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Post by basspro on Sept 17, 2024 11:31:09 GMT -6
I have a Neve-style pre that I bought used earlier this year and the signal will start to get a bit scratchy, then completely cut out. If I exercise the gain pot for a bit, the signal comes back, but it's only a matter of time before it drops out again (usually a few days worth of use). This is obviously not ideal and I really don't want it to mess up a take - does this sound like an easy fix? Would removing the knob and spraying some DeoxIT do the trick or does this sound like something bigger?
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Post by kcatthedog on Sept 17, 2024 12:13:42 GMT -6
Something bigger, that is heat or power sensitive. I’d get a proper tech to bench test it.
Have you unplugged it and opened it to see if anything obviously looks wrong:: distorted capacitors, opaqued or waxy/smoky parts?
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Post by basspro on Sept 17, 2024 12:23:31 GMT -6
Bummer. I've had a rough year of gear going down/needing repair. Guess I'll start a ticket and send it in! Would much rather have peace of mind knowing that it's reliable than go for a quick fix.
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Post by kcatthedog on Sept 17, 2024 12:24:27 GMT -6
Best to be safe, not sorry with electricity.
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Post by doubledog on Sept 17, 2024 22:20:34 GMT -6
when you say "exercise the gain pot". is that truly a potentiometer? A lot of the Neve style pres actually use a multi-position switch (like a Grayhill), but if it is not detented, then it might just be a regular old pot. Pots are usually pretty easy to replace if you know exactly what kind it is (linear, log, reverse log, audio taper., etc..). A switch will be much more involved and is maybe less likely to be the problem unless the contacts are just worn (some are open, some are more closed).
Care to share what brand/model it is?
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Post by basspro on Sept 18, 2024 8:34:24 GMT -6
It's a Heritage HA73 JRII
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Post by damoongo on Sept 18, 2024 10:44:25 GMT -6
Taking the knob off won't help. Gotta open it up and see if the contacts on the switches on that "pot" are accessible and cleanable. That would be worth a quick try.
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Post by basspro on Sept 18, 2024 11:18:52 GMT -6
Does this sound like it's most likely a gain switch issue? Would it be a good idea to just find out what kind of switch they use and have a local tech swap it out? Would rather do that than ship it out to their stateside distribution and have to wait for it for a while.
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Post by kbsmoove on Sept 18, 2024 12:17:32 GMT -6
intermittent issues can be so many things. it could be a bad/cracked solder joint somewhere, and when you blast enough signal through it makes the connection and works for a while, until it doesnt. this could be on the switch itself or literally anywhere in the signal path. i usually have luck wiggling components to see if i can recreate the issue, and if not examining solder joints and touching up anything suspect.
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Post by doubledog on Sept 18, 2024 16:03:41 GMT -6
if you can take the top cover off and post some good closeups of the area around the gain knob (i.e, switch) maybe someone will be able to spot something. Looks like 4 screws to remove the lid.
I think most of the "modern" pres will typically use the Grayhill type switch and then have all of the resistors on the PCB (vs. the old ladder type used on some vintage stuff). But as mentioned above, cold solder could be a likely culprit. If you bought it used and want to save some $, and assuming you are handy with a soldering iron, might even be worthwhile just reflowing solder points around that area (assuming we don't see anything obvious in photos). Or find a local tech that could help do that.
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