REWINDThe ’72 linear-tracking turntable: a tonearm that travels straight
The ’72 Belt is a linear-tracking turntable in REWIND PRO. A low aluminum deck carries a platter with rows of black rubber ribs. Two parallel rods hold a carriage that glides in a straight line from the edge toward the center, with touch keys for start, stop and 33/45 at the front.
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What is a linear-tracking turntable?
A normal tonearm swings in an arc, which slightly changes the angle of the needle across the record. In the early 1970s some makers built tangential designs instead, with the cartridge riding a small motorized carriage in a straight line, like the cutting lathe that made the master. They looked futuristic and were fussy to adjust. Our blog has a longer piece on linear tracking.
What do you see on the ’72 Belt?
The deck is low, flat and aluminum. The platter carries rows of black rubber ribs. Above the right half run two parallel rods, one for the arm carriage and one for a record sensor. The carriage with the cartridge moves along a straight radial path while the song plays and returns to the edge when you pause. At the front is a touch panel: back and forward arrows, START, STOP and 33/45.
Put a finger on the record to scratch.
- Straight radial tonearm travel
- Ribbed rubber platter
- Touch keys: START, STOP, 33/45
- Carriage returns to the edge on pause
Which sound settings suit the ’72 Belt?
Choose vinyl crackle at a medium setting and a small amount of wobble. A touch of saturation gives warmth. Keep hiss low. In the equalizer, Warm suits jazz and soul, while Vocal brings forward singers. Try the groove background.
Is the 1972 Turntable free or PRO?
The ’72 Belt is the machine for people curious about odd turntable designs. It belongs to REWIND PRO: weekly $2.99, yearly $19.99 with a 3-day free trial, or lifetime $24.99 once. Without PRO you still get 8 machines, plus analog sound and the equalizer on all of them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ’72 Belt free?
No. It is a REWIND PRO machine.
Why does the arm move in a straight line?
Because it is a linear-tracking design, drawn after those early 1970s turntables.
Does the arm follow the song?
Yes. The carriage moves inward as the track plays and returns to the edge on pause.
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