Korg take portable turntables to the next level with the Handytraxx Play, the most affordable model in the brand’s new Handytraxx series. Greg Scarth puts it to the test.
Part of a series which also includes premium valve-based models and a high-fidelity 1bit model, the Korg Handytraxx Play is the entry-level model in Korg’s new range of portable turntables. The concept is familiar from other compact decks like the Numark PT01 Scratch, but Korg’s own take offers some interesting and original features for scratch DJs, crate diggers and beat producers alike.
Removing the Play from its box, the build quality and feature set immediately seem slightly more impressive than most portable decks. The heritage of the Handytraxx Play is interesting in itself, and makes a good starting point to understand what we’re dealing with here. The Play was developed in conjunction with Toshihide Nakama, former president of Vestax, who sadly died in 2023. Nakama was responsible for developing the original Vestax Handy Trax released in 2004.
In terms of basic features, the Handytraxx Play follows very much in the footsteps of the original Handy Trax: it’s a fully portable turntable with built-in speakers, a fully enclosed clamshell-style plastic case and outputs to hook up headphones or connect to more powerful amps and speakers. Despite its compact dimensions and seven-inch platter, the Handytraxx can also play 10-inch and 12-inch records, with the larger formats overhanging the edge of the casing. The unit can be powered via six AA batteries or any USB-C charger.
Why would you want a portable turntable? There are surprisingly quite a few answers, from crate digging to live performance. Even by the standards of portable turntables, the Handytraxx Play is designed with a lot of different uses in mind. It can be used simply for listening to records, of course, but the portability and the more scratch-focussed features mean its strengths lie in slightly more left-field applications.
Notably, the right-hand side of the Play front panel reveals its intentions: here you’ll find standard controls for master volume, pitch and record speed, plus the less common DJ mixer-style filter, a looper, delay (echo) effect and a crossfader for cutting the sound in and out. These are the real USPs of the Handytraxx Play compared to other portable decks, allowing you to explore various different creative techniques: scratch with the reversible crossfader, apply filtering effects, loop up beats, add delay effects or combine multiple techniques to create unique performances or come up with ideas for productions.
Sound quality isn’t necessarily the number one priority with a portable turntable, but the Handytraxx Play is extremely solid as far as playback goes. The built-in speakers are OK for portable use, but the stereo line output provides a more serious option for better quality. Interestingly, a switch on the side panel allows you to set the Play’s internal phono pre-amp for a choice of either ceramic or MM (moving magnet) cartridges, which means you can experiment with different cartridges and the improved sound quality that premium options might offer.
Overall the Handytraxx Play is one of the most capable portable turntables we’ve come across. Forthcoming Tube, Tube J and 1bit models will offer higher quality sound, but the Play model is focussed on fun and creativity. It’s not the first choice of DJ turntable or hi-fi deck by any means, but it’s not meant to be; this is a handy tool for listening to tracks while out crate digging, a cheap all-in-one way to get into the fun of scratch DJing, or a genuinely inspiring creative option for exploring loops and samples. Perhaps most importantly of all, it’s a fitting tribute to the legacy of Toshi Nakama, a much-loved and sadly missed member of the music tech community.
Greg Scarth
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