Controller sporadic woes.

[Excalibur]

I have a VMS 5 and HP Laptop combination, which ( usually ) does everything I want, running VDJ. A while back, it hiccupped and wouldn't fire up properly, and Dave Jackson had it for a week, after which it ran just like before.

It never goes on the internet, it's stripped down, and until Saturday, never a problem.

On Saturday, when I switched it on, although it was functioning, it wouldn't play tracks, or put lights on as you load a track. I now realise that the VMS audio option had disappeared from the system, it couldn't see the controller. I did get it operating after I plugged my Surface tablet in, using the same USB cable, which instantly put all lights on as normal, but didn't have the licence to run.

Question is, where is the annoyingly intermittent fault? Laptop, USB cable, VMS, or power supply? I have a second VMS 5, so some testing will happen this week.

Supplementary question, should I decide to jump ship, is there a controller that's cheap, reliable, not obsolete, four channel, and will run VDJ. The last bit is non-negotiable, as I need Karaoke.

Over to you folks.

[DJ Jules]

I have a VMS 5 and HP Laptop combination, which ( usually ) does everything I want, running VDJ. A while back, it hiccupped and wouldn't fire up properly, and Dave Jackson had it for a week, after which it ran just like before.

It never goes on the internet, it's stripped down, and until Saturday, never a problem.

On Saturday, when I switched it on, although it was functioning, it wouldn't play tracks, or put lights on as you load a track. I now realise that the VMS audio option had disappeared from the system, it couldn't see the controller. I did get it operating after I plugged my Surface tablet in, using the same USB cable, which instantly put all lights on as normal, but didn't have the licence to run.

Question is, where is the annoyingly intermittent fault? Laptop, USB cable, VMS, or power supply? I have a second VMS 5, so some testing will happen this week.

Supplementary question, should I decide to jump ship, is there a controller that's cheap, reliable, not obsolete, four channel, and will run VDJ. The last bit is non-negotiable, as I need Karaoke.

Over to you folks.

My money is usually on the USB cables, the USB port on the laptop or wear in that specific combination of cable and port (i.e. the bits that gets the most abuse being repeatedly plugged in and unplugged). If it's not one of them, then you might have a loose USB port in the controller (but it sounds unlikely).

[Excalibur]

My money is usually on the USB cables, the USB port on the laptop or wear in that specific combination of cable and port (i.e. the bits that gets the most abuse being repeatedly plugged in and unplugged). If it's not one of them, then you might have a loose USB port in the controller (but it sounds unlikely).

Logical. I have a second VMS 5 which can have a couple of sticky buttons. I must have a few new USB cables. Let the testing commence. How I hate intermittent faults, hanging like the sword of Damocles. :(

[DJ Jules]

Logical. I have a second VMS 5 which can have a couple of sticky buttons. I must have a few new USB cables. Let the testing commence. How I hate intermittent faults, hanging like the sword of Damocles. :(

My VMS 5 ended up with a complete new main board thanks to "a few sticky buttons".

Going back to your original post, the good news is that Virtual DJ is still compatible with the vast majority of controllers without any changes.

[Excalibur]

My VMS 5 ended up with a complete new main board thanks to "a few sticky buttons".

Going back to your original post, the good news is that Virtual DJ is still compatible with the vast majority of controllers without any changes.

The bad news is that I don't yet have any of " the vast majority of controllers " . :( A quick Ebay search suggests that I'm likely to part with a couple of hundred quid for a s/h whatever. :cry::cry::cry:

I fervently hope that I'm just looking at a new USB cable, much more wallet friendly. :)

[DJ Jules]

The bad news is that I don't yet have any of " the vast majority of controllers " . :( A quick Ebay search suggests that I'm likely to part with a couple of hundred quid for a s/h whatever. :cry::cry::cry:

I fervently hope that I'm just looking at a new USB cable, much more wallet friendly. :)

I'm sure it's just the cable :)

[rth_discos]

Question is, where is the annoyingly intermittent fault? Laptop, USB cable, VMS, or power supply? I have a second VMS 5, so some testing will happen this week.

