replacing faders on an Spectrasonics 1026

[Jason]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this fixing up electronics thing and was after some help. As some of you would know I have a Spectrasonics 1026 in my studio. I have most of it up and running but I would like to put some good quality faders in her. I guess im after an idea of what will work and how to do it. The console will be wanting to see a certain load. I have attached (hopefully) some pics of the schematic for that part and a pic of the fader itself.

Thanks in advance

[The Tasmanian]

Great console!
Rob is the man to answer this question.
I would use the best quality faders you can find, as close to straight wire as you can get.

[rob]

whats wrong with the faders you do have? There is no simple off the shelf fader that would mimic how the original faders work. The exisiting setup slugs the wiper of a linear fader to achieve a psuedo log or audio taper. Curiously this presents a wide ranging load on the amplifier that is driving the fader. I wonder if this affects the sonics?
Any 5 to 10K log fader would work, but would could it sound different to the current setup ??? who knows.
The other variable in the equation is what choices of fader exist that fit in the current module / spacing etc.
So I come back to what is wrong with the existing faders and if there is a problem can it be solved without replacing them.

[Jason]

Thanks rob. I guess the main reason I was looking at replacing the faders was because all the pots on the faders now need replacing anyway. And a new type of fader would have a much smoother feel than the ones current in there even aflter I have cleaned and lubed them.

Have checked that spacing and any 100mm fader from p&g and alps will fit in. I don't mind sticking with the old setup, just means I need to find some pots to go in it. The current ones are AB branded pots. I have been able to find some supplies in the states but they only sell per hundred. Just a few more than I need.

Cheers. Jason.

[The Tasmanian]

Jason
There is a whole lot of Quadeight faders on Ebay US$40
I've never had one break or stop working - made to last

[Jason]

Thanks Chris

Saw those on there. There is also 10 penny and Giles NOS 5k 104mm on there too.

Where would I buy these sorts of things in oz? Control devices seem to sell p&g stuff but no info on there site about audio faders.

Cheers. Jason

[The Tasmanian]

Scary buying them new
The last P&G fader I bought new was over $1000 - although it was a high end special order passive fader (and they had not had an order for a passive fader for more than a decade).
Alps faders are pretty good - and not too expensive.
Also - I remember when I bought my Quadeight Coranado, the faders I thought were a worry, but after cleaning them - and especially using them, the faults went away with constant use.
The only fader that was a real worry after use was the stereo mix bus fader, which was replaced by an Alps 8 years ago - still works great and it gets used nearly every day of the year.
I would try first - cleaning /lubing, and more importantly just using them.
Unless there was a lot of cocaine around..... but more likely to find cocaine wankers around SSL's - not Spectrasonics.
Only gentleman use Spectrasonics/Quadeights and Electrodynes.
Hope that helps

[Alastair Reynolds]

Control Devices audio division can supply any P+G fader. 8000 series are most cost effective and are used in many broadcast consoles still (E.G. locally built Elan ones as I have in many of our regional radio stations).I don't know what model "The Tasmanian" ordered, but there are certainly hundreds of these entering the country every Month. Standard passive 10K Log and Linear 104 mm faders.It get's expensive if you want a custom law track made or something really obscure, like a 1900 series in an 8 channel ganged 20K Log, but generally they're quite reasonable.
If you want to spend a bit more, a P+G 3000 series. Aluminium extruded body , fully servicible (I have a service manual in PDF if anyone wants a copy-- PM me with an email address). These are the faders used in your classic SSL 4000 and 6000 desks and countless others.
If You can find them P+G 1100, 1500 or 1900 series as used in the older Neves. Very nice fader, not sure if they're still made, may get them second hand- spare parts , brushes , sleeves etc still available as far as I know Check with CDA--- (PDF Manual available PM me) 4000 and 6000 P+Gs pretty rare these days, but the 6000s were a work of art as far as faders go.

So 8000s if the Budget's tight, 3000s if you can afford it. Call Control devices . Rick over there (The Boss Cockie ) has been the P+G agent for Australasia for over 15 years and knows everything there is to know about faders , as well as the other huge amount of stuff P+G make. Lots of control gear for Mining ,Industrial and Aeronautical, Black Box recorders for aircraft (even though they're actually orange) and weapons guidance systems. Faders are actually more of a sideline for P+G

[Jason]

Thanks so much guys. You have been a great help. The rotary pots in the faders are sealed so I can't get anything into them for cleaning. Some of the pots have come good with use but the other are not. I might give the guys a ring from control devices and see if I can get my hands on a couple of different faders and give them a go. Find the best one and buy 16 of them.

I know the person that owned this console from new and there would not be any coke in this baby ;-)

I will throw up some pics on the main forum once I get it completely finished.

The one thing that has taken me by surprise is the transient response of this desk. I have really had to watch my levels into tools. Never really ever experienced this before. Welcome to a real console. I'm loving it!

[Chris H]

I know of 24 x Penny and Giles 100 mm 1100 series (1120/D/M mono). $55 each if they will do you job and IF they are still where i think they are.

fader-01-m.jpg

Otherwise, Soundfirm in Melbourne had some for sale a year or so ago and i think the didn't get sold.
http://www.soundfirm.com.au/

[mylesgm]

I have some PandG faders too. I'm not sure what the specs are but they came out of a ward beck broadcast board. I'll check today and let you know.

M

[Alastair Reynolds]

Just chatting to Control devices about some Prism sound gear and mentioned the $1000 fader from 10 years ago. From memory he said it was a custom 8 track / 8 brush Grey Scale fader that P+G custom made, hence the high price tag. Common P+G like the 8000 series he currenly sells about 2000 a year for local manufacture. With the dollar as strong as it is 3000s are a good buy at the moment.
It would probably be worth experimenting with 1 first as P+G uses BBC log law (Different ramp) as opposed to Alps or Panasonic faders that use the more common log law. So your dB legend on the console for the faders may no longer be correct.