Bad Insert Jack, Dead Channel on Preamp

[CoolCat]

I have one of these insert jacks that went bad.

If there is no cable plugged in the preamp channel has no sound- dead.
If I plug in a Insert cable the Preamp Channel works.

Assuming its some spring/tab has lost its contact ability but I don't know for sure. Seems it might be like this drawing?

Anyone know where to get the part or the correct description of the type- jack?
Seems most plugs are open until somethings plugged in, where a Line Insert is "closed" until a cable is plugged in.

 

[TalismanRich]

You might check Parts Express. The problem will be finding the exact part. Maybe something like this..

Neutrik NMJ6HC-S 1/4" Stereo Phone Jack Switched

Neutrik NMJ6HC-S 1/4" Stereo Phone Jack Switched1/4" stereo jack, switched, with chrome ferrule and standard solder lugs. Mounting nut included.

www.parts-express.com

 

[RRuskin]

Before tearing into it, try burnishing the contacts with a trs plug. I need to do this at times on my console.

 

[CoolCat]

The "switched" is interesting. I tried ohming it out and compare to a good channel but didn't see anything.
Its the Tip . and I pressed it down a bit with the meter lead and it was working (making contact).

I guess the sound comes in on the left, with the cable out .......the metal makes contact and passes signal.(or it should...which is my problem when the cables out there's no sound)

The other side the little metal contact lifts up with cable inserted. This works.

I notice when I unplug the cable, the good channel the metal contact closes firmly.....the bad jack the tip contactor looks weak.

Thanks. ...for $1.51 I could buy a couple. I've tried plugging the plug in and out a few times, no luck yet.

 

[RFR]

Often times, opening it up, cleaning the contacts and slightly bending the weak contact brings it back to life.

 

[TalismanRich]

How do you take those plastic jacks apart? It's easy with open jacks like on guitars, but I think the metal parts get snapped into the plastic.

CC, you might see if you can find a part number before ordering. I found this showing how the switching works for the various different Neutrik jacks. You'll want to get the right one!!!

https://www.neutrik.com/media/8557/download/jacks---circuits.pdf?v=1

 

[RFR]

Hadn’t looked at his specific jack too closely. But it looks similar to Marshall style jacks. But with something like a dental tool you can get in to the contact from the front.

I’ve done it plenty of times.
Just a little tug on the contact.

Of course finding the correct jack and replacing it is probably better.

 

[RRuskin]

The simplest thing to do would be to leave a jumper in full time until you need to insert a device. The signal isn't going to care.

 

[CoolCat]

im going to assume its a standard Insert Jack used on many mic preamps and consoles.

When the plug is inserted all these little contact arms lift up. So Im assuming the removal of the plugs, allows the contact-arm to set down and make contact.
So its looking like the Neutrik choices J6 style is "normally closed" and inserting the plugs/cable opens three contacts.

RR, yes putting in a jumper is a thought that's free and nearly hassle free. Mainly because the insert isn't required and the normal output to a compressor or noise gate outboard is fine and maybe even preferred. Running a comparison test of INSERT vs OUTPUT might not even have a benefit other than a cabling benefit?

This picture looks like the one in this unit. The left side pins, are stationary "bump" contacts. The arms lift up when a plugs is inserted. So Im guessing, and it was visible when I pulled the cable plugs out, healthy contact-arms closed quickly with a snap, while this problem Tip Arm had a weak, lazy, return. I'm kind of confused on the drawings that show other points, when all I can see is just the three contacts. Are there another set of contacts inside the plastic housing? Seems like J6 ...and the RM(ring stereo) J6 choice.
Maybe a J5?

 

[TalismanRich]

My guess would be the J5. With no plug, your send and returns are connected. Insert the jack and the send and receives are lifted and connect through the ring and tip of the jack which come from your device. The sleeve is, of course, the ground and doesn't need to do anything.