Supplementary question, should I decide to jump ship, is there a controller that's cheap, reliable, not obsolete, four channel, and will run VDJ. The last bit is non-negotiable, as I need Karaoke.


I bought a Neo d+ USB Class B Cable and it fixed all intermittent problems I had. Was one of the best investments I made. Was rock solid.

As for the Controller, the only option I would highly recommend is the Denon MC6000 mk2. Perfect for Karaoke 2 as it has a second Mic channel, and has reverb too. Plus "real" inputs too. Works perfectly with Virtual DJ. I loved mine.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I bought a Neo d+ USB Class B Cable and it fixed all intermittent problems I had. Was one of the best investments I made. Was rock solid.

As for the Controller, the only option I would highly recommend is the Denon MC6000 mk2. Perfect for Karaoke 2 as it has a second Mic channel, and has reverb too. Plus "real" inputs too. Works perfectly with Virtual DJ. I loved mine.

6000 has been discontined for quite some time now, any remaining units are going to be pretty old and battered. I loved the two that I had but I wouldn't entertain getting one in 2024 (neither of mine made it past four years of use yet my prime 4 is still smashing it after four years, though its a bit rich for peters blood by the sounds of it).

[Excalibur]

6000 has been discontined for quite some time now, any remaining units are going to be pretty old and battered. I loved the two that I had but I wouldn't entertain getting one in 2024 (neither of mine made it past four years of use yet my prime 4 is still smashing it after four years, though its a bit rich for peters blood by the sounds of it).

All Denon options have been considered Neil, new and s/h, although I haven't been a fan of the 6000 since it's inception, having had experience of colleagues' machines.

I believe the Prime family can also act as controllers for VDJ, which means Wayne's Numark* version enters the fray. Nothing is ruled out really, although as my time as a DJ must now be time limited, £1200 for a real Prime 4 is unlikely to show much of a return over investment. :(

* Wayne says it's a Denon. :whistle:

[Imagine]

All Denon options have been considered Neil, new and s/h, although I haven't been a fan of the 6000 since it's inception, having had experience of colleagues' machines.

I believe the Prime family can also act as controllers for VDJ, which means Wayne's Numark* version enters the fray. Nothing is ruled out really, although as my time as a DJ must now be time limited, £1200 for a real Prime 4 is unlikely to show much of a return over investment. :(

* Wayne says it's a Denon. :whistle:

If it looks like a Denon and sounds like a Denon.....

I assume you're referring to my backup option of the SCLive2? I really must get around to actually using that thing one day ;)

[DJ Jules]

* Wayne says it's a Denon. :whistle:

Or you could say that the Denon's are made by the people behind Numark :zip: InMusic own a whole stack of different brands (https://www.inmusicbrands.com/) including ION, Akai, Alesis, Alto, M-Audio, Rane and Marantz. Some of those have better reputations than others... ;)

Just checked my books and apparently I bought my MC6000 as an ex-demo machine in June 2018 and, touch wood, it is still working perfectly. Admittedly it spent almost 18 months idle during those years.

I'm also trying to work out what's next as I like the smaller rackable form factor, twin mic inputs and performance pads and the industry at large seems to be moving away from that.

Anyway, hope a USB cable does the job.

Julian

[Excalibur]

Well both controllers got new power suppliers and new cables. After the main one played silly persons, I went back to the one with the sticky Play button, until it annoyed me so much that I resorted back to the main one again. Now, tonight, I'm out with the FFN, and this is the only time the DDS comes out to play, it feeds analog channels 3 and 4.
A while back, I fed the Surface tablet into channel 3when I was struggling with the controller, and the sound was appalling. I blamed the surface, but tonight, when I used the DDS, it became apparent that the Surface is just fine, it's channel 3 on the VMS that's faulty.

