Vestax PMC-500

When several turntables and line sources need to be connected at the same time, clear channel assignment is especially important. The Vestax PMC-500 is a club mixer with five line channels and two switchable microphone/line channels. Each of the five main channels has trim, a 60 mm fader, a seven-segment level meter and a three-band isolator.

Each of the five main channels can be assigned to one phono or two line sources; the phono inputs are RIAA-equalised and designed for MM cartridges. An additional preamplifier is required for MC cartridges. The A/B/Master assignment lets you decide whether a channel goes to one side of the crossfader or directly to the master. This allows you to crossfade sources separately or route them around the crossfader.

The two Mic/Line channels can be switched between microphone and line input. MIC 1 accepts a microphone via XLR, while MIC 2 uses an unbalanced 6.3 mm jack. Both channels have a two-band EQ, a Cue switch and a 6.3 mm effects connection. The replaceable PCV crossfader offers four curve settings: softer transitions are suitable for longer mixes, while a steeper setting is suited to short cuts and scratches. The five input faders are also replaceable.

AUX Send and Return with separate level controls are available for external effects units. The send signal can be switched to Pre, Post or Off for each channel; a dedicated AUX Cue switch routes it to the headphones when needed. The Return section has a seven-segment level meter. For monitoring, you can choose between Split Cue – Master on the right, Cue signal on the left – and Stereo Cue, which places the selected signal in both earcups. A two-band headphone EQ and a dedicated level control complete the monitoring section.

For connecting to PA and monitor systems, there are two separately adjustable master outputs and a booth output, each with balanced XLR and unbalanced jack connections. The booth output has its own two-band EQ and a Mute button. The master and booth output attenuation can be set to 0 or −10 dB. A fixed record output sends the signal to a recording device independently of the master level.

The Fire-Evacuation connection is intended for linking to a building alarm system. When a suitable alarm signal is received, the master and booth outputs are attenuated, while the microphone signals remain open to allow announcements. This function requires a correctly connected alarm system; it is not a substitute for one. The supplied AC-20 adapter operates at ±20 V and 1500 mA.

With five phono inputs, twelve line inputs and separate master, booth and record outputs, the mixer is suited to DJ setups with multiple sources and separate monitor or recording connections. The separate channel assignment and four crossfader curves are particularly useful when you mix both longer transitions and short cuts in the same setup.