SSL 4000 E Series Restoration Suggestions

[MikeSynthesizer]

Hey,

This is my first post here and my name is Mike Borish.  This looks like a great forum and I'm happy to be a member.

I've got a prospective client that is interested in restoring a SSL 4000 E console that is in a serious state of disrepair.  It has suffered from years of abuse and is in need of at least:

1.) A cleaning or replacement of the big knob ganged potentiometer in the center section;

2.) All sub modules recaped;

3.) Calibration of the master section - It is off over 2 db in one channel;

4.) 5 or 6 problem channels fixed that are shorting out the power supply;

5.) ALL switches cleaned in every channel.

My plan is to clean the switches with rubbing alcohol first and then look for an ultra sonic tank that I can rent if the rubbing alcohol doesn't work.   I'm going to recap the sub modules next.   My client wants me to work on a few modules at a time away from the board so a test setup to find shorts and failures would be great. .Are there any sources for sub module test jigs that aren't expensive?   

Any suggestions or pointers are welcome.

-Mike
 

[sintech]

Hi Mike,

yeah, you’re going to have to rig some sort of bench test jig. The SSL ones are rare, and seldom appear on the market.

But, if you can get hold of a 611 Channel extender, you could wire a bench PSU arrangement, some XLR’s for I/O, maybe probe other destinations.

Alternatively an Empty bucket worked well for me, until a better solution came about.

If this E is very old, it will be full of Tantalum cap’s.. and this may account for shorted rails.

Try and eliminate short circuits with a meter where possible, if you can ohm it at the rails, pull each card till it clears. Then work to the IC or Cap from the cards rails.

[Audioplatinum Service]

Some pics from cleaning master volume pot...

Be careful when disassembling...ceramic is very fragile.

http://forum.sslmixed.com/index.php?topic=487.msg2923#msg2923

Cheers!
Raf
Audioplatinum Service

[MikeSynthesizer]

Thanks for the responses guys.

[MikeSynthesizer]

Hi Mike,

yeah, you’re going to have to rig some sort of bench test jig. The SSL ones are rare, and seldom appear on the market.

But, if you can get hold of a 611 Channel extender, you could wire a bench PSU arrangement, some XLR’s for I/O, maybe probe other destinations.

Alternatively an Empty bucket worked well for me, until a better solution came about.

If this E is very old, it will be full of Tantalum cap’s.. and this may account for shorted rails.

Try and eliminate short circuits with a meter where possible, if you can ohm it at the rails, pull each card till it clears. Then work to the IC or Cap from the cards rails.

How much do the 611 extenders go for?  Is anyone making them or selling reproductions?  They don't look very complex.  I could probably get one made from a PCB fab house if necessary. 

I skimmed over the schematics before taking a few cards home and everything looks pretty straight forward.  The only thing that I haven't figured out is the Mux/Demux section and what to do about it if I make a test jig.  I guess that I could power up and look for shorts but running audio through it seems difficult at first glance without controlling the Mux/Demux but maybe I'm wrong. 

How far can I get into testing this thing without controlling the Mux/Demux stuff?

[sintech]

Keith remakes the 611 extender, he sells them on eBay, or at www.recycledaudio.co.uk

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SSL-4000-6000-channel-extender-/271424369602?pt=UK_MusicalInstruments_Parts_Accesories&hash=item3f322733c2

The Mux/Demux section is for Total Recall, just leave this disconnected.

To get audio, the module will need to see a Status, so the logic orders all the Fet relays correctly.. letting the signal flow run in the correct order for the purpose.

This could be fixed, for basic testing, or you could add a 021 card. This and a few switches, and you'll have Mix/Rec/Replay/VCA to Mon

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261431227436?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

[xmax]

Recapping and good switches will solve 90% of your problems, some switches can
be saved, some need to be replaced, after your rinse all the crud out hit them
with deoxit to lube them.

If I recall the channel will default to mix mode If powered up on the bench,
then you will need to jump the fader return to 0 volts. so the vca goes to
full volume, then you can test line in eq, dynamics, vca card and the
outputs. If memory serves.

Also if I am not mistaken, the center section can not be calibrated, if you are seeing
a 2db loss, that is probably caps! That said, the monitor outputs can be calibrated but
do that after you change all the electrolytic caps in the center section, use a voltmeter
at the patchbay. Have fun! N