Hardware Issue?

Skeezix

I have a Driverack PA that I've been using for four or five years. It's permanently installed in a church.

I noticed a month or so ago that when I first turn everything on, there's a bit of a buzz in the system, that would last about 1.5 hours, then it would stop on it's own, and the general EQ of the PA system would change, and the volume would go up a bit. I tried to narrow it down to the board, DR-PA or amps. Finally, thinking it's either the board or the DR-PA, and thinking it's some kind of thermal issue (changes back to normal after 1.5 hours or so), I figured I'd leave the DR-PA powered on when I left rehearsal on Thursday night, and just turn off the board and the two amps.

When I came in on Sunday, all was well. This leads me to believe that the problem is with the DR-PA.

Anyone run into this issue before?

I assume I'll have to send it somewhere for repairs, and am wondering if there is some place to rent one while mine is out?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Peter

(Originally posted in the wrong forum)

Dra

Do you have a humidity problem, perhaps. Do another test. Turn the unit off and put a desk lamp shining on the case (assuming there is access) over night.

DRA

Skeezix

Not a moisture issue.

Peter

Gadget

Any display issues?
Gadget

Skeezix

No display issues at all. In fact, now that we're leaving it turned on all the time, there are no issues at all. Can't help but think that something's gonna get worse though, once gremlins start showing up.

Peter

[Deleted User]

Does pressing the ground lift switch on the DRPA resolve it temporarily?
You could also try a hard reset but this will clear out your program and it may only be a temporary fix if the problem is hardware related.
A 60Hz hum/buzz or audible chassis hum could indicate that there are problems with the transformer or capacitors.
I recommend that the unit come in to be repaired and updated here at the main factory.
You can fill out the dbx Return Authorization Request form at the following URL
http://www.dbxpro.com/returns.php
Unfortunately, we do not have a loaner program when units come in for repair, nor are we familiar with rental companies in other states that we can recommend.

Best Regards,
Jason Mondragon
dbx Technical Support

Dra

DBX's repair service is top notch. A couple of years back by 260 had a sporaidic problem. I was informed that they had a flat rate charge (about $100, I think). What ever the problem was, it was something really minor and they only billed be for about half. I can't say you will have the same results, but they'll not drag their feet or pull a fast one.

DRA

Skeezix

Thanks for the replies. The unit is getting worse - eq seems to be changing a bit randomly. I've ordered a new Driverack PA+, and once that arrives I'll send the original back for repair.

Peter

Gadget

You'll like the PA+! The Auto Eq algorithm is WAY faster and more useable...
G

Skeezix

Cool! I'm glad to hear that. It'll be interesting to see how it works with our church's sound system, an odd collection at best: Bose 901's mounted high in the walls beside the stage, two EV Force i 18" subs, a couple of Crown amps, and a Yammy digital board. I have the subs crossed over at around 120hz. The DRPA definately takes a while to run the auto-eq - we're not using the Bose eq that came with the 901s, so the DRPA really has to stretch to auto-eq, but it sounds great (or did for years before the DRPA started having issues).

Got a great price on the DRPA+ from Amazon....

Peter

OklaPony

Skeezix wrote:

Cool! I'm glad to hear that. It'll be interesting to see how it works with our church's sound system, an odd collection at best: Bose 901's mounted high in the walls beside the stage, two EV Force i 18" subs, a couple of Crown amps, and a Yammy digital board. I have the subs crossed over at around 120hz. The DRPA definately takes a while to run the auto-eq - we're not using the Bose eq that came with the 901s, so the DRPA really has to stretch to auto-eq, but it sounds great (or did for years before the DRPA started having issues).

Got a great price on the DRPA+ from Amazon....

Peter

Did you get a used one or new from a dealer?

Skeezix

New. Dealer on Amazon. $436 w/shipping.

Gadget

Not that it's an earth shattering difference but NSL = $390 + shipping... to me in BFE northern MN $20-$25...still under $420...

Oh and Guitar Center will match that in most cases (and save you the shipping...

G

Skeezix

Got the new DRPA+. Was a little surprised at two differences: no power switch(!?), and the hi - lo outputs are at the opposite ends. I just planted the new one on top of the old one and moved the connectors. Surprise!

Am I supposed to leave this turmed on all the time?

Peter

Gadget

Not sure why they did it with the DRPA+ but we recommended removal of the wires to the switch (hard wire) on the original DRPA because of the turnoff thump...

Most DJ / pro level systems have some form of ramped down shutoff system or programmed shutdown that turns amps off first when shutting down... the PA+ doesn't have the turnoff thump that the PA had but it's still good practice...

As for the outputs...the way the DRPA does business is 2x4 hi outs and subs, 2x6 hi, mid and low in that order... I didn't think it had changed that much?

G

Skeezix

Not sure now which was which, but one was laid out lows mids highs and the other highs mids lows, so when I stacked the DRPA+ on top of the DRPA and just moved the connectors up, then started the wizard, things were not good.

Fortunately the highs didn't hurt the subs (of course) and the lows didn't hurt the mains (BOSE).