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Gear / Technical Help => Battery Boxes, Preamps, Mixers, ADCs, and Processors => Topic started by: chinariderstl on January 18, 2013, 10:10:49 PM

Title: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: chinariderstl on January 18, 2013, 10:10:49 PM

Hi, I just bought a used MixPre from the Yard Sale and I noticed that when adjusting gain on the right-channel I sometimes hear static.  I was going to email Sound Devices directly (support@sounddevices.com) to see if I could send off the unit and have it checked out, but wanted to check with the community first before sending it off.  Does anyone around here specialize in these devices or should I send it to the manufacturer?  (Assuming they'll take it.)

Thanks, Chris.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: Tisbo on January 19, 2013, 12:41:39 AM

I got an MP-2 on eBay last fall. The spring in the battery tube had broken loose so I sent it to the factory in Wisconsin. There was about a two week wait before they could even examine it, but they fixed the spring, replace several parts (such as the XLR inputs, return and limiter pots), and even found and repaired a short somewhere in its innards that I didn't even know about. Total bill was just under $100 (not counting shipping), communication was excellent, and my restored preamp runs like Jack the bear. I could not be happier, or more impressed by the way Sound Devices stands behind its products, even discontinued products from years ago.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: DigiGal on January 19, 2013, 09:46:27 AM

Sound Devices has a great service department, they'll certainly take it.  Probably a good idea to send it to them for a complete checkup and refurbish since you are having one problem that you know of, who knows there may be more lurking.

Alternately your description would simply point to a worn pot, I'd replace both myself as they are not expensive.  You could buy the pots from Full Compasses parts section and replace them yourself if your capable.

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/391777.html
(http://www.fullcompass.com/common/products/original/85574.jpg)



(http://www.fullcompass.com/common/products/original/34266.jpg)   <<< This might help but if you don't already have some, it'll actually cost you more than the pots and only be a temporary fix.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: chinariderstl on January 19, 2013, 12:54:59 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate the input.  I think I'll try out the FaderLube  ;D first, if that doesn't work, I'll likely send it to Sound Devices to have it checked out.  A 100 bucks or so, seems completely reasonable.

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: chinariderstl on February 13, 2013, 03:29:04 PM

Ok, just to close out the loop on this, rather than dick with the unit myself, I sent it back to Sound Devices for repair.  They made it super easy and they were super quick with the repair.  For $103 (including return shipping) they gave it a once over and replaced the faulty pot, the 4-pin Hirose and the battery cap and chain.  Not bad if you ask me.

Thanks all for your help.  :)

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: F.O.Bean on February 15, 2013, 11:27:49 PM

Wow nice. Id like to buy one to run with my MK21s with a PFA, but that  aint happening til this fall season/or around xmas time ;)

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: DigiGal on February 15, 2013, 11:44:02 PM

Quote from: F.O.Bean on February 15, 2013, 11:27:49 PM

Wow nice. Id like to buy one to run with my MK21s with a PFA, but that  aint happening til this fall season/or around xmas time ;)

No affiliation but did you see this...

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=160755.0

Title: Re: Sound Devices MixPre Service (?)
Post by: F.O.Bean on February 16, 2013, 12:16:51 AM

Yes, but commited to buy a new KCY cable so I can go mk41>KCY>LB>M10 and mk21>KCY>TB//PFA/MixPre>M10