DDJSX2 Grounding Issue

This is the first time I'm hearing of any issue like this.  The fact that it's happened with 3 different units makes it high unlikely that this is a problem with the controller.  The jog wheel is capacitive, which means it relies on the electrical properties of the human body to detect when user touches it.  This can sometimes be interrupted when users put a skin, sticker or any other covering over the jog wheel or if the user is wearing gloves.

Please try using a different:

1) Power cable

2) USB cable

3) USB port

4) Computer

Hi Mark,

I don't have any skins or stickers on it and I don't DJ with gloves on :)

Unfortunately 4 out of the 5 Pioneer support techs I've talked to didn't know anything about it either. The 5th person did and sent me this link http://faq.pioneerdj.com/product.php?lang=en&p=DDJ-SX2&t=faq&c=search&qq=gro, so it is a known issue. I've found posts online from several other people with the same issue as well. 

The problem only occurs when speakers are plugged in. I have tried adjusting the sensitivity and that helps but does not eliminate the problem. I've also tried grounding the unit to the powered speakers but that doesn't help either. I've tried the unit with QSC, JBL and EV speakers. All have the same problem. Tried on several different outlets with the same problem.

I know they have not been defective units even though the first three techs have told me that was the case and I needed to send the unit in for repair or return it to the seller. 

I really would like to find out what the problem is and how to fix it but I am at the end of my rope here. I would appreciate any assistance.

@Mike > Thanks for following up and providing those details.  I will open a support ticket for this issue and pass the information along.  I will post any updates I receive here.  In the meantime, please provide me with your product serial number and, if possible, the serial numbers of your 2 previous units that had the same issue.  This information may help us to track down any other units that may be affected.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

Hi Mark,

Unit#1 was exchanged and I don't have the SN.

Unit#2 OGHN019138UC Manufactured 7/15

Unit#3 OHHN02199UC Manufactured  8/15

Thanks Mike!

Hey Mark,

Where are we at on this? I need to figure out the issue and if the DDJSX2 is a viable option for my company or not ASAP.

Thanks,

Mike

@Mike > We can't seem to replicate this issue.  Our engineers think it may have something to do with the environment in which you are using the unit.  Again, because the platters rely on electrical properties, they could be receiving interference from a number of sources in your environment.  The type of shoes you are wearing, what you are standing on and what the SX2 is resting on can all play a factor.  Please take the following steps so we can try to narrow down the issue.

1. Try using it in a different room with different type of flooring  
2. Try using it in a different building
3. Try using a different  computer
4. Try using a different type of stand (non-metal)
5. Try placing a rubber mat under the SX2

Ok, let me do some experimentation. Thanks!

hey Mike i have the exact problem, also on my 3rd controller

so far i figured out that my amp doesn't have a good ground. i live in a pretty old house and it wasn't wired for 3 prong outlets behind the wall. another DJ suggested I get a voltage conditioner or a UPS to fix the problem

I have the same problem and this problem is posted all over you tube with multiple people. It is not the computer or the cables it's the controller itself. What is the next step for this because iv'e tried all the above and no shift plus slip does not workand i have no skins on it never have.Good environment dust free.

I am having the exact same issue.  I have bought 2 DDJ-SX2's and had this problem out of the box.  I've adjusted jog wheel sensitivity on the controller, tried different outlets and different grounding surge protectors.  Problem resolves when I unplug XLR cables... but you kinda need to be connected to speakers to DJ :-).   I know the XLR cables are not the issue because they have previously been plugged into a Rane mixer with no issues.  Any luck here?  I'm getting ready to give up and switch to a different company/product.

Just an update, I used a voltage conditioner, changed rooms houses, speakers, amps and the problem still exists. has anyone come up with a solution yet

I am having the exact same issue. I need to touch the front plate of my DDJ-SX2 for the jog wheel will work correctly, but otherwise the platter behaves as if the unit was in Slip mode even when it's in Vinyl mode.

I think the issue may have started when I updated to Mac OS X Sierra 10.12.2, but I can't be sure. 

I have updated Serato and my firmware and restart the unit multiple times. I tested the ground on my outlet and it is wired correctly. I've used multiple usb cables. The only fix so far that works is to the touch the faceplate while using the jog wheel.

This is a serious blocking issue, please let me know how to get it resolved. If I have to take the unit in for service I will, but my DDJ used to work correctly and the issue corresponds with my update to Sierra so I am not convinced it is a hardware issue.

Edit: If I take my whole setup into my basement, the jog wheels work correctly, so I guess it is a grounding issue despite my GFCI tester showing the outlet as correct. Are there any known work-arounds for this issue? It's unacceptable to me that a $1000 device would have such a huge issue. I bought this device so that I wouldn't have to bring my turntables and mixer to gigs anymore, but if I can't rely on it to work in a different setting it is useless to me.

I called support earlier this week and got authorization to take the unit in for repair. Just got it back and I am still having the same issue. Nothing has changed. The tech I took it to was recommended by Pioneer and has a great reputation. He said he checked all the internal grounds in the unit and they were all correct, but my problem still persists.

Hi, I'm new to this forum and wondering if anyone has resolved this issue?

I had no issues at home on carpet and floorboards and plugged into a unit with no surge protector.

Did my first gig on the weekend and had the jog wheel issue. It was on concrete floors and into a powerboard with surge protector. 

Reading lots of forums that this is a known issue but can't seem to find a solution

Can anyone assist me please?

Thanks

I'm following up as my issue was resolved, but I can't for the life of me remember how. If you see my above comment I had my DDJ-SX2 repaired under warranty but the problem was still happening. Eventually it went away and hasn't come back since. Not sure what to tell you, I would start by having the internal grounds checked by a licensed Pioneer repair shop.

Thanks for the prompt reply Ryan!

I'll give that a try and hope that sorts it out

Its not only with sx2, i had the same problem with an ddj sr

I have the same problem as the OP describes with a used DDJ-SR I just bought recently. Another post (https://forums.pioneerdj.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/204822029-DDJ-SX2-Jog-Wheel-barely-usuable) suggests making sure everything is plugged into a power strip but that didn't fix the issue. Any fix out there for this?

This is a known issue and typically comes from externally connected devices (you can test this yourself by either disconnecting the audio outputs, or the power cord for your laptop).

We even note it in the user manual:

I just bought an SX 3 and used it for the first time tonight and ran into the same exact issue. In a nutshell, I realized that the power cable to the speaker I was using had a 2 prong plug (no ground). When I unplugged the speaker, the controller worked fine. When I used a 3 prong plug, the controller worked as well. Ultimately the issue is with the controller because I don’t have this issue with my Denon controller. This can be a problem especially if you work in a location / venue that has a piece of equipment or cable that isn’t grounded.

Hey all. Thanks to those that replied since I posted. I resolved my issue. Originally I did try to adjust the jog wheel sensitivity, and that didn't work, but what I didn't realize that the adjustment uses both level meters (so a total range of 12 levels -6 to +6). So once I adjusted the job wheel sensitivity to +6 my issue went away. Hope this helps.

This was driving me so crazy. I have tried everything that I have read and nothing was working. I have the same issue except my unit is a XDJ-R1. I've used different outlets and found that when I plug it into the basement outlet it works. I've purchased a Ground Loop Isolator and it did nothing. The only thing I could do was to touch the ground screw or a metal part of the unit for it to work properly. Well, it just started working. I had to remove 2 turntables from the extension cord. I have an extension cord with 3 receptacles on one end. 2 decks and the XDJ-R1 were plugged into it. Once the 2 decks were taken off the cord, the jog wheels started working immediately. I will see how this holds up and report back. Hope this helps.