424 mkII help

[tree]

i just got a slightly used 424 mkII on ebay and i can't record onto track three.
i've tried both bussing and direct recording functions. it makes lines and i can
hear my voice fine when i speak into the mic but nothing there during playback. tracks 1, 2, 4 work fine in every way. i'm perplexed. any ideas to what the problem may be?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

It sounds like you got a slight used and slightly defective 424 on Ebay there.

Contact the seller and see if you can get your money back.

If there is no user error on your part and the heads are clean, then you have an internal electrical problem that a qualified service technician is going to have to trouble shoot on his bench by tracing the signals and seeing how far they go and where they don't.

Does the Portastudio show any signs of physical trauma; IE cracked or dented case? If so, a board may have been cracked from the impact from a drop or in shipping to you.

If there are no signs of impact, an internal part has blown or a cold solder joint has surfaced and it will need to be opened up and checked out.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, dude.