Originally Posted by
efinque
Good question.
I've never used Rekordbox (you should ask Pioneer or someone else here who does) but for example Traktor lets you switch a Track deck into Direct input which passes through any audio (timecode signal, CD audio etc) from the assigned channels but I can't remember whether it lets you use the gain controls (or FX), it may have something to do with internal/external mixer modes (ie. where the actual audio processing takes place, in the box or within the controller/audio interface)
This means the audio goes through AD/DA converters (even if it's timecode; with records, ie. analog medium such as vinyl this isn't necessarily desirable by some I'd think)
I was about to suggest checking the software settings but I assume the DDJ-RR does the RIAA conversion and preamplification in the device itself (like my old Hercules controller did) in which case the computer would have to send control data to the device's circuits to adjust the volume (similar to VCA automation I guess) and I highly doubt any manufacturers would implement such feature in a DJ mixer/controller (although it would be neat, in a geeky sort of way but very useless at the end of the day)
To confusion of many digital DJs there are two or actually three types of devices; MIDI controllers, controllers with an inbuilt mixer/audio interface and mixers with partial MIDI functionality/audio interface and sometimes it's hard to distinguish which category the unit in question falls into because they approach the audio processing very differently.
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A MIDI controller doesn't do much else than send MIDI to a laptop. Some may have an audio interface for output (master/cue) but no inputs for plugging external gear.
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Controllers with inbuilt mixers and interfaces have the ability to do so, ie. function as standalone units (such as yours) but like stated setting them up with software can be a bit confusing at times (I for example would very often forget the software gain/EQ bypass/kill switches, I/O routing, internal/external modes etc)
The MIDI jog wheels, response times, latency, build quality and stability have improved greatly over the years too (I got my first controller ca. 2008 when they were considered an emerging technology)
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Mixers with MIDI and an audio interface (Traktor Scratch Certified etc) are probably the most straightforward to use with a DVS system but the downside is the cost (and serviceability/compatibility in the long run, I'd figure)
Another thing is that the MIDI functionality can be somewhat limited (or nonexistant) so you'd be looking to pair one with a deck controller or two (A&H Xone 1D or 2D, NI Kontrol F1 etc), but the good news is you have a very versatile setup (a lot of the big names in EDM use very similar rigs for their "live" shows)
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To return to your original problem (if the problem isn't in the controller/mixer); many buy used 1200's and they've been in production since the 70's, with some units never being serviced so it could be a wire, connector etc that is causing the problem. Luckily it's also a very well documented device so there could be a service instruction somewhere on the internet regarding the problem (tonearm, connectors, internal wiring, RCA cables/ground wire etc)
Also, there are different types of pickup systems, such as moving magnet (abbreviated as MM) and moving coil (MC) and they are more or less "compatible" with different phono preamps because they may offer varying output voltages and impedances (in troubleshooting it's always logical to start from the source, I also forgot to ask whether you checked the turntable output with another device)
If it's the phono inputs causing the problem your best bet is to contact Pioneer directly because the PCB's are most likely built using surface-mount components and as such impossible to service at home.
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