It’s no secret vinyl records have made a huge comeback in recent years after being supplanted long ago by cassettes and later CDs and MP3 files. Now a new turntable, Teenage Engineering’s PO-80 Record Factory, lets you not only play vinyl but cut your own records.
And all you need to do to get started is plug an audio device into the cute orange-and-white turntable’s standard 3.5mm jack.
Teenage Engineering PO-80 Record Factory
Teenage Engineering is known for its pocket-sized synthesizers. But the new PO-80 Record Factory — designed in collaboration with Japanese artist, designer and electronic musician Yuri Suzuki — breaks new ground (though it follows a similar device Suzuki released previously).
The device is a compact and portable record cutter that allows you to “create your own 5-inch vinyl records and playback in lo-fi sound,” the company said. “Designed to build yourself, the kit includes everything you need, just add your tracks.”
But don’t think you’re going to be making double live albums filled with your favorite stadium-rock tracks. The 5-inch discs provide room for a single tune on each side, more or less. And the device isn’t for audiophiles, offering just monophonic sound. But you can hook it up to an external speaker.
Record Factory comes with six 5-inch blank records and even includes sleeves for them. Each side of a record holds about four minutes of audio when played at 33RPM (three minutes at 45RPM). Also included is an adapter for playing 7-inch records.
Record Factory facts and figures:
- Monophonic record cutting and playback
- Recording time per disk side: about 4 minutes at 33rpm / 3 minutes at 45rpm
- USB powered
- 3.5mm mono input/output terminal
- Size: 3.54in x 6.30in x 5.91in / 19cm ×16cm × 15cm
- Weight: 1.26 lb / 570g
- In the box: PO–80 assembly kit, spare cutting needle, 6 black 5-inch blank records, USB power cable, 3.5 mm audio plug, adaptor for 7-inch records, gakken magazine
The Teenage Engineering PO-80 Record Factory is currently sold out, but you can sign up for notifications of its availability. You can also buy additional blank disks and a replacement cutting head.
Price: $149
Where to buy: Teenage Engineering
