S&L

Just to complete this story, I fitted the new power module today and the desk was restored to life. Fairly simple fix apart from the million screws holding it together. Why it failed is another story, could be just age (3 yrs is not too impressive though) or maybe a power problem, though nothing else has been affected.

 

While it's been down we borrowed a newer X32 from a local school and it was interesting to see the changes made in the design. Screw heads all over the front panel and rubbery buttons were the most obvious changes, could not tell if the faders had also been updated.

re changes you have missed a few upgrades.

1. original issue

2. fader caps changed to square edged, all fader capstains glued in place, card changed to usb only

3. rubber buttons

4. front access (haven't seen one of these yet)

I used a UPS on an X32 for a tour last year and on two different shows in two different venues the X32 lost its sync with the S16 mid show. Music Group put it down to being the UPS.

 

While (having an IT background) I agree I would never run important computer equipment without a UPS, I would never run my X32 on a UPS again - not worth the risk. If there is a power outage I an explain that to the relevant parties and it isn't generally my fault. But how do you explain a piece of kit that was meant to make the show 'safer' stopping the whole thing?!

theoretically if your s16 and x32 are on same power source via ups I can't see how you get a sync drop - but in fairness I tend to use ups where I don't trust the supplies - in a UK theatre that's not usually an issue but I have learned that it isn't just dipping below 110 (which is where many problem posts have an issue) - I have seen that the x32 will run happily if the 240v voltage slowly changes (gradual load increase) but they do not respond well to fast voltage fluctuations. I did two or three shows which were outdoors but on dodgy mains (not generator) supplies last year and the year before. I put a volt meter inline at FOH to see what was happening - glitches and freezes happened when the incoming voltage varied. a ups stopped that dead BUT I tend not to take s16s out on those sorts of gigs - just as easy and more robust using an analogue multicore.

the ups tends to stay on the vanfor theatre shows - UK theatres are in the main pretty reliable.

re repeated failures - have you got a ups in line - they really don't like voltage variations, what mission critical computer kit would you ever think about running without a ups?

the UK power supply is pretty solid but I still travel with a ups and make a judgement decision every gig I go to as to whether to use it or not (theatres generally no, hotels maybe, outdoor events always.)

re spares - have you talked to music group directly in kidderminster? I would be very surprised if they were not selling post warranty parts. their prices have always been reported as reasonable too.

incidentally, I am given to believe it's one, non region specific power supply in the x32 units, i.e. not 110 or 240 but both.