Power problem??

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DJChas

New DJ
Aug 27, 2007
147
0
53
I have a Pioneer DJM 3000 mixer and SRM 450 Mackie powered speakers. I have noticed the last couple gigs that sometimes my master volume goes from being soft to loud all by itself. Is this a power problem? Could it be my mixer?

Would a power conditioner bar help? Let me know what you think. Thanks

-Chas
 
Well... if the volume spike is coming from both Mackies at the same time, the issue probably isn't within the 450s. I'd suggest some basic troubleshooting ~ work your way back from the 450s by using different components.

Don't forget to inspect and test patch cables and jacks... you can jiggle them around while the system is in operation to see if there's an intermittent problem. We've experienced volume issues due to 1/4" TRS plugs that just needed to be cleaned. It happens.

Start with a different amp/speaker set. You could patch the Pio into your home stereo and run it for testing purposes if need be. If the Pio is OK, remove it from the chain and patch your DJ music source direct to the stereo input.

I recommend a power conditioner for all front end gear. That said, I doubt this problem is caused by lack of a conditioner.

Good luck and let us know what you find.
 
Thank you for your reply.

Yes, the volume spike is coming from both Mackies. I was in a old chapel doing a wedding when this happened. I assumed it was a power issue from the wall outlet. I was running a mixer, dual cd player and two self powered Mackies from one outlet. No amps. Could this have been too much power for the one outlet?
 
If it was too much power you would've tripped a breaker. Does the DJM3000 have a talkover switch? You're problem could be that simple ;).
 
My mixer does have a talkover switch, but I was not using it at the time. A song would be playing, then all of a sudden, the volume would get louder...really weird...
 
My mixer does have a talkover switch, but I was not using it at the time. A song would be playing, then all of a sudden, the volume would get louder...really weird...
Check ALL your connections to make sure all jacks/connectors are fully seated.
 
Thank you for your reply.

Yes, the volume spike is coming from both Mackies. I was in a old chapel doing a wedding when this happened. I assumed it was a power issue from the wall outlet. I was running a mixer, dual cd player and two self powered Mackies from one outlet. No amps. Could this have been too much power for the one outlet?

Well, the issue isn't with the Mackies then. And a bum AC supply isn't likely to cause the situation you describe.

Let me know if the aforementioned troubleshooting suggestions pan out. :)
 
I would also check your signal cables one at a time, it's weird that both speakers do it at the same time however there may be a possibility that the cables in both channels may have gone bad. One thing similar that happened to me way too many years ago that just popped in my mind was an XLR cable were one connector's cable-terminal got loose and was barely touching the XLR connector terminal, this would make the volume sometimes jump up. This big jump in volume happened as my fader went up.
 
Come to think of it, my XLR cables need to be replaced. They are cheap. Had them for about 6 years now. mabe they are the problem.

Anyone have a reconmendation on good XLR cables? Are Monster XLR's any good? I cant have this happening anymore. I want the best! Let me know. Thx
 
Come to think of it, my XLR cables need to be replaced. They are cheap. Had them for about 6 years now. mabe they are the problem.

Anyone have a reconmendation on good XLR cables? Are Monster XLR's any good? I cant have this happening anymore. I want the best! Let me know. Thx
Ben at NLFX sell them custom made to length.