Moog Source problem

SWAN808 · Post by **SWAN808** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:17 pm

I knew it would happen - but I hoped it wouldnt be this soon...having bought a second hand Source a couple of months ago - suddenly today it broke down. It was being sequenced by a Pro SOLO and I noticed the sound had gone. In fact there is a very low level 'bump' sound when keypressed and fiddling around on the different keys it is possible to get a sound - but its discordant and glitchy. The filter works as does the noise.
I had a feeling it was connected to the CV input jack - which I had connected via Mono lead (when it is supposed to be stereo) and to get it working the jack had to be half way out to connect properly...(!)
I messed around with the jack and normal service was resumed - but then it failed again.

Im just wondering if anyone knows if something like this could be connected to the CV in connections - and if so - perhaps that is something I could fix myself?

Voltor07 · Post by **Voltor07** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:42 am

Sounds almost like either bad solder joints, corroded contacts, or both. I wish you luck!

SWAN808 · Post by **SWAN808** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:45 am

Voltor07 wrote:Sounds almost like either bad solder joints, corroded contacts, or both. I wish you luck!

thanks - it appears to be working again - so long may it last....

I had another query if anyone can answer - as Im new to non auto-tune VCO vintage synths...

I have noticed when sequencing the Source - that there appears to be slight fluctuations in tuning...like whilst it seems in tune for a few bars - suddenly a note will strike and my ear catches it and it sticks out against the rest of the music...

I understand the Minimoog used to fluctuate a bit - and the Source is related...so is this normal - and to what degree?

MC · Post by MC » Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:40 am

If you're sequencing using the CV inputs on the Source, I'd say you have a bad cable. Due to the age of the Source, you could also have oxidation on the contacts inside the CV input jack. The human ear is very sensitive to pitch fluctuations, and even a few millivolt loss from a bad cable or connection can cause this.

I never liked using CV inputs for sequencing or external control, it's just not reliable.

If you want to sequence the Source, get the Encore Electronics MIDI retrofit. It is a far better solution than using CV jacks. I got one of the first ones and it has been excellent.

SWAN808 · Post by **SWAN808** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:13 pm

MC wrote:If you're sequencing using the CV inputs on the Source, I'd say you have a bad cable. Due to the age of the Source, you could also have oxidation on the contacts inside the CV input jack. The human ear is very sensitive to pitch fluctuations, and even a few millivolt loss from a bad cable or connection can cause this.

I never liked using CV inputs for sequencing or external control, it's just not reliable.

If you want to sequence the Source, get the Encore Electronics MIDI retrofit. It is a far better solution than using CV jacks. I got one of the first ones and it has been excellent.

Thanks for the advice...I was told by my tech (a well known dude called James Walker from Synth Repair service in UK) that the Encore kit was very buggy and to use the CV....

Perhaps you are right about the oxidation - as it was quite difficult to get the CV jack in the first few times...so what do you think I can do? I made a fresh cable - perhaps try another? Do you know how easy it is to open the Source and replace the jack? I had a look and it seems like to open up the srouce its the screws on the base of the unit...?

I have a soldering iron and if its not to difficult I could try myself - as by the time Ive sent off the synth to a tech is quite easily clocks up £100 in costs...

MC · Post by MC » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:22 pm

Your tech may be well known but I question his "expertise". The Encore kit is FAR from "buggy". Encore's stuff is well designed and a favorite of many.

Replacing the jack would be a good idea and it isn't a big job.

SWAN808 · Post by **SWAN808** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:50 pm

MC wrote:Your tech may be well known but I question his "expertise". The Encore kit is FAR from "buggy". Encore's stuff is well designed and a favorite of many.

Replacing the jack would be a good idea and it isn't a big job.

cool thanks - can you tell me - is it the load of screws on the bottom the way in?

gd · Post by gd » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:34 pm

yes, the bottom screws are the right ones - I had a Source for quite a few years and opened it up a number of times, I would look to replace the battery while you're at it if it is the original.