pick up as many vibrations.

The unit may be resting on an unstable surface. Check that you have set up this unit in an appropriate place.

If you hear noise when playing a record, dust may be adhering to the cartridge needle. If so, use a commercially available brush to clean off the needle.

If the playback speed is incorrect on your KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY, the RPM setting may be incorrect. Use the RPM switch to select the correct RPM setting for the type of record you’re playing. Also, adjust the pitch setting as appropriate with the PITCH knob.

Drive system: Belt-driven (with digital rotation correction)

Drive motor: DC servo motor

RPM: 33-1/3, 45 or 78 revolutions per minute

S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio: Less than 60 dB (DIN-B)

Cartridge model: Stereo ceramic cartridge included (MM supported)

Needle pressure: 5-6 g

Maximum input level: AUX IN: 2.5 Vp

Maximum output level: LINE OUT: 2.3 Vp, THD 1%; PHONO OUT: 300 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

PHONO preamp gain: Standard value: 34.5 dB; equalizer characteristics: RIAA

Digital signal processing:

A/D, D/A: 44.1 kHz@16-bit, stereo

Crossfader: 44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo

MIX: 44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo

LOOP: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo; max. recording time: approx. 20 sec

FILTER: 44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo; type: OFF, FILTER1, FILTER2, FILTER3

DELAY: 44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo; feedback (0-80%), time (1,000-10 ms)

Power supply: AC adapter (included), six AA batteries (alkaline or nickel-metal hydride)

Battery life: Approx. 11 hours (when speakers are ON, MAIN VOLUME knob is set to center position and when using alkaline batteries). Battery life varies depending on the volume at which records are played and the speaker volume.

Dimensions (W x D x H): 370 x 286 x 89 mm/14.57″ x 11.26″ x 3.50″ (including extensions and dust cover)

Weight: 2.3 kg/5.07 lb (including dust cover, not including batteries)

The KORG HANDYTRAXX PLAY comes with the following included items:

AC adapter (USB type-C cable attached)

AC adapter exchangeable plug (5 types)

Dust cover

Slip mat

Slip sheet

EP adapter

Quick Start Guide