For some unknown reason, Pioneer in their infinite wisdom decided not to have the ability to switch the phono inputs to line level inputs on their flagship mixer, the DJM800. Considering Pioneer is a company whose top selling product is a digital turntable, one would think that they'd cater more to line level devices than they do.

Well, for those who want to plug more than 5 line level devices into their 800, there aren't many choices. Sure, you could use the digital inputs as well and reach to the back of the mixer and flip the tiny toggle switch, but that's a pain.

Basically, the reason you can't connect a turntable to a line input is that the output signal level from a turntable cartridge pickup is so low that it requires massive amounts of amplification. This is where the phono inputs come in. If you were to plug a line level device into that input, you'd get serious distortion, not only because of the level increase but also because of aggressive EQing applied to the input signal as well.

I did some searching online after discussing the issue with a DJ at the DJ Expo convention and found a solution... the inverse phono pre-amp.

For those who are wondering just what all of this means, take a look at this page which also features a DIY schematic for a homebrew solution.

Anyone wanting a more polished answer to the problem can take a look at this converter made by the Electronic Design Laboratory in the UK. They're not cheap but they won't break the bank either.

If you have any questions on the subject, don't hesitate to ask... I'm sure I could learn more myself!

incidentally, please DO keep the phono inputs on the pioneer djm series!

i regularly hook up 3 turntables to my mixer. i'd hook up 4 if i could! it annoys me to no end that there is no phono input on channel 1 too! (i often want to set it up TT-CDJ-MIXER-CDJ-TT, but then you have to have your input channels out of whack with how you physically have the gear lying on the table)

many many djs still use vinyl, and i bought this mixer, not only for my own use, but for throwing shows, and playing in clubs. the DJM600 became an industry standard mixer before the CDJ1000 even became popular. please don't remove the phono inputs!

I'm not suggesting they remove them, personally, I'd rather see 4 inputs with each having a [Line/Digital] / [Line/Phono] input. That configuration would allow you to use TTs and CDs across all 4 CH.

yep, that would be great! turntables aren't dead yet!

quote:

turntables aren't dead yet!

But the new turntables have onboard AD Converters, therefore cutting out alot of noise, and allowing you to set-up any way you want.

Yep, I was shocked by this when I purchased my DJM-800. It is really the only major troubling thing about the DJM-800. When I replaced my old mixer, I found that I couldn't hook everything up to the DJM-800 (I use 2 X1's, 2 analogue line from my computer, and up to 2 aux inputs for my Treos (a 3rd backup, just in case the X1's and Computer fail!!!)

OK - call me overly redundant, but I want to be ready for everything

sorry do disappoint anyone, but I ordered the adapter and its performance is unacceptable. I get a rather loud buzzing noise when using it, and yes, I did check it on three different mixers, so I know it's not my equipment.

Did you ask the manufacturer about the problem?

I sent them 2 emails and no reply for almost 2 weeks. Will try to dispute the charges through paypal. Wouldn't recommend this vendor. $60 out the window.

Okay but honestly, is the problem the vendor, the product or the configuration?

It could just be you have 2 bum units or it could be something else. Until you resolve the issue (and please keep us posted), I'll keep their link on the page.

It's both. The product, because it's producing an unwanted noise and the vendor, because of the lack of support. I tried different sources with three different brands of mixers, different cables, and all configurations produced the same noise, so I strongly believe the adapter is bad. Plus, the adapter does not look like anything on the pic posted under the link. it is much smaller and has RCA plugs on both sides

Well it should have 2 sets of RCA plugs (one in, one out). To be fair, the image on the website is a CG rendering, not a photo of an actual product.

It could very well be that the company is actually one guy who does this as a sideline business and he's on vacation. I'd pursue it a bit more before losing your cool on him.

I've sent them 2 emails and it's been over 2 weeks without reply. The only option left is paypal dispute and even though I might get the $60 back eventually, it won't solve the problem. Oh well.

Sorry to hear it man, but as I said, I'd still chase them up in case you can get them replaced or at least speak with the guy.

Thanks Pulse. I am having the mixer profesionally retrofitted so that the phono input will be permanently a line level input. I just hope it won;t void my warranty for parts unrelated to this such as crossfaders or knobs.

Well, I can't speak to that but please let us know how it goes (or email me directly) because I'd love to know what it ends up costing you and how it turns out.

I'll let you know how it turns out, but the equipment is in very qualified hands, so all should be OK. On a side note, it's a very dumb idea to have a phono dedicated input. Would it really be that hard to have a phono/line switch like on the other channels? The flagship DJM-800 is even worse with 3 channels of dedicated phono inputs and that's from a company that doesn't even make turntables and is best known for CD and DVD players.

I know it - stupid idea right? Seriously, Pioneer doesn't sell turntables, they make and sell CDJ and DVJs. Anyone who uses a turntable should be forced to do exactly the opposite of what you're doing - provide the proper line input (in their case, a phono pre-amp).

I've bitched about having that as a switchable input since the DJM600 yet the 800 came out with 3 phono inputs. Believe me, I was choked.

It's even stupider if you decide to use Serato or similar with CD players (no problem with vinyl) AND you still want to have the ability to play CD's (i.e. use the Thru outputs on the SSL box) - because only ch 1 has 2 line ins, you have to do this:

Ch 1 CD: Thru from SSL
Ch 1 Line: Line from SSL
Ch 2 Line: Thru from SSL
Ch 3 Line: Line from SSL

This is very annoying as when you're using SSL the timecode comes through on Ch 2; not to mention having your channels all in the wrong spot.

One solution is to use the digital inputs for the CD players (assuming your CD players output digital) but this still means you have to use all 4 channels now rather than just 2, and you can still see your timecode on the mixer.

Argh.

-r-

...except for the fact the digital input takes the place of the LINE input and you have to switch it on the back, not the top! :grr: