[[email protected]]

Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does work on monitor out right though.

I did accidently spill a little cleaning alcohol into the vets on the back while I was trying to clean off some duct tape glue.

Is it done ?

Thanks in advance for your comments,
RR

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 5/29/2016 10:27 AM, wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in
and now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx
does work on monitor out right though.

With all that shipping back and forth, a connector may have come loose
inside. Take it apart and re-seat all the connectors or take it to a
repair shop. Not much about these things that can't be fixed, but the
way they build 'em now, it takes a little effort.



--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Scott Dorsey]

Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for recording=
and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but then realized i=
t needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and now no signal from =
the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does work on monitor out righ=
t though.

I did accidently spill a little cleaning alcohol into the vets on the back =
while I was trying to clean off some duct tape glue.

Is it done ?

Get the schematic, work it through one stage at a time. Likely just the
connector is bad. Possibly the make-up gain amp is bad or the main fader
is bad. Work through it one stage at a time with a scope or signal tracer
and see where the signal is disappearing.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

wrote in message
...

Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for recording
and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but then realized it
needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and now no signal from the
main or monitor out on the right side, fx does work on monitor out right
though.

I did accidently spill a little cleaning alcohol into the vets on the back
while I was trying to clean off some duct tape glue.

Is it done ?

Thanks in advance for your comments,
RR







You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the problem
is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.



Gareth.

[Trevor]

On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.

I did accidently spill a little cleaning alcohol into the vets on the
back while I was trying to clean off some duct tape glue.

Is it done ?



You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.

Trevor.

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

"Trevor" wrote in message ...

On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.

I did accidently spill a little cleaning alcohol into the vets on the
back while I was trying to clean off some duct tape glue.

Is it done ?



You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.

Trevor.







I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual says
that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main outputs have an
additional buffer amp.
http://soundcraft.com.s3.amazonaws.c...es-UG-1109.pdf

Since the OP says the FX works on both monitor outs, which is also post
fade, that kind of only leaves the main output buffer amp (or connector) as
the likely culprit.



Gareth.

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

My moneys on the output op-amp - it's very close to the outside world, and
any IC that close to the outside world is liable to get fried way before
anything else in the desk fails.



Gareth.

[geoff]

On 2/06/2016 6:58 a.m., Gareth Magennis wrote:
My moneys on the output op-amp - it's very close to the outside world,
and any IC that close to the outside world is liable to get fried way
before anything else in the desk fails.



Gareth.

Also likely a poor contact on a ribbon connector, if they use them.

geoff

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

Bugger, got that wrong I think.

If this is true:

now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does work
on monitor out right though.




then it is the channels not routing to the right bus.


Been a long day....

[Trevor]

On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.

Trevor.

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 3:39:07 AM UTC-4, Trevor wrote:
On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.

Trevor.

in most small mixers like this, the rec out is simply a "copy" of the main outs.. just another connector connected to the same signal, with only an isolation resistor at best.


But the OP never mentioned anything about the rec out????

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 6/2/2016 8:37 AM, wrote:
in most small mixers like this, the rec out is simply a "copy" of the
main outs.. just another connector connected to the same signal,
with only an isolation resistor at best.

This is true for some, but not all. As someone else pointed out here,
often the "Tape" output is ahead of the main fader and is often at a
lower nominal output level than the main output, and is nearly always
unbalanced, often on an RCA jack.

The main output stage, which is often a differential output, comes after
the master fader, so it's possible to lose the signal either in the
output stage or the fader itself.

I wasn't clear about what the original poster said about effects making
their way to the output. If anything coming from the effect return
that's routed to the main output comes out the output all the time, that
suggests that the problem is ahead of the master fader. If what he meant
was that if you apply an effect to a signal that's getting to the main
output, the effect gets mixed with the signal, that isn't really much of
a useful troubleshooting clue.




--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

"Trevor" wrote in message ...

On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.

Trevor.







From a recording point of view, if you are recording digital @ 24 bits, you
really don't care very much about FOH levels, you can easily fix this in
post.



Gareth.

