DJ Cartridges

World leader in the cartridge industry

Ortofon has always been a company working with
sound reproduction. It was founded in 1918 in Copenhagen and started up making soundtracks for movies. In 1948 the company developed its first moving coil cartridge, since when Ortofon has developed and manufactured more than 300 different cartridges. Acoustics, materials technology and electronics are key competences in Ortofons technological prowess. Today Ortofon is the world leader in cartridges, both hi-fi and disco. This is a result of significant design experience and great technological know-how.

DJ Cartridges
The cartridge 1
A cartridge consists of three basic components. The first is the stylus that traces the record groove. The second is the cantilever, the part on which the stylus is mounted. The third is the generating system that converts the motion of the stylus and the cantilever into electrical replicas of the sound, which can then be amplified and reproduced by the music system.

The cantilever 3
The purpose of the cantilever is to act as an intermediate between the stylus and the generating system. Compared to its size, the stylus moves at tremendous speed while tracking the groove of a spinning record. In order that the cantilever may accurately transmit the rapid stylus movements, it should be lightweight so it can respond without inertia to the twists and turns of the groove. At the same time the cantilever should be rigid, because any bending,
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In 1979 the famous Concorde design was introduced, earning the company a Danish Industrial Design Award. Today the Concorde is displayed at the Danish Design Centre as an example of Danish Industrial Design.

Ortofon has its research and manufacturing facilities in Denmark. The production of cartridges and components is carried out at the companys factory in Nakskov, Denmark. Production is based on automated machinery and experienced workers with a high level of craftsmanship. This assures the high uniform quality of Ortofon products.
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flexing or vibration would add distortion and sound colouration. The necessary compromise between lightweight and high strength requires great ingenuity in the design as well as the choice of materials.

Until 1985 the main business was cartridges for the hi-fi segment. However, the introduction of the CD reduced sales of turntables and thus sales of cartridges.

The cartridges are sold worldwide through a network of 60 importers and sales subsidiaries in the USA and Japan. The brand is today widely recognized among consumers and industry professionals.

Therefore Ortofon began in the mid 1980s to develop and manufacture cartridges for the disco market. Using its technology and experience, Ortofon soon developed products that found wide acceptance for club, hip-hop and scratch music.

Ortofon is the exclusive sponsor for DMC International and DJ QBert. DMC is the international organiser of competitions for DJs displaying turntablism and mixing skills. The collaboration with QBert includes joint product development. In addition to global sponsorships, Ortofon is involved in local sponsorships in co-operation with local distributors.

The stylus 2
The stylus is the only part of the cartridge to make contact with the record. A force must be exerted by the tone arm to keep the stylus in the groove while the record is spinning. This tracking force is low, usually between three and four grams. But because the stylus has a footprint of less than one millionth of a square inch of the record surface, it exerts a tremendous pressure: 6,000 pounds per square inch. At such enormous pressure, any roughness or irregularity in the stylus would cause record damage. The stylus must also be very hard or it will wear out quickly. For these reasons, quality styli are precision made from the finest and hardest material known to man: pure diamond.

The generating system 4

High-fidelity cartridges follow the law of electromagnetism, discovered by the Danish scientist H.C. rsted. When material capable of conducting electricity (a copper coil) is set into motion perpendicular to a magnetic field - or when a magnet is moved near such conductive material - electrical current is generated in the circuit. The direction and speed of the movement determine the amplitude and frequency of the current. Thus the generating system of a cartridge converts the movement of the stylus and cantilever into an output signal.

Elliptical Stylus
For lighter back-cueing and scratching. Best sound performance.

Spherical Stylus
For heavy back-cueing and scratching. Stays in the groove.

