Gemini Sound Products

-FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-

Q: I just purchased your top of the line turntable – why is there not a cartridge and needle included?
A: With our top of the line turntables, we encourage the user to choose their own cartridge setup, as a turntable is only as good as the cartridge that you use with it. To make the best of your turntable, we recommend a high quality cartridge such as an Ortofon brand DJ cartridge. Choosing a high end cartridge is always a matter of preference, but just make sure that you use a magnetic cartridge that either can be mounted on a headshell or that has an integrated headshell (no mounting required). P-mount cartridges are not compatible.

Q: How do I mount a cartridge properly?
A: Please consult the manual that was supplied with the cartridge, as mounting instructions vary depending on make and model.

Q: I just bought a belt drive turntable and am having trouble locating the belt. Where is it?
A: Underneath the platter, there is a metal ring, roughly 10 inches in diameter, on which the belt needs to go around to drive the platter. Typically, the belt is packed around this metal ring, to make connecting the belt to the motor easier.

Q: How do I properly balance the tone-arm of my turntable?
A: 1. Install the cartridge/headshell onto the tone-arm and remove the stylus guard, if applicable.
2. With the numbered dial facing toward the front of the turntable, screw the counterweight on to the back of the tone-arm until the both ends of the tone-arm balance on the pivot point (like a see-saw). The tonearm should float directly above the platter, while not touching the platter.
3. Set the numbered dial (turning only the dial, not the entire counterweight) to zero at the 12 o'clock position.
4. Turn the counterweight (counterclockwise as you face the front of the turntable) until the dial is set to the tracking force value specified by the cartridge manufacturer. Depending on the cartridge that you choose, there may be a range of weights that the manufacturer deems suitable. Choose the lowest possible suggested weight, and work up from there should you have tracking problems. If you are using a Gemini cartridge, the recommended tracking force is between 2.5 and 3.0 grams.

Q: Why is the volume from my turntable so low?
A: Since turntables use a magnetic pickup, they do not put out a line-level signal like CD players do. In order to amplify the signal from the turntable, you must have a phono preamplifier. Phono preamps are built into most DJ mixers, or can be acquired separately from most electronics stores. A good start might be to go to a search engine and type in ‘phono preamp.’

Q: What causes the loud hum coming through my system when the turntable is connected?
A: Be sure the ground terminal from your turntable is connected to your mixer ground terminal. If it is connected, there may be a break between the ground wire and the terminal.

Q: I am using CD players with my DJ mixer, and the sound is severely distorted. What is wrong?
A: If your DJ mixer accepts turntables, there is a chance that the phono preamp circuit is engaged, which provides additional amplification for turntables. Consult the manual of your mixer to find out how to connect a LINE device or to disengage the preamp circuit.

Q: My CD player is skipping excessively or having trouble reading when using CD-R discs. How can I remedy this?
A: CD-R discs vary widely in specifications, from the reflectivity and color of the dye to the maximum write speed the disc will allow. A good checklist to follow when burning audio discs is:
1. Make sure to burn audio at no faster than 24x speed. The faster you burn a CD, the less CD players will be able to read it sufficiently. The reason for this is that the laser, when being used at fast speeds, does not have the time to burn the pits in the disc with the appropriate intensity. CD-ROM discs do not have this problem, because computers can stop and re-read the section of the disc in question repeatedly until it can read accurately, which would result in the audio stopping completely on an audio CD player.
2. Use quality discs. Instead of picking up that $5 special of generic discs at the supermarket, pick up a reasonable grade disc from a company that specializes in media. Once you find a brand of discs that works well, stick with it!
3. Take exceptionally good care of burned discs, as they scratch more easily than commercially pressed CDs.

Q: My CD player is skipping excessively with all discs, or won’t read discs! What’s wrong?
A: Please contact our technical support department at (732)738-9003 ext #2. There is a chance that your unit may need to be returned to our facility for service. In the meantime, you may want to try using a wet-type CD lens cleaning disc, in the event that the optical lens has become soiled.

Q: Does Gemini have any authorized service centers?
A: In the United States, Gemini does not have any specifically authorized service centers to perform warranty repairs. This insures that Gemini can provide the best quality service to our customers. If you need to send a unit in for repair under warranty, please contact our repair department at (732)738-9003 ext #2.

Q: What is the procedure for sending in a unit for repair?
A: Before a unit is sent to our facility, you must obtain an RA (return authorization) number, so that Gemini can keep track of your repair. Packages that arrive without RA numbers will be held until the client contacts us, delaying the repair process indefinitely. Once an RA number is established, it must be written on the outside of the package, and the unit must be sent via a mail service which allows the shipment to be tracked. UPS, FedEx, and DHL are examples of such services. Also, make sure to insure the package for the full value of the contents.

Q: Do you offer drop off service for local customers?
A: Yes, for customers within driving distance of Edison, NJ, we have drop off hours of 9 am to 12 noon, and 1pm to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Q: What are the conditions of Gemini’s Limited Warranty?
A: Gemini covers parts and labor for the duration of (1) year from the date of purchase (determined by the date on your receipt). Expendable items, such as crossfaders and styli, are covered for a duration of (90) days. Gemini reserves the right to limit the terms of the warranty in situations where the unit has been abused, damaged, or tampered with in any way.

Q: Where can I get parts and manuals for my Gemini unit?
A: Please contact our parts department at (732)738-9003 ext #2.

Q: Can I buy direct from Gemini?
A: Gemini products are only available through our network of authorized dealers. To find a dealer, please see the ‘Where to Buy’ section of our website. If you own an electronics retailer and would like to carry the Gemini line, please contact our sales department at (732)738-9003