Mackie 808S

[Brad1]

Hi guys....

A former bandmate has a Mackie 808S, and said it's "not sounding quite as good as it used to". It works, but he says it isn't quite as "tight" and "crisp", (according to all the little descriptions I tossed at him to find out just what he meant). He said it's a BIT noisier over time...as far as a bit of hum. No "after warming up" or anything.

Just..."not as good as it used to".

I asked if he was sure his Yamaha and JBL PA speakers weren't the actual problem, and he said they brought over another PA head, and they were all fine.

Wonder if it's just showing it's age? it has been used pretty regularly for years and years. Two band practices per week, his own personal practice/listening and gigs.

Maybe just some power supply recapping, or something? Any suggested "update mods"?

Your opinions always appreciated.

Thanks,

Brad1

[Mick Bailey]

Can you scope the output with a test signal into a dummy load, to check that it's making the rated power and not clipping early, distorting or showing parasitic oscillation?

[g1]

Can he run the main outs into the other power amp, or the other mixer outs into this power amp to try and figure if it is a mixer or power amp issue?

[Enzo]

As a rule, it is backwards to suggest just replacing a bunch of caps or looking for updates. The thing used to sound good and now it doesn't, so the thing CAN sound good without modification. MAybe it needs a cap, maybe it doesn't. That is why we find out what is wrong, and THEN do what is needed to cure that.