Numark Mixtrack Pro FX: Jog Wheel Cleaning Guide

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into maintaining your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX. Specifically, we're going to tackle how to disassemble and clean the jog wheels. Over time, these can get gunked up with dust, grime, and who-knows-what-else from late-night gigs or studio sessions. Keeping them clean is crucial for smooth performance and accurate scratching or nudging. So, grab your tools, and let's get started!

Why Clean Your Jog Wheels?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly discuss why cleaning your jog wheels is so important. Your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX jog wheels are more than just fancy decorations; they're integral to your DJing experience. Think of them as the steering wheel of your digital DJ car. When they're clean, they respond accurately to your touch, allowing for precise control over your tracks. A dirty jog wheel, on the other hand, can lead to:

  • Inconsistent performance: The jog wheel might not respond consistently to your touch, causing unexpected skips or jumps. This can be a nightmare during a live performance.
  • Reduced sensitivity: You might find yourself having to apply more pressure than usual to get the jog wheel to respond. This can be tiring and make it difficult to perform intricate scratches or beat adjustments.
  • Inaccurate scratching: A dirty jog wheel can make scratching sound sloppy and unprofessional. The grime can interfere with the sensor's ability to accurately track your movements.
  • Potential damage: Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime can actually damage the internal components of the jog wheel, leading to costly repairs or even the need to replace the entire unit. Keeping those Numark Mixtrack Pro FX jog wheels sparkling will help prolong the life of your equipment.

In short, taking the time to clean your jog wheels is an investment in the longevity and performance of your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX. Plus, it's just good hygiene! No one wants to play on a dirty controller. So, let's keep those wheels spinning smoothly!

Tools You'll Need

Okay, so you're convinced that cleaning your jog wheels is a good idea. Awesome! Now, let's gather the tools you'll need for the job. Don't worry; you probably already have most of these lying around:

  • Screwdriver: You'll need a screwdriver to open up the Mixtrack Pro FX. Make sure you have the right size and type of screwdriver for the screws on your unit. Usually, a Phillips head screwdriver will do the trick. Having a couple of different sizes on hand is always a good idea.
  • Soft Cleaning Cloths: Microfiber cloths are ideal for cleaning electronic equipment. They're gentle and won't scratch the surface of your jog wheels. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive cloths, as these can damage the finish.
  • Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher): Isopropyl alcohol is a great cleaning agent for electronics because it evaporates quickly and doesn't leave behind any residue. Make sure you use a high concentration (90% or higher) for the best results. Important safety tip: Always apply the alcohol to the cloth, not directly to the controller.
  • Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs are perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach areas around the jog wheel. They're also great for cleaning the small crevices and grooves.
  • Small Brush (Optional): A small, soft-bristled brush can be helpful for removing stubborn dust and dirt from the jog wheel surface. An old toothbrush works well, just make sure it's clean!
  • Canned Air (Optional): Canned air can be used to blow away dust and debris from the internal components of the jog wheel. This is especially helpful for getting rid of dust that's trapped in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Work Surface: Find a clean, well-lit workspace where you can comfortably disassemble and clean your jog wheels. A table or desk with plenty of space is ideal.

Having the right tools on hand will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient. So, take a few minutes to gather everything you need before you get started. Once you have all your tools, you'll be ready to tackle those dirty jog wheels!

Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Disassembling your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX can seem daunting, but don't worry, we'll walk through it together. Just take your time and be careful not to force anything. Also, it is highly recommended that you take pictures as you go so you remember where everything goes. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Power Down and Disconnect: Before you even think about touching your controller with a screwdriver, make sure it's completely powered off and disconnected from your computer and any power sources. This is crucial for your safety and the safety of your equipment.
  2. Locate the Screws: Flip your Mixtrack Pro FX over and locate the screws that hold the bottom panel in place. There will usually be several screws around the perimeter of the unit. Note the location of each screw. Sometimes, screws are different sizes, so knowing which screw goes where will make reassembly much easier.
  3. Remove the Bottom Panel: Using the appropriate screwdriver, carefully remove all the screws from the bottom panel. Once all the screws are removed, gently lift the bottom panel off the unit. You might need to wiggle it a bit to loosen it. Be careful not to pull too hard, as there may be wires connecting the bottom panel to the rest of the controller.
  4. Identify Jog Wheel Connections: Once you've removed the bottom panel, you'll be able to see the internal components of the Mixtrack Pro FX. Locate the jog wheels and identify any wires or connectors that are attached to them. These connections are typically for the jog wheel's sensor and motor.
  5. Disconnect Jog Wheel Connections: Carefully disconnect any wires or connectors that are attached to the jog wheels. Use a small pair of pliers or your fingers to gently pull the connectors apart. Be careful not to pull on the wires themselves, as this can damage them. Take a picture of the connections before you disconnect them, so you know how to reattach them later.
  6. Remove the Jog Wheel: Once all the connections are disconnected, you should be able to remove the jog wheel from the unit. Depending on the model, the jog wheel might be held in place by screws or clips. If there are screws, remove them carefully. If there are clips, gently pry them open with a small screwdriver.
  7. Repeat for the Other Jog Wheel: Repeat the above steps for the other jog wheel.

