Battling the volume loss...

msurdin · August 16, 2007, 11:50:40 PM

Hey Guys.

My pedals seem to always be having a volume loss problem. They seem to be sometimes quieter then how they really should be. I am going to throw these is a multi effects unit so I dont want them having this really annoying loss.

Example, yesterday I got my volume correct and then today when I went to play a solo (all the same settings) my tube driver sounded much more quiet.

These pedals that i am having the problems with are the Boss cs3 and tube works tube driver 911.
It shouldnt be the cables, they are all tested and fine..

Thanks

Matt

tranceracer · August 17, 2007, 12:15:53 AM

I notice signal drops when my contact are oxidized. Are your contacts clean? I live in a humid area and the jacks always get oxidized. I have to use Deoxit or contact cleaner every 4-6 mos or so. It's a pain to disco all my jacks and clean the contacts on my rig but gotta do what I gotta do... Anyway hope this helps...

msurdin · August 17, 2007, 12:35:12 AM

How often would you recommend cleaning them?

tranceracer · August 17, 2007, 01:09:16 AM

Usually clean my contacts when my tone gets muddy, level drops, hear static in the signal, which usually works out to approx 4-6 mos or so. I use Deoxit and Deoxit Gold. The Radio Shack contact cleaner seems to work pretty good too.

-tR

msurdin · August 17, 2007, 02:25:21 AM

I'm going to try cleaning the tips.

It also seems like the vol pedal is causing some issues...
Do ernie balls ever fall apart?

runmikeyrun · August 17, 2007, 08:54:24 AM

not to hijack but my autowah and dod chorus does this too, i'll give the deoxit a try and see. Otherwise i'm not sure, i got them used and the chorus is older. I have to boost their inputs hard to get signal out the other side in any appreciable volume.

msurdin · August 17, 2007, 02:24:39 PM

Can I use alcohol?

MartyMart · August 18, 2007, 06:57:30 AM

Quote from: msurdin on August 17, 2007, 02:24:39 PM
Can I use alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol yes, but not Vodka !!!
Isopropyl evaporates quite quickly and leaves no residue, used to use it to clean 24track tape heads !

msurdin · August 18, 2007, 02:34:36 PM

Wile we are on this, Can I use Alcohol to clean my tape delay heads?

tranceracer · August 18, 2007, 02:48:09 PM

Pls be sure it's isopropyl alcohol because it doesn't leave residue. Don't use Deoxit or other cleaners on tape heads because they have chemicals that prohibit oxidation build up and you don't want any residue on the tape heads. Also don't use the "scented" alcohols they leave the scent residue on the heads.

BTW, msurdin, how is the level drop issue? Were you able to resolve it?

-tR

msurdin · August 18, 2007, 02:55:38 PM

The level drop is much better. I am having some issues with a few cables and 2 pedals.. but now its fine. I do need to mod my tube drivers as well.
Thanks for the help.

I have a whole pile of dr's alcohol pads.. They should work i think.

I was also thinking about cleaning the jacks in my pedals..

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Battling the volume loss...