Scratch Scratch
Pro S
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Pro

Ortofon | Pro S
Entry-level cartridge for all-purpose use Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Ortofon | Pro
General purpose model for scratch and back-cueing Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Twin Case

Two Concorde cartridges

Twin Case

Two Concorde cartridges

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Pro S Characteristics

Pro Characteristics
New DJ? This entry-level cartridge is perfect for newcomers on the DJ scene who want to start off with decent, but not to expensive equipment. The Pro S has a spherical diaTracking Force 4,0 g Output 5 mV Replacement Stylus Pro S Available Versions OM + Concorde Spherical Stylus Scratch Frequency Response 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB

PRO S

PRO

Great performance and durability as to basic scratch and back-cueing is what the Pro is known for. It has a good quality spherical stylus, a rock-solid cantilever, and serves general purposes well. The Pro is the logical

Spherical Stylus Scratch Tracking Force 4,0 g Output 5 mV

Frequency Response 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB Replacement Stylus Pro Available Versions OM + Concorde

mond stylus which minimizes scratching and a solid cantilever which can survive hectic activity at the turntable. The sound quality is absolutely not to worry about. The Pro S is a consistent performer and a fine all-rounder!

alternative to the more expensive expert cartridges. It offers both reasonable output and high sound quality which is, in fact, all there is needed to entertain an audience. Ideal choice for talented, but less experienced DJs!

DJ Cartridges

DJs all over the world make very high

Reliability and robustness is vital, when night after night the cartridges will have to meet these demands in environments with extreme sound pressure and vibration. The Ortofon Pro silver coloured cartridges were the first to combine the unrivalled Ortofon sound quality with the

ruggedness that is a must for professional use. More than twenty years of experience in designing and manufacturing disco cartridges, and close contact with DJs, have resulted in several lines suitable for all tone-arms and all amplifiers.

demands of their professional equipment, among which the cartridges play their decisive part by realising the scratching, back-cueing and live artistic performance that is a big part of the show.

Scratch Scratch
DJ S
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Elektro

Ortofon | DJ S
Basic model for scratch and back-cueing Outstanding rigidity by extra-strengthened cantilever Twin Case
Two Concorde cartridges

Ortofon | Elektro
Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Techno cartridge co-designed by DJs Rubber tube especially developed for scratch and back-cueing Very high output. Twin Case

Single

OM or Concorde cartridge

Two Concorde cartridges

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

DJ S Characteristics
DJ S is a solid-built cartridge in a new blue nylon material. It has a fine spherical stylus and a special developed and extremely balanced cantilever. Not only does the cartridge have a most sufficient tracking ability, it is also nearly unbreakable and provides the DJ with the most-needed stringency. Furthermore, it equals very low record wear, an advantage for the busy DJ. The DJ S is definitely worth checking out! Output 6 mV Available Versions OM + Concorde Tracking Force 3,0 g Replacement Stylus DJ S Spherical Stylus Scratch Frequency Response 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB

Elektro Characteristics
Every professional ought to try the Elektro, a techno cartridge made by a team of highly qualified technicians and experienced and capable DJs. Unaffected by extreme sound pressure and repeated vibrations, it has a high output. The musical performance is always first-rate and the tracking ability of the spherical diamond stylus is quite good. The Elektro is a must-have for all scratch and back-cueing DJs! Output 7,5 mV Available Versions OM + Concorde Tracking Force 4,0 g Replacement Stylus Elektro Spherical Stylus Scratch Frequency Response 20-15.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB

Sturdiness and Stability

Apart from sounding good, a

and its rubber bearing. Therefore Ortofon disco cartridges are equipped with cantilevers made from aluminium tube with increased wall thickness. The DJ blue coloured cartridges have even been provided with a special telescopic cantilever construction consisting of a double tube design,

where the diameter of the tube has also been increased from 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm. In so doing, extraordinary rigidity of the cantilever has been achieved without distorting the frequency response and thereby the wellknown Ortofon accuracy in sound.

