I'm having trouble with my Tascam 424 II

[complexzero1]

How are is it to fix and XLR input. My #1 input does not work but the #1 quarter inch works just fine.
Also when I record guitar it seems to warble but when I record vocals it sounds fine.
Also about two months ago the play button got stuck so I took it apart and messed with the tape deck something popped and then it worked. Do you think it might just need a good cleaning?

I love it and don't want to toss it.

 

[jjones1700]

A good cleaning NEVER hurts to do. Matter of fact, it might be what makes the guitar track sound warbled.

As far as the XLR, are you sure it's not the mic cable at fault? Have you tried it with the other three channels? I know these may sound like elementary questions, but sometimes one overlooks the simple things.

As for more info, I'll leave it to the guys who tear into these things and fix them just for fun. I'm not quite that adventurous.

 

[complexzero1]

Yes

Yes, I have checked the cable. It is #1 input.

 

[sweetbeats]

I don't have a schematic for the 400-series PortaStudios...how adventurous are you with opening things up? I have a 424 mkII but I've never had it open.

• It may just be a loose wire or a bad jack.
• If you have even a cheapy multimeter you could open it up and test continuity between the jack sockets and traces on the jack PC board and/or look for cracks in the board or a broken solder joint. It is possible to cause that kind of repairable damage by striking a plug inserted in the jack.
• Can you get anything if you wiggle it around?

Good news is that the 1/4" jack works so we know it is isolated to the mic jack/pre.