So, just for a laugh, I've got one VMS with a faulty channel, and one with a suspect play button. Marvellous. :mad:

[DJ Jules]

Well both controllers got new power suppliers and new cables. After the main one played silly persons, I went back to the one with the sticky Play button, until it annoyed me so much that I resorted back to the main one again. Now, tonight, I'm out with the FFN, and this is the only time the DDS comes out to play, it feeds analog channels 3 and 4.
A while back, I fed the Surface tablet into channel 3when I was struggling with the controller, and the sound was appalling. I blamed the surface, but tonight, when I used the DDS, it became apparent that the Surface is just fine, it's channel 3 on the VMS that's faulty.

So, just for a laugh, I've got one VMS with a faulty channel, and one with a suspect play button. Marvellous. :mad:

Did I mention mine ended up going back for a complete main board replacement under warranty? :zip:

Julian

[Excalibur]

Did I mention mine ended up going back for a complete main board replacement under warranty? :zip:

Julian

Both mine are a long way past warranty claims, and the main one has indeed seen some action! While I think it's fair to say that I've had my money out of that one, it would be nice if the backup one's button could be fixed easily and cheaply. :fp::fp::fp:


I'm open to a wide range of replacements, even the MC6000 which I have had experience of, and despised with a vengeance! For my purposes, really the only strong contenders were the MC6000, and VMS5. Very few others have two mic inputs, with tone controls, I believe.

[DJ Jules]

Both mine are a long way past warranty claims, and the main one has indeed seen some action! While I think it's fair to say that I've had my money out of that one, it would be nice if the backup one's button could be fixed easily and cheaply. :fp::fp::fp:


I'm open to a wide range of replacements, even the MC6000 which I have had experience of, and despised with a vengeance! For my purposes, really the only strong contenders were the MC6000, and VMS5. Very few others have two mic inputs, with tone controls, I believe.

I could have sworn the mid-size Roland controller (DJ-505) had twin Mic inputs when it was launched, but I've just checked their website and it's only the much more expensive DJ-707 that has twin inputs. In fact, a quick search doesn't show ANY DJ controllers at a sub £700 price point with twin mic inputs. So, at this point it's either a second hand VMS5/MC6000, a separate mixer or moving up to a physically much bigger and more expensive controller :daft:

I went from a VMS 5 to a MC6000 and never looked back, but each to their own.

Julian

[Excalibur]

I could have sworn the mid-size Roland controller (DJ-505) had twin Mic inputs when it was launched, but I've just checked their website and it's only the much more expensive DJ-707 that has twin inputs. In fact, a quick search doesn't show ANY DJ controllers at a sub £700 price point with twin mic inputs. So, at this point it's either a second hand VMS5/MC6000, a separate mixer or moving up to a physically much bigger and more expensive controller :daft:

I went from a VMS 5 to a MC6000 and never looked back, but each to their own.

Julian
4 channels, two mics cuts down the choice immensely. Don't think the Numark and Pioneer offerings meet those criteria.

s/h VMS 5- Rocking Horse Poo/Hen's Teeth. :cry:

MC6000- one or two about around £350. Considering all the times I've decried them, it would be a huge U-turn. :o:o:o

The one that ticks almost all the boxes. DJ 707M- two fully equipped mic channels, plenty of bells and whistles, and it even has an aux input which would be perfect for feeding the Prime into. It's the canine's dangly bits, spec wise.

Almost all the boxes? :whistle: Regular readers are ahead of me. Cost. £900. :eek: Even bigger :eek:, I'm considering it!!!!! There's simply nothing else on the market to compare.

Now I know what the problem is, I can limp along well enough with the main VMS5. The sticky play button on the backup one is bordering on rendering it unserviceable.

[DJ Jules]

Now I know what the problem is, I can limp along well enough with the main VMS5. The sticky play button on the backup one is bordering on rendering it unserviceable.

