Soundcraft Ghost - Intermittent sound on some channels

David R. · 6th January 2009

So, I bought a Ghost a little while ago, happy with it but it needs some help. Some of the channels have intermittent audio. I can push the channel hard using either fader or trim knob, and it will 'pop' in and all will be good, for a bit. This happens on the tape, line, and mic inputs.

I have sprayed DeOxit on the trim knobs, what else should I try?

Thanks.

Radioman · 6th January 2009

Try to spray into "Insert" plugs and "Rev" switch too.

analogtodd · 6th January 2009

Make sure the TRS inserts are clean too....

David R. · 7th January 2009

Thanks for the replies, I will give it a try and report the results.
thumbsup

Jim Williams · 7th January 2009

This is common on this console. It's a result of too high a temperature during the solder reflow process. The solder joints are thin and have cracked at switch or pot pads. You will need to disassemble the console and resolder every point if you don't want this problem. Have fun.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

David R. · 7th January 2009

Well, at least he said, "have fun."

CAL · 20th January 2009

Like Jim said, your problem is most likely with the solder. Being able to "pop" the audio back to full signal strength is a clear indicator of a mechanical failure. But it is most commonly found on the rear connector cards of your console, not your input cards. You do not have to disassemble the whole console to fix this, just the small cards that are attached to the inputs with the white flex cable (where your XLR and 1/4" jacks are located). Resolder the 4 jacks on those cards and you will most likely see that problem resolved. However, there is a nother issue that could be causing the intermittant signal.

The other main source of those problems are the crappy Re'Ann 1/4" jacks that are in the insert position. They are so bad, in fact, that Soundcraft stopped using them all together around 2001. They now use the gold plated Neutrik jacks. We recommend that all normalled 1/4" jacks be replaces with the Neutriks (CH Inserts, FX Rtn and Master Section Inserts). If you would like some of these, contact me at the shop.

Thanks,

Brandon
Creation Audio Labs
615-884-7520

dysenterygary · 7th February 2012

Bump. I am having the same problem with some Delta SR channel strips. I've confirmed that every resistor, capacitor, diode, IC, and switch work yet it still will have an intermittent signal!

6th January 2009	#1
David R. Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: I left my heart, in... Posts: 1,881 Thread Starter	Soundcraft Ghost - Intermittent sound on some channels So, I bought a Ghost a little while ago, happy with it but it needs some help. Some of the channels have intermittent audio. I can push the channel hard using either fader or trim knob, and it will 'pop' in and all will be good, for a bit. This happens on the tape, line, and mic inputs. I have sprayed DeOxit on the trim knobs, what else should I try? Thanks. __________________ -David R. "An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - C. Bukowski

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6th January 2009	#2
Radioman Gear maniac Joined: May 2008 Location: Roma - Italy Posts: 188	Try to spray into "Insert" plugs and "Rev" switch too.

6th January 2009	#3
analogtodd Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 1,199	Make sure the TRS inserts are clean too....

7th January 2009	#4
David R. Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: I left my heart, in... Posts: 1,881 Thread Starter	Thanks for the replies, I will give it a try and report the results. thumbsup

7th January 2009	#5
Jim Williams Voiding warranties Joined: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 10,070	This is common on this console. It's a result of too high a temperature during the solder reflow process. The solder joints are thin and have cracked at switch or pot pads. You will need to disassemble the console and resolder every point if you don't want this problem. Have fun. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades

20th January 2009	#7
CAL Gear nut Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Hermitage, Tennessee Posts: 82	Like Jim said, your problem is most likely with the solder. Being able to "pop" the audio back to full signal strength is a clear indicator of a mechanical failure. But it is most commonly found on the rear connector cards of your console, not your input cards. You do not have to disassemble the whole console to fix this, just the small cards that are attached to the inputs with the white flex cable (where your XLR and 1/4" jacks are located). Resolder the 4 jacks on those cards and you will most likely see that problem resolved. However, there is a nother issue that could be causing the intermittant signal. The other main source of those problems are the crappy Re'Ann 1/4" jacks that are in the insert position. They are so bad, in fact, that Soundcraft stopped using them all together around 2001. They now use the gold plated Neutrik jacks. We recommend that all normalled 1/4" jacks be replaces with the Neutriks (CH Inserts, FX Rtn and Master Section Inserts). If you would like some of these, contact me at the shop. Thanks, Brandon Creation Audio Labs 615-884-7520

7th February 2012	#8
dysenterygary Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Central, IL Posts: 1,102	Bump. I am having the same problem with some Delta SR channel strips. I've confirmed that every resistor, capacitor, diode, IC, and switch work yet it still will have an intermittent signal!