tl;dr are the common causes of scratch/failed outputs:
- easy to identify
- simple to fix for those that can solder if needed
- caused by poorly seated cabling (this I can see as I work in IT and know things like this can cause problems. it’s just rare to see. twice.)
I have a TR8S that, for the second time in three years, has a scratchy right output on the main outs. This behavior preceded complete failure of the output last time. The previous time this happened, it was under warranty. The repair notes said that a ribbon cable was re-seated.
The unit is under a comprehensive performance warranty through my local shop. They will repair the unit at no cost, provide me something to use during that time, and replace or fully refund the price should they deem it too expensive or complicated to repair.
So, I’m covered.
The issue is that they list stock at 30 days from their supplier. I’ve been waiting 2 months for a mixer that was “10 days from the supplier”. I am just starting to have opportunities to stream live and I cannot be without this crucial piece of gear. I won’t go into the reasons why but it is crucial.
As someone that knows nothing about electronics (though I’m not a complete muppet either), would there be easily identifiable evidence of a bad output jack? I can check ribbon cables without issue but what kinds of things can a person do to inspect and diagnose a bad output with the board/outputs exposed? I wouldn’t attempt the repair myself. I think I know someone around that could solder if necessary.
Just looking for some information on how to identify the root cause of the issue.
Thanks!
Scratchy usually means dirty, or worn out component. Could be a dodgy/dirty jack socket. Easy fix, clean it.
Could be a bad solder joint. Also easy fix, use a magnifier, eyeball all solder around the socket look for a bad joint, re solder it.
Could also be a loose component mount/ housing. Ive never opened my TR8-S, so no idea what its like in there. Again, easy fix, tighten up the mount.
Poorly seated ribbon cable is just a matter of pushing it back on.
If you have a friend with solder skills, go for it. If not. Learn to solder, its easy. Do it yourself! 
You can open up the unit, do all your visual insections, cleaning and solder work with the unit disconnected from power, then power up to check before putting the case back on. No worries. Its all pretty simple really, gear isnt as delicate as some people think.
(Most important… eliminate possibility that its a cable issue, not the jack)
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I opened it up earlier to inspect but didn’t notice any loose ribbon cables. The jacks are all soldered onto a riser board with the soldering on the bottom. There’s no obvious way to remove and reseat the ribbon cables which would need to come off to remove the jack board. Usually there’s a pressure fit collar you just pull up then pull the cable up but these had no obvious mechanism. I think it might just be a bad jack. Likely fixable. They get scratchy if you bump the cable. The same behavior preceded a failure of the same jack. Going to see how it progresses over the next few weeks. Thankfully, it’s all covered under extended performance warranty.
Yeah it does happen from time to time.
Bad components.
My Lyra 8 had a bad potentiometer on the delay feedback. Was all scratchy at the midway turn. Soma sent me a replacement part and I repaired it myself. Easier than shipping it back to Ukraine!
Anyway, good luck!
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