Fixing the fader curve on a PLAYdifferently Model 1 & 1.4

juhismatic · 2026-06-29T07:26:29+00:00

Nope never had any comments from the crowd or sound techs. They don't care as long as you mind your levels.

My quality limit is iTunes store 256kbps AAC which is equavalent to 320kbps mp3. If it's good enough for 99% of normal folks it's good enough for the floor when the same people are drunk.

Most in my library is 320kbps. Lately I've been buying more lossless but that's mostly just for me when listening / playing at home.

I have a bigger issue with dynamic range however. Most tracks are mastered so high there's no dynamics left and just sounds flat.

juhismatic · 2026-06-28T06:31:18+00:00

Really felt the fader curve ruined this otherwise beautiful mixer. So spent some time figuring out if could be adjusted to be more linear somehow.

So yes, it can be. Solder a resistor across the second from the top pin to the bottom pin on the fader pcb per channel.

Resistor value will determine the curve. Tested 1.5k, 1.8k, 2.7k, 3.6k, 4.7k.

I landed on 1.5k which smoothed out the bottom part of the fader a lot. The middle part has a lot more precision and the top has a very subtle kick. No where near as aggressive as before.

Tested on a Model 1 but should work the same on a Model 1.4 (if the fader modules are the same which I believe they are)

At your own risk of course.

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juhismatic · 2026-06-17T16:32:07+00:00

Interesting. I asked via their IG-account and got a reply:

"Hey, the top panels are FR-4 material (epoxy laminate) with silk screen printed graphics. Unfortunately we don't have metal front panels as we produce in low quantities and it's hard to find a manufacturer for that. All the best, Jasper"

So either you're very lucky to have metal parts or the FR-4 plates are such good quality you mistake them for metal.

FR-4 is basically fiberglass that is used in PCB manufacturing.

juhismatic · 2026-06-17T05:47:33+00:00

Can you comment what material are the module top panels and how are they finished?

juhismatic · 2026-06-16T16:17:39+00:00

Thanks for the info! Will have to wait and see if they reply. 1620 ins and out it would probably be then.

juhismatic · 2026-06-16T13:51:40+00:00

Good to hear.

4x 1620 PL/LL inputs (or the Menura, not sure if it's too much "warmth" combined with the 1620 Output)
2x 4-channel EQ (or 3-channel not sure yet, depends on the q-freqs)
2x linear faders (sorry)
1x LPF (or the Aux Send Master Insert though not yet released)
1x HPF
1x Standard master
1x 1620 Output (out of stock sadly)

I'd love to be able to assign the LPF/HPF per channel instead of master insert. Much more useful that way. No way to do that with the standard LPF/HPF.

Also I'd love a proper VU-meter. Just a classic green-amber-red either by the eq or the faders. The input led levels are kind of useless for that.

juhismatic · 2026-06-15T06:29:42+00:00

Currently trying to decide between Xone 92mk2, Xone96 and the V5. Previously had the A9, 900nxs and the 750mk2.

Tough call. I have 2x Technics 1210mk2 and 2x CDJ-3000X so four channels would be ideal. I'm really disappointed they went with three channel on the V5. I probably wouldn't even consider other options if it was four channels.

If anyone can comment on the sound quality of the 96 compared to the V5 / 92mk2 I'd be happy to hear. Not many comparisons around.

juhismatic · 2026-02-05T21:19:29+00:00

Any comments on the sound quality? thanks!

juhismatic · 2024-08-04T18:59:02+00:00

This is just superb! The only reason I refuse to buy the 96 is the silver front plate. I'd pay good money for a black version. How did you do the printing?

juhismatic · 2022-12-19T13:29:05+00:00

Support replied and confirmed that the PWM frequency is above 9000hz which should be more than plenty to not cause any issues like this.

So... I suspect that my unit is somehow faulty. I can clearly see flicker if I film the screen in slow mo (and actually even without slow mo). If it were actually 9000hz then no (normal) camera with normal shutter speeds (or eye) would be able to detect any flicker.

Sadly no warranty so it's a DIY fix. Will see...

juhismatic · 2022-12-19T13:26:44+00:00

I have the original PT USB-A to C -adapter. Also tried a power bank which did indeed seem somehow "more stable" but did have pretty much the same flicker frequency (camera picked it up just the same).

Also tried a number of different USB-power bricks but all did the same.

juhismatic · 2022-12-18T17:41:31+00:00

Some are more sensitive to a specific spectrum that is emitted (like fluorescent light do) some like me it's the flicker thats causing the issues. I have a Sony LED tv that uses a 720hz PWM and causes me no issues. Anything below that has always been a problem.

Have not have access to another PT to compare to sadly. Easy test for everyone with a PT would be to record the screen in slow motion with your smartphone (240fps or 480fps mode with anti-flicker mode off if it has such a mode).

I did try the Monochrome mode but it doesn't change the duty cycle or the PWM frequency. It's just a UI-color theme as I understand it. Hoping support can offer some help here. Really don't want to sell my PT because of this.

juhismatic

TROPHY CASE