I recently purchased a VMS4.1. I have been a mobile DJ for 20+ years, and work as a electronics repair tech. I also have a Versadeck, and have experience with a lot previous mixers and some midi controllers I have owned before. - Just stating so you will know my level of experience.
My VMS4.1 seems to be sensitive to static electricity, particularly at the headphone jack. At an event, I turned the VMS4.1 on along with my laptop and other gear, had everything going. I then got around to plugging the headphones in (this is during setup, I wasn't mixing yet) and the VMS4.1 reset itself, disconnecting from VDJ. I had to restart VDJ to get it to function with the VMS4.1 again. Because I had a minute, and I was concerned, I tried unplugging the headphones and plugging them in again... and the VMS4.1 reset again.
The solution for that moment, was to leave the headphones plugged in all night, and I had my Versadeck on backup just incase.
Since then, I've been experimenting with this issue at home, and if I walk around with my headphones (Allen & Heath XD-53's) in hand a bit, then try to plug them into the VMS4.1, the VMS4.1 will reset itself about 8/10 times. If I stand there and unplug, plug them back in immediately, the problem does not occur, because the static charge has already been discharged.
Some might say, "well, this could be a problem with any mixer", but it is not repeatable with the Versadeck, or other mixers I own, and I have not experienced this problem with other midi controllers I have used. I am sure there is some sensitivity for any product to some static electricity, but it would seem the VMS4.1 I own, is a bit more sensitive.
I don't know if it is just the one I have or not, so wondering if others have experienced this. Also, wondering about possible solutions.
Being a repair tech, but not a repair tech with a schematic...LOL... I am guessing part of the issue is that the VMS4.1 is not grounded, as it uses a two prong wall wart external power supply. It does have grounding posts for turntables, and I am considering seeing if I can ground the unit to another component, that does have a earth ground connection, and if that might solve the issue... or if it is specific to the headphone jack.
Other than this issue, I'm pretty happy with the VMS4.1. Sound is really good, and it's a good sturdy unit. Mic channels are solid on this one as well.
