12D/4

About the 12D/4

The Commonwealth 12D/4 was the last model produced by Commonwealth Electronics before the company was taken over by Philips in the mid-1960s, with production continuing into the 1970s. It is a professional-grade transcription turntable designed to meet the rigorous specifications demanded by professional users of microgroove and stereo recordings. The 12D/4 features a 12-inch diameter platter driven by an idler wheel engaged by a solenoid only when powered on, preventing flats on the idler wheel. It offers four speeds: 16.66, 33.33, 45.11, and 77.93 rpm, with a speed tolerance of 0% to +0.25%. The turntable weighs approximately 6.5 lbs and includes a 4-pole synchronous motor. It delivers wow and flutter less than 0.1% RMS and rumble better than -50 dB below the recorded signal. Acceleration times are 1/2 revolution at 33.33 and 45 rpm, and 3/4 revolution at 78 rpm. The unit operates on 220-240 VAC at 50 Hz. The design includes a neutral position between speed selections for easy cueing and a heavy, resonant plinth structure for natural tonality and superb timbre. This model is no longer manufactured.