Fixing an Audio Snake

[adding_to_the_noise]

Okay, I'm not sure if this is off topic or not, but i really need help! My band uses a small PA system and we send our signal to the mixer by way of a 20 channel snake. The problem is, two or three of the inputs have suddenly gone bad, one doesn't work at all, another doesn't work, but has a popping sound when a mike is inserted or removed. The jacks that have problems are all XLR jacks. Is there a way I can open it up and use a multimeter to test if there is a problem with the jacks? And if there is could you explain in detail because i am new at this and have built some stompboxes, but i'm not exactly sure how to test XLR inputs. Any help will be appreciated and time is of the essence!

[petemoore]

Beep mode from XLR Jack 1 pin 1 to XLR plug 1 pin 1, repeat for the other pin connecitons, start with a good channel or two to see which pin connects where for sure.
 Repeat on the other pins of that channel.
 If you get inside, you can test continuity from a given pin outside the jack to the lug inside, then test where that pin should go through the snake. to the other end...where you continue to test continuity to the pin/lug/lead/lug/pin/ on that 'wire of that channel.

[niftydog]

If you're in a hurry, just open up the XLR (usually a case of unscrewing the cable releif or loosening a tiny screw in the metal body) and sweat the joints. This just means to re-heat the joints whilst holding the wire in place until the solder reflows (melts) then let it cool again. It could be that the solder joint has deteriorated and re-heating will help in the interim.

The ideal solution is ofcourse to desolder, clean and reterminate the whole plug, but this is time consuming.

Usually it's the tail end that's the problem. (that is, the end that plugs into the mixing desk.) However, if that doesn't fix the problem, you may have to do the same at the stage box end.

If you do use a multimeter to test for continuity, make sure you wiggle the cable around whilst you are testing it. Sometimes the connections test fine but fail under mechanical stress.

[adding_to_the_noise]

Thanks, I'm heading up there today to check it out with the multimeter, most of the connectinos are from an XLR to a 1/4 Phone plug, and hopefully it won't be anything more serious than a deteriorated joint.