Gain knob problems... DL 1608

[jeretv]

Hello,

I've been having problem with the gain knob "sticking", where it will randomly drop the dB's on a random input.  A singer will be performing and all of the sudden it will either get really quiet, or will blast the PA and scares the crowd.  We use the headphone jack to record the service, and it randomly doesn't record the service.  We usually have to physically tap the gain knobs, or turn it back all the way to the left and back to the setting for it to work.  Any idea if the board is defective, need cleaned, or repaired?  There aren't any gates, or compression used.  I don't have any idea what is causing it.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[djzigoh]

The most common problem on knobs and faders are dust,  thete is an special compound for cleaning faders and knobs.  You should apply some (usually in the form of spry).. And move the knobs /faders several times to remove the dirt and dust. This should solve your problem with the gain knobs.

[dpdan]

if you use a spray cleaner, the knob needs to be removed first, also, even after cleaning and improvement is noticed, the problems will rear their ugly head again in a short amount of time.
The best solution in my opinion, is to ditch the 1608 and replace it with a DL32R. Used 32R mixers and even refurbished DL32R mixers can be bought very reasonably on eBay from legitimate dealers like proaudiostar.com 
You can call around for pricing but I have found proaudiostar.com to be extremely reasonable. 888-890-6222 

[pytchley]

Did someone pour a beer on it?

[robbocurry]

Did someone pour a beer on it?

Lol

[jeretv]

Did someone pour a beer on it?

Haha. Definitely didn't happen because it was used in our church!  Thanks all for the info. Ive setup amd run mixes in many different settings, but never had to clean a board.  Another stupid question for ya. Do I have to disassemble the cover and spray on the board side, or do I just pop off the knobs and spray it there?  At this moment, we can't afford to buy another mixer so I'm trying to slap a bandaid on this one till the funds come in.  Also, we charge the iPad on the dock and leave it there all week. Would you recommend turning off the board and charging it separately?  Again, thanks for all the info

[Ampli]

Did someone pour a beer on it?

Haha. Definitely didn't happen because it was used in our church!  Thanks all for the info. Ive setup amd run mixes in many different settings, but never had to clean a board.  Another stupid question for ya. Do I have to disassemble the cover and spray on the board side, or do I just pop off the knobs and spray it there?  At this moment, we can't afford to buy another mixer so I'm trying to slap a bandaid on this one till the funds come in.  Also, we charge the iPad on the dock and leave it there all week. Would you recommend turning off the board and charging it separately?  Again, thanks for all the info

What is the tempertur of the dl after this week? Does it feel hot? Mine feels hot already after 10 hours off uses
I would try charging it seperaly and turning the dl off between Uses, this can be the sources off your problem
Could also be that the heat damage the pcb whee the connectors are monted on (soldering)

[dpdan]

Ampli may be on to something here...,
I too would recommend not charging the iPad in the dock

[Rdmitch]

You do not need to disassemble the unit,use a quality tuner cleaner with a spray tube and get as close around the pots as you can.  Work it in by turning the gains a few times.
As far as charging the iPad on the mixer, I don't think it's a bad idea if you don't for a few hours but certainly
not overnight or all day.  The mixer really is not made be powered on 24/7 

[WK154]

You do not need to disassemble the unit,use a quality tuner cleaner with a spray tube and get as close around the pots as you can.  Work it in by turning the gains a few times.
As far as charging the iPad on the mixer, I don't think it's a bad idea if you don't for a few hours but certainly
not overnight or all day.  The mixer really is not made be powered on 24/7

I doubt that cleaner will have any effect with sealed pots. Did someone drop something heavy on the pots.
As to the operating time I ran mine 24/7/months on end without adverse affects. Do charge your iPod on the original charger instead of the DL.

[Greg C.]

The mixer really is not made be powered on 24/7

Why?

[Copicatt]

Resurrecting this old thread to see if OP was able to resolve his issue. Ours has started doing the same thing. Curious if you cleaned the pots to resolve. Thanks

[WK154]

You may want to try unseating and re-seating the cables, a problem that has haunted Mackie since the 1604 days and continues with the DL32. That's the flat gray cables at both ends.

[joeonguitar]

I also have this gain knob scratchy noise problem on several pots

the problem is that when this gain changes by itself due to vibration , the monitors also cut and boost gain making this unusable for live performances.

i am wondering if anyone has procured better 9mm  10k audiotapes pots. I know bourne’s makes an excellent  series , designed specifically for this application.

these are supposed to be sealed so i doubt cleaning fluid will do any good.

also does anyone have disassembly instructions for the DL1608? I would like to try replacing them with some high quality devices

[Wynnd]

What people did early on was to purchase small O rings to place below the trim knobs so they could be changed but stayed put when not being touched.  I personally never got into doing that, but if you are placing the mixer on top of the Bass amp, you will have problems until you go the O ring route.  (Or move the mixer away from the bass and drums.)