Eventide H3000 SE Noise-LCD-Upgrade

[SiliconAudioLab]

First I'm about to send this off to Jim Williams to upgrade but is there any way to get rid of that anyoing mechanical transformer; hummmmmmmmmmmm?

I've put little nylon washers under the lid and re-attached & while it may have helped, it's still there.

Also the LCD seems really hard to see. Is this a backlight issue ? Or replacement of LCD. It ssems to be OK but a little dark.

Jim, can you address some of these wacky issues when I send it down?

[Barish]

Originally Posted by SiliconAudioLab

First I'm about to send this off to Jim Williams to upgrade but is there any way to get rid of that anyoing mechanical transformer; hummmmmmmmmmmm?

Yes. The original transformer is actually too poor to feed a colossal unit like H3000. It is somewhat underpowered. The unit draws around 55-60W depending on the optional cards it is loaded with, so it requires a transformer with at least 90-100VA rating. But judging by the iron size and the wire diameters, the tranny used in there is at 55-60VA at best, which is why it heats up like hell, buzzes, dries quick, and buzzes more. It is not possible to draw that much juice from a transformer of such an iron size healthy enough.

And you couldn't replace it with a larger one either as there isn't enough space in it for a larger transformer. It's surrounded by the top PCB, which is crowded like the Judgement Day gathering. It is obvious that they really pushed the technology to its limits when working on that equipment, and they were desperate to fit it all n 2U space. A larger transformer would require more than 2U height. I don't know if they did it knowingly or the evolution of the design took them there leaving them with no other option so they thought it would get by with what was there from the beginning of the design. One way or another, it is one of those things that were overlooked in that now-classic design. That's why those who send their units back to Eventide to have the tranny replaced with a new one end up having it buzzing and sweating again within the first two months after servicing. Cos the replacement is not any better than the one that was taken out in the first place.

If you can get a transformer wound at the appropriate voltages (can't remember exactly now but it was something like 2x 14V + 6V secondary winding or something) with a power rating of at least 100VA or higher, and put it in an external box and then feed the unit from that through a lead, you would not only get rid of the mechanical noise the buzzing transformer makes, but also with a high possibility the deep hysteresis noise the ground plane carries, for which H3000s are notorious, which comes from a transformer that is clearly pushed to work outwith its physical limits.

Other than that, it is a great piece of equipment, even in today's standards. If someone offered an upgrade for that section of the unit, it would be the second coming for H3000 series. Sadly I am too far from US to offer it. The shipping costs wouldn't justify it, but I guess some of the fellow Americans can arrange something.

B.

[SiliconAudioLab]

Thank you, my friend.

[Barish]

Until then what you could do is, cut a 1mm neoprene sheet in strips of 4-5mm width, and place them between the transformer and the side wall that it is connected to, as well as the plastic washers on either side of the screws, plus use the same strips all along the edges between the top and bottom covers and the frame. That quietens the vibration noise of the shell.

But remember, the transformer itself will still buzz for the reasons I've explained above. That's how I used it for a long time. You can't get rid of it until you get rid of the transformer itself in favour of a superior one.

B.

[marcfrom]

I have the same problem with the transformer of my H3000.
So, does anyone have a ref for a replacement transformer?????

[jrakarl]

Hi everyone, my transformer is so loud that the top (part of the case) form fit on the unit comes loose! It's an original black face with yellow buttons. Upgraded to an SE.

I'm liking the idea of delivering the right voltage out of the box. I'm in Australia and we use 240volts. Anyone else on here about these parts who's interested, should get in contact. If a few people are interested, I'll source something and get organised.

[EngineEars]

Does anyone know why it wouldn't be possible to mod a H3000 to have a properly sized external supply?

Other than 192 fans the H3000 next loudest thing in the control room.

[Sahib]

It wouldn't be difficult.

I do not mean to appear to be pitching for a job but I am based in the UK and I could do it on the fly. There are many qualified guys in US and I am sure they could help you too.

I have H3000 and yes the transformer appears to be working on its limits. Heats up terribly. But it is a great unit.

[Tubthumper]

Speaking of noisy devices, I've got a Lucid 8824 converter that makes my H3000 seem whisper quiet by comparison.

Originally Posted by jrakarl

Anyone else on here about these parts who's interested, should get in contact. If a few people are interested, I'll source something and get organised.

jrakarl, I might be interested. What are you thinking of setting up? Any idea of cost?

Thanks.

[jrakarl]

Originally Posted by Tubthumper

Speaking of noisy devices, I've got a Lucid 8824 converter that makes my H3000 seem whisper quiet by comparison.

jrakarl, I might be interested. What are you thinking of setting up? Any idea of cost?
Thanks.

I don't believe it would cost too much. I'll dig around and get the output voltages on the transformer this weekend. The harder part will be: setting up an external box that looks okay (where to house this also), plus ensuring regulating capacitors are located in the supply = to make sure the supply is providing the smooth juice. I imagine the supply caps in the older units could do with an upgrade.

Tubthumper, are you in Australia also?

Because the current transformer supply is under spec, finding out what exactly is spec is an issue. The wattage and amperage draw of the unit itself. Mine says '90 watts' on the back. So, if I recall correctly,
(W = A x V so to work out draw or amperage A = W / V) which is just under half an amp. Shouldn't be a big draw on a transformer.
Have I got that right? Is 90 watts what the transformer provides - or what the H3000 needs?

Anyone have a tech manual?

[jrakarl]

Volts Watts Amps Converter Tool Calculator

for converting watts to amps etc.

[Tubthumper]

I'm in Brisbane.

[jrakarl]

Originally Posted by Tubthumper

I'm in Brisbane.

Excellent, I've been to Jaycar Electronics this morning and found a potential candidate for an external transformer. 100VA . Secondaries: two 15V and one 12 volt (type 2170) . I need to check the actual transformer on the Eventide. I figure there's potential to have the 12Volt tap pulled down to 6 volts via a device like this if that is required, as per Barish's post (thank you Barish).

Tubthumper, it'll take me a little while to get the exact details and design sorted. I'll PM you when I have some firm plans.

Everyone else, I'll post back in a month or two, once I've had some time to put something together that works. I've just moved house, un-packing, re-setting up studio space and of course wondering how to patch in all the additional slutty gear I've purchased while moving! So I won't commit to getting it done sooner.

Regards.
Julian