Tech question about a mixer - can I do this?

[luvpbass]

I just picked up an older, but very clean Yamaha EMX66m powered mixer. It's from a local college, which mostly used it to make announcements at events.

The Channel 1 XLR input goes in and out and crackles. Based on the VERY clean condition of the unit, I suspect they probably only ever plugged a mic in to Chan. 1. Perhaps it was bumped and damaged, or simply wore out (it's about 6 years old.)

The Hiz input works fine, as do all the other controls on this unit.

I opened up the unit and found that the XLR socket is attached to a circuit board with three solder points. I'm pretty OK with a solder gun, and this looks like a pretty easy swap of a 75 cent part. Basically looks like hit the three points to remove, and again to replace.

Should I be concerned about trying to do this, or should I play it safe and just by a female xlr to male 1/4-inch adaptor.

[JustDavid]

The XLR to 1/4 adapter connects your low impedance mic to a high impedance input (HiZ). That likely won't give you the best sonic results.

I can't tell how well you solder, so I can't guess if it's a good idea for you to try or not.

You might not even need to replace the jack: one of those solder joints might be cracked due to less than proper insertion/removal techniques.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

You might not even need to replace the jack: one of those solder joints might be cracked due to less than proper insertion/removal techniques.

+1

first try "reflowing" the connections to that xlr jack (heat them til they melt, adding a little more solder to make it melt faster). you often can't see cracked solder joints, and this trick fixes a lot of electronics problems.

[GregShadoan]

Originally Posted by walterw

+1

first try "reflowing" the connections to that xlr jack (heat them til they melt, adding a little more solder to make it melt faster). you often can't see cracked solder joints, and this trick fixes a lot of electronics problems.

+2 - fixes more than you would imagine.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

+3 for touching up the solder joints.

Please, don't use a soldering gun, buy a decent pencil type instead.

Regards
Sam

[CincyBassMan]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

+3 for touching up the solder joints.

Please, don't use a soldering gun, buy a decent pencil type instead.

Regards
Sam

+1! Good call, Sam!

Russ