Ensonq SD-1 Noise; Trying to Pin it Down

[stetto]

I've owned an Ensoniq SD-1 since I bought it new in 1991...And as far as I can remember it has always had this problem. I did a search here and nothing seems to address the problem I'm having. Now that I've gone digital with my recording setup it has become a nuisance...

While playing the keyboard it sounds good and clean, but as soon as the last key is struck there is a sound not unlike a loud, muffled scratchy record that fades after about a second, but instead of fading out completely it cuts off to silence. This happens on EVERY sound program. At first I thought the lithium battery needed changed--No difference...I then eliminated the effects from the patches--no difference. I'm wondering if it has something to do with a bad VFO mod or something (like I'd be able to diagnose THAT)...I'm a bassist who can sequence pretty good, but I have only a cursory understanding of the electronicals involved in synth technology...Even caveman synth technology like an SD-1...

...If any of you guys have had similar problems and found the cause I'd sure appreciate you sharing your experience...

 

[stetto]

...Then, if nothing else, is there a good keyboard bbs with a technical forum that you guys trust? I've gotten no response from EMU/Ensoniq, and there are a LOT of keyboard forums out there.....

 

[Atterion]

Definitely sounds like a voltage leak. Could be one of many components in the circuit, that may be slowly failing. Not trying to be pessimist, but I had a similar problem with a Yamaha MR-1, and after about $20 worth of resistors, and other components, my problem was gone. Could also be a failing voltage regulator/power supply. Just guesses here. Good louck with it.

 

[stetto]

Thanks Atterion, that sounds like something for a tech to check out for me...

An interesting developement--I've been playing and recording the keys at about 50% volume on the keyboard itself. Today, on a whim, I tried playing the keys at FULL volume, attenuating at the board, and guess what--No more noise!! Not through the monitor speakers, not through the headphone amp. Whatever the keyboard's problem may be, running wide open seems to eliminate it. I only hope I'm not gonna burn out an op-amp or some other doohicky I have no idea how to fix...

Thanks again