S6 Faders Getting Stiff

[wh3music]

Hey all,

On one bank of my S6 M40, some of the faders are getting increasingly stiff. It feels a lot like the motors are fighting me when I'm making a move. The other bank of faders are ok. I've tried restarting the console and noticed the same resistance with the console powered down, suggesting that maybe it's a mechanical problem. Anyone ever see this before?

[BScout]

Yes. Had one fader in a bank show resistance. Had to get it replaced.
Each fader is completely sealed (the motor part) so there isn't anything to fix via "lubrication" with graphite power or anything. And removing the fader and manually "exercising" it accomplished nothing. I believe the motors (or ball bearings in the motors) eventually wear out.

So had the one fader replaced under the support plan and asked for a few spare so that there's no downtime in case it happens with another one in the future (which Avid gladly sent a few.) (replacing the fader is relatively easy)

[wh3music]

Ahh. I was hoping there was some sort of reset I could do or something. I'll get in touch with Avid. Thanks!

[EddieJones]

Originally Posted by BScout

so there isn't anything to fix via "lubrication" with graphite power or anything.

I wouldn't use graphite powder, that may cause shorts across the very sensitive touch tracks.

[EddieJones]

Originally Posted by wh3music

Ahh. I was hoping there was some sort of reset I could do or something. I'll get in touch with Avid. Thanks!

It sounds like some dirt or liquid might have got in there. If they are still stiff when powered off, then it's not an electrical/touch issue.

[BScout]

Originally Posted by EddieJones

I wouldn't use graphite powder, that may cause shorts across the very sensitive touch tracks.

Nothing in the end was used. And the fader was clean as a whistle. (no dirt or debris anywhere -- nothing to blow out, almost surprisingly clean.) Just resistance from the motor that didn't exist on any of the other faders.

[crustn]

I had the same issue on several faders. couldn't do fader rides because thefader were really sticky. the solution was to clean the fader as explained in the s6 fader cleaning manual, see https://resources.avid.com/SupportFi...d_Cleaning.pdf

but instead of cleaning/oiling the resistance tracks I used the recommended CAIG Deoxit Fader F100L lubricant on the rails, see attached picture.
just give one or two drops of the lubricant on it and slide the fader several times. repeat if needed. After that, faders felt as brand new.