If that is the only issue, it might be time to talk to someone who is handy with a soldering iron and a screwdriver. The buttons cost literally pennies, it's the time/skill needed to get to them that's always the issue.

I thought the same about the 707 - there appear to be a few B-Stock ones about for £600-650.

Julian

[Excalibur]

I've only gone and ordered a 707 for £777 from Juno. :eek::eek::eek:

I believe it's B Stock, its dimensions are almost exactly the same as a VMS5, so I hope my existing cases will work. Right about now, Mr Jackson is clutching his forehead, and wondering what he's ever done to be elected IT support. Sorry Dave, perhaps it will just be " Plug and Play ". :whistle::luck::fp:

[Imagine]

Sorry Dave, perhaps it will just be " Plug and Play ". :whistle::luck::fp:

Isn't there a typo there?
Surely if you're at the controls of a new beast it's more of a case of "Plug and PRAY"? :rofl: :sofa:

[Excalibur]

If that is the only issue, it might be time to talk to someone who is handy with a soldering iron and a screwdriver. The buttons cost literally pennies, it's the time/skill needed to get to them that's always the issue.

I thought the same about the 707 - there appear to be a few B-Stock ones about for £600-650.

Julian

Apologies Julian, I posted " Oh Dear Lord " before I'd read this. In fact, I did a Toby. :o:o

There's a very strong possibility that two VMS units will soon be heading into the West Riding to a man with a soldering iron. Now that a 707 is residing in the shed ( delivered unnoticed, while the dearly beloved was in the shower. Reeesult. :D ) hopefully I have more leeway, as to my next moves.

Re cost, I thought I'd done well to find a new one below £800. One or two s/h ones " hardly used, perfect condition " came to light, one with a case. You always find the best deals when you've already done one. :(

Also, many thanks ( yeah right ) to the web footed forum member who informed me that he had a cased MC6000 in his shed, which he alleged to be in full working order. No more Old Sock Rotter for you next time we meet. :mad:

Well, time to go into the shed, take an angle grinder to the " rack mountable " DMX controller which doesn't fit into a case, because of its wings, then have a play with the new toy.

I'll keep you posted.

[DJ Jules]

Re cost, I thought I'd done well to find a new one below £800. One or two s/h ones " hardly used, perfect condition " came to light, one with a case. You always find the best deals when you've already done one. :(

This is truely one of the unwritten rules of the world.

Julian

[Excalibur]

The first disappointment was when I tried it in a VMS flightcase, and although it's a virtually identical size, and fits neatly in there, it's unusable in there, unless I get really, really violent with the power tools. Is that a better idea than parting with over £200 on a Swanflight case for the 707?

Well, my next disappointment was when having plugged it in to the laptop, it was seen, but not recognised. This is mainly because my version of VDJ is a limited one, and tied to the VMS. The laptop saw it, knew it wasn't a VMS, and gave it a bash with the ADJ drivers, with no joy at all, not unsurprisingly.

More expense looms, as I need to either spend £20 a month on VDJ Pro, or £280 outright. There may be one other option though. As far as I can see, it comes with Serato. If I were to get on with that, I could use Serato, except when I needed Karaoke, and I could use the VMS with a dodgy channel, as I'd have the live mixer in play.

There could be changes afoot. :dunno: Any thoughts or advice will be appreciated.

[Excalibur]

Right folks, it looks to me as if I'm going to be spending money come what may. I also need advice.

Am I right in assuming that by connecting my laptop to the Roland, and the internet, I can download Serato,( free, gratis and for nothing ) and it will work? :confused: Also, can Serato and VDJ live happily on one laptop?
I've resigned myself to upgrading to the £20 a month VDJ option, and it seems that I will have to accept connecting the playout laptop to the internet regularly with that method. If I don't go surfing the web, I should be ok, shouldn't I? :confused:

I'm keen to try the Roland this weekend, as it would offer a full complement of channels.

