The mixing console is the core equipment of the live performance sound system.
Due to the complex on-site environment and the high precision of the mixing console itself, the mixing console may encounter malfunctions. Common types of mixer failures: channel silence, sound distortion, noise, channel imbalance, abnormal display screen, etc. How to check and solve them one by one? The article below explains it clearly.
As a sound engineer, how can you quickly identify and handle these faults on site? Today I will share with you some common faults and solutions of mixing consoles. Audio service tips: 3 common speaker faults and inspection steps
1. Channel is silent
Check the connection cable: First check whether the audio input cable of the corresponding channel is firmly plugged in. You can unplug the audio cable and plug it back in again. At the same time, check the connections of microphones, instruments, and input cables to rule out problems in these areas and try them all.
Check the channel button: Check the fader position of the channel with sound problems. If it is at the bottom, it will be muted, and if it is pushed up, there will be sound.
Then check whether the mute button of the channel is pressed. If it is pressed, the indicator light will light up and the channel will be silent. If this is the problem, press the mute button again to unmute. There is also a channel gain knob setting, you can adjust it up a little bit, but not too high to avoid sound distortion.
Replace the audio cable: If you have a spare audio cable, consider replacing it and giving it a try. You can prepare a new audio cable and replace it. If there is no problem with it, then the original audio cable is faulty. You can also try this method: adjust the audio input source of other normal channels to the faulty channel. If the fault still exists, there may be a problem inside this channel of the mixer.
Internal inspection (requires professional operation): If the above methods do not work, a professional can open the mixer casing and check the channel input interface and preamplifier to see if there is any solder joint loss or burnt components.
2. Sound distortion
Check the input signal: first reduce the input signal strength and check whether the microphone or musical instrument is too loud. Adjust the volume knob on the device to reduce the input signal strength. You can also try another audio source.
Adjust channel settings: Slightly lower the channel’s gain knob to avoid signal overload. Then check whether some frequency bands of the equalizer (EQ) are over-boosted or attenuated. Restore the EQ to default and adjust it again.
Check the output load: Check the connection of the mixer, and then try connecting the mixer output to other devices.
Check the inside (by professionals): If the above methods do not solve the problem, then there is something wrong with the amplifier inside the mixer, and you will need to find a professional to open the mixer and repair it.
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3. Noise or murmur
Check the power cord connection: First check whether the mixer plug is firmly inserted. Connect the mixer to another power outlet to eliminate power interference issues. Check the power cord for damage or signs of rat bites, if so, replace it with a new one.
Check the audio cable and interface: Check whether the audio input and output cables are damaged, and try another audio cable. Clean the audio input and output interfaces of the mixer at the same time. It is best to use special electronic cleaner and cotton swab to wipe them gently.
Eliminate external interference: Check whether there are microwave ovens, mobile phones, wireless routers around the mixer to avoid interference from other strong signal devices, which are far away.
Internal inspection (by professionals): If the noise persists, it means that the potentiometer or capacitor inside the mixer is aged or damaged.
4. Channel sound is unbalanced
Check the channels: First, set the gain knobs and faders of the faulty channel and the normal channel to be the same. Adjust the channel's PAN knob to the middle position and listen to see if the sound is balanced.
Check the audio source and connection: Check whether the audio source device of the faulty channel is working properly. Connect the audio source device to other normal channels and try again.
5. Fader and knob troubleshooting
Clean the faders and knobs: Use a special electronic cleaner to spray on the faders and knobs, then slowly and repeatedly adjust the faders and knobs to clean the internal conductive plastic layer. Then wipe the surface with a clean soft cloth to remove dust.
Check the mechanism: Check the mechanism of the faders and knobs for looseness, and if so, try to repair the parts.
Replacement test: Swap the faulty fader or knob with the fader or knob of other normal channels to see if the problem is with the fader or knob itself, or with the channel circuit.
Professional repair: If the problem is still not solved after cleaning and inspection, it means that the faders and knobs are seriously damaged internally, then you need to contact a professional repairman to replace them.
Today I will share with you some common mixer faults and their solutions. I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, please leave a message in the comment section!
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