VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

ricevoice · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:54 am Post subject: dbx286a Humming

I've had my dbx286a for about 6 years now, recently noticed a faint hum or buzz coming from it... I'm not talking about something showing up in my recordings, I'm talking about actual sound coming from the unit itself that I can hear when everything else is turned off. If it's on its last legs I'll happily shell out the money for a new one, and would want to do so before this one goes kaput. Any ideas? How long are these boxes usually good for? Thanks.
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KaseyKruz · Club 300 Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 336 Location: Michigan

Sounds like the transformer (not Optimus Prime) is showing signs of aging. I would say, depending on use, that 6 years is a good run for one of these, although I have heard of them going ten years and longer. I would prepare for the eventual demise of the unit is the power supply is the culprit.
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:41 am Post subject:

Had the same problem with Marc Cashman's unit.

Though when set back to the suppler, and the hum was not noted.

But yes the Power Supply Transformer I'm sure is and was the problem.

It should be a simple matter of changing it out, by a good tech.
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ricevoice · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:00 am Post subject:

Thanks guys... just ordered a new unit from Sweetwater, when it gets here I'll get the power supply transformer in the old one replaced and keep it as a backup. Thanks again!
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SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 12:29 pm Post subject:

I had the same problem with the DBX 160A. I got a replacement power transformer from DBX for less than $10 and just popped it in. It had all the connectors, so it was easy and no need for a tech to get involved.
Problem fixed. Cheap and easy and you'll have a good backup!
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 12:50 pm Post subject:

Yes-- If you can change the oil in your car, then you should be able to swap out a power transformer.
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The Blog:
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

ricevoice · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 3:35 pm Post subject:

So I should take the dbx to Jiffy Lube....
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georgethetech · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject:

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:22 pm Post subject:

ricevoice · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:55 am Post subject:

So my pre didn't really need a new serpentine belt? Dammit!!!
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Chris Rice - Noisemaker
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