All advice gratefully received, as always.

The big expense I can't avoid is a new case, as the Roland won't fit in a VMS case without some really violent modification. Over £200 from Swanflight. :cry::cry::cry:

[Excalibur]

It's the " good news, bad news " department. Swanflight's dedicate case was expensive, delivery charge, slow to build, and more expensive still to expedite building. Also, no laptop shelf, so might as well have had a £50 hard case and a laptop stand. Very few places had a dedicated 707 case, so it was down to looking at various cases either for " universal " ones, or ones for similarly sized controllers, eg MC 4000.

Good news: Gear4music had a case on special offer for " large " controllers. Daddy Case. (https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Gator-G-TOURDSPUNICNTLA-DSP-Case-For-Large-Sized-DJ-Controllers/5YAI)
Since I had to be in the area, I went to view it.

Bad news: Although the 707 has four channels, it's not " large". The case was huuuuge, and useless to me. :(

Good news: The helpful lad helping me pointed that the cases were a three bears family. Daddy, Mummy, and Baby. He ordered up Mummy and Baby. By now, I'd realised my mistake, and reckoned Baby would fit. It did. :)

Bad news: £75 dearer, cos only Daddy case was on special offer.

Good news: The splendid chap " massaged " the price for me, so it was about the price of the Swanflight one, and it's an impressive looking case, Baby case (https://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Gator-G-TOURDSPUNICNTLC-DSP-Case-For-Small-Sized-DJ-Controllers/5YAP)

Tomorrow should have been spent playing with the new toys, and getting to grips with it, but sadly, it has been decreed that I'm going to a Garden Centre. Yippee.

[rth_discos]

I've resigned myself to upgrading to the £20 a month VDJ option, and it seems that I will have to accept connecting the playout laptop to the internet regularly with that method. :

Don't go down the monthly rental route for virtual dj - it's dead money.

Far better to get their infinity license and just pay the once. You'll thank me in 18 months time.

[Excalibur]

Don't go down the monthly rental route for virtual dj - it's dead money.

Far better to get their infinity license and just pay the once. You'll thank me in 18 months time.

Your logic is sound, but you're assuming that I intend to still be using it in eighteen months time. Currently, the forecast costs for monthly or one off are a dead heat.

[Excalibur]

The 707M is apparently expected to use Serato, the software didn't cost me any money to obtain, and to be honest, when I glanced at Mr Western's MC 6000, I realised that he was running Serato.

I downloaded what I needed, and initially, Serato told me I had my screen resolution wrong. :daft: I altered it to where it recommended, and we sort of were away. I had four decks to fill, which was a bit disconcerting, but easily sorted.

It found my music, but I guess I need to index something, it doesn't seem to search yet, and the decks aren't where I'd like, but I can make a noise with it! I reckon I need to watch some Youtube videos on it I reckon.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

[DJ Jules]

It found my music, but I guess I need to index something, it doesn't seem to search yet, and the decks aren't where I'd like, but I can make a noise with it! I reckon I need to watch some Youtube videos on it I reckon.

This was one of the big turn offs for me for Serato when I looked at it about a decade ago - from memory you have to explictly tell it to add folders and new songs. I think it's got better now though, there's some autoimport functionality or something.

Julian

[Excalibur]

It looks to me as if I need a lot of help/tuition/experience before I'd attempt to use Serato for a function. Thus, I upgraded VDJ, and lo and behold, we're back in the old routine. I've got the Roland lashed into the case, with lots of the self adhesive foam that comes with the case, and I have two functions this weekend, so I'll be giving it a go. Fingers crossed.

