Weird problems with Aphex Compellor

[darkus]

Hey guys, this is my first post here! =)

I just got an Aphex Compellor 300 AX (the oldest model i guess) for crazy cheap. While it seems to work well compression wise, the knobs and settings between the  two channels are off.

I first opened the device and set the inputs and outputs to +4 with the internal jumpers. I also double checked my interface outputs were +4 too. Then i hooked it up with my interface and started to send sine waves through it. With the device bypassed, channel 1 was 10dB louder than channel 2.

This problem got fixed when i switched the feeding output for channel 1 from my interface to -10dB. Still, there were few desibel difference.

I also tested the unit with some mixes ive been working on. I had to match the channels with sine waves since the pots are really off too. Channel 1´s input is weak and channel 2´s output is weak. Here is a pic where you can see what im talking about.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/23190863/comp_cali.jpg

Im thinking if this has something to do with the trimpots i saw inside this unit on both channels. They possibly bias the VCA´s?

Other than the channels being off with each other this unit sounds awesome. Here are some test mixes i sent thru it. Compellor is my only processing in the 2bus.

Bypassed: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/23190863/Compellor_Bypassed.mp3

Unit On: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/23190863/Compellor_On.mp3

I really want this unit fixed (and maybe switch frontpanel knobs to stepped pots for easier channel matching)

Is there anyone to help me? =)

-Markus

 

[pucho812]

I would first calibrate the unit and make sure it's all in order. From there if your still way off db wise, start looking for failed components. If it was something like 6db difference then I would think your unbalancing somewhere. but 10db has me thinking calibration and or dead/failed components.

I would also compare a known working channel with a known faulty channel. In otherwords, which channel is behaving properly which is not and go from there.

here is a link to the manual in case you don't have it

http://www.w3am.com/Aphex/Compellor_300_Manual.pdf