Korg Handytraxx Play

The perfect tool for portable vinyl performances

The Handy Trax, originally created by Vestax, redefined the concept of portable turntables by giving users the freedom to play and scratch records virtually anywhere. Equally popular among DJs and vinyl enthusiasts, it played a key role in ushering in the rise of “portablism.”

Now, KORG is reinventing this iconic turntable with the handytraxx play. Developed in collaboration with Toshihide Nakama — former president of Vestax and co-developer of the original Handy Trax — the handytraxx play preserves the essence of the classic device while introducing exciting new features. These include cutting-edge digital effects, an integrated looper, and high-quality controls that allow records to be played like an instrument even on the go. Combined with unique customization options, the handytraxx play delivers an impressive portable-turntable experience — ideal for vinyl lovers and portablism fans.

In memory of Toshihide Nakama

The handytraxx play is the result of a collaboration between KORG and Toshihide Nakama, the former president of Vestax and co-developer of the original Handy Trax. Developed in close cooperation with Nakama, the handytraxx play incorporates KORG’s advanced digital processing and audio technologies while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original Handy Trax.

Tragically, Nakama passed away on June 10, 2023, during the development of the handytraxx play. His vision and philosophy live on in this product, carrying his legacy forward to music lovers around the world.

Optimized for scratching

The handytraxx play was designed from the ground up to deliver an outstanding scratching experience. The high-quality fader, developed under Nakama’s direction, enables exceptionally smooth, precise movements with minimal silent zones for clean cuts and transitions. Both beginners and advanced portablists will appreciate the responsiveness and the option to reverse the crossfader channels for opposite-hand scratching. Every detail of the fader has been refined to maximize performance while preserving the portability that defines the handytraxx play.

Unique digital effects

KORG’s long-standing expertise in digital audio processing gives the handytraxx play a set of powerful effects that elevate its creative potential to a new level.

Three filter types

The handytraxx play offers three versatile filter types, each designed to provide dynamic sound control.

• DJ Filter: Smoothly transitions between low-pass and high-pass filtering for fluid, seamless sound shaping.

• EQ Filter with Low-Isolator: Boosts low frequencies for deep, punchy sounds.

• Peaking Wah Filter with Modulation: Adds expressive movement and tonal character, suitable for both experimental textures and subtle real-time effects.

Delay

In addition to the filters, the handytraxx play includes an integrated delay effect that greatly expands creative possibilities. From wide atmospheric soundscapes to sharp metallic echoes, the delay can be controlled intuitively via a vertical fader, allowing precise level adjustments.

These seamlessly integrated effects make the handytraxx play an essential creative instrument for modern DJ performance.

Integrated audio looper and versatile playback options

The handytraxx play features a built-in looper that redefines creative possibilities for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. With variable tempo control, the looper allows real-time recording and playback of the vinyl audio — a technique known as live looping.

This makes it possible to:

• create unique DJ mixes by scratching over self-recorded loops,

• capture favorite sounds as samples,

• switch records while the loop continues seamlessly.

The looper’s flexibility makes it an indispensable tool for sound experimentation and live performance.

The variable tempo control provides intuitive options for playback speed — a fundamental feature for DJs. Switching between 33 and 45 RPM is effortless, and fine-tuning the tempo ratio allows precise creative adjustments. This also affects how additional layers are added on top of recorded loops — e.g., playing a beat loop at the desired speed while adding further scratches. The handytraxx play looper opens new dimensions of musical expression.

Precision-engineered

Every component of the handytraxx play is crafted with performance in mind. The specially designed tonearm offers exceptional tracking, minimizing needle skipping during playback and scratching.

A belt-driven motor with digital rotation correction ensures stable platter rotation and quickly smooths out unintended fluctuations. Additional refinements in the turntable mechanism further reduce needle skipping, ensuring consistently reliable performance — even during aggressive scratching.

Groove on the go

Ultra-portable, the handytraxx play can be powered either by the included AC adapter or six AA batteries, allowing you to take your music anywhere. The integrated 2.5-watt (RMS) speaker delivers impressive sound with punchy bass and clear definition — whether the turntable is used standalone or connected to external speakers.

Flexible customization options

A newly designed headshell supports both ceramic and MM cartridges*, offering full flexibility. The scratch fader can be replaced if desired, and the control panel can be reversed for left-hand or right-hand operation, ensuring every DJ feels immediately comfortable. These thoughtful customization features make the handytraxx play a versatile and personalizable tool that inspires creative performance.

* Switching between ceramic and MM cartridges requires basic soldering skills.

Product safety:
Responsible person: MUSIK MEYER GmbH, Industriestr. 20, 35041 Marburg, Germany, Contact: compliance@proaudio-technik.de