Are you in search of a portable turntable specifically designed for scratching or scratch practice? Then you should take a look at the Stanton STX. This little turntable has a lot to offer and impresses on many levels. With its solid build, high-quality Innofader Nano Crossfader, and great sound compared to similar devices, the STX is a good choice. Additionally, it comes equipped with convenient features such as a rechargeable battery.
However, upon closer inspection, there are a few points to consider. Unlike other competitors, the STX can only play 7-inch records, which may come as a surprise to many. Furthermore, the tonearm is somewhat unstable, although it holds up well in scratch testing. But let's delve into more detail:
First Impression
The first impression and setup of the Stanton STX leave you wanting more. As a long-awaited product from Stanton, a former heavyweight in the DJ scene of the 90s, the STX promises to be impressive. Right from unboxing, the striking X-shaped case catches your eye, giving the device a unique look.
Although the case is slightly larger compared to other portable scratch turntables such as the Omni or the Reloop Spin, the STX offers a particularly stable construction. Thanks to the generously sized rubber feet, the turntable stands firmly on any surface. Additionally, a clever design decision allows the case to be used as a stand to double the unit's height. A practical aluminum carry handle completes the thoughtful design.
The package also includes a set of stickers specifically designed for marking scratch vinyl. It's a nice gimmick, but unfortunately, 7-inch scratch sound vinyl is missing, unlike similar products from other manufacturers.
But what exactly can the Stanton STX do?
If you're not familiar with this type of product, it is a "portablist" scratch turntable. This means you can scratch anywhere and anytime since the STX has a built-in battery and speaker.
In addition, the STX offers a variety of connections and features that make it a technologically advanced turntable. It has a 1/8-inch minijack line-in (for playing music to scratch over), Bluetooth (for wireless scratching), 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphone outputs, a USB-C charging port, an Innofader Nano crossfader, pitch control, three speeds, an "Ultra Pitch" option (for creative pitch changes), curve adjustment, fader select/reverse, audio level and tone controls, USB recording... in other words, the STX is technically sophisticated and well-equipped for a portable turntable.
The included 45 adapter fits perfectly into a cutout on the front panel, keeping everything securely in place. There's even an aluminum carry handle. Additionally, the STX features a built-in rechargeable battery - a first for portable turntables.
So, on paper, there are many positive attributes. But how does the Stanton STX perform in practice?
The STX in Use
When using the Stanton STX turntable, we were initially impressed by the surprisingly good sound quality of the speaker. It sounds much better than comparable devices and delivers high volume for its compact size. It comes as no surprise that the Innofader Nano also feels great. Overall, our impression is that the STX is excellent for scratching. While it doesn't have the same torque or "pull" as a professional turntable, which is to be expected from a battery-powered turntable, we still had a lot of fun with it.
However, there was a significant surprise for us - the STX can only play 7-inch single records. This is not a size limitation but a deliberate design choice. For comparison, the Omni turntable, a direct competitor, can easily play 10 and 12-inch vinyl. Although the STX is not intended as a general-purpose turntable (it is essentially a tool for scratching), some DJs may feel that Stanton missed an opportunity here. The fact that the tonearm is positioned so close to the platter and cannot play 12-inch records actually makes the turntable more stable for pure scratching. So, there is also an advantage to it.
Another point that we didn't particularly like is the wobbliness of the tonearm. It is a standard plastic tonearm, similar to what you find on many other turntables (and we believe also on the Numark PT-01). However, on the STX, the tonearm feels especially shaky at the pivot point, although it is not disruptive during operation.
In conclusion, the Stanton STX is overall well-built and sturdy, and definitely portable (although it is slightly larger than most other models).
Our Conclusion
If you can live with the limitation of vinyl size, it's worth considering the Stanton STX if you're looking for a portable turntable for scratching (and can handle the wobbly tonearm). It has many advanced features that unabashedly cater to the scratch scene and provide a lot of fun - it easily handles advanced scratching techniques.
However, if you also intend to use it as a general-purpose turntable (for example, for digging through record crates on the go or scratching with your 12" vinyl), it is definitely not the right choice for you. Stanton tells us, "This product is directly aimed at the mobile scratch turntablists and not the sampler/vinyl preview audience, so it is designed specifically for playing 7" vinyl (the primary size used by this audience)."
It's important to consider your requirements and usage preferences to determine if the Stanton STX is suitable for you. If you're a passionate scratch DJ seeking a portable turntable with advanced features for on-the-go use, the STX will bring you a lot of joy. Its impressive sound quality, powerful speaker, and Innofader Nano deliver an authentic scratching experience. Additionally, the built-in rechargeable battery is a significant advantage for portable use.
However, if you desire more versatility and also want to play 10" or 12" vinyl, you should explore alternatives. In this case, the STX won't fully meet your needs.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The Stanton STX offers a solid performance as a portable scratch turntable and enjoys popularity among scratch DJs. However, be mindful of the limitations regarding vinyl size and the wobbly tonearm to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
