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Posted by aralemomdadok on Aug-19-2005 19:17:

help on mixer master balance

So I bought a djm600 mixer, and I found out the master balance is off based on the meter on the mixer. I already sent it in the shop and get the master volume control in the back replaced (the screw in the back of the mixer). This does not seem to solve the problem though. Is there a way I can find out if there's something wrong with my mixer or my decks (technics m3d, got them on craigslist) output different strength in each channel. I tried flipping the input RCA from left to right, switching the decks, but to no avail. The master balance is off by 1 notch.

In other words, I would like to see what's broken, my mixer, or my decks. Knowing how to fix it would be nice too. Any fast input on this would be appreciated.

Posted by DJ Intrigue on Aug-19-2005 19:48:

Do you mean for instance the left channel led's are lighting up to say, -1 db and the right channel led's are lighting up either lower or higher than -1 instead of both channels being at the same level equally?

If that is the case, it might be your needles. I have the Shure Whitelabel needles and I noticed this problem with them shortly after I got them. I don't know what needles you have, but I made a thread on this a while back and other people said they experienced the same problems of the balance being stronger on one side as opposed to the other. I remember making that thread specifically about the Whitelabels, but those who didn't use the Whitelabels said they also had problems with the various other types and brands of needles. So, that might be your problem, which I think is messed up because any phonographic cartridge I think should be able to center the audio and have the levels equal on both sides and that is something I just can't figure out.

I've never used a DJM600, but if it has individual channel balance knobs, just turn them a bit and manually center the channels for each track according to the level meters. That is what I do and although it can become annoying, it seems to work. Other than that, I don't think it would be the mixer itself, unless something is seriously not callibrated right and I don't think it would be the tables either. I remember I looked at my tables and mixer as well when I noticed the balance problem, but came to the conclusion the needles were the culprit. I hope I haven't misunderstood your question and that this can help you out.

Posted by aralemomdadok on Aug-19-2005 20:01:

quote:
Do you mean for instance the left channel led's are lighting up to say, -1 db and the right channel led's are lighting up either lower or higher than -1 instead of both channels being at the same level equally?

yes.

I'm using the ortofon blue concord cartriage (inherited from the decks) and ortofon DJ S stylus on both decks. Unfortunately I do not have individual balance on each channel, so if I need to make adjustment it'd be on the master output, which is probably more annoying.

I'll try switching out the needles. Thanks for the help.

Posted by dj spunk on Aug-20-2005 02:25:

I had the same problem but with only one of my decks and I've just replaced a cartridge in that needle and it fixed it. I've been told that if you dont have the weight set up properly your needle will wear out faster

P.S. I have the same needles and I'm using DJM500

Posted by aralemomdadok on Aug-22-2005 16:39:

I got a new symtom. So one of my decks actually has a channel that goes out entirely. I took the connector apart, cut up the wire, and still no connection. Is that a sign that I need to change out the entire cable? Is it easy to do or no?

I'll change out the needle too, but I really think that deck is doomed.