Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - A few 500-series modules pics

infiniteposse · 20th February 2006

not_so_new - I did indeed plug up the pres. There was an issue with one of them that concerned me, specifically, when used with the Mic in, with the phase button inserted and with the level turned up to max a high pitched whining sound is emitted that's total noise...almost like an oscillator. This couldn't be duplicated on the 2nd OSA module. It only happens when the volume is cranked on the one module.

When I emailed Nathan about this he explained that:

"It probably sounds strange, but this is actually normal on most OSA preamps, pre serial #400. I realize you have later models, but later models were modified with a simple capacitor in the path so the unit doesn't do what you are describing. And it looks like one unit didn't receive the modification and slipped through the cracks. And it wasn't decided to modify the unit because anything was broken (Dale could describe to you why it does this, but there is a technical explanation that makes sense), but because of the fact that it may look like a problem in the unit we decided to eliminate it even though it adds more electronics in the path (the extra cap). I can go ahead and swap out the unit with one that doesn't do that, but when I test the units I don't crank them to 65 db because the output will distort any analog device because it outputs +32db(!!) which is 28db past normal nominal level/normal gain structure so I didn't view it to be an issue (sort of like driving a car @ 165 miles per hour and the check engine light temporarily comes on).

But either way, I just wanted to let you know that they were checked and that the build quality is fine and that this is in the window of normalcy, and if you need the full 65 db of gain with phase flipped we can replace it right away."

As you can see, Nathan was very cool about the explanation and his willingness to exchange the modules. I just personally felt that between the concerns I voiced earlier and this issue, I would be more comfy with a pass at the time. I'm glad to hear that this was down to an employee dropping the ball, as I love the idea of buying some OSA's in the future. My first experience with them just left me a little concerned. Again though, SO many people have had good experiences, I have every expectation that if I bought in the future they'd be fine additions. Their upcoming compressors sound yummy too, so I'm certainly keeping a sharp eye out for their release.

20th February 2006	#24
infiniteposse Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 592 Thread Starter	not_so_new - I did indeed plug up the pres. There was an issue with one of them that concerned me, specifically, when used with the Mic in, with the phase button inserted and with the level turned up to max a high pitched whining sound is emitted that's total noise...almost like an oscillator. This couldn't be duplicated on the 2nd OSA module. It only happens when the volume is cranked on the one module. When I emailed Nathan about this he explained that: "It probably sounds strange, but this is actually normal on most OSA preamps, pre serial #400. I realize you have later models, but later models were modified with a simple capacitor in the path so the unit doesn't do what you are describing. And it looks like one unit didn't receive the modification and slipped through the cracks. And it wasn't decided to modify the unit because anything was broken (Dale could describe to you why it does this, but there is a technical explanation that makes sense), but because of the fact that it may look like a problem in the unit we decided to eliminate it even though it adds more electronics in the path (the extra cap). I can go ahead and swap out the unit with one that doesn't do that, but when I test the units I don't crank them to 65 db because the output will distort any analog device because it outputs +32db(!!) which is 28db past normal nominal level/normal gain structure so I didn't view it to be an issue (sort of like driving a car @ 165 miles per hour and the check engine light temporarily comes on). But either way, I just wanted to let you know that they were checked and that the build quality is fine and that this is in the window of normalcy, and if you need the full 65 db of gain with phase flipped we can replace it right away." As you can see, Nathan was very cool about the explanation and his willingness to exchange the modules. I just personally felt that between the concerns I voiced earlier and this issue, I would be more comfy with a pass at the time. I'm glad to hear that this was down to an employee dropping the ball, as I love the idea of buying some OSA's in the future. My first experience with them just left me a little concerned. Again though, SO many people have had good experiences, I have every expectation that if I bought in the future they'd be fine additions. Their upcoming compressors sound yummy too, so I'm certainly keeping a sharp eye out for their release.