Focal Solo6 Be Problems: Canadian Repair Options

[Palaver]

Hi all,

I was looking for some suggestions about my current monitoring problem. There's an imaging problem that just isn't making any sense with my Focal Solo6 Be speakers. Perhaps, someone around these parts can give some insight.

Here is the issue:

There's an irregular 'warm-up' period with my monitors. Sometimes, one speaker is much louder than the other, and after about 10 minutes or so, they'll usually balance out. Fortunately, it always correct itself. It sounds as if someone is panning the speakers and playing with the volume. It's a complete mess, and it's annoying. It can occur within the DAW, or iTunes. I've deleted drivers, tried different interfaces, swapped cables, and even speakers. It has even occurred on different computers.

I noticed this issue when I first bought them. I attributed it to the initial 'burn in' period. About half a year later, it started happening again. Sometimes, it occurs and other times they're fine. If I don't power them down, I never have the issue, but I'd rather not be leaving them on all the time.

As stated earlier, I've done many tests and checks. I've also swapped speakers (right to left and back again). It seems to be the same speaker that gets 'quieter,' and the same speaker that gets 'louder' all the time.

The speaker that occasionally gets quieter (during 'start-up') was sent back to Montreal (via Studio Economik) for servicing. They set the speaker up with Focal's Canadian service provider, who shipped it back saying the speaker tested perfectly fine.

I am positive that during servicing, it happened to be one of the times it worked perfectly without the 'warm-up' problem. Remember, it occasionally occurs but only during the first 10-15 minutes. I'm not going insane either! My writing/recording partner has witnessed the issue both with me, and on his own (on multiple occasions).

I'm a little disappointed with the service because of the shipping expense, and the fact that they probably didn't open the speaker to examine electrical connections and the physical state. I can't be certain of this, but I am sure they did a quick test (in which it worked properly), and sent it back.

Now they're out of warranty. I'm half tempted to open them myself to see if I can spot anything.

It's an annoying, irregular/infrequent issue that fortunately ALWAYS corrects itself after about 10-15 minutes. Does this specific factor provide any sort of diagnostic to my problem?

So, what should I do? Is the Focal service shop correct? Are my monitors perfectly fine? I'm guessing "no" because one speaker always gets louder, while the other gets quieter. It can happen at anytime (not necessarily immediately at start-up), but will correct itself within 10-15 minutes.

What would you do? Personally, I love the monitors, but at this point, I really think circuitry needs to be checked for loose connections. It could also be some kind of amplifier issue(s). I am really hoping an actual Focal representative can chime in here. Are Focal's known to have 'warm-up' issues?

Thanks in advance. I would just hate to have to send a speaker out for another 5 weeks just to get it sent back with a bill and me looking like a moron, yet again.

Cheers,
Phil

[FocalPro]

Originally Posted by Palaver

I am really hoping an actual Focal representative can chime in here. Are Focal's known to have 'warm-up' issues?

Hi Phil!

Simon here. I work out of the main North American office in montreal. I'm in Indianapolis right now but will be back in a couple days.

I have never heard of such an issue so I would be glad to do the tests myself to see what may be causing this. it is indeed very odd!

Since you sent them through economik, I suspect you are close to Montreal too?

give me a call on tuesday at 866-656-0686 extension 125 (canadian number)

and we'll figure it out!

talk to you soon!

Cheers,

[Palaver]

Originally Posted by FocalPro

Hi Phil!

Simon here. I work out of the main North American office in montreal. I'm in Indianapolis right now but will be back in a couple days.

I have never heard of such an issue so I would be glad to do the tests myself to see what may be causing this. it is indeed very odd!

Since you sent them through economik, I suspect you are close to Montreal too?

give me a call on tuesday at 866-656-0686 extension 125 (canadian number)

and we'll figure it out!

talk to you soon!

Cheers,

This is hugely appreciated. I love the speakers, and I'd rather deal directly with you guys, as opposed to adding the extra step through Economik (who have already been contacted).

Unfortunately, I'm located in Calgary, Alberta, which is quite a distance from Montreal. The last time I shipped a speaker, it was quite pricey and it took a while for the service turn around.

I'll definitely give you a call on Tuesday. Do you have a preferred time? I'm within the mountain time zone, so I believe I am two hours behind you.

Cheers,
PB

[Palaver]

Hi Simon,

I tried calling this number earlier today and I keep getting a fax noise/connection.

When I dialed "1-800" (to see if your digits had a simple typo) as opposed to "1-866" I ended up getting a porn hot-line! I'm assuming they won't help too much with my speaker

Either way, I just reposted here incase someone read this thread and was trying to get a hold of you via this phone number.

Thanks again for the initial prompt response and your willingness to help.

Cheers,
Phil

[amfortas2006]

Have you tried testing them at someone elses studio? Just taking the speakers to someone else and listen to them through an another signal chain

[Palaver]

Originally Posted by amfortas2006

Have you tried testing them at someone elses studio? Just taking the speakers to someone else and listen to them through an another signal chain

Yes.

I've tried different interfaces on different computers. There's a ghost in the machine.

Regards,
PB

[FocalPro]

Originally Posted by Palaver

Hi Simon,

I tried calling this number earlier today and I keep getting a fax noise/connection.

When I dialed "1-800" (to see if your digits had a simple typo) as opposed to "1-866" I ended up getting a porn hot-line! I'm assuming they won't help too much with my speaker

Either way, I just reposted here incase someone read this thread and was trying to get a hold of you via this phone number.

Thanks again for the initial prompt response and your willingness to help.

Cheers,
Phil

Hi Phil!

Oops! indeed gave you the fax number!

let's try again : 866-271-5689 x125 !

I tried calling you around 4:30pm but your cellphone was busy

call me tomorrow, we'll get to the bottom of this!

Cheers!

[PaulOcchialini]

Hey focal pro, I also have an issue in need of repair, mine is more of a nature related issue. (mice in the country) I guess I will call the number to speak to you directly.

[FocalPro]

Originally Posted by PaulOcchialini

Hey focal pro, I also have an issue in need of repair, mine is more of a nature related issue. (mice in the country) I guess I will call the number to speak to you directly.

Sure,

in which country are you?

in Canada the number is 866-271-5689 x125

in USA the number is 800-663-9352 x125

This is the direct number to reach me!

Cheers,

[Palaver]

Update:

I spoke with Simon, and I'm very pleased with his knowledge on the product.

After discussing the problem, we quickly narrowed it down to the input sensitivity switch. He was correct; when the monitor went problematic (got super loud), nothing would change if I flicked the switch to the -10dB setting. In other words, the speaker would stay at the same volume with the switch in either the +4 or -10dB setting (during problematic episodes).

Focal are paying for the shipping and repair, and have been excellent. I'm very pleased with their service and willingness to cooperate.

From now on, I'm only contacting the manufacturer if I have future product problems (as opposed to bringing it back to the store or middle-man). It's a good lesson learned, and I'm happy it's a simple and minor fix.

I felt it was important to update this thread, as I believe it could be useful for someone 'down the road' who may be having similar problems, or want some kind of insight to Focal's product support.

Cheers,
Phil