Vestax PCV-CF Crossfader Spacer Modification

This is an old mod but very effective nonetheless. When closing the fader to cut the audio of a channel there is an element of travel which can be reduced to provide tighter cuts for scratch DJ’s. 

There are many different ways of doing it but the simplest way to do this is to use a set of M4 rubber washers on top of the existing stock ones. The ones I use are 1.6mm thick and provide an incredibly tight cut. For ease of installation I perform this mod when cleaning the faders but you can do it within 5 minutes.

You'll need the following:

• 2x M4 rubber washers (9mm OD, 4.1mm ID, 1.6mm thick)
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Razor-blade or other thin tool for prising the case open
• Desoldering wick (optional)

With the crossfader out of the mixer remove the mounting plate from the crossfader assembly.

Using a razor-blade, carefully prise the 2 parts of the case apart. 

Heat the one pad which holds the back of the CF case to the PCB and carefully remove it without damaging the pad. Now you’ll be able to see inside the fader. This is the perfect opportunity to clean it.

Using a large flat headed screw driver you can gently move the metal tabs which hold the larger rail to the case. Lift the fader stem off the bottom rail.

 

Add 1 spacer to each side. Then slide the stem back onto the lower rail and carefully align the top rail to the case. Use the flat headed screwdriver again to pinch the rail to the case and ensure there is no wobble. 

 

Carefully re-assemble the case and insert the leg of the case through the PCB. Snap it shut and solder the leg back to the circuit board.

 

Congratulations the modification is now complete.