Pro-Ject Pick It MC3 Moving Coil Cartridge

About The Pro-Ject Pick It MC3 Moving Coil Cartridge

Welcome to Pro-Ject’s Pick it MC world. Pro-Ject have extended their Pro-Ject Pick it lineup by adding the Pick it MC3 as part of a complete new MC cartridge range. The goal was to create cartridges which technically match Pro-Ject tonearms and reach Pro-Ject’s vision of sound. Each Pick it MC cartridge pursues a different sound character, but all follow the same main goal to preserve a precise and musical reproduction of vinyl records. The Pick it MC3 is an all-purpose cartridge which delivers powerful and dynamic sound optimised for pop and rock, but also for big orchestral classic.

Technical Details: The Pick it MC3 uses a Pro-Ject specific “HyperSpherical” stylus to pick up the micro information of your vinyl records. The cantilever is cryogenically treated, which realigns the crystal structure and allows a smoother signal transmission. The cross coil is made of ARMCO pure iron with 6N linear crystal copper winding. It offers an output voltage of 0.4 mV and works best with a tracking force of 2 grams.

Unique Design: The body of the Pick it MC3 is made out of aluminium which is anodized in a beautiful steel blue finish which ensures a superior built quality and rigidity. The 1/2 inch mounting standard allows easy top-mounting with the threaded mounting holes. The included transparent stylus protector is easily slid onto the cartridge from the bottom to protect the needle when needed. Pro-Ject were able to source high quality Japanese parts to design this outstanding cartridge. The assembly and quality control is done in Europe to ensure the highest possible sound quality. You will find all needed tools like screws and hex key in the box to mount the MC3. We recommend Pro-Ject’s “Measure it” tracking force gauge and an “Align it” alignment tool to properly adjust the cartridge to reach the highest possible performance it is built for.

Our Review

The Pro-Ject Pick It MC3 is a beautifully engineered moving coil cartridge that brings serious sonic muscle to your turntable setup. Designed as part of Pro-Ject’s expanding Pick It MC range, it’s tailored to deliver a dynamic, precise, and genuinely musical experience - especially with pop, rock, and large-scale classical recordings. Featuring a cryogenically treated cantilever, a Pro-Ject-specific HyperSpherical stylus, and a cross coil made from ultra-pure materials, it digs deep into your vinyl grooves with impressive clarity and nuance. The sleek steel-blue anodised aluminium body looks sharp and feels solid, while the thoughtful extras—like threaded mounting holes, a stylus guard, and the included tools - make setup refreshingly straightforward. With Japanese-made components and European assembly, the MC3 hits a sweet spot between performance, build quality, and easy going practicality.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Moving Coil (MC) Phono Cartridge
• Full Aluminium Body
• ARMCO Pure Iron Cross Coil
• Cryogenic Treated Cantilever
• High Fidelity & Dynamic Playback
• High Trackability
• Simple and Fast Mounting
• 1/2 inch Mounting Standard
• Threaded Holes for Simple Mounting Without Nuts
• Steel Blue Finish
• Designed & Assembled in Europe

Technical

• Cartridge Principle: MC (Moving-Coil)
• Output Voltage at 1 kHz: 0.4 mV (3.54 cm/sec)
• Channel Separation at 1 kHz: 30 dB
• Tracking Ability at 315Hz: 70 µm
• Frequency Response: 20 - 20 000 Hz +/- 1dB
• Stylus Type: Hyper-Spherical
• Stylus Tip Radius: 5x250 µm
• Tracking Force, Range: 1.8 – 2.2 g (mN)
• Tracking Force, Recommended: 2.0 g (mN)
• Tracking Angle: 20°
• Recommended Load Resistance: 100-220 Ω
• Break-In Period: 30 hours
• Cartridge Weight: 9.6 g
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 12 Months - Cartridge Only

Note: Main Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE