Is my Octatrack crossfader OK?

HBIII · 2022-07-28T03:02:41.519Z

Since the pandemic there have been a lot of QC issues with basic mass produced parts coming out of china and elsewhere. I imagine synth manufacturers are having to just let stuff slide to get things made. Pots and faders have become pretty terrible lately, no two feel the same. Different resistance, different amounts of wobble, different shaft lengths (so knobs are at different heights), binding and sticking, scratchy, gritty, etc. Really a lot of trash parts now… and more expensive too :-P!

bodymechanics · 2022-07-28T03:11:15.115Z

This kind of answers a question I posted in another thread about wether or not MKII’s live up to the promotional hype that the parts would be better.
At this point if I ever have to buy a replacement for any of my Elektrons, I’m DEFINITELY sticking to the MKI’s

natehorn · 2022-07-28T14:52:33.319Z

So update from me - got my replacement today and was reassured to see that the box looked prestine this time.

Regarding the slider - I have to be honest I think it feels the same - possibly even slightly worse I’m going to assume this is just within the tolerance of the part and that I just need to use it within its sweet spot and avoid pressure in odd directions.

One of those times being in a store and being able to check a few units can be very helpful!

So if you saw my video above and are concerned your fader is the same - I don’t think it’s anyting to be concerned by.

bodymechanics · 2022-07-28T15:07:44.756Z

It’ll probably feel perfect once you start using it a lot.
I worked my first cross fader rubber completely down to the metal
I fucking LOVE the OT!!!

lowph · 2022-07-28T15:12:08.387Z

I’ve never considered testing the motion in the video, and I’ve had a lot of gear with crossfaders. I don’t think you’ll accidentally push up or down when the fader moves left to right. It’s probably fine!

Ronan87 · 2023-01-21T00:08:50.855Z

Hey there! Is there anyone out there who can verify if this is normal on the Octa? It’s brand new, but the fader feels loose… I know its supposed to be loose side to side, easy to slide, but it also jiggles up and down…and not in a nice way! It’s the entire stem, not just the cap. Thanks!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1crA2xKPf6cwgQl6xCEi1p47AUufv8TEp/view?usp=drivesdk

Microtribe · 2023-01-21T00:13:49.209Z

Cant view the video but:

Yes a little transverse play is normal. If its more than a tiny bit then you can open up the OT, and tighten any loose screws on the assembly. (This will void your warranty most likely)

Or raise a ticket with elektron support and get them to fix it.

sezare56 · 2023-01-21T00:14:52.770Z

Apparently there is an autorisation request to see the video…

Ronan87 · 2023-01-21T00:16:24.909Z

Oops, sorry about that…how about now? Can you see it?

Ronan87 · 2023-01-21T00:17:35.122Z

Sorry my mistake, you might be able to see it now…

sezare56 · 2023-01-21T00:22:00.439Z

Ronan87:

Can you see it?

I could. Doesn’t seem problematic. You can check crossfader’s behavior in test mode. FUNC + POWER ON, TRIG 1, move crossfader.

There is also a calibration process.

Ronan87 · 2023-01-21T00:34:36.069Z

Ok that’s good to know, I don’t have another one to compare it to so thanks for that. It functions just fine but just feels a bit cheap in comparison to the rest of the build

Schnork · 2023-01-21T00:56:08.715Z

It’s an optic crossfader, I think, so it moves freely. I understand why one might associate that with cheaper builts, but it’s really not a weak part on the OT.
There was a contest going on here last year or so: slam the crossfader as hard as you can and make it travel back and forth. Farthest wins.

Microtribe · 2023-01-21T01:21:19.044Z

Schnork:

It’s an optic crossfader, I think, so it moves freely

Correct.

The part holding the mirror sits in a little trolley that runs across 2 metal bars. There is a magnetic grub screw that can be adjusted to make more or less travel resistance. I took the grub screw out of mine.

So yeah, normal. And definitely not cheap.

natehorn · 2023-01-21T08:01:37.170Z

Microtribe:

There is a magnetic grub screw that can be adjusted to make more or less travel resistance. I took the grub screw out of mine.

Hey man I assume you’re talking about a MKI? There is no adjustment on a MKII crossfader, it’s a self-contained unit - I happen to have one here!

image985×661 130 KB

I think the play looks normal to me @Ronan87 - as long as it’s not ‘catching’ when you slide it from the lateral movement

Microtribe · 2023-01-21T08:07:17.785Z

natehorn:

Hey man I assume you’re talking about a MKI?

Seems that way huh. I had no idea they put a different cross fader in the MK2 units. Shame. The MK1 cross fader is outstanding.

natehorn · 2023-01-21T08:09:11.736Z

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say it was a step backwards - they’re functionally identical - I think most of the top-board parts are different from the MKI.

BLKrbbt · 2023-01-21T08:15:09.517Z

sabana:

Theres somthing erotic about the video. Minimal friction i guess

Can confirm. Nate is seductive. Especially to the ears.

(I meant he makes zexy music)

natehorn · 2023-01-21T08:15:49.906Z

BLKrbbt:

Nate is seductive

Recording this for posterity - there’s a first time for everything!

Ronan87 · 2023-01-21T14:05:51.795Z

Hey Nate! Thanks for the reply, good to know it does catch a little bit from time to time but as long I’m not too rough with it it’s ok. Cheers