shwan...@gmail.com wrote:
======================
> Hey guys, gals. and non-binary pals.
** How modern of you...
>
> I have purchased two Behringer Xenyx-series mixers;
> the first was a 1202FX that I bought used from a friend,
> the second was a 1204USB that was described to me as "never used" by a salesman in the area.
>
> Both of them have the same issue.
> When you turn the gain knobs, they crackle and jump and dip in signal strength.
> What's the cause of this? Is it just bad luck?
** Bad design and choice of ultra cheap hardware.
> Or is there some issue that's common amongst this series of mixers?
** The issue is common on many mixers has to do with the gain pot being a reverse log type.
> I've tried clearing out any dirt and debris with compressed air, and it didn't work on either of them.
** There is no dirt or debris inside a pot.
Pots contaminate themselves as particles wear off the carbon track and