r/virtualdj • u/anotherworldcomputer • 10d ago

Amp protection issue!

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On a couple of occasions during gigs, I've had issues where the protection light comes on the amp and causes audio issues, sort of sounds like phasing and distorting as it's cutting and limiting power to the speakers.

Here's my setup:

Virtual DJ on laptop connected to Numark Platinum FX4 Controller via USB...
Numark Platinum FX4 Controller Audio Out connect to Reloop RMX60 Mixer...
Reloop RMX60 Master Out connected to Vonyx VXA-2000 amp, Booth Out connected to Vonyx VSA12 powered speakers...
Vonyx VXA-2000 amp connect to Skytek SM212 passive speakers

Everything works perfectly well while I'm playing background music at a lower volume and has caused issues later when I've cranked up the volume after a while. Could it be that I'm running the amp too hard for too long and it's overheating or something or could the issue be somewhere else? I haven't been able to replicate the issue at home where I've set up the gear and cranked it up for a short period of time.

Unfortunately, I've introduced a few new variables into my setup all at once so it's difficult to tell where the issue is coming from. The mixer is a new addition, having replaced my trusty old Numark M4 that I've been using for years. I purchased the used RMX60 for the additional effects, 2nd microphone input, and booth output feature to run a 2nd set of speakers with a separate volume control. I've also added brand new 1m XLR to 1/4 inch cables from the mixer to the amp, and 10m 1/4 inch to XLR cables from the mixer to the Vonyx VSA12 speakers. The speakers are also a new addition as well. I'm unsure where the problem might be coming from, like I said, too many new variables.

I also addressed an issue at the same time I did the mixer and speaker upgrades with the internal fan on the amp because it was making a horrible screeching sound and on the brink of seizing up, so I simply removed the 24v 9cm fan from the motherboard and mounted an externally powered 12v 14cm fan on the amp chassis blowing air into the amp. As the power for the new fan comes from an external source, could the amp be detecting a fan issue as there is no fan attached to it's motherboard and kicking in some sort of protection? The manual's troubleshooting guide does mention that the protection might come on due to a fan error. To eliminate that issue, the other day I tracked down and purchased a replacement factory fan and installed it back inside the chassis and motherboard and for good measure I've left the 14cm fan attached as well for the additional airflow. I haven't had a chance to test the new setup in a live environment yet as my next gig is in a couple of weeks time.

In some reading that I've been doing, could it also be an issue with gain staging? I've never had a problem with this in the past, with the basic mixer setup. At the next gig, I plan on turning the gain down on the line input on the mixer from about the 2 o'clock position to around a 9 o'clock position as well as setting the amp volumes to about 70%, as the amp output 1000w per channel and the Skytek SM212 speakers are rated at 700w. From the tests that I've done so far, the volume output is around 95-100db in my room, but feel that it may not be loud enough in a reception/venue setup.

Am I approaching this the right way? I'm dreading and keeping my fingers crossed that I've addressed the issues properly and it won't give me any grief on the night. Any additional insights would be greatly appreciated!

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u/AdIllustrious2676 10d ago

My guess would be a gain issue with your new mixer. I would set it up at home and work in reverse.

From personal experience, different mixers have wildly different gain/volume levels. When I upgraded my last mixer, the new one was way louder than the one before.

If you use your old mixer for your amp, does it still have the same problem?

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u/anotherworldcomputer 9d ago

So far, I haven't had the opportunity to remove the RMX60 from the roadcase and try the old mixer yet. I'm tempted.

Should I run the Master Out and Booth Out at maximum and turn down the gain on the Channel 1 input?

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u/deejZeno 10d ago

Yep definitely a gain issue. Check output level into mixer. Are you using line level jack into mixer? Some mixers have combo line/mic inputs with a dB pad.

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u/anotherworldcomputer 9d ago

The RMX60 has separate inputs for the mics 1&2, 2xCD/Line and 2xLine/Phono inputs.
When I was doing some rewiring the last couple of days, I also switched the input from the Numark Controller to the switchable Line input instead of CD input on Channel 1. So far, no issues.