In the world of music production and DJing, portable gear has long promised to democratize skills like vinyl scratching, once confined to bulky studio setups. A recent review of the Korg Handytraxx Play, a self-contained battery-powered turntable, highlights how such devices are finally enabling novices to dive into the art form without the barriers of traditional equipment. Terrence O’Brien, a technology writer for The Verge, shared his experience in an article published earlier this month, describing how the $499.99 device helped him fulfill a two-decade-old dream of learning to scratch.
O’Brien recounted purchasing a standard turntable about 20 years ago with aspirations of sampling dollar-bin vinyl and mastering scratching techniques. 'Instead, it just got hooked up to a stereo,' he wrote, noting that the equipment sat unused until he acquired the Handytraxx Play a few months ago. The device, which resembles a compact suitcase, includes a built-in speaker, fader, and effects, allowing users to practice anywhere without needing external power or audio setups.
Designed for portability, the Handytraxx Play runs on six AA batteries for up to 11 hours, making it ideal for impromptu sessions in various locations. O’Brien, who lives in New York City where space is at a premium, praised its storage convenience. 'It tucks away neatly like a piece of luggage, so it’s easy to stick out of the way and forget about,' he said. In his multi-purpose office—also serving as his wife’s workspace, recording studio, and guest bedroom—the unit slides effortlessly between the couch and wall when not in use.
The review emphasized the device's core features tailored for scratching beginners. The control panel detaches and reverses for left- or right-handed users, and the fader can be flipped to suit preferences. O’Brien, a right-handed user, experimented with layouts to find the most comfortable setup. He also highlighted built-in effects like a DJ-style filter and dub-style delay, though he found them uneven in execution. 'The DJ-style filter is the sort of thing that sounds great on paper, but is less useful in practice,' O’Brien noted, explaining its clunkiness when transitioning between loops and new records.
One standout aspect was the looper function, intended as a 'killer feature' for capturing drum breaks or instrumental passages. However, O’Brien described it as 'one of the worst-designed loopers I’ve ever used.' The activation process—holding a button to arm, releasing to start recording, and pressing again to stop—proved counterintuitive. 'Never, in my entire life, have I come across a looper that you arm by holding down a button, that only starts recording once you let go, and that you need to press again to stop,' he wrote. It took him days to master, resulting in loops that started a fraction of a second late.
Despite these quirks, O’Brien found the Handytraxx Play transformative for practice. He follows YouTube tutorials for scratching routines, admitting, 'I’m still very bad at it,' but enjoying the process. The fader feels responsive, though the needle occasionally jumps if handled roughly—a minor issue for novices. To enhance his sessions, he purchased a Practice Yo! Cuts 7-inch record, recommending smaller vinyl over 12-inch discs due to the device's compact platter, which can cause uneven playback on larger records.
Portability comes with caveats. O’Brien reported issues with the latches, which 'constantly get stuck' and sometimes pop off entirely. Korg has not responded to his inquiries about whether this is a widespread problem. Additionally, a small gap at the bottom allows the slipmat to slip out when carrying the unit. These flaws deterred him from using it for crate digging at record stores, limiting it to home use across rooms like the kitchen, living room, or even the backyard.
As a record player, the Handytraxx Play falls short. Its built-in speakers are 'nothing to write home about,' and while it offers a headphone jack and RCA outputs, sound quality is merely mediocre for the price. O’Brien connected it to his SP-404 sampler for recording, where it shone in simplicity. When paired with software like Ableton Live, the minor annoyances faded, allowing seamless scratching sessions.
O’Brien reflected on his past mistake of buying a stationary turntable, which required a separate mixer and created hurdles for a beginner. 'I definitely made a mistake all those years ago when I bought a regular turntable to learn scratching on. It was rooted in place and I still needed to buy a mixer—there were a lot of hurdles to clear,' he said. He advocates for portable, all-in-one units like the Handytraxx for newcomers, arguing they lower entry barriers.
Yet, O’Brien stopped short of universal endorsement. At nearly $500, the device is pricey and quirk-filled, better suited for those seeking an 'upscale portablism experience' after mastering basics. For absolute beginners, he suggested more affordable alternatives: the Reloop Spin at $349.99, the Stanton STX at $249, and the Numark PT01 at $169. These options lack advanced features and aesthetic appeal, and O’Brien could not assess their build quality firsthand, but they appear adequate for testing the waters.
The Handytraxx Play enters a growing market for portable DJ tools, amid renewed interest in vinyl and turntablism. Vinyl sales have surged in recent years, with the Recording Industry Association of America reporting over 43 million units sold in 2023, up from previous decades. Devices like this cater to hobbyists blending analog warmth with digital convenience, potentially inspiring a new generation of scratch DJs in urban spaces like New York City.
Korg, a Japanese electronics company founded in 1962, has a history of innovative music gear, from synthesizers to drum machines. The Handytraxx Play builds on this legacy, targeting 'portablism'—a niche blending portability with DJ performance. While O’Brien's review is personal, it underscores broader trends: accessibility driving skill acquisition in music production.
Looking ahead, potential buyers should weigh the device's strengths against its flaws. O’Brien's experience suggests it excels for casual, space-constrained users committed to scratching, but improvements in looper design and latches could broaden appeal. As affordable competitors proliferate, Korg may need to refine the Handytraxx to maintain its edge in the portable turntable segment.
For aspiring DJs, the review serves as a cautionary yet encouraging tale. O’Brien's journey from dusty turntable to active practice illustrates how modern tools can revive long-dormant passions. Whether opting for the Handytraxx or a budget alternative, the path to scratching now feels more approachable than ever.