XMON problem

[sandika]

Hi All,

We have a customer who recently had a XMON problem. Below are the details:

System Setup:
PPC G5 Dual 2.3GHz
Mac OS X 10.5.5
Pro tools HD 7.4.2cs4
D-Command Firmware 7.4.2.109
XMON Firmware 11

Problems:
The XMON has been automatically muting its monitor section, it appears on the D-Command status "XMON OFF". Then, we tried to release the mute button on the D-Command, but still there is no audio out from the speaker although Pro Tools is running with audio signals on Master Fader. This happens intermittently, at intervals from a few seconds to a few minutes, regardless of whether Pro Tools is running. Sometimes, you can wiggle the volume knob then release the mute button again to be able to hear the audio again. But sometimes it does not work, hence we did turn power OFF and ON again on the XMON unit. Then, we get back to normal again, the D-Command status shows "XMON ON" and we can hear the audio from the speakers.

But this is only remain for a while, it leads to a situation following a self mute (without pressing mute), where the D-command indicates that it is muted but audio is coming out of the monitors and we cannot change the volume adjustment via the volume knob or either change the speaker input selection (the volume and the speaker input selection are remain to our choice before the self mute occurs), or alternatively (following a mute press but not adjustment) where the D-command indicates it is unmuted but no audio emanates from the monitors.

We have also checked that the XMON cable run properly without hard bending. Finally, we tested it with a new XMON unit at the same time, and it runs well, it didn't mute automatically.

Anyone had this problem before? Look forward to receive all of your advise..

Cheers,
Sandika

[Buccanears]

Hi Sandika,

I have seen this issue before. You need to get the bad XMON swapped out for a new one. Get in touch with Digidesign Technical support in your region and they'll help out.

[sandika]

Hi Buccanears,

Thank you for your reply..

[BearJamStudios]

This has happened to me today too!

[waynekhin]

Originally Posted by sandika

Hi All,

Problems:

This happens intermittently, at intervals from a few seconds to a few minutes, regardless of whether Pro Tools is running. Sometimes, you can wiggle the volume knob then release the mute button again to be able to hear the audio again.....

... alternatively (following a mute press but not adjustment) where the D-command indicates it is unmuted but no audio emanates from the monitors.

.....
Sandika

I have similar issue in the studio right now. Will update if there are any solutions.

[pdqprods]

this may seem obvious...but i was having a similar problem with my xmon; randomly muting, xmon off messages, etc.

after moving all of the wires, the connectors, reseating everything and restarting (which sometime fixed the problem) i removed the xmon from the rack, it has been sitting on top of the rack, with unobstructed air flow. i haven't had a problem since.

just a thought (sometimes, it's the simple things...of course, most of us technical people have a tendency to forget this :)

[waynekhin]

My Xmon problem was solved.

Instead of connecting the power to Furman power distributor, I now connected Xmon power cord to one of the free wall plugs. It is working without any problem now.

[francois]

Thanks Wayne
Leaving some empty space around the Xmon fixed the problem for 6 month
The muting problem came back yesterday and mine is also plugged into a Furman P.S.
I also changed the power cable.
Let see how long it'll run,10 mn so far i have hope
Francois

[Craig F]

Might be a good idea to open it up and clean it out if it comes back
A dust layer can add heat

[francois]

ouch! in only lasted 1 hour
time to open the box and dust it like Craig suggested