Spot diagnostic on my VTB1?

[stettoman]

Hey guys. I'm having an issue with one of my VTB1's, hoping it's something I can rectify here at home as I'm in the middle of a jingle project that is due for submission tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 1):eek: ...

I'm doing some acoustic dubs, 2 SP C4's X-Yed into two VTB1's...Suddenly one of the mics starts up with an intermittant low, muffled farting-like noise...Switched mic's, same thing, switched cables, yep, the same again.

I switched off the phantom, plugged in a Senn 421...Noise goes away. Pretty obviously in my mind that it's a problem with the phantom power...The other VTB1 is operating nominally.

No, I'm not a tech, rather somewhat an "electronical savaunt". I'm good with an iron and recognizing components and can disassemble just about anything and put it back together again...I realize that you aren't going to recommend that I evicerate my mic pre when I have no expertise, but if it's an easy solder jump or broken connection I can be back up and running in an hour or so...Depending on how quick a response I might get...:o

I've had the pair of VTB1's for a couple years now, this is the first problem I've really had. They're obviously out of warranty...

...With my luck, of course, the unit needs put on a scope or the phantom section replaced...I just don't have the time and can't stand the pre's in my DAW (Yamaha AW1600)...

Thanks for any help...

Eric

[stettoman]

Aw jeez, sorry...It dawned on me after a while--This isn't a closely monitored board. Nevermind, I've had to make due with a different mic config. Was hoping to duplicate mic'ing and tone, but went with the 421 and a C4. Didn't work great, but it did suffice.

Should the time and $$ merit I'll just ship it in for repair...Thanks anyway fellas, I know you're busy.

[Alan Hyatt]

Eric,

Your theory may be correct..not sure. The problem is that guessing on this forum may not be the solution. I would suggest you call us on our toll free number 1-877.563.6335 and ask for Dave, or just ask for Jarrod and get an ATR#.

We will fix it in a timely manner, but guessing what the problem may be is just not the solution. I know you do not want to be without it, but it may be your only choice. Either way, we can fix it. One last thing, did you try and switch the power adaptor?

[stettoman]

Thanks for responding Alan.

Yes, switched out everything, had to make sure I didn't have a short in a cable or a bum mic. Both of my VTB1's have been on continuously since I installed them a couple years ago. They're plugged into the same battery backup as the DAW. The other VTB1 is operating 5 by 5, and has actually been the workhorse, my main pre.

I thought about calling yesterday but have been in a blind panic to get this project together for the customer. The unit with the phantom problem works beautifully with the dynamics, and worked for a half hour with the C4 before making trouble for me.

I learned a few things attempting an X-Y with a 421 and a C4, mostly that a 421 isn't nearly as directional as the nice tight pattern I get with the SD. Timbre differences was another issue, but that was remedied through a parametric, at least as well as my Cro-Magnon ear could tell. It turned out fine and the customer is ecstatic. I'm not running a pro studio, just getting some small side jobs with my gear (to justify the expenditures, you know ;) )...

The wife says that, being a Libra, everything that I do has to be ordered...Hence my panic of yesterday, I guess.

I'll find some time on Monday and give the guys a call. The VTB1's are as close to indispensible to me as anything I run in my setup, gotta get 'er fixed...

Thanks again Alan...

Eric