Neve 31102 Noise when eq engaged

[leitrim_lad]

Hi all, I’m wondering if you might be able to help. I’m having an issue with my Neve 31102. Sporadically when I engaged the eq I start to get noise. It doesn’t always happen however. To me it seems to be a noisy switch and I’m just wondering is it possible to clean these and if so what’s the best way of doing it?
Thanks a million..

 

[Brian Roth]

Did you try exercising the EQ switch a dozen times or two? IE, engage/disengage/engage....etc.

Bri

 

[leitrim_lad]

Did you try exercising the EQ switch a dozen times or two? IE, engage/disengage/engage....etc.

Bri

Yep I did.. it worked originally I believe but doesn’t seem to clear it now.. the strange thing is I could turn it on 10 mins later and it would be perfect..

 

[Brian Roth]

Does the switch create a click or pop noise in the audio when engaging/disengaging with no program audio present?

Bri

 

[leitrim_lad]

Does the switch create a click or pop noise in the audio when engaging/disengaging with no program audio present?

Bri

Hi Yep it does.. I did notice the pop went away when I kinda had it working away perfect for a few weeks after working the switch as you described above.. this is what was making me believe it was a dirty switch possibly.. thanks for the help with this btw

 

[Brian Roth]

Perhaps a coupling cap is leaking DC into the switch contacts.

Bri

 

[inkster]

Bypass the switch and hard wire the EQ so it's always engaged...if it's still noisy it isn't the switch.
I could write a book about vintage neve modules I've overhauled so many(with more than one chapter on switches).
I (almost) never use aerosols in these or any other piece of gear due to the long term damage that the chemicals can do to old insulation and the harnesses, I use alcohol, with and without syringes, swabs and burnishers so that I can localize any effects from the chemicals.
If the Isostat is a mess it's best replaced with C&K F series but you'll need to replace(and modify) the chassis bracket and use a different spacer for the screws.