To make the cartridge even more resistant to violent handling, such as being dropped on the platter-mat, touched with fingers, etc., Ortofon has made the suspension of the cantilever more rigid against axial pull.

professional disco cartridge has to be rugged - and the Ortofon disco cartridges are very rugged indeed. Scratching, back-cueing and live artistic performance impose heavy mechanical stress on the cantilever

Scratch Scratch
Scratch
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QBert

Ortofon | Scratch
Co-designed by various DJs Especially developed for scratch and back-cueing Very high output Twin Case
Two Concorde cartridges

Ortofon | QBert
Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Co-designed by DJ QBert for scratch and back-cueing High tracking ability Ultra high output Twin Case

Single

OM or Concorde cartridge

Two Concorde cartridges

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Scratch Characteristics
As implied by the name, the Scratch is intended especially for the disciplines of scratch and back-cueing. Like the QBert, DJs had a say in designing this cartridge so it would match the needs of dance floor kings. It is made of a fluorescent neon-red material with the intention it becoming highly apparent in spotlight and luminous in ultraviolet light. Maximum scratch performance guaranteed! Output 7 mV Available Versions OM + Concorde Tracking Force 4,0 g Replacement Stylus Scratch Spherical Stylus Scratch Frequency Response 20-15.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB

QBert Characteristics
This cartridge is a result of a competent design alliance between technical experts and the world famous DJ QBert who knows exactly what to expect and demand of the ideal gear. The QBert has a supreme ability to trace the grooves of your records and it is tailored specifically for scratch. Due to its enormous output, it is perfect for scratch of all music genres with deep bass frequencies. Output 11 mV Available Versions OM + Concorde Tracking Force 3,0 g Replacement Stylus QBert Spherical Stylus Scratch Frequency Response 20-18.000 Hz 2 dB

Styli for better sound

Several Ortofon technologies make

high frequencies and very low distortion. Ortofon disco cartridges can be supplied with elliptical styli for even better high-frequency performance, as well as traditional spherical styli. Both these families of diamond styli are accurately cut to professional specifications and their highly polished

surfaces ensure even lower surface noise and an absolute minimum of record wear.

it possible to realize high sound quality and low record wear at the high tracking forces that are necessary in disco environments. First of all, the low stylus tip mass - an Ortofon speciality - ensures improved tracking at

Scratch Club
Nightclub S
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DJ E

Ortofon | Nightclub S
Top model in the Scratch & Mix category Designed especially for scratch and back-cueing Good sound quality Twin Case
Two Concorde cartridges

Ortofon | DJ E
Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Outstanding rigidity by extra-strengthened cantilever Very good sound quality Twin Case

Single

OM or Concorde cartridge

Two Concorde cartridges

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Nightclub S Characteristics

DJ E Characteristics
Spherical Stylus Scratch Tracking Force 3,0 g Output 6 mV Frequency Response 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB Replacement Stylus Nightclub S Available Versions OM + Concorde Vivid listening experiences at all times are guaranteed by the DJ E, a well-crafted blue cartridge with elliptical stylus and aluminium cantilever. The narrow profile of the oval diamond enables it to accurately trace the grooves of your records. The extra-strengthened cantilever is as close to unbreakable as you can get, but still it transmits the stylus movements perfectly. Absolutely ideal for all-purpose DJ use! Output 6 mV Available Versions OM + Concorde Tracking Force 3,0 g Replacement Stylus DJ E Elliptical Stylus Club Frequency Response 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB

NIGHTCLUB

The Nightclub S is amongst the top performers in its category, Scratch & Mix. A spherical diamond and a customised design provide the basis for the cartridges undeniable supremacy. The stylus remains in

the groove during the scratching and back-cueing, making it unfailingly reliable - even when giving a night-long performance. The Nightclub S is recommended by professional DJs the globe over!

Anti-skating

Tracking ability is decisive for DJs,

being that anti-skating adjustment, if not at a very moderate level, will double the skating effect when back-cueing and cause mis-tracking and even jumping. Lowering the anti-skating force is very often more useful than increasing the tracking force when working the cartridge in

disco/techno environments. So as a rule, never use more than one half of normal anti-skating relative to the tracking force. To facilitate cueing, the nose on all Ortofon disco cartridges has an extra large cut-out which makes the stylus freely visible from above.

