Pitch fluctuation issues - SL1200 MK5.
Hey all,
Having some major pitch fluctuations on one of my 1200’s, it’ll go up by about 30bpm on Traktor at any given moment and eventually find its way back again? I’ve heard it could be the motor but I know for a fact the pitch faders definitely need replacing as they zero point is no where near where it should be…
Anything I should check before replacing anything?
Thanks in advance.
Do the fluctuations happen even when you don’t touch the pitch fader, is it just when you adjust the pitch or both?
How is the movement on the platter dots when this is happening? How is is when you gradually move the pitch from -8 to +8 and back?
The good answer would be: “consistant speed/no jumpy behaviour” and “the dots slowly speed up/slow down without any jumpy behaviour”.
What timecode vinyls are you using, original or mk2?
30bpm is a hell of a lot, check the dots on your platter when it does it, are they un-even? or even better play a normal record. ive a feeling its your timecode thats wrong, not the TT
As far as the pitch is concerned, have you tried to calibrate the pot on the fader?
MK2 timecodes.
One fluctuates about 30 BPM, and the other about 5 without touching either intermittently. I wouldn’t say the dots moved that eratically, obviously depending how quickly you move the actual fader.
The actual sound is not affected, the BPM seems to jump or dip in Traktor but the actual sound itself you can’t tell. Also, the phase meter doesn’t move out of sync when it happens.
I’m going to get some new pitch faders as I think the ones I have are very old now anyway.
im guessing its your needles or timecode.
I’m guessing it’s Traktor … if we’re guessing now 
Others have reported similar experiences on the NI forum.
Check to see if you see the same fluctuations with earlier versions of Traktor, check the calibration scopes with the needle at different positions throughout the tumecode track, and try MK1 timecodes and normal vinyl, if you can.
I’m inclined to think it’s this more as the problems vary between the decks, I’m using 2.1.X as my laptop is spazzed after the 2.5.0 update.
If the calibration scopes go nuts at particular places on the timecodes then it’s them right?
Yes, they should be perfect circles throughout.
Best way to check if your pitch controls are out of calibration or busted is to “read”/look at the strobe dots on the platter while adjusting the speed. Move the fader from zero “0” point slowly to positive. The 3rd layer (big) dots should move clockwise gradually while moving the pitch slowly going to range +3.3%. Once the pitch knob is set there, the 2nd layer of dots should be steady while the platter is spinning at either speeds (33 or 45). First layer or top most dots should be steady at +6.0%. On negative -3.3%, the bottom dots should be steady.
As you move the pitch fader back and forth, check the dots if there are any dead spots or “double zero”. ALso if the fluctuations are very consistent at certain spots then your pitch may need replacement. But if the pitch is just out of calibration, then there is no need to replace it yet and proper calibration should be done.
^^ great info. Do you have a link or any additional info you can post as to how to calibrate?
Here are parts 1 & 2 from viperfrank.
^^ Thanks!
You may have a bad MK5. I mean I heard about them having problems with some of the electronics inside. Loads of videos on this on youtube. I bought MK2 after hearing some stories.