To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your DJ mixer, it is essential to keep your channel faders clean of any dust or debris that may build up over time with regular use.
Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up within the fader, leading to inadequate electrical contact. This may result in crackling or popping sounds, static noises, or even audio dropouts when adjusting the fader. Additionally, the presence of dirt and grime can make the fader feel sticky or challenging to move at times.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning, helps prevent wear and tear caused by dirt and oxidation. This can significantly extend the lifespan of your mixer or controller.
Tools required:
- Cotton swabs
- Phillip's screwdriver
- Soft cloth or towel
- Compressed air duster
- Contact cleaner solution (ex. DeoxIT D5)
- Plastic bag or cup(to contain loose screws and fader caps)
- Small bottle cap(to dip cotton swabs in contact solution)
To clean your channel faders, start by ensuring your mixer or controller is powered OFF and disconnected from power.
If your mixer or controller features a removable faceplate, it is best to remove this first to gain access to the faders.
Begin by removing all of the fader caps.
Then remove faceplate screws. Use a plastic bag or small cup to hold the screws and fader caps as to not misplace them.
You now have access to the fader section of your mixer/controller.
Using compressed air duster, spray a few times in each fader slot. Position the fader all the way up, and spray from bottom to top using an upward motion. Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging internal components inside the fader.
Then position the fader all the way down, and spray top to bottom with a downward motion. This will ensure any dust or debris is cleared out of the fader.
Take a cotton swab and apply some contact cleaner solution. You may need to pull off some cotton to allow the swab to fit inside the channel fader opening.
We recommend spraying some solution into a small bottle cap to dip the cotton swab in the cleaner, so you do not have to spray inside the fader. Be sure not to drench the cotton swab, as only a small amount of cleaner is required.
Position the fader all the way up, and wipe from bottom to top using an upward motion. Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging internal components inside the fader.
Then position the fader all the way down, and wipe top to bottom with a downward motion.
Once all the channel faders are cleaned with contact solution, allow the unit to dry upside down over a soft cloth or towel. We recommend allowing at least 1 hour to ensure the contact solution has completely dried.
After allowing ample time for the unit to dry, flip the unit back upright, and reinstall the faceplate, screws and fader caps.
Plug in your mixer or controller to power and test the faders. They should now operate smoothly and without any crackling or signal dropouts.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your channel faders and maintain optimal performance. If the channel fader continues to act up after cleaning, please open a support ticket.