Electrical question

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Scurvy

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From what I read on the threads I found after a search on the subject, I expect a few howls of derision at the mention of Behringer but here goes..... (hope this is the right forum)

I have a Behringer UB1204PRO mixer but wait, this isn't a question on sound quality. The main power switch gave out on me a few months ago so I got it fixed at a local music store (it was out of warranty - don't ask) at some expense. Only a month or so later, the new switch they fitted is starting to go the same way. I can still switch it on but as before, the lights just take time to come on or I have to press it down hard to get it to work and I'm sure it will eventually stop working altogether.
Now the questions.
I am a cheap bastard (hence Behringer) so I am hoping I can maybe get a soldering iron and fix it myself. So.....

1) Is it wise doing this myself? Is it fairly easy to replace/repair this kind of thing? I have soldered before but not for a long time and my knowledge of electronics is poor.
2) Where is a good place to obtain switches like this? I suspect a local electronics store would have them but do I have to ask for anything specific?
3) Can anyone think why this is happening? I can understand the first switch going due to poor quality control or whatever but it leads me to believe something else is wrong if it's burning out a new one so soon. The mixer's power supply chord is plugged into a power bar along with the PC and other associated stuff.

Buying a new and better mixer is the last resort (see comment about being a cheap bastard) so if that is the case, leave that suggestion 'til last or if there is no other possible option. I'm happy with the sound I get through it, I just need to fix this one thing. Also bear in mind this is the first mixer I've owned and I'm fairly new to all this stuff.
 
I have no idea why two switches would go bad in exactly the same way, other than Behringer picked a shitty supplier. I suppose it's also possible they picked a bad location for the switch, e.g., maybe it's too close to some heat producing device and the switch is deteriorating because of this.

Soldering a power switch isn't rocket science. If you have rudimentary knowledge about soldering you should be alright. Use a iron with enough wattage, use flux, tin the wire and connector, solder, clean the connection with alcohol, etc.

As far as parts, you can pull thw switch out and look for a part number, then google it to find a suitable sub. If you live in a big city, it might be easier to just pull the switch out and take it to a supply house. Explain your voltage/current requirements, and they should be able to recommend a good part.
 
I would write a well-worded (you seem capable) letter to Behringer's customer service folks and CC the repair department. I'm sure the web or a phone call will get you the contact info.

State the same info that you stated here.

Make sure that you (A) let them know that you're basically happy with the performance of the unit. (B) Took the time and expense to get it fixed on your own as the unit was out of warranty. (C) Most importantly, let them know in a nice way, that you have doubts about purchasing or recommending Behringer gear...

"Although I'm essentially quite happy with the price vs. performance of this unit, I'm not certain that I will replace it with another Behringer unit unless I can get this one operating up to specs again"

Then, just come out and ASK -

After bringing the unit in once already for service at my own expense and the problem remains, I'm wondering if you'd make an exception in your warranty regulations and allow me to send this unit in for service...

Or something similar.

If they fix it, you're golden. If they don't, they have no one else to blame when they lose you as a customer.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
Massive Master said:
I would write a well-worded (you seem capable) letter to Behringer's customer service folks and CC the repair department. I'm sure the web or a phone call will get you the contact info.
Click to expand...



Massive, that's fuckin' hilarious. Apparently you have never dealt with Behringers customer service. If you write 'em, you won't hear back from them. If you talk with them, you'll get a big run around. Take it back to the shop that fixed it. If they are a reputable shop, they will fix it for free.
 
grinder said:
Massive, that's fuckin' hilarious. Apparently you have never dealt with Behringers customer service. If you write 'em, you won't hear back from them. If you talk with them, you'll get a big run around. Take it back to the shop that fixed it. If they are a reputable shop, they will fix it for free.
Click to expand...

True, I've never dealt with them. However, even if it gets you nowhere, I think it's important to make the effort to let the manufacturer know where you stand. If enough people do the same, THAT is what affects change in company policy.

Scurvy might not be able to get the results he's looking for for himself, but in the long run, if you can't hold the manufaturer responsible, quality will go down, followed by the company.

Inasmuch as I'm not a big Behringer fan, they certainly serve an important service in this industry by allowing those who wouldn't otherwise be able to get "really good" gear an affordable alternative.

God, I hate to say that... :eek:

John -
 
Thanks to all for the advice.

Firstly, I actually called the closest Behringer service centre after the first failure and as you said, I got the run around. Ye olde "I'll pass you onto Mr X" routine whereby Mr X is not answering his phone. I left messages and nothing happened. Well, I think one guy phoned back but when I told him my problem he goes "I'll pass you onto the repairs department".........click....nothing.
I think the letter stating the questionability of the mixer's reliability is worth it. I never thought of doing this. I suspect it'll be fruitless but it's worth it.

I also thought about taking it back to the music store I got it fixed at as it could be their fault. Hopefully, I've still got the receipt for that work or my attack on them might be fought off. I don't want to pay any more to them as I felt a bit shafted the last time. They heard the words "no warranty" (they're Behringer suppliers and I didn't get it from them), and they saw easy money.

Anyway, thanks again to all.
 
It seems to be a problem with certain Behringer gear. I have a multicom unit that went bad (no power to unit). Sent it in to Behringer for warranty repair, they sent it back and it worked for about 3 weeks, then channels 1 & 2 stopped working (3 & 4 still work). I figured for the price I paid for the unit, it's not worth the hassle. I'm now using it as a 2 channel compressor - and not very often at that.

Behringer sucks.
 
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