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VOX Stomplab 1b problem

Ketchakah

Ketchakah

Sep 29, 2013
38
6
Boone, NC
#1
Hey guys, Need some thoughts.

I have a stomplab pedal. I really like it, its good for me. However, I am having a problem.

Occasionally, The sound will cut out. It only cuts for less then a second and then comes back on. Its very random.

I have changed cables, and amps with no change of result. The guitar i use is solid and it does not cut out when the pedal is not used.

Any thoughts of what could be causing this ?
 
#3
HERE IS KORG'S FIRST REPLY TO ME-
There is a procedure provided in your owner's manual for restoring the factory programs, which is basically a factory reset. If you haven't already done so, try performing that reset to see if it has any effect on the system for correcting the issue. On a related note, it would not be normal operation for this product for the issue to reoccur and require occasional resetting.

Also be sure that the matter is not caused by an issue with the power source. If you have been using batteries, try changing the batteries (if you haven't already) with a fresh set of new quality alkaline batteries.

If you have been powering the unit with a connected external power adapter, ensure that the power adapter outputs 9 Volts DC with a negative center polarity at the plug and that the adapter's output can supply a current rating of over 200mA. Also, if you have been using a daisy chain cable to power this unit plus other pedals with the same power supply, try comparing results when your StompLab IB is the only connection to that power adapter and connected directly (not through the daisy chain cable). If the adapter you have been using is compatible, try comparing to see if the same issue occurs when the unit is powered by a fresh set of batteries. If you have more than one compatible power supply adapter, we recommend checking to see if you get different results when you use that other adapter with it.
 
#4
Hello My friend,
Were you able to correct your issue ?

I have done all the troubleshoot procedures with no correction on either unit. I have sent the one back to Korg for replacement, I am waiting for it to come. The second one still does the drop out. Ill try the reset like you suggested.

Like I told Korg, I have replaced the batteries, used two different power supplies (300 ma), used 3 sets of cables and 3 different amps. The only thing Ive not changed is my Guitar. The guitar has always worked fine when connected directly to the amp, its only when the pedal is in line does it have the drop-out. I was beginning to think maybe it is my Guitars preamp. But before i replace that Ill have to borrow another guitar to test.

Did you ever find out what the issue was with yours ?

Thanks for your help. Ketch
 
#8
Ketch, I'm still working with Korg. I sent them a video of the unit when it cut out. That was a pain because it is so intermittent. My cell phone did not capture it so well. Them they sent me a power supply. That made no difference. They are offering to send me another unit.
On my Google searches, I've seen 2 or 3 others with the problem, plus alakc who commented on this thread. I would think there would be many more. Maybe they are just not talking. Korg says they don't know about any problem.
 
#9
Hey Devo,

Maybe, or they are not taking it seriously enough. Ive been talking to them for a while now. Waiting on my 7th replacement. You would think i would give up.

I suppose as long as they are paying fpor the replacements Ill keep pestering them.

I am thinking this is a flaw in the product. I sent them a sound bite with the issue, maybe that will help.
I really like the unit it sounds great and works well for me except that cut out problem.

Ill let ya all know what i come up with.

Ketch
 
#14
I can't tell from the sound file you sent. I'm not sure what I'm hearing. It sound like higher frequency tone on your attached mp3. Mine makes a "tick" when it cuts out then another when it comes back on a fraction of a second later. Your original description "Occasionally, The sound will cut out. It only cuts for less then a second and then comes back on. Its very random." is a good way to describe my issue also.
 
#16
Oh yeah. I hear it. That's the same as what's happening with mine. I hear the "Tick" when there is no note playing, silence, and it cuts out. I don't understand why we don't see more people talking about this problem.
I just bought Donner DT-1 tuner and Harmonic Square effects pedals. They both make a very loud pop/crack when the effect or tuner is engaged. (That is, when they are switched out of bypass.) I contacted Donner support to see if all the pedals are going to do this. They want me to send an audio file of the noise. Here I go again.
The Harmonic Square is a good sounding Octaver effect.
 
#17
Yeah, I dont think your donner should do that.
I wonder whats going on with all this. seems quality on everything os slipping. Must be a sign of the times.

Im hoping with the new run of Vox they will solve the problem. Ive gotten quite used to the pedal and really dont want to start over again. We will see.

What do you all think of the Zoom pedal ? It has similar features but i dont know anything about it.
 
#18
Ketchakah said:
Hey guys, Need some thoughts.

I have a stomplab pedal. I really like it, its good for me. However, I am having a problem.

Occasionally, The sound will cut out. It only cuts for less then a second and then comes back on. Its very random.

I have changed cables, and amps with no change of result. The guitar i use is solid and it does not cut out when the pedal is not used.

Any thoughts of what could be causing this ?
Click to expand...

Hi Ketchakah


I have had this exact same problem on my Vox Stomplab 1B too, and I think I may have a solution for you, and any others that are experiencing this irritating little gremlin. I will be assuming that you are reasonably comfortable with using a soldering iron and optionally have access to a multimeter. I have performed this tiny job on my Stomplab 1B today, and so far, all seems to be functioning exactly as it should be without any drops in signal.

Righto...

Firstly, disassemble the unit, removing both circuit boards from the red casing, together as one. This involves removing the nuts on the inputs, four screws (two on the switch board, and two on the main board), and the rotary knobs on the top of the unit.

