Hi, I bought a second hand Octatrack mk1 and unfortunately I have the “infamous” problem with the headphone output, which occasionally stops working or only works on one channel.
Reading here on the forum, I found the solution to insert a compressor into a track and raise the gain to “unlock” the bug.
Does anyone know if there’s a permanent solution to the problem?
A permanent fix?
Thanks.
Welcome @nicoladalsacco.
I’d use Deoxit cleaner…
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Had similar problem with used mk1. The problem was with the connector on ribbon cable. I accurately disassembled this connector, cut half 5 mm or the ribbon and then assembled everything.
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Really?
Never heard of it myself. Mk1 user since 2015.
Nowt wrong with mine. Then again, I hardly ever use the headphone output.
If its a hardware issue I’d do as suggested above, check ribbon connectors, clean headphone socket. Doing stuff in the software wont fix the hardware.
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Good to know.
@nicoladalsacco is does it vary while turning headphones, with scratchy sounds ? If not I’d check that ribbon…
And of course you have to be sure of your headphones…
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And the headphone mix…
Often missed.
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No scratches, just occasionally the signal disappears on both channels or just one. Tomorrow I’ll open it up and check the ribbon carefully and then clean the connector with isopropyl. I use the headphones regularly on other machines and have never had any problems with them, DT990 pro
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Most likely a loose connection in the socket.
Some have a bendy pin that gets loose, you can bend those back. Some dont.
Easy to replace if you’re handy with a soldering iron.
I’m familiar with headphone mix… but as I said, it’s just a random problem where the signal disappears. If you look on the forum, there are several posts about it, but I haven’t seen a definitive solution. The only solution I can find is to put a compressor on the insert and turn up the gain all the way, and it works. I emailed Elektron support, and they’ll see if they respond. Tomorrow, I’ll check the ribbon cable to make sure it’s properly inserted, and I’ll clean the connector with isopropyl alcohol using a cotton swab.
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Sorry, but did Elektron send you the new connector? Or did you buy it yourself? Thanks.
I believe that he’s saying he’s taken a sharp implement and sliced off the portion of the ribbon formerly in contact with the connector.
The connector is likely a crimp connection by which the pins in the connector pierce the ribbon and make minor but sufficient contact with the wire lanes inside. This is similar to a network terminal connector cable or other similar flat cables you might see in various computer-oriented applications (unless I’m misinterpreting).
Anyways, my point being that rather than the connector being the part which was replaced, he’s reaffirmed the mechanical connection between the existing ribbon and existing connector by removing the portion which previously bore the load and then re-piercing the ribbon to create a new mechanical connection in the same fashion as the previous one.
The connector is sort of renewed in doing this, but it feels like performing surgery so know what you’re getting into.
Also the connectors themselves can be tricky to open without snapping them, especially if the plastic is not fresh, however I may not be correctly imagining the connector type as I’ve never disassembled a mk1 OT.
This is also a bit of a drastic leap in what is being suggested so I might recommend trying the easy stuff first.
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Yes, I understand the problem. I once had to cut and re-clip the connector with a Prophet 2000, but I had no solution, and luckily it worked. As you said, you also need to check the plastic connector if it’s old. Watching a video on YouTube, the ribbon has connectors on both sides, both on the UI card and the headphone board. The solution, if that’s the problem, would be to replace the ribbon and hope Elektron provides it. As you said, however, I’ll start with the simple things: clean the headphone connector and check the ribbon connection. Thanks.
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I think that’s wise. I’ll hope that it works for you. If possible, try at least one alternate adapter for the headphone cable itself.
Sometimes the adapter from 3.5mm to 6.35mm will work fine with another piece of gear and then not with the one in question. It’s such an inexpensive piece and especially if you already have a spare piece, it’s always worth trying a different adapter.
I think that if you open it, starting with the visual inspection and reseating the existing connections then testing for results is fairly harmless and that’s a good next step.
Good luck with it and let us know the result if you’re able.
No, I just open it up, and than clamp again, as @shigginpit said.
Connector looks like this, but not exact number of wires https://youtu.be/eSTJC3bGKlE?si=RzFnpTLs44WK7baN
Any way, it is easy to buy it in electronics shops, if you damage the original one.
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thanks