Ortofon Concorde MKII mix

The Ortofon Concorde MKII MIX represents the culmination of a century of acoustic research dedicated to modern DJing. This versatile cartridge, recognizable by its distinctive black and green livery, stands out as a balanced solution for DJs seeking solid performance and durability at an affordable price.

The MKII Revolution: Where Experience Meets Innovation

The MKII generation is a complete overhaul based on decades of user feedback. The most visible change is the now removable and replaceable handle, addressing previous criticisms about the fragility of this component in the earlier generation.

The cantilever has been re-engineered to be stiffer and lighter, improving frequency response and stereo separation. The suspension benefits from a new chemical formulation that forms a clean seal around the cantilever, significantly optimizing tracking without resorting to complex asymmetrical suspensions. The magnetic engine has also been optimized, although Ortofon remains discreet about these improvements.

Design and Construction: The Balance Between Form and Function

The MKII MIX sports a black finish with distinctive green accents, making it easy to identify in the booth. The diamond’s visibility has been optimized for precise cueing. Weighing 18.5 grams, it strikes a balance between stability and record preservation.

The one-piece aluminum construction minimizes unwanted resonances. The new diamond mounting clips ensure secure retention while simplifying replacement. The absence of external wiring remains a major advantage, reducing failure points and eliminating connection issues.

Technical Performance: Versatility Without Compromise

The spherical diamond offers an ideal compromise between durability and sound quality, picking up less surface noise while withstanding the rigors of scratching. The frequency response covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz with transparency.

The 6 mV output level perfectly balances universal compatibility and signal-to-noise ratio. The recommended tracking force of 3 grams (range 2–4 g) ensures optimal contact while minimizing wear. The exceptional tracking ability of 100 μm rivals that of older specialized cartridges, showcasing the progress made.

Practical Use: From Nightclub to Home Studio

In clubs, its robustness makes it a reliable choice for marathon sets. The transparent sound lets each record’s characteristics shine through without coloration. For basic scratching, it performs admirably despite its generalist positioning, with the spherical diamond facilitating quick movements.

For home listening, the MIX surprises with its musicality. Universal compatibility and the absence of complex adjustments make it an appealing option for systems that alternate between listening and mixing.

Comparison Within the MKII Range

The MIX is positioned as the entry-level generalist model. The DJ offers slightly superior tracking, the CLUB targets professionals with its elliptical diamond and 8 mV output, the SCRATCH is optimized for turntablists, and the DIGITAL is designed for timecode vinyl with 10 mV.

This segmentation allows every DJ to find the model that fits their needs. The MIX offers the best value for versatile users or beginners.

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

• New modern design
• Black and green color scheme
• Removable and durable handle
• Improved diamond visibility
• Weight: 18.5 g

Technical Specifications

• Output level: 6 mV
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Diamond type: spherical

Tracking Force

• Range: 2 to 4 g
• Recommended: 3 g

Usage

• Suitable for all applications