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Forum: Old versions

Topic: Weak Signal -Time coded vinyl

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Hey everyone,

Here's my setup: Technics MK-5's
U46XL USB soundcard
Virtual DJ 6.x
Serato Scratch Live Vinyl

Here's my issues. When I go to configure the signal in the Sound Setup tab, I select the two turntables for the Inputs. I get a really weak, signal with two VERY SMALL green circles. I noticed when I turn up the Gain/Amplitude of the Turntables through the Sound card, the signal gets bigger.

So, here's a list I've come up with that may cause such a weak signal coming from the Technics RCA cables:

1)The RCA cables in the Technics are old and need to be replaced
I'm not sure if this is the cause..I'm sure it isn't. When I use the Technics into my mixer, the sound fine. I'm not sure if the U46XL isn't amplifying the signal high enough for VDJ to get a good signal.

2)The Technics naturally give out a low powered signal to the RCA...which needs to be amplified
Since turning up the Gain on the sound card improves the size of the green circles, perhaps buying a Amplifier would solve this problem....
Both Turntable RCA's to the Amplifier, Amplifier improves/boosts the signal, Amplifier RCA to the U46XL sound card. Would this be the best route?

3) Old needles/styli
I'm using some older needles...they're not bad, but they're no Ortofons either. Would replacing the needles with high-end needles improve the signal to be properly adjusted in VDJ?

4) SSL vinyl
Would this have anything to do with the Signal? I'm sure it wouldn't..

5) Crap quality RCA cables
I bought some from Wal-mart...you know, your normal RCA cables...not Monster cables or anything...but is it that big of a deal? If so, than replacing the needles with some better ones would probably be best.

What would cause a low signal in VDJ? I tried tweaking the signal...but it bounces from 100% most of the time...and than fluctuates to 50-100% about every 10 seconds for a .5 seconds. This isn't good...at all for mixing and scratching. I'm thinking of buying an amplifier since that boosts the signal even bigger, in which VDJ can be properly adjusted.

I'm asking you guys on what is probably causing the issue...since I'm new to VDJ/Time coded mixing.
 
geposted Sun 04 Apr 10 @ 9:25 pm
4) SSL vinyl
Would this have anything to do with the Signal? I'm sure it wouldn't..

How long have you had the timecode Vinyl's? These things do wear out. This would be the cheapest thing by far to replace first.

3) Old needles/styli
I'm using some older needles...they're not bad, but they're no Ortofons either. Would replacing the needles with high-end needles improve the signal to be properly adjusted in VDJ?

Again, when you say old, how old? Stylus's do become worn out and loose their 'needle' I've just experienced this problem. (I bought dirt cheap Stylus's and one of them became worn out, and broke last night)

I would say its the stylus is at fault, along with perhaps a worn out TC vinyl?

What sort of mixing do you do? Do you scratch.

I can't see it being the cable's. But on the other hand, have you checked the small cables that plug from the tone arm, to the cartridge, Perhaps these are loose?


Another thing to try and eliminate the problem would be to to turn the TC Vinyl over and have a go on that side. If you still have the same problem, you defiantly know its the stylus

I'd buy something decent. I've learnt my lesson, and really, i wasted my money.
 
Hey, thank you for replying to my message dannyboy.

Alrighty...As for the needles. I'm not sure. When I play regular vinyl, the sound okay. There's nothing really wrong with the needles...or at least I don't think there's a problem. They're some Dj Craze scratch needles I bought awhile back...maybe only 40+ hours use? Not much scratching was done on the needles...but I have noticed when I do scratch with these needles, they tend to NOT stay on the record and skip alot....even after I adjust the tone arm and weight.

I'll try that first and definitely take your advice on quality styli. I'll probably go with some Ortofons.

As for the vinyl, the vinyl is brand new....right out of the box, so it can't be the vinyl.


I'm wondering why turning up the Gain...or increasing the power/sound of the turntables makes the Green circles/signal get better in VDJ. I'll try out your idea and buy some needles..if not, than I know for sure it has something to do with the Technics giving a low powered signal.

Anyone else have similar issues??

I spin Hip Hop, House, and Trance. Been doing it for years...but recently got into Hip Hop since the Trance scene has kinda died as of late :(
 
You may find helpful info in here:

http://www.virtualdj.com/wiki/TimeCode%20Config.html

Also I have to ask, you may have your U46DJ switched to phono inputs right??, but maybe U46XL don't has this RIAA preamp build it inside.

Also you may need 9mV OR MORE in cartridge outputs to have a good gain in your sound card.
 
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking...Okay, question for you acw dj, how do I set up a 9v battery on the u46xl?

I'm not sure how to do this but what I think what i might need is a compact stereo amplifier for the technics to the u46xl.

Do you guys have any ideas on what I can use? I'd hate to use an RCA home theater stereo amplifier since I like to keep the space all compact. I'd imagine that there would be some sort of compact RCA input/RCA output amplifier somewhere out there.
 
Actually...I"m pretty sure I know what the problem is...or at least im about 90% sure.

The U46XL takes an 'RCA input'...if the Ground Cable from the technics is not properly used, this would probably cause some distortion? This seems pretty rediculous...does the Serato Live SL1 box have anything to connect a Turntable/Technics ground cable?
 
Would a "Phono Preamp" be my best bet with volume control??

It converts Phono-RCA from Technics to normal RCA
 
 


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