Cleaning out a mixer

[Doublerr]

I recently picked up a Tascam M-512 mixer, and am planning on going through it to clean it out. I'm new to physical mixers, so please bear with me while I ask a few probably very rudimentary questions.

Firstly, I seem to be getting a lot of somewhat contradictory information about how one goes about cleaning pots and faders. People saying to get Deoxit, others saying its not the best.

I'm looking at getting a can of MG Chemicals 801B, which is just an aerosol can of "super" contact cleaner with PPE (poly phenyl ether) lubricant. So I believe it fair to say its pretty similar to a deoxit type spray. What are the opinions on such things? Should something else be considered? (I've already got 99% isopropyl and compressed air for other cleaning needs inside)

Secondary question while I'm at it, I get some crackling when I push the gain pot full on any given channel. As in, while it's maxed, it will crackle until I bring it down a little bit. Whats up with that? Is that a thing that happens? It's not the biggest problem, or really much of an issue, just something I noticed.

Anyways, a thanks in advance for anyone who replies.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

The normal Deoxit is a cleaner, but Caig also makes Deoxit Fader Lube.

 

[RFR]

There is a wonderful thread started by sweetbeats on the the restoration of a Tascam m520.
Lots and lots of pics, links to videos, routing options, etc. Tons of info.

Your desk is the same thing, just a smaller version.
Study that thread, download the videos, and it will tell you all you need to know.

 

[miroslav]

I'm looking at getting a can of MG Chemicals 801B...

You must be in Canada...?....MG Chemicals is in Ontario.
I get their 99.9% pure isopropyl alcohol in the big liter bottles through Mouser.

Anyway...there are a LOT of "contact cleaners" out there. I use to use only one back in the day, then I started reading the specs/contents and the MSDS info on each product before buying/using.

I've never used the MG Chemicals 801B...but I'm sure it has it's uses, though before spraying it on a lot of parts, you might try it out on one or two switches and see how it works, and if there's any side-effects.
I see it has these ingredients:

1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane
Petroleum npatha, heavy alkylate (mineral spirits)
Mineral oil used in metal working
Five ring polyphenyl ethe

I'm guessing the Mineral oil is what provides the "lubricant" portion of the product...and I'm not sure how good that would be on any/every type of switch, but I bet it's fine for connectors and such.
Anyway...try it out and see how it goes.
I've got like a half-dozen different types of cleaners, cleaners/lubricants, and protector products, and I kind pick from them based on what I'm cleaning, and knowing form past experience which of them works OK with my gear., etc.

The latest product I've added to my selection is Contact Renu & Lube from Miller-Stephenson...but damn, the shit is expensive.
Caig has it's Deoxit...5% and 100%...I use the 100% because it can act as a lube, but you have to really dry it off AFTER cleaning, as that stuff can gunk up your switches and faders if you just spray it on and leave it.
Caig Gold is great for protection...but again, a little wipe is all you need.