As I sit here, I haven't got the channel assignment where I'd like it, but I might know a man who can help. ;);)

Edit: I haven't got the channel assignment where I'd like it, Well, I played roulette with some options, what seemed logical didn't work, but what I took to be the default setting did. :confused: I've now got the two VDJ decks on the two left hand faders, and two line inputs on the right hand ones. There's lots of things still to find out, but I reckon it's roadworthy as it stands. :luck:

[djdj]

As I sit here, I haven't got the channel assignment where I'd like it, but I might know a man who can help. ;);)
:

I feel a visit from a man in a yellow van is forth coming!
I have also two mc6000's in my shed !

Not used the Roland but I guess it won't be that different.
Did not enjoy my Serato experience but after the fun of Denon Prime it was ok.
Speak soon Peter.

[Excalibur]

I feel a visit from a man in a yellow van is forth coming!
I have also two mc6000's in my shed !

Not used the Roland but I guess it won't be that different.
Did not enjoy my Serato experience but after the fun of Denon Prime it was ok.
Speak soon Peter.

That's two people who have pointed out that they have between them three surplus s/h MC 6000s cased and ready to go, after I've spent a grand on new kit! :mad::mad::mad:

Notwithstanding, after one outing, I reckon the Roland will suit me well, I was never particularly fond of John's MC 6000, although it wasn't as deaf as the HD 2500. :D I'm out again with it tomorrow, will be a good test of the mic channels, at a presentation. When putting the Polars together tonight, I didn't jiggle one column enough, and wondered why I had so much bass? That's cos only one column was functioning, and with about fifteen minutes to go, a guest nudged the faulty one, and it burst into life! Sounded so much better with both working. :o:o:o

[Corabar Steve]

I was never particularly fond of John's MC 6000, although it wasn't as deaf as the HD 2500. :D I'm out again with it tomorrow, will be a good test of the mic channels, at a presentation.

MC6000 mic channels are never going to sound good (it's as if somebody things controller DJs are never going to use a mic). See my reply to your post in "Good gig / Bad gig"

[Excalibur]

MC6000 mic channels are never going to sound good (it's as if somebody things controller DJs are never going to use a mic). See my reply to your post in "Good gig / Bad gig"

I think it's universally accepted that there isn't a controller on the market with mic channels fit for purpose. :(

Why? :confused::confused::daft::daft:

[rth_discos]

MC6000 mic channels are never going to sound good (it's as if somebody things controller DJs are never going to use a mic). See my reply to your post in "Good gig / Bad gig"

I beg to differ.

The MC6000mk2 had very good mic channels and worked perfectly well without an external mixer.

It was why I used that mixer/controller because it genuinely combined a controller into a high quality mixer.

[Excalibur]

I beg to differ.

The MC6000mk2 had very good mic channels and worked perfectly well without an external mixer.

It was why I used that mixer/controller because it genuinely combined a controller into a high quality mixer.

Never used a Mk2, but the Mk1s I used were not great.

[Corabar Steve]

I beg to differ.

The MC6000mk2 had very good mic channels and worked perfectly well without an external mixer.

It was why I used that mixer/controller because it genuinely combined a controller into a high quality mixer.

I've got 2 mk2s & was never happy with the mic pre-amps. Using either of my Yamahas has been a massive improvement, literally day & night in difference. DJ controllers are renowned for lower quality mic pre-amps, manufacturers have admitted as much. If it's good enough for what you're doing, then fair enough, the only mic channel I've ever been happy with on any DJ specific kit was on my DNX900.

In fairness, MC6000mk2 mic channels are better than most controllers.

[djdj]

Never used a Mk2, but the Mk1s I used were not great.

Agreed, going from the Denon X500 to mc6000 was a nightmare, I think the VS units were the same.
My 1800 Denon was also very hot on the Mic channel but I found you can reduce the db on the software so that has helped.
Also changed from a Shure mic improved things!

[Corabar Steve]

Also changed from a Shure mic improved things!

Out of curiosity, what to?

I got an improvement on the 6000mk2 when I went from SM58 to EV N/D967

[Corabar Steve]

I've got the Roland lashed into the case, with lots of the self adhesive foam that comes with the case

Are they rackable?

