Noisy/Scratchy 002 Rack Monitor Level Knob

[Al Rayder]

It has progressively gotten worse through the years, when I turn the knob, (slowly or normal) you hear a scratchy/noisy crackle come from my monitors. I have checked and switched cables and switched monitors with another pair to see if were the monitors... No changes whatsoever. Any remedies on how to fix this noise? Is it a bad potentiometer? How much would it cost to fix/replace? Any good repair shops in NYC anyone can recommend? Thanks.

[albee1952]

Odds are pretty good that its a bad pot and might be a cheap fix. If it were me, I would consider bypassing it by using the MAIN outputs and feeding a monitor/source selector for volume control(and more). Been using a Presonus Central Station in my setup for a good 10 years now(from 002, to 003, to HD/Native) and it brings several nice advantages to my rig. On the input side, I can select between Pro Tools(my interface), computer sound(internet, Windows Media, Wavelab, etc) a second computer station and a miniplug for connecting iPhones, tablets and laptops. On the output side, I can switch between 2 sets of speakers, with or without a sub, or phones. Having had this versatility for all the time, I can't live without it Food for thought

[jeam25]

Hi ! if it is a dirty pot. problem , you can try spraying Deoxit on it . It do wonders

[Al Rayder]

albee1952, you really like the Presonus Central Station, huh? I think you advised me to check into the Presonus on another post/topic. I actually just picked up a used Mackie Big Knob and I was curious to see A). How does it sound? B). If it adds any color to my mix? and C). How it can be used within my current set-ups.

I really like the fact that you can add a second computer station to the Presonus. I actually have 2 Apple Computers in my studio. 1x MacG5 and 1x MacPro and I am running 2 different Pro Tools systems. Pro Tools Le (MacG5 and 002 Rack) and Pro Tools HD (Mac Pro and HD3 w/ 192 IO).

Would the Presonus Monitoring Station streamline my computers, interfaces and DAW's so I can switch back and forth with out having to disconnect and reconnect?

[Al Rayder]

Thank you jeam25. I will give the spray a try.

[albee1952]

Nothing wrong with the Mackie Big Knob, but the 2 digital inputs on the Central Station are a key feature for me. Optical SPDIF from one computer and RCA SPDIF from another. Then I also have an iPod cable ready for anyone with a phone or laptop, plus an extra set of outputs from PT so I can listen to anything in a PT session without fussing with SOLO(I can even listen to AUX return tracks without the source tracks)

[Al Rayder]

That sounds great albee1952! If I see a Central Station somewhere for a good price, I may pick it up. For now, I will try out the Mackie Big Knob I just picked up and see how far that takes me. BTW.. I just sold my 192 Digital IO and will be purchasing the additional 192 Analog IO (maxed out). Now it's time to focus on mic pre's. Do you know anything about the UA LA-610 MkII ?