[JackA]

On Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 8:58:33 AM UTC-4, Mike Rivers wrote:
On 6/2/2016 8:37 AM, wrote:
in most small mixers like this, the rec out is simply a "copy" of the
main outs.. just another connector connected to the same signal,
with only an isolation resistor at best.

This is true for some, but not all. As someone else pointed out here,
often the "Tape" output is ahead of the main fader and is often at a
lower nominal output level than the main output, and is nearly always
unbalanced, often on an RCA jack.

No, I never worked there, but thanks for the compliment :-)


Jack


The main output stage, which is often a differential output, comes after
the master fader, so it's possible to lose the signal either in the
output stage or the fader itself.

I wasn't clear about what the original poster said about effects making
their way to the output. If anything coming from the effect return
that's routed to the main output comes out the output all the time, that
suggests that the problem is ahead of the master fader. If what he meant
was that if you apply an effect to a signal that's getting to the main
output, the effect gets mixed with the signal, that isn't really much of
a useful troubleshooting clue.




--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Trevor]

On 2/06/2016 10:37 PM, wrote:
On Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 3:39:07 AM UTC-4, Trevor wrote:
On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ... On
1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it
for recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to
the USA but then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to
EU plugged it in and now no signal from the main or monitor out
on the right side, fx does work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R,
if the problem is in the final Main output stage, which is
likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling
main output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far
better to fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user
manual says that the rec output is actually post fader and that
the Main outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but
pretty crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main
fader to control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have
done in this case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself.
Obviously you'd know if that was the case however since you claim
to have been recording live gigs with it for 5 years.


in most small mixers like this, the rec out is simply a "copy" of the
main outs.. just another connector connected to the same signal,
with only an isolation resistor at best.

All the ones I use come off the main bus before the main fader. No
harder to do than after the main fader.



But the OP never mentioned anything about the rec out????

You can read what I replied to if you try a bit harder, it's still right
there above.

Trevor.

[Trevor]

On 3/06/2016 7:52 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.



From a recording point of view, if you are recording digital @ 24 bits,
you really don't care very much about FOH levels, you can easily fix
this in post.

You can fix FOH levels in post? And assuming you actually meant the
recording levels, yes you can fix level changes in post, but what a pain
in the ass to find every point where you made a change and try to work
out a reverse slope. Only a fool would do that if they don't have to.
And yes one would not normally change the FOH level mid song, but
sometimes it's unavoidable.
In any case are you really saying after 5 years you still don't know
whether your rec output is pre or post main fader? Either you are truly
ignorant or bull****ting about something.

Trevor.

[Gareth Magennis[_3_]]

"Trevor" wrote in message ...

On 3/06/2016 7:52 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.



From a recording point of view, if you are recording digital @ 24 bits,
you really don't care very much about FOH levels, you can easily fix
this in post.

You can fix FOH levels in post? And assuming you actually meant the
recording levels, yes you can fix level changes in post, but what a pain
in the ass to find every point where you made a change and try to work
out a reverse slope. Only a fool would do that if they don't have to.
And yes one would not normally change the FOH level mid song, but
sometimes it's unavoidable.
In any case are you really saying after 5 years you still don't know
whether your rec output is pre or post main fader? Either you are truly
ignorant or bull****ting about something.

Trevor.







Trevor, you sound very angry.

I am not the OP, it is not my desk. I posted a link to the user manual,
but you seem to have ignored it.



Gareth.

[Trevor]

On 3/06/2016 6:34 PM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 3/06/2016 7:52 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 2/06/2016 4:51 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
"Trevor" wrote in message ...
On 1/06/2016 7:40 AM, Gareth Magennis wrote:
Hello Good People,

It's a Soundcraft Notepad 124fx portable mixer, been using it for
recording and live gigs for around 5 years, I took it to the USA but
then realized it needs 230V so brought it back to EU plugged it in and
now no signal from the main or monitor out on the right side, fx does
work on monitor out right though.


You might be able to use the Rec L/R instead of the Main L/R, if the
problem is in the final Main output stage, which is likely.

One would expect the rec o/p to be fixed level, so controlling main
output level would require adjusting all inputs instead. Far better to
fix the fault.


I would normally have assumed that too, but page 17 of the user manual
says that the rec output is actually post fader and that the Main
outputs have an additional buffer amp.

