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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?
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Mark Mark is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left


As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.


When you crank up the main fader, they get closer in volume AS
MEASURED IN dB or just the LED indicators are closer together in
distance?

Is the sound level at the output also unbalanced or only the meter
indication is unbalanced?

Sounds like you simply have low gain on the left side for some
reason..

Mark

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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

When you crank up the main fader, they get closer in volume AS
MEASURED IN dB or just the LED indicators are closer together in
distance?


The LED indicators show the left/right signals get closer as I crank
up the main faders. I can also hear the levels balance a bit more as
the faders come up. I don't have anything to measure the actual dB
output, but the difference is certainly audible.

Is the sound level at the output also unbalanced or only the meter
indication is unbalanced?


Unfortunately, the audio is also off-pan -- but only for the Main mix
(not ALT-3/4).

I really hate to throw out this mixer, but I also hate paying $125
bench fee for a 10 year old mixer.

Any advise?
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Mike Rivers Mike Rivers is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Bluesbreaker wrote:
I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.


In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.


Any idea what's going on here?


Sounds like a problem with the main outputs. You may have a loose or
dirty ribbon cable connector. It's a common problem with these mixers. If
you can take it apart far enough to get to the ribbon cables, you can
disconnect them, clean them with DEoxit, and put it back together. Remove
one at a time so you'll get them back in the right place.

A shop can do that (and do a more complete troubleshooting job) but it'll
probably cost you $100 or so, because that's about what it's worth to take
it apart and put it back together again.
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Mike Rivers Mike Rivers is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Bluesbreaker wrote:

I really hate to throw out this mixer, but I also hate paying $125
bench fee for a 10 year old mixer.


Do you need it? If so, what would you replace it with and how much would
that
cost?


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Scott Dorsey Scott Dorsey is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

In article ,
Bluesbreaker wrote:
I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?


This MIGHT be a grounding issue. Pull it open, clean the ribbon cable
connectors with Deoxit and see what happens.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Sounds like a problem with the main outputs. You may have a loose or
dirty ribbon cable connector. It's a common problem with these mixers. If
you can take it apart far enough to get to the ribbon cables, you can
disconnect them, clean them with DEoxit, and put it back together. Remove
one at a time so you'll get them back in the right place.


Thanks for the great advise. I'll pop it open when I get home and and
clean the ribbon connections.
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Frank Frank is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:41:54 -0800 (PST), in 'rec.audio.pro',
in article Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left,
Bluesbreaker wrote:

I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?


I doubt that this is it, but you might want to check the position of
the SOLO MODE button to ensure that it's in the up ("NORMAL (AFL)")
position and not in the down ("LEVEL SET (PFL)") position.

--
Frank, Independent Consultant, New York, NY
[Please remove 'nojunkmail.' from address to reply via e-mail.]
Read Frank's thoughts on HDV at http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/
(also covers AVCHD and XDCAM EX).
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[email protected] blackburst@aol.com is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

On Dec 28, 10:41*pm, Bluesbreaker wrote:
I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?


Also: Make sure there is no feed back loop: for example, main outs to
a cassette deck, whose outputs then come back to inputs on the mixer.
This has happened to me with Mackies, and it weirdly affects the
output levels, even if the cassette deck is potted all the way down!
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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

I doubt that this is it, but you might want to check the position of
the SOLO MODE button to ensure that it's in the up ("NORMAL (AFL)")
position and not in the down ("LEVEL SET (PFL)") position.


Thats not it.
However, when in LEVEL SET (PFL) mode, the pan sounds normal.


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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Also: Make sure there is no feed back loop: for example, main outs to
a cassette deck, whose outputs then come back to inputs on the mixer.
This has happened to me with Mackies, and it weirdly affects the
output levels, even if the cassette deck is potted all the way down!


I've eliminated as many variables as possible. Single mic into any
channel. Monitoring with headphones. If I C-R/SOURCE the main mix, I
can see (and hear) the panning problem. If I route to the ALT-3/4 all
is good.
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Bluesbreaker Bluesbreaker is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Sounds like a problem with the main outputs. You may have a loose or
dirty ribbon cable connector. It's a common problem with these mixers. If
you can take it apart far enough to get to the ribbon cables, you can
disconnect them, clean them with DEoxit, and put it back together. Remove
one at a time so you'll get them back in the right place.


Well, I've cracked open the mixer. There are only a few ribbon
cables. All are soldered rather than being attached via a plug. I'm
not sure that DeOxit will help in this case.
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Mike Rivers Mike Rivers is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

Bluesbreaker wrote:

Well, I've cracked open the mixer. There are only a few ribbon
cables. All are soldered rather than being attached via a plug. I'm
not sure that DeOxit will help in this case.


If there are no connectors, it's been modified, probably by someone who
decided that was the ultimate solution to the ribbon cable problem. I don't
know what to tell you but it sounds like a shop job to me.
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Mark Mark is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

..

Well, I've cracked open the mixer. *There are only a few ribbon
cables. *All are soldered rather than being attached via a plug. *I'm
not sure that DeOxit will help in this case.


where are you located?

Mark
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[email protected] maris.jukss@gmail.com is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

I know it's late, but was the problem solved? I have the same on the right channel. Drive Main Mix all the way up and the channels synch. If I go over normal in sending AUX on the channel, however, makes the right channel go down again...

On Monday, 28 December 2009 22:41:54 UTC-5, Bluesbreaker wrote:
I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?




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Scott Dorsey Scott Dorsey is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left

In article ,
wrote:
I know it's late, but was the problem solved? I have the same on the right channel. Drive Main Mix all the way up and the channels synch. If I go over normal in sending AUX on the channel, however, makes the right channel go down again...


All kinds of bad connection issues will present like that. Most notably
the notorious ribbon cable problem that many Mackie mixers had.

My inclination is to cramolin and reseat the ribbon cable and see if that
fixes it, and if it does replace the ribbon cable.

If not, start looking for cold solder joints and bad coupling capacitors.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
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gareth magennis gareth magennis is offline
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Default Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro: Main mix prefers right vs left



wrote in message
...

I know it's late, but was the problem solved? I have the same on the right
channel. Drive Main Mix all the way up and the channels synch. If I go over
normal in sending AUX on the channel, however, makes the right channel go
down again...

On Monday, 28 December 2009 22:41:54 UTC-5, Bluesbreaker wrote:
I'm having an issue with my 1402-VLZ Pro. I'm not sure what (if
anything) I can do about it.

In the main mix, when the right channel registers approx 0, the left
channel is about -20 to -10 on the meter.
As I crank the main faders up, they get closer in volume, but the left
is always lower than the right.

If I route the channel to the ALT-3/4 mix, and make it the C-R/Source,
I can see that left and right signals are in perfect sync.
So this panning problem is only happening on the main mix.

By changing the channel's pan to about 10 o'clock I get left/right to
register evenly in the main mix.

Summary of events:
- All pans at 12 o'clock
- Same problem for all channels (XLR or Phono)
- Main Mix: left channel is weaker than right channel
- ALT-3/4 Mix: panned properly
- C-R/Source levels confirm what I'm also hearing
- Used Deoxit on all input/output jacks (just in case)

Any idea what's going on here?




If you push both left and right faders up to max and they are both at the
same output level, then you have a problem with one or both faders not
tracking properly.
Possibly someone has replaced one of them with a non Mackie fader with a
different profile.



Gareth.

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