What's up with the crossfader on my mixer?

One More Solo · 20 Jan 2010 at 09:00

I've had a Numark DM950USB mixer for some time now, but the crossfader has never worked- so I mix with the volume faders. To clarify, it is all plugged in inside but has no effect on the actual sound output in any position. It also doesn't crackle or make any audible noise when I move it so it appears to be completely dead. Will replacing the crossfader make it work or do you reckon it's a deeper problem? I only ask because the crossfader is fairly expensive to replace compared to the cost of the mixer so don't want to buy a new one for no reason.

LOAM · 20 Jan 2010 at 10:30

eliminating the obvious first, How many inputs has the mixer got ? and is the cross fader set to control the 2 active inputs ?

I know, I know its a silly question to ask, but you never know.

One More Solo · 20 Jan 2010 at 12:59

It's a 2 channel mixer and yeah it's set to control the active inputs.

I took it apart earlier and nothing internal seems to be loose or fried so I'm confused. If I disconnect the crossfader entirely it doesn't make any difference i.e. the sound output still works fine. I would have thought if it was disconnected there would be no sound at all?

MikeHunt79 · 20 Jan 2010 at 13:18

Numark make pretty shoddy stuff, it will probably cost more to fix than replace...

Can you easily remove the crossfader?

I think it's more likely to be a problem with the mixer as opposed the to crossfader...

How old is it?

One More Solo · 20 Jan 2010 at 13:20

Yeah the crossfader is replaceable (it's about £20 quid). I'd rather replace it than buy a new unit but if needs must. Could someone do me a favour and disconnect the crossfader on their mixer and tell me if that cuts the sound output or not? If it does then I guess the crossfader has completely failed, if not then the mixer is screwed.

jaybee · 20 Jan 2010 at 13:40

I saw the title of this thread and as I clicked it I was thinking to myself "bet it's a Numark mixer".

I used to have one when I started out before I got a Pioneer, and I had two crossfaders on the same mixer go. I did not abuse them. Numark makes some good budget stuff, but you have to remember it is at the low to medium end of the market and you sometimes end up paying twice when you buy cheap. I would consider looking at Pioneer/Vestax/Allen&Heath/Behringer if you can afford them.

MikeHunt79 · 20 Jan 2010 at 13:56

One More Solo said:
Yeah the crossfader is replaceable (it's about £20 quid). I'd rather replace it than buy a new unit but if needs must. Could someone do me a favour and disconnect the crossfader on their mixer and tell me if that cuts the sound output or not? If it does then I guess the crossfader has completely failed, if not then the mixer is screwed.

I've taken the crossfader out of my mixer before and it does indeed stop the music. But different mixers work in different ways...

One More Solo · 20 Jan 2010 at 14:35

jaybee said:
I saw the title of this thread and as I clicked it I was thinking to myself "bet it's a Numark mixer". I used to have one when I started out before I got a Pioneer, and I had two crossfaders on the same mixer go. I did not abuse them. Numark makes some good budget stuff, but you have to remember it is at the low to medium end of the market and you sometimes end up paying twice when you buy cheap. I would consider looking at Pioneer/Vestax/Allen&Heath/Behringer if you can afford them.

Hmmph. Yeah, I think I will look into a new one at some point. Just wondered if mine was repairable.

TFleming · 20 Jan 2010 at 15:38

Look into behringer, the BCD3000 is only £140~ and its great. I just bought it!

iamdjdz · 20 Jan 2010 at 16:32

I've a Numark M2 mixer, which isn't bad as a basic 2 channel starter mixer. I've never had a problem with the crossfader on it but I'm pretty sure your problem is likely to be the fader, considering everything else is working.

The other two mixers I have and a KAM KMX100 which is alright, still pretty basic but in my opinion better than the M2, it's old though and needs a good clean inside as some of the knobs crackle when turned. And my main mixer is a Behringer djx750, which is a great little piece of kit and only cost me about £160 new. You should definately move towards a good mixer in the end though.

MikeHunt79 · 20 Jan 2010 at 18:26

If you are after better quality, consider only Pioneer or A&H. Even these leave something to be desired however, I find for heavy/touring use you need to replace the RCA's...

If you just use in 1 room and look after it well, I'm sure the behringer will be ok, and you'll save some cash.

iamdjdz · 21 Jan 2010 at 11:06

MikeHunt79 said:
If you are after better quality, consider only Pioneer or A&H. Even these leave something to be desired however, I find for heavy/touring use you need to replace the RCA's...

If you just use in 1 room and look after it well, I'm sure the behringer will be ok, and you'll save some cash.

Yep, definately, the Behringer won't take a proper beating, I have it in my room though as it is great for bedroom djing and recording. I doubt it would last long if I were carting it around much - it's had 2 outings since I got it in September. One of my friends uses a Pioneer DJM-800 and says that it's great but he's on his 3rd or 4th one. But he travels about a good bit playing - so it's all on how much you're going to use it etc. (obviously the better the mixer the better the inbuilt effects and sound fidelity).

LOAM · 21 Jan 2010 at 14:40

My DJM 500 had a knackered HP socket that I attempted a fix of, they use a pcb mounted socket that I perhaps foolishly thought could be replaced with a bog standard stereo socket from "insert generic electronics shop here" but I was so very wrong.

After hours of faffing about I eventually cleaned up the old one and re-soldered it all back on and popped its clips back in place. Turning it on was a nerve racking time but hearing crisp music through both sennheiser cones was a massive relief.

I still really want to replace it though as the socket is a plastic POS