[Excalibur]

Are they rackable?

If they were, do you think I'd have spent over £200 on a case, instead of going out into the shed, and repurposing one of the many and varied cases in there?

Seemingly, the trend nowadays is to make things unique, or virtually unique, rather than fitting into universal racks! :mad::mad:

[DJ Jules]

If they were, do you think I'd have spent over £200 on a case, instead of going out into the shed, and repurposing one of the many and varied cases in there?

Seemingly, the trend nowadays is to make things unique, or virtually unique, rather than fitting into universal racks! :mad::mad:

Technically it's exactly the right size to fit into a 19" rack (allowing 4mm each side for mounting brackets). It just looks like they neglected to make the brackets or drill the mounting holes (unlike the MC6000) and assumed that people would only use a case for transport and put it onto a table top to perform.

I bet it would have been possible to make brackets with a bit of metal bending/drilling - the hardest part would have been working out where to attach them on the controller. I ended up making my own brackets for my MC6000 out of box aluminium section to get it into a £65 flight case, but Denon where nice enough to leave me with pre-drilled/tapped M5 holes in the sides of the controller.

Julian

[Corabar Steve]

If they were, do you think I'd have spent over £200 on a case, instead of going out into the shed, and repurposing one of the many and varied cases in there?

Seemingly, the trend nowadays is to make things unique, or virtually unique, rather than fitting into universal racks! :mad::mad:

Looks like I'll still be using the mk2 MC6000 with its 1U patch panel for some time then.

As I've just said elsewhere, surely I can't be the only one who prefers to work with 19" kit?

[Corabar Steve]

Technically it's exactly the right size to fit into a 19" rack (allowing 4mm each side for mounting brackets). It just looks like they neglected to make the brackets or drill the mounting holes (unlike the MC6000) and assumed that people would only use a case for transport and put it onto a table top to perform.

Makes you wonder why they didn't. Extra sales on the ears for anyone who wants to rack them. Although one set of mine are aftermarket non-Denon. I suspect deals may have been done, as controller specific (Hell, even generic) cases seem considerably more expensive than 19" mixer racks of a similar size.

[Excalibur]

Looks like I'll still be using the mk2 MC6000 with its 1U patch panel for some time then.

As I've just said elsewhere, surely I can't be the only one who prefers to work with 19" kit?

I agree absolutely Steve. why when there's a standard to work to, do manufacturers insist on ignoring it? :confused:

[Corabar Steve]

I agree absolutely Steve. why when there's a standard to work to, do manufacturers insist on ignoring it? :confused:

Indeed. Even if space was an issue on the controller, how many U are available on a slant top? When you think of the footprint of a lot of all in one controllers or separates systems, the depth of the thing would clearly not be an issue.

A square unit maybe similar in layout to my old HD2500 + X 500 combo would work for me (or even with the platters & mixer swapped positions). Mic & headphone sockets & controls along the front edge to free up space on top.

A standalone / VDJ / Serato / whatever controller the size of a Yamaha MG 16XU? I'd buy one! (especially if Denon made it)


19175 19176

[Excalibur]

Steve, your pictures have illustrated the biggest gripe I have about most modern controllers not being rack mountable. Not being able to have a 1U panel carrying the frequently used and often hard to access sockets on the controller.

The DDS I keep for one customer has exactly that strapped above it.

[Corabar Steve]

You know what I'm like for my patch panels, part of the reason I'm steadfastly holding onto rackable gear.

However...


Swan Flight make controller cases with 1 or 2U rack under the controller (well for Prime 4 at least, but I see no reason that they shouldn't do it for others).

[Excalibur]

You know what I'm like for my patch panels, part of the reason I'm steadfastly holding onto rackable gear..

A predilection I share. Good man.

However...


Y
Swan Flight make controller cases with 1 or 2U rack under the controller (well for Prime 4 at least, but I see no reason that they shouldn't do it for others).

