Ortofon CC-MK2 SCRATCH SINGLE DJ Cartridge

The Ortofon Concorde MKII Scratch Single is a moving-magnet DJ cartridge designed for turntablists who use scratching and back-cueing techniques. Its integrated Concorde form mounts directly to compatible tonearms with a standard bayonet/SME connection. This single-cartridge package includes the cartridge body with its stylus pre-mounted.

It is built for DJs who need stable groove contact during active cueing, juggling, and scratch routines. The spherical diamond stylus is selected for demanding handling and repeated back-cueing use. A single cartridge is suitable for replacing one deck's cartridge or building a custom two-turntable setup.

The Scratch model produces a 10 mV output at 1 kHz and 5 cm/sec, providing a strong signal level for a DJ phono system. Its specified frequency range is 20 Hz to 18 kHz at -3 dB, with 22 dB channel separation at 1 kHz. The sound character is designed around solid bass performance and extended high-frequency reproduction.

An aluminum cantilever supports the spherical diamond stylus, which has an R 18 µm tip radius. The cartridge is rated for 120 µm tracking ability at 315 Hz when set to its recommended tracking force. Dynamic lateral compliance is specified at 14 µm/mN for the Scratch model.

The Concorde MKII design streamlines installation by combining the cartridge and headshell-style connector into one unit. It is intended for direct mounting on a compatible tonearm, with no cartridge alignment required. When the stylus eventually wears, it can be replaced with the dedicated Stylus CC MKII Scratch replacement stylus.

Key Features

• Scratch-Focused Tuning: Designed for scratch and back-cueing applications.
• 10 mV Output: Provides a high-level phono signal.
• Spherical Diamond Stylus: Supports demanding DJ record handling.
• 120 µm Tracking Ability: Helps maintain groove contact during performance.
• Integrated Concorde Mount: Connects directly to bayonet/SME tonearms.
• Replaceable Stylus: Uses the Stylus CC MKII Scratch.

Design & Installation

The Concorde MKII Scratch combines the cartridge body and bayonet-style tonearm connector in a compact integrated design. It uses an aluminum cantilever and a spherical diamond stylus with an R 18 µm tip radius. Cartridge weight is 18.5 g, and the MKII mounting dimensions are 52 mm long by 13.5 mm high.

Install this cartridge only on a compatible tonearm with a standard bayonet/SME mount. Ortofon specifies direct mounting without alignment; keep the stylus guard in place while mounting or removing the cartridge. Set tracking force within the 3 to 5 g range, with 4 g recommended, and use the specified 47 kOhm load resistance and 200 to 400 pF load capacitance where applicable.