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Ortofon VNL
The Ortofon VNL is a high-performance moving magnet (MM) DJ turntable cartridge engineered specifically for scratch DJs, turntablists, portablists, and vinyl purists. Developed as a modern answer to the legendary Shure M44-7, the VNL features an extra-durable spherical stylus assembly, robust cantilever construction, and high skip resistance designed to withstand heavy backcueing, rigorous beat juggling, and aggressive scratching without causing premature groove wear on traditional vinyl or digital vinyl system (DVS) control records.
Core Performance Features
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Engineered for Extreme Scratch Resistance: Designed to stay locked in the record groove under heavy performance conditions, providing reliable skip-free tracking during high-speed scratching, cutting, and fast backcueing.
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Spherical Stylus Profile: Outfitted with a precision spherical diamond tip that sits higher in the groove, minimizing record wear on real vinyl while maintaining high output accuracy on timecode control discs like Serato NoiseMap or Traktor Scratch.
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Solid Cantilever & Suspension Design: Features an aluminum cantilever with a custom-engineered elastomer suspension system that absorbs vertical and lateral shocks without bottoming out or skipping.
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Standard Half-Inch (1/2") Headhead Mount: Designed to fit standard SME-type turntable headshells (such as the Technics, Ortofon SH-4, or Reloop headshells), allowing precise adjustment of overhang, cartridge alignment, and tracking angle.
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Optimized Output Level: Delivers a healthy 6 mV output voltage, ensuring a punchy, clear signal with high signal-to-noise performance and minimal preamp noise floor on DJ mixers and audio interfaces.
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Broad Stylus Ecosystem Compatibility: Compatible with the interchangeable Ortofon VNL replacement stylus line (including the VNL II standard, VNL I flexible, and VNL III rigid suspensions), allowing turntablists to tailor compliance to their specific tonearm and touch preferences.
Technical Layout & Specifications
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Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM).
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Mounting Type: Standard 1/2" (half-inch) mount.
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Stylus Profile: Spherical (R 18 µm).
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Output Voltage: 6 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec).
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Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (-2 dB / +4 dB).
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Channel Separation: 20 dB (@ 1 kHz).
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Tracking Force Range: 3.0 g – 5.0 g (30 – 50 mN).
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Recommended Tracking Force: 4.0 g (40 mN).
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Internal Impedance / DC Resistance: 700 Ohms.
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Internal Inductance: 450 mH.
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Recommended Load Resistance: 47 kOhms.
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Recommended Load Capacitance: 200 – 600 pF.
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Tracking Ability: 100 µm (@ 315 Hz at recommended tracking force).
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Cartridge Body Weight: 6.5 g.