Swan Flight will basically make anything you like, with only two drawbacks:
1: Time :(
2:Cost. :cry:

[ppentertainments]

Swan Flight make controller cases with 1 or 2U rack under the controller (well for Prime 4 at least, but I see no reason that they shouldn't do it for others).
I heard even Geoff Capes needed assistance to lift it though :D:D

[Nakatomi]

Never used a Mk2, but the Mk1s I used were not great.
You needed a pad on the mic input to bring the DJ mic level down (yes really) & the sweet spot was always to turn down the DJ software master (only in the software) to half to get the ideal gain structure. Took me a whole morning to work that out!

[Excalibur]

You needed a pad on the mic input to bring the DJ mic level down (yes really) & the sweet spot was always to turn down the DJ software master (only in the software) to half to get the ideal gain structure. Took me a whole morning to work that out!

I have found that any software volume usually needs to be low, rather than high, for best effect.
Also on the 6000 that my colleague had, once I turned the physical master down from near maximum to a more sensible level, the mic volume came into a usable sector, rather than one second ( tiny angular measurement ) above zero.

I'm getting there with the Roland's dials. It's workable. I suspect that if I were to find it, there's a whole bunch of things I can do with the mic channels.

[ppentertainments]

MC6000 mic problems can be easily fixed with an attenuator - 10db one I find best but 20db works well too.

Not that you should need to use one though for the price of then and supposedly a pro product.

[Nakatomi]

MC6000 mic problems can be easily fixed with an attenuator - 10db one I find best but 20db works well too.

Not that you should need to use one though for the price of then and supposedly a pro product.

Oh absolutely. The problem with the mic inputs on both versions of 6000 is they have a fixed gain stage on the input BEFORE the level control. This is nuts & as far from conventional input design as you can get. Even a conventional dynamic mic can clip the input nevermind a radio mic that outputs near line level signals.

I don't know what they did on the mc7000 but its mic inputs sound better with more headroom before clipping. It's still quite easy to clip if you're not careful though.

The one time I used a prime 2 I wasn't impressed by its mic inputs either. Come on people, this stuff should be easy peasy! Engineers have been designing mixers forever. It should be impossible to get this wrong by now.

[rth_discos]

Come on people, this stuff should be easy peasy! Engineers have been designing mixers forever. It should be impossible to get this wrong by now.

Don't get me started on that. The amount of controllers that have a mic input with no EQ for example.

[DJ Jules]

Oh absolutely. The problem with the mic inputs on both versions of 6000 is they have a fixed gain stage on the input BEFORE the level control. This is nuts & as far from conventional input design as you can get. Even a conventional dynamic mic can clip the input nevermind a radio mic that outputs near line level signals.

Now interestingly, I used to have this problem on the VMS5 for exactly the reasons you've said (which is also probably why the inputs were so noisy) so I had a small attenuator soldered into the mic input in my flight case. When I got a MC6000 (mk2) I no longer needed it and I've also never had issues with feeding it with wireless mic receivers either.

Not sure if they fixed this on the mk2 or if I've just been lucky with the combinations of kit I've been using.

Julian

[mattydj50]

Now interestingly, I used to have this problem on the VMS5 for exactly the reasons you've said (which is also probably why the inputs were so noisy) so I had a small attenuator soldered into the mic input in my flight case. When I got a MC6000 (mk2) I no longer needed it and I've also never had issues with feeding it with wireless mic receivers either.

Not sure if they fixed this on the mk2 or if I've just been lucky with the combinations of kit I've been using.

Julian

I used to feed my Mic into my Citronic 10:4 mixer, into which my MC6000mk2 went, along with back up laptop and Xenon CD player as back up back up. One night, the Mic was sounding really weird so some step by step troubleshooting count the Mic section was misbehaving. Connected the Mic into the MC6000mk2 and after a little tinkering it works fine.