With these steps, you will successfully disassemble the unit and have the jog wheels ready for a deep cleaning.

Cleaning the Jog Wheel Components

Now that you've successfully disassembled your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX and removed the jog wheels, it's time to get down to the cleaning. This is where you'll remove all the dust, grime, and gunk that's been building up over time. Focus on the areas that come into contact with your fingers, as these tend to accumulate the most dirt.

  1. Clean the Jog Wheel Surface: Dampen a soft cleaning cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe down the surface of the jog wheel. Pay close attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or sticky. Use a cotton swab to clean around the edges of the jog wheel and in any small crevices.
  2. Clean the Jog Wheel Sides: Don't forget to clean the sides of the jog wheel as well. These areas can also accumulate dirt and grime, especially if you tend to grip the jog wheel tightly. Use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe down the sides of the jog wheel.
  3. Clean the Sensor Area: The sensor area is the part of the jog wheel that detects your movements. It's important to keep this area clean, as dirt and grime can interfere with its ability to accurately track your movements. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the sensor area. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the sensor.
  4. Clean the Internal Components: If you're feeling ambitious, you can also clean the internal components of the jog wheel. Use a can of compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that's accumulated inside the jog wheel. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean any dirty areas.
  5. Allow to Dry Completely: Once you've cleaned all the components of the jog wheel, allow them to dry completely before reassembling the unit. This is important to prevent any damage to the electronic components.

With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can restore your jog wheels to their former glory. A clean jog wheel is a happy jog wheel, and a happy jog wheel means a happy DJ!

Reassembling Your Mixtrack Pro FX

Okay, you've cleaned all the individual components, and now it's time to put everything back together. This is where those pictures you took during disassembly will come in handy. If you didn't take any pictures, don't worry, we'll guide you through the process. Just take your time and be careful not to force anything.

  1. Reattach the Jog Wheels: Carefully reattach the jog wheels to the unit. Make sure they're properly aligned and that they're securely fastened in place. If there are screws, tighten them gently. If there are clips, make sure they're properly engaged.
  2. Reconnect the Wires: Reconnect any wires or connectors that you disconnected during disassembly. Make sure the connectors are properly seated and that the wires are not pinched or damaged. Refer to the pictures you took earlier to ensure that you're connecting the wires to the correct terminals.
  3. Replace the Bottom Panel: Carefully replace the bottom panel of the Mixtrack Pro FX. Make sure it's properly aligned and that all the screws are in the correct locations. Tighten the screws gently.
  4. Test the Jog Wheels: Once you've reassembled the unit, test the jog wheels to make sure they're working properly. Connect the Mixtrack Pro FX to your computer and launch your DJ software. Test the jog wheels to make sure they're responding accurately to your touch. If you notice any problems, double-check your connections and make sure everything is properly aligned.

Maintenance Tips

Now that you've gone through the trouble of cleaning your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX jog wheels, you'll want to keep them clean for as long as possible. Here are a few maintenance tips to help you do just that:

  • Dust Regularly: Dust your Mixtrack Pro FX regularly with a soft cloth to prevent dust from building up on the jog wheels. A quick wipe down after each use can make a big difference.
  • Keep Your Hands Clean: Wash your hands before using your Mixtrack Pro FX to prevent dirt and grime from transferring to the jog wheels. This is especially important if you're performing at a club or venue where your hands might be exposed to sweat and other contaminants.
  • Use a Dust Cover: When you're not using your Mixtrack Pro FX, cover it with a dust cover to protect it from dust and other debris. A simple dust cover can significantly extend the life of your jog wheels.
  • Avoid Spills: Be careful not to spill any liquids on your Mixtrack Pro FX. Liquids can damage the electronic components and make it difficult to clean the jog wheels. If you do spill something on your controller, wipe it up immediately with a clean cloth.
  • Periodic Deep Cleaning: Even with regular maintenance, your jog wheels will eventually need a deep cleaning. Plan to disassemble and clean your jog wheels every few months, or more frequently if you use your Mixtrack Pro FX heavily.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX jog wheels clean and in good working condition for years to come. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and ensuring that your controller performs at its best.

So there you have it – a complete guide to disassembling and cleaning your Numark Mixtrack Pro FX jog wheels. With a little patience and the right tools, you can keep your controller in tip-top shape and ensure smooth, accurate performance for years to come. Now go forth and spin some tunes!