Secondly, turn both of the circuits over so that the display is facing down and both amp and instrument inputs are facing towards you (footswitch circuit should now be furthest away).

Thirdly, notice how the instrument input (now the input facing you on the right) has a blob of solder connecting the copper earth plating around the input socket, to the circuit board.You should be able to see that compared to everything else on this board, this blob of solder looks very much as though it was done by human hands, not machine. Everything is incredibly tidy on these boards because they're made by extremely precise pick and place surface mounting assembly machines. This blob of solder should therefore stand out to your eye.

Fourthly, to make thing a little easier you can grab a multimeter and with it set to continuity, check for a short between the tiny little resistor to the left of the blob and the blob itself. My multimeter bleeped to indicate that there was a short connection here that shouldn't be there. You can do this check visually, but you'll need magnification, these surface mount components are tiny.

Fifthly (?) get your soldering iron ready and gently heat up the human made blob we saw earlier and remove a little of the solder, but not too much. (My iron was set to 350 degrees C) Just a little tidy up is all that's required. We still want that earth connection to be made, we just don't want to be shorting out to the microscopic resistor on the left.

Sixthly (I am certain that's not a word, but let's run with it.) take your multimeter and check that the blob is no longer connected to the resistor. For clarification purposes, the resistor is black, has a number printed on it and the two sides are soldered to the board. You should always be checking the right hand connection on the resistor, closest to the blob I mentioned earlier. There should be no connection now. If there is, then repeat step "fifthly".

Seventhly (this is getting silly now.) reassemble and test the unit. I have mine plugged into the mains electricity and as I type this and it has been on for at least five hours solidly at this point. I have played for a few hours with no signal dropout and strum the bass whenever I walk past, listening for signal dropout and so far all has worked fine for me.

I will post a reply to my comment here if this fix proves to not work and signal dropout re-occurs, but at this point it is looking very promising.


I hope this information is of some use to yourself and anybody else suffering with a lack of adequate quality control from VOX.
 
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#19
PhunkyPunk said:
Hi Ketchakah


I have had this exact same problem on my Vox Stomplab 1B too, and I think I may have a solution for you, and any others that are experiencing this irritating little gremlin. I will be assuming that you are reasonably comfortable with using a soldering iron and optionally have access to a multimeter. I have performed this tiny job on my Stomplab 1B today, and so far, all seems to be functioning exactly as it should be without any drops in signal.

Righto...

Firstly, disassemble the unit, removing both circuit boards from the red casing, together as one. This involves removing the nuts on the inputs, four screws (two on the switch board, and two on the main board), and the rotary knobs on the top of the unit.

Secondly, turn both of the circuits over so that the display is facing down and both amp and instrument inputs are facing towards you (footswitch circuit should now be furthest away).

Thirdly, notice how the instrument input (now the input facing you on the right) has a blob of solder connecting the copper earth plating around the input socket, to the circuit board.You should be able to see that compared to everything else on this board, this blob of solder looks very much as though it was done by human hands, not machine. Everything is incredibly tidy on these boards because they're made by extremely precise pick and place surface mounting assembly machines. This blob of solder should therefore stand out to your eye.

Fourthly, to make thing a little easier you can grab a multimeter and with it set to continuity, check for a short between the tiny little resistor to the left of the blob and the blob itself. My multimeter bleeped to indicate that there was a short connection here that shouldn't be there. You can do this check visually, but you'll need magnification, these surface mount components are tiny.

Fifthly (?) get your soldering iron ready and gently heat up the human made blob we saw earlier and remove a little of the solder, but not too much. (My iron was set to 350 degrees C) Just a little tidy up is all that's required. We still want that earth connection to be made, we just don't want to be shorting out to the microscopic resistor on the left.

Sixthly (I am certain that's not a word, but let's run with it.) take your multimeter and check that the blob is no longer connected to the resistor. For clarification purposes, the resistor is black, has a number printed on it and the two sides are soldered to the board. You should always be checking the right hand connection on the resistor, closest to the blob I mentioned earlier. There should be no connection now. If there is, then repeat step "fifthly".

Seventhly (this is getting silly now.) reassemble and test the unit. I have mine plugged into the mains electricity and as I type this and it has been on for at least five hours solidly at this point. I have played for a few hours with no signal dropout and strum the bass whenever I walk past, listening for signal dropout and so far all has worked fine for me.

I will post a reply to my comment here if this fix proves to not work and signal dropout re-occurs, but at this point it is looking very promising.


I hope this information is of some use to yourself and anybody else suffering with a lack of adequate quality control from VOX.
Click to expand...


It is with a heavy heart that I must report that after exhaustive testing, during many hours of learning to play "In The Hall of The Mountain King", that signal drop out still occurs on the Vox Stomplab 1B after the fix described was applied, although it is much less common now, it still annoys the bejesus out of me that it occurs.

Sorry for wasting everyone's time that read this.
 
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#20
Thanks for trying that fix PhunkyPunk. My investment in this Stomplab has been tied up for a year now. I certainly have moved on from thinking I will ever use this unit if I get it back. It has become a hobby to see how bad their customer service can be. I just sent them another e-mail for an update. I'm not holding my breath here in Allentown, PA.
 
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