I didn't know if this is right place for this post.
My preamp is a modular prototype. I've used it for about 5 years and changed or modified most boards several times.
I recently swapped a board, which is a routine thing. After putting it back together, I had trouble with one channel dropping out, along with static. Tapping the balance control would bring it back. Sometimes the balance control would mute only one channel, along with several other annoying malfunctions.
I wasn't working anywhere near the balance control. I noticed that if I pushed on the front panel, all symptoms disappeared. Then I saw there was one loose screw (besides me
) holding the front panel in place. I tightened the screw and it's fixed.
The panel was pushing on the knob, which pulled on the potentiometer shaft. You know I was getting ready to replace the balance control. It works perfect now.
I posted this to hopefully help someone else troubleshoot their equipment. Sometimes simple problems aren't simple to find.
My preamp is a modular prototype. I've used it for about 5 years and changed or modified most boards several times.
I recently swapped a board, which is a routine thing. After putting it back together, I had trouble with one channel dropping out, along with static. Tapping the balance control would bring it back. Sometimes the balance control would mute only one channel, along with several other annoying malfunctions.
I wasn't working anywhere near the balance control. I noticed that if I pushed on the front panel, all symptoms disappeared. Then I saw there was one loose screw (besides me
) holding the front panel in place. I tightened the screw and it's fixed.The panel was pushing on the knob, which pulled on the potentiometer shaft. You know I was getting ready to replace the balance control. It works perfect now.
I posted this to hopefully help someone else troubleshoot their equipment. Sometimes simple problems aren't simple to find.