Controller sporadic woes.

[DJ Jules]

* Wayne says it's a Denon.

Or you could say that the Denon's are made by the people behind Numark InMusic own a whole stack of different brands 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.

[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.

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

Julian

[Excalibur]

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

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.


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.


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

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

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.

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

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? Regular readers are ahead of me. Cost. £900. Even bigger , 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.

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 ".

[Imagine]

Sorry Dave, perhaps it will just be " Plug and Play ".

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"?

[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.

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. ) 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.

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.