Ortofon Concorde MKII Mix Single (DJ System)

The Ortofon Concorde MKII Mix is a DJ cartridge in Concorde format that combines cartridge and headshell in a single housing and plugs straight into the tonearm with no separate alignment needed.

No measuring overhang, no evening spent justifying with a magnifying glass and the patience of a saint – click it on, balance the tonearm, and you're playing. That's exactly what the Concorde was invented for in 1979, and today the Mix is its most down-to-earth representative: the entry point into the MKII line, without missing anything essential.

Why the Concorde MKII Mix?

The Mix is the workhorse for the deck: spherical stylus, solid aluminium cantilever and a healthy 6 mV output voltage. That's enough for back-cueing, mixing and occasional scratching, without your records suffering. With the MKII generation, Ortofon widened the housing – more stability in the tonearm – and finally made the finger lift removable. If it snaps off, you replace it instead of throwing out the whole system.

What you get

A transparent, honest sound across the spectrum with no added colouration, and a robustness that shrugs off daily DJ use. The Mix comes as a single: one Concorde system with pre-mounted stylus, ready to click on. If you're equipping two turntables, it's also available as a Twin set in a flight case.

Who is the Concorde MKII Mix suited for?

For DJs after a reliable all-rounder, for anyone equipping multiple decks affordably, and for beginners who want to get going without alignment hassle. Straight talk: uncompromising scratchers do better with the Scratch; anyone after audiophile refinement should look at the Club or Elite. The Mix is deliberately the sensible one of the family – and that's exactly its strength.

Our verdict

The honest entry point of the MKII range: uncomplicated, long-lasting, fairly priced. Whether you're equipping multiple decks or starting cleanly into the world of turntables, you can't go wrong with the Mix.

Technical Data

• Type: moving magnet cartridge (MM), Concorde design with integrated headshell
• Stylus shape: spherical
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Output voltage: 6 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 3 g (range 2–4 g)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Mounting: SME/bayonet tonearm, plug-and-play (no separate alignment)
• Weight: 18.5 g (without screws)
• What's included: 1 Concorde system with pre-mounted stylus

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Concorde MKII Mix fit my Technics SL-1210?

Yes. The Concorde plugs directly into any SME/bayonet tonearm, as found on Technics SL-1200/1210 and most DJ turntables – no separate headshell, no aligning. Set the tracking force to around 3 g, done. On very light tonearms, the rear counterweight may need adjusting to reach 3 g.

Do I need a phono preamp for the Concorde MKII Mix?

Yes, an MM phono input. The Mix is a moving magnet system with a healthy 6 mV – so the classic "phono" input on your amp or a separate MM preamp. It doesn't belong on a line input like AUX or CD, which lacks the RIAA equalisation.

Why buy the Concorde MKII Mix from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you which Concorde model really suits your setup – Mix, DJ, or maybe the Club for a finer ear. Our experienced team in Wädenswil knows the tonearms these systems end up on, and technician Mauri helps with mounting and adjustment. You get the right choice, not just a box off the shelf.

Goes well with

Goes well with: a turntable, a phono preamp, and more cartridges.