The stylus unit for the Night Club black/yellow coloured cartridges is made from a fluorescent yellow material which makes it totally luminous in ultraviolet light.

especially when doing scratching, back-cueing and live artistic performance. In this situation, an increase in tracking force could be an immediate, but in many cases not very effective, solution - the reason

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Club
Nightclub E
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Club
Ortofon | Gold
Single
OM or Concorde cartridge

Gold

Ortofon | Nightclub E
Equipped with special elliptical diamond Perfect for usage in discotheques and clubs Superb sound quality Twin Case
Two Concorde cartridges

Top model with gold plating and Pro E Diamond Amazing sound quality Perfect for usage in discotheques and clubs Twin Case

Single

Concorde cartridge

Two Concorde cartridges

Set Case

OM or Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Set Case

Concorde cartridge + extra stylus

Nightclub E Characteristics

Gold Characteristics
Elliptical Stylus Club Tracking Force 3,0 g Output 6 mV Frequency Response 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB Replacement Stylus Nightclub E Available Versions OM + Concorde

NIGHTCLUB

Club DJs and studio workers believe the Nightclub E to be an absolute high-end cartridge. It is indeed a no-nonsense performer with fascinating musical resources. Its output is superb with a frequency response rating

GOLD

Using this cartridge for the first time feels like striking gold. It is indeed a flagship product with its gold plating and special Pro E Diamond. The Gold enjoys an excellent reputation for its amazing sound quality.

Elliptical Stylus Club Tracking Force 3,0 g Output 6 mV

Frequency Response 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB Replacement Stylus Gold Available Versions Concorde

high enough to compare the Nightclub E to any audiophile cartridge. And the special elliptical stylus guarantees sound with insignificant scratching. Recommended for frequent use in discotheques and clubs!

The special elliptical stylus provides the optimal balance between skip resistance and accuracy of sound reproduction. Compatible to a very wide range of turntables and perfect for all entertainment purposes!

Mounting Standards

With the exception of Concorde Gold,

in tone-arms with standard sockets. Cold-plated terminal pins ensure perfect signal transmission and the linearity of the low-inductance Ortofon coil system is not influenced by capacitive loads ranging between 200 pF and 600 pF.

OM

Concorde

Ortofon professional cartridges are available in OM versions designed to match tone-arms with standard headshells or in the elegant, wellknown, integrated Ortofon Concorde design for direct and easy mounting

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Product Specifications

Glossary
TECHNICAL DATA Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. Channel balance at 1 kHz Channel separation at 1 kHz Channel separation at 15 kHz PRO S 5 mV 2 dB 20 dB 15 dB 20-20.000 Hz 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB < 1% 70 m 7 m/mN Spherical R 26 m 0,5 mg 3,0-5,0 g (30-50 mN) 4,0 g (40 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Black/Black 18,5 g PRO S PRO 5 mV 2 dB 20 dB 15 dB 20-20.000 Hz 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB < 1% 70 m 7 m/mN Spherical R 18 m 0,5 mg 3,0-5,0 g (30-50 mN) 4,0 g (40 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Silver/Silver 18,5 g PRO DJ S 6 mV 2 dB 23 dB 15 dB 20-20.000 Hz 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB < 1% 80 m 9 m/mN Spherical R 18 m 0,6 mg 2,0-4,0 g (20-40 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Blue/Blue 18,5 g DJ S ELEKTRO 7,5 mV 1,5 dB 25 dB 15 dB 20-22.000 Hz 20-15.000 Hz +3 / 2 dB < 1% 80 m 6 m/mN Spherical R 18 m 0,6 mg 3,0-5,0 g (30-50 mN) 4,0 g (40 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF White/White 18,5 g Elektro SCRATCH 7 mV 1,5 dB 25 dB 15 dB 20-20.000 Hz 20-15.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB < 1% 80 m 6 m / mN Spherical R 18 m 0,6 mg 3,0-5,0 g (30-50 mN) 4,0 g (40 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Neon red / Neon red 18,5 g Scratch

Elliptical Stylus
Ortofon uses a special elliptical stylus which has a better frequency response and dynamic range than the spherical stylus. Normal play-back use of a cartridge with an elliptical stylus causes minimum record wear. Cartridges with elliptical stylus are for users who do lighter back-cueing and scratching and want the best sound performance.

Spherical Stylus
The spherical stylus is perfect for tough handling and mixing activities. Furthermore, it reduces the record wear by scratch and back-cueing to an absolute minimum. Cartridges with spherical stylus are mainly for scratch DJs.

Frequency range at - 3dB Frequency response FIM distortion at recommended, tracking force, DIN 45.542 Tracking ability at 315Hz, at recommended tracking force Compliance, dynamic, lateral Stylus type Stylus tip radius Equivalent stylus tip mass Tracking force range Tracking force, recommended Tracking angle Internal impedance, DC resistance Internal inductance Recommended load resistance Recommended load capacitance

Tracking Force
Each DJ cartridge has a special designed rubber suspension as to creating the best possible tracking ability. In order for the cartridge to track the record groove correctly and avoid skipping, it is important to balance the tracking force. Ortofon is recommending a tracking force range and a specific tracking force for each cartridge.

Output
Ortofon DJ cartridges have a high output voltage which ensures an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and full exploitation of the dynamic range of any amplifier. Ortofon DJ cartridges have outputs between 5 and 11 mV.

Cartridge colour, body/stylus Cartridge weight Replacement stylus unit

TECHNICAL DATA Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec. Channel balance at 1 kHz Channel separation at 1 kHz Channel separation at 15 kHz

QBert 11 mV 1,5 dB 22 dB 15 dB 20-20.000 Hz 20-18.000 Hz 3 dB < 1% 90 m 12 m/mN Spherical R 18 m 0,6 mg 2,0-4,0 g (20-40 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 1325 Ohm 765 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Black/White 18,5 g QBert

NIGHT CLUB S 6 mV 1,5 dB 23 dB 15 dB 20-22.000 Hz 20-18.000 Hz + 3 / 2 dB < 1% 80 m 7 m/mN Spherical R 18 m 0,5 mg 2,0-5,0 g (20-50 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Black/Yellow Neon 18,5 g Night Club S

DJ E 6 mV 2 dB 23 dB 15 dB 20-22.000 Hz 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB < 1% 80 m 9 m/mN Special elliptical r/R 13/25 m 0,6 mg 2,0-4,0 g (20-40 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Blue/Blue 18,5 g DJ E

NIGHT CLUB E 6 mV 1,5 dB 23 dB 15 dB 20-22.000 Hz 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB < 1% 80 m 7 m/mN Special elliptical r/R 13/25 m 0,5 mg 2,0-5,0 g (20-50 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Black/Yellow Neon 18,5 g Night Club E

GOLD 6 mV 1,5 dB 23 dB 15 dB 20-22.000 Hz 20-20.000 Hz 2 dB < 1% 80 m 7 m/mN Special elliptical r/R 13/25 m 0,5 mg 2,0-5,0 g (20-50 mN) 3,0 g (30 mN) 20 750 Ohm 450 mH 47 kOhm 200-600 pF Gold/Gold 18,5 g Gold

Frequency Response
A measurement of the frequencies which can be reproduced by a cartridge. Example: A measurement of 20 to 18,000 Hz 3dB means that the frequency area between 20 and 18,000 Hz can be reproduced with no more than 3 dB above or below a reference frequency level.

Frequency range at - 3dB Frequency response FIM distortion at recommended, tracking force, DIN 45.542 Tracking ability at 315Hz, at recommended tracking force Compliance, dynamic, lateral Stylus type Stylus tip radius Equivalent stylus tip mass Tracking force range Tracking force, recommended Tracking angle Internal impedance, DC resistance Internal inductance Recommended load resistance Recommended load capacitance Cartridge colour, body/stylus Cartridge weight Replacement stylus unit

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