Compressor Noise

[muzeman]

Hi,
My compressor started to make everything distorted when I mix down,unless I switch it into auto.I tried both direct out and individual track outs from my 488 and the same thing happened.If I take it out of auto mode and try to adjust the controls nothing helps.In auto it's fine.

Also out of auto it shows -5to7 gain reduction when I attach anything to it,even if the other unit is off.

When I run it through the patch bay and turn my amp up full,I get loud hum and it's picking up an A.M. station.

I don't know if these two problems are related or not,the compressor still distorts even when I go direct in from tape.

My patch bay is balanced,but all my connections are unbalanced since most of my gear is unbalanced.

The compressor is a Presonus ACP-22.

Any help or advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[sonusman]

Use that warranty and get it fixed! Something is obviously amiss withing the unit.

And maybe look into a RNC or a Composer. Both tested and very good in many capable hands.

Ed

 

[muzeman]

Sonusman,
Thanks for the reply,I was going to do just that,I pulled out the box today to get the reciept and find out if it's still under warrenty.Well turns out I have two weeks left but I also found the warrenty card in the box blank!
Idiot,I forgot to send it in!

I'm going to call them and see if they will still honor it.Any suggestions on how to handle it?

I am also wondering if I have an A.C. problem as I just turned my mixer in for repair on the power supply last week,it developed a loud hum.

Im considering buying a A.C. line conditioner,do you think this will help?If so,can you recommend any?

Just wanted to add appreciation on your posts about recording methods recently,I copied all the pages so I can cut your stuff out in word and print it.

Please keep the good stuff coming,myself and I'm sure many others appreciate the time and effort you've taken to share your experience.It helps more than you know!

Thanks again
Pete

 

[sonusman]

Warranty laws in every state I know of in the USA states that those warranty card that they say you "have" to send in is a bunch of bullshit. If they claim a warranty on the box or in the manual, they HAVE to honor that warranty no matter what.

Now, they COULD offer a longer warranty for filling in that card and sending it in..... Mackie used to do that. What a great way to get a mailing list eh?

I think you should definitely look into a Line Regulator. I suggest the Furman model. Yup, around $400 dollars or more, but if you are working with digital recorders, it is a MUST!

Good luck!

Ed

 

[hixmix]

What great advice!

 

[muzeman]

Sounsman,
Thanks again for the tips,I'll definitly look into the Furman.

The mixer I'm having repaired is a Mackie,I got the extended warrenty and they were great about it,in 10 minutes they gave me a repair # and a shop within 2 miles of my house.

I wish they could all be this easy!
Pete