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Ortofon OM Q.BERT
The Ortofon OM Q.BERT is a high-output moving magnet (MM) DJ turntable cartridge co-developed with legendary scratch champion and turntablism pioneer DJ Qbert. Built on Ortofon's Optimum Match (OM) half-inch architecture, it is engineered specifically for aggressive scratch routines, rapid backcueing, and beat juggling. Voiced with an elevated midrange to keep needle-drop cues and scratch samples cutting cleanly through the mix, the OM Q.BERT delivers an ultra-high 11 mV output voltage—one of the hottest output ratings available—maximizing signal punch and suppressing mixer noise floor.
Core Performance Features
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Co-Designed with DJ Qbert: Tuned to the exact handling and acoustic preferences of the ISP/Thud Rumble founder, built specifically to excel in competitive battle environments.
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Massive 11 mV Output Voltage: Generates an ultra-hot 11 mV signal into phono preamplifiers, delivering exceptional signal-to-noise performance and driving scratch sounds hard without excessive preamp gain.
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Midrange-Forward Sonic Profile: Features a customized frequency contour with accentuated midrange presence, ensuring vocal cuts, snare hits, and scratch samples cut through dense bass-heavy club sound systems.
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Superior Groove Tracking: Built with a reinforced rubber suspension and stiff cantilever designed to resist skipping during aggressive finger manipulation, high-torque platter acceleration, and fast backcueing.
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Low-Wear Spherical Diamond: Outfitted with a precision spherical diamond stylus that minimizes record burn and excessive wear on vinyl grooves during repetitive cue-point scratching.
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Standard Half-Inch (1/2") Mount: Mounts to standard headshells (such as the Ortofon SH-4 or Technics headshell), allowing customized overhang, azimuth, and weight adjustment via standard tonearm geometry.
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Removable Weight Plate: Features the classic OM removable brass top weight plate, allowing DJs to choose between a lighter 2.5 g body or standard 5.0 g configuration depending on tonearm mass and balance preferences.
Technical Layout & Specifications
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Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM).
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Mounting Standard: Standard 1/2" (half-inch) 4-pin headshell mount.
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Stylus Profile: Spherical (R 18 µm).
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Output Voltage: 11 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec).
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Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 18,000 Hz (+3 dB / -2 dB).
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Tracking Force Range: 2.0 g – 4.0 g (20 – 40 mN).
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Recommended Tracking Force: 3.0 g (30 mN).
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Tracking Ability: 90 µm (@ 315 Hz at recommended tracking force).
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Channel Separation: 22 dB (@ 1 kHz).
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Internal Impedance / DC Resistance: 1,680 Ohms.
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Internal Inductance: 920 mH.
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Recommended Load Resistance: 47 kOhms.
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Recommended Load Capacitance: 200 – 400 pF.
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Cartridge Weight: 5.0 g (with weight plate) / 2.5 g (without weight plate).
