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How to test a second hand mixer
- Thread starter stringz
- Start date
Richard Crowley
Veteran
I would shoot an email to SoundDevices and ask them what is their recommended dummy load (input termination) is for testing self-noise.
Do you have access to any test equipment? I would at minimum confirm the phantom power and output levels. Of course, it would be great to have somebody put it on a bench and connect it to an AudioPrecision test setup and run all the tests. Do you have enough time (and cooperation of the seller) to have it sent back to SoundDevices for evaluation?
Do you have access to any test equipment? I would at minimum confirm the phantom power and output levels. Of course, it would be great to have somebody put it on a bench and connect it to an AudioPrecision test setup and run all the tests. Do you have enough time (and cooperation of the seller) to have it sent back to SoundDevices for evaluation?
If it were me, I'd go through it like I were prepping it for rental.
-Check phantom power on all the inputs.
-Send tone to each input to make sure unity gain is the same on all of them.
-Check direct outs
-Check for cracking noise when you adjust the trim and fader knobs.
-Check main outs.
-Send tone from the mixer (using the internal tone generator), to another device to make sure it works properly.
Basically, you need to check every single thing the mixer can do to make sure it works properly.
-Check phantom power on all the inputs.
-Send tone to each input to make sure unity gain is the same on all of them.
-Check direct outs
-Check for cracking noise when you adjust the trim and fader knobs.
-Check main outs.
-Send tone from the mixer (using the internal tone generator), to another device to make sure it works properly.
Basically, you need to check every single thing the mixer can do to make sure it works properly.
If it were me, I'd go through it like I were prepping it for rental.
-Check phantom power on all the inputs.
-Send tone to each input to make sure unity gain is the same on all of them.
-Check direct outs
-Check for cracking noise when you adjust the trim and fader knobs.
-Check main outs.
-Send tone from the mixer (using the internal tone generator), to another device to make sure it works properly.
Basically, you need to check every single thing the mixer can do to make sure it works properly.
Cheers for your responses gents.
Sorry to ask silly questions but what am i checking for specifically on the outputs? should i be sending tone through them?
Cheers,
Usually I would start with sending tone on the inputs, then check that tone on the outputs. THEN, I would use the mixers internal tone generator to check the outputs with that. THEN I would do it all again, but this time with a microphone. There is a lot of redundancy involved when I prep something to take out for myself, or when I used to prep something for rental. When you check a mixer, you need to test every thing the mixer can do and make sure it works. You can even get the serial number and probably run it by Sound Devices to see how old it is.
This is something that should be done before each time you go out with your gear...at least that's what I used to do. If I go out to record something (usually sound fx), come home, and then go out the next day, I prep the gear all over again before I go out the next day just to make sure. It may seem like a lot of work, but I've caught a few bad cables and bad microphones this way that would have ruined my day if I hadn't. Plus, it gives you a chance to make sure everything has fresh batteries that needs them.
This is something that should be done before each time you go out with your gear...at least that's what I used to do. If I go out to record something (usually sound fx), come home, and then go out the next day, I prep the gear all over again before I go out the next day just to make sure. It may seem like a lot of work, but I've caught a few bad cables and bad microphones this way that would have ruined my day if I hadn't. Plus, it gives you a chance to make sure everything has fresh batteries that needs them.
Allan Black
Veteran
Yep contact Sound Devices for any info they have .. and look in the battery area for traces of cleaned out battery acid. That might let you know how well it was looked after.
If for some negative reason you don't go ahead .. retain its serial no. asking price and date in case it pops up again somewhere. Good luck.
Cheers.
If for some negative reason you don't go ahead .. retain its serial no. asking price and date in case it pops up again somewhere. Good luck.
Cheers.
I have a little male XLR doohicky that is very handy for this application. I don't know who made it as the info on the sticker has long since worn off, but it's a male XLR plug with electronics in the cable boot and an LED where the cable would normally come out. When hit with phantom power the LED illuminates and it generates test tones, which you can cycle through by pushing a small button on the thing. Similar devices are available from various manufacturer's, including a self powered (though significantly longer one) from Shure. I use it often.