Mixers/Consoles Output sound missing from half of our Mackie 1608!

[amichel2]

We have a Mackie 1608. When playing sound, channels 1 through 8 play through all the outputs that go to the speakers, including the mains. Channels 9 through 16 do not play in output one, which is part of our main cluster.

We tried bypassing the EQ's and going from the amp to the board, but that was not the problem. I exchanged the cable that goes from the amp to the EQ, but that was also not the problem. We thought that maybe it had to do with the internal part of the amp, but realized that couldn't be it because channels 1-8 still play through output one.

This leads us to believe that it is an internal issue with the board itself. We think there's a possible disconnection inside the board. Any suggestions about what it could be?

Thanks!!

 

[museav]

Do you mean a DL1608? The DL1608 has two main XLR outputs labeled "Main Outs" L and R while the 1/4" output labeled "1" is Aux Out 1, which is a separate mix. Any chance Channels 1-8 are currently part of the Aux 1 mix but Channels 9-16 are not in the Aux 1 mix?

 

[FMEng]

Or is this a CR1604? The most likely cause is dirty insert jacks on the dead channels, although there are other possibilities. See my comments in the following posts:

http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/sound-music-intercom/28500-sometimes-easy.html

http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/...-channel-loses-signal-mackie-sound-board.html

Less likely, but it could also be flakey buss assignment switches:

http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/...ent-buttons-l-r-group-not-always-working.html

Notice a theme here?

 

[neotrotsky]

Without more info, I would say it sounds like the control ribbon. These are the only downside to the Mackie 16xx series boards... and it's not cheap. If it ends up being this "worst case" scenario, expect a parts+labor bill of around $400. I just had to scrap a 1604 VLZ Pro because of a bad control ribbon, simply because I could buy another used 1604 for $300 on Craigslist.

 

[museav]

Mackies are known for insert jack and ribbon cable issues and while I don't see those usually affecting only inputs 9-16 to only one specific output, it would really help to know for sure what mixer is involved.

 

[FMEng]

If this is a 1604, I don't think they have ribbon cables. My memory is that they are built on one, big, circuit board.

Even so, ribbon cable problems may not require factory support. I have an Onyx 32.4, which started acting up with issues like crosstalk from one bunch of channels to the next. Once again, Deoxit to the rescue. The console is full of short, multipin jumpers between modules. I simply cleaned every ribbon connector and every ground connection, and all of the problems are gone.

 

[neotrotsky]

The 1604 VLZ Pro (ver. 1 and 2) do use control ribbons. I don't believe the new CR1604's do, but don't quote me on that one.

 

[TheaterEd]

The 1604 VLZ Pro (ver. 1 and 2) do use control ribbons. I don't believe the new CR1604's do, but don't quote me on that one.

Too Late