Post *which* faders though? Post channel faders of course, but pretty
crappy if the rec level changes every time you move the Main fader to
control FOH level. Not saying that's not what they have done in this
case of course, just wouldn't be impressed myself. Obviously you'd know
if that was the case however since you claim to have been recording live
gigs with it for 5 years.



From a recording point of view, if you are recording digital @ 24 bits,
you really don't care very much about FOH levels, you can easily fix
this in post.

You can fix FOH levels in post? And assuming you actually meant the
recording levels, yes you can fix level changes in post, but what a pain
in the ass to find every point where you made a change and try to work
out a reverse slope. Only a fool would do that if they don't have to.
And yes one would not normally change the FOH level mid song, but
sometimes it's unavoidable.
In any case are you really saying after 5 years you still don't know
whether your rec output is pre or post main fader? Either you are truly
ignorant or bull****ting about something.



Trevor, you sound very angry.

Not angry at all, just amazed at your ideas.



I am not the OP, it is not my desk.

OK I apologise then, from the headers I thought you were.

Trevor.

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 6/3/2016 3:48 AM, Trevor wrote:
You can fix FOH levels in post? And assuming you actually meant the
recording levels, yes you can fix level changes in post, but what a pain
in the ass to find every point where you made a change and try to work
out a reverse slope. Only a fool would do that if they don't have to.

Well, you were listening to the music when you made the change in the
house volume. You can do the same thing when "fixing" the recording.
That's assuming that you actually listen to the recording.

Board recordings can sound OK for small groups which are pretty well
balanced within themselves, or for very large venues like arenas where
nobody in the house hears any sound directly off the stage. Otherwise,
unless you're making a separate recording mix, the house mix will be
weak for things like drums and amplified instruments that either aren't
going through the PA system at all or there's just a little to improve
definition.

So, yeah, if you have a board recording, you will have to do quite a bit
of work to make it sound like a real live or studio recording. Adjusting
the overall level is just one small part of the job.


--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Trevor]

On 3/06/2016 9:17 PM, Mike Rivers wrote:
On 6/3/2016 3:48 AM, Trevor wrote:
You can fix FOH levels in post? And assuming you actually meant the
recording levels, yes you can fix level changes in post, but what a pain
in the ass to find every point where you made a change and try to work
out a reverse slope. Only a fool would do that if they don't have to.

Well, you were listening to the music when you made the change in the
house volume. You can do the same thing when "fixing" the recording.
That's assuming that you actually listen to the recording.

As if you'd remember where you made the changes during a concert by the
time you "fix" the recording. I'd NEVER use such a stupid set up. Far
easier to get the recording output from a pre main fader output in the
first place! (which most mixer rec o/p's are anyway IME)


Board recordings can sound OK for small groups which are pretty well
balanced within themselves, or for very large venues like arenas where
nobody in the house hears any sound directly off the stage. Otherwise,
unless you're making a separate recording mix, the house mix will be
weak for things like drums and amplified instruments that either aren't
going through the PA system at all or there's just a little to improve
definition.

Of course, that's why I always record all i/p channels, but many people
record a simple stereo mix from the rec o/p's because they don't have a
multi-channel interface. It may not be perfect, but I sure as hell
wouldn't want to make it even worse, and my job even harder for no reason!

Trevor.

[[email protected]]

FYI - The mixer fixed itself ;-) I guess the cleaning alcohol I spilled into the heat vents dried and now it works again :-)

[Scott Dorsey]

In article ,
wrote:
FYI - The mixer fixed itself ;-) I guess the cleaning alcohol I spilled into the heat vents dried and now it works again :-)

"Machines that fix themselves always break themselves again."
-- My father

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 6/16/2016 10:33 AM, wrote:
FYI - The mixer fixed itself ;-) I guess the cleaning alcohol I
spilled into the heat vents dried and now it works again :-)

If it's broken and you didn't fix it, it's still broken. You'll see!


--

For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Trevor]

On 17/06/2016 12:37 AM, Scott Dorsey wrote:
"Machines that fix themselves always break themselves again."

All machines break sooner or later, all you can hope for is later rather
than sooner.

Trevor.