In Case of Difficulty
Troubleshooting
When the sound system’s down, one’s first instinct is to panic! It’s better, though, to
work the problem
and find out what’s wrong:
Power / self-test
– Is every power indicator light in your system illuminated?
Someone may have inadvertently switched OFF a component (this is why the
VGM-
1041
has no power switch!). To minimize power problems, we recommend installing
a “master switch” for the entire sound system.
A functioning
VGM-1041
completes its self-test (the “light show”) when first
powered up, after which at least one front panel LED remains lit at all times. If the
“light show” gets stuck, or the mixer appears dead though power is confirmed, it’s
likely defective. See
Support and Warranty
, next page.
Sources
– Is part of your system working? Is the problem limited to one mic or one
auxiliary source? Test the various sources to find out, perhaps with headphones
plugged directly into your mixer. This will help you find out where the problem is –
before, inside, or after your mixer. For video sources, make sure the video is
streaming or playing properly.
Outputs
– Do you have a FM transmitter or recording device connected to your
mixer’s output? If so, see if it works. If it does, this indicates that the problem is
most likely
after
your mixer – for example, in the power amplifier or speaker wiring.
Level meter not responding
– Is
Prefade
(yellow LED) activated on any input? The
level meter responds to this input only, ignoring the others.
Low volume
– Mics turned down cannot be heard. Be sure that your mixer’s controls
are “up” on desired inputs. Verify that any level controls between the mixer and
your loudspeakers (amplifier, effects boxes, etc.) are set to their normal positions. If
the problem remains with one mic, increase the affected channel’s gain preset (see
Page 16). If low volume is accompanied by hum or buzz, check the mic cable(s).
“Dead” Mics
– Mic inputs turned down won’t gate ON, so check that all microphone
inputs in use are turned up. Try the same mic with another input, and the affected
input with another mic, to see where the problem moves. Condenser mics need
phantom power (see page 16).
Excessive volume
– Set your power amplifier’s level or gain control according to the
instructions on Page 18. If any input(s) seem excessively loud while their level
control(s) remains at ¼ or less, reduce the gain preset(s) for the affected channel(s) –
see Page 16.