SSL 4kG Static **SOLVED**

[tko]

Hey Guys,

Thought I'd post on here and see if any one is able to offer help or advice.

My SSL 4000G has developed a static noise on the right hand side.

This is what we know:

• It in the Master Bus section
• The noise does not come thru when you monitor the external inputs
• Still there when all faders are muted

What we have tried:

• Reseating all Master Buss cards
• Checking all connection multi plug dins are seated well (on the bottom of the MB)

We we need to know:

• Which card in the MB is most likely the problem or place to start checking
• Is there anyone I can simply purchase the faulty card from
• Any tips on how to chase the fault?


Many thanks in advance! TKO

[kilmister]

Obviously noise is in the mix bus and when you say "right hand side" do you mean it's in the right channel of Quad bus or is it coming to all Quad busses from some module from right side of the master section?

If the noise is in your Quad bus Right, you might want to adjust RV2 ar 26 card for lowest noise.
In any other case, take your modules out of console one by one and find if noise is generated by one of the modules.

Also you could swap 26 cards to see if trouble lies there.

What kind of noise you have, hiss or hum?

-Paavo

[tko]

Obviously noise is in the mix bus and when you say "right hand side" do you mean it's in the right channel of Quad bus or is it coming to all Quad busses from some module from right side of the master section?

If the noise is in your Quad bus Right, you might want to adjust RV2 ar 26 card for lowest noise.
In any other case, take your modules out of console one by one and find if noise is generated by one of the modules.

Also you could swap 26 cards to see if trouble lies there.

What kind of noise you have, hiss or hum?

-Paavo

Thanks Paavo,

The noise is static and it varies. It sounds like rain merged with tinfoil being rustled, very similar to scratchy bantam patch bays!

I guess I wanted to give as much info as possible re: Obviously noise is in the mix bus and when you say "right hand side" do you mean it's in the right channel of Quad bus or is it coming to all Quad busses from some module from right side of the master section?

Its is 100% coming from within the Master module.

Q. Is it ok to power the master buss up if I remove 1 module at a time? I certainly wouldn't think you do it powered up?

Thanks for your help in advance?

TKO

[kilmister]

You can leave power in Master section but shut down the bay when you remove the module.
You can also power down all module bays and see if noise still exists. If nit then power up vau by bay and find if there's a bay where noise comes. This limits source of noise in 8 modules. Then simply remove those one by one to find faulty module.

-Paavo

[tko]

You can leave power in Master section but shut down the bay when you remove the module.
You can also power down all module bays and see if noise still exists. If nit then power up vau by bay and find if there's a bay where noise comes. This limits source of noise in 8 modules. Then simply remove those one by one to find faulty module.

-Paavo

Thanks,

I am pretty sure I only have 1 switch to power off the master module in its entirety. I have tried switching of buckets - didn't help.

I'm still confused re the ability to power the master module (651) up with cards missing.

Thanks TKO

[sintech]

You can use the patch bay to find where the problem is:

In the past I've connected a cheap powered monitor speaker via a Bantam to XLR lead.

You can then listen in to the first the Pre VCA insert send (this is the first summing section) then the Post VCA insert send, whist dead patching the Pre VCA Insert return.. and so on.

Over patching and dead patching, with a little L/R cross patching

[sintech]

In the past.. Static on the 2bus is really the summing section of the 026 card in HF oscillation. Power cycling the 651 normally sorts it.

[sintech]

What we have tried:

• Reseating all Master Buss cards
• Checking all connection multi plug dins are seated well (on the bottom of the MB)

We we need to know:

• Which card in the MB is most likely the problem or place to start checking
• Is there anyone I can simply purchase the faulty card from
• Any tips on how to chase the fault?

If you have a 4k, you want to move the 026 LF and RF cards to LB and RB, if the issue moves to the back, this will get you working again, and point the finger to the right card.

[tko]

What we have tried:

• Reseating all Master Buss cards
• Checking all connection multi plug dins are seated well (on the bottom of the MB)

We we need to know:

• Which card in the MB is most likely the problem or place to start checking
• Is there anyone I can simply purchase the faulty card from
• Any tips on how to chase the fault?

If you have a 4k, you want to move the 026 LF and RF cards to LB and RB, if the issue moves to the back, this will get you working again, and point the finger to the right card.

Sintech,

Thanks so much for these responses = Gold!

I'll try both, the over patching and the card option.

A Q tho, I have a 4KG (it's the old Real World big boy, cut down by Alan Smart) the 026 cards are there 4 of them? Or are you able to explain with any details that might help.

A Big thanks tho!

TKO

[sintech]

If it standard 4k it will have 4x 82E26 cards, one for each bus. LF, RF, LB and RB

If it's just got two fitted (you see this with chop downs) you will two empty slots (like a 6k)

If this is the case.. swap Left for Right, to prove the fault moves.

Then use the patch bay to to find if the static is the Summing, the VCA or the output section.

[tko]

If it standard 4k it will have 4x 82E26 cards, one for each bus. LF, RF, LB and RB

If it's just got two fitted (you see this with chop downs) you will two empty slots (like a 6k)

If this is the case.. swap Left for Right, to prove the fault moves.

Then use the patch bay to to find if the static is the Summing, the VCA or the output section.

Awesome,

It's def loaded full all the slots have cards. If this works I will be very happy. I'll be calling Keith Skerrit to fix the faulty card,

Cheers again.

[marcmozart]

Please keep reporting your findings. I know this static noise you are describing for ages... it's on my "Surround"-Bus when I switch the console on, for the first few minutes. I'm never using the Surround-Bus, so I don't care. The noise is not moving when I swap out my 026 cards.

[xmax]

I have seen the "stacked" square ceramic caps cause problems on the quad compressor cards
when the desk is first powered on. low output and noisy for about 30 min.

[tko]

OK,

So thanks everyone, without all of your help I would have a solution.

It is fixed, after Sintechs suggestion I tried swapping the quad bus cards around. The problem persisted so I had to start over checking every aspect.

I discovered that the fault was coming from a right quad bus switch on one particular channel and even with that channel muted the sound was still there. I guess my depth of electronics catches up with me at that point. Not engaged, no static, engaged static. So I swapped the buss card and switches on that channel and it was gone!

Thanks to all for your help what a fantastic forum. I will try when I know how.

Many thanks TKO.

[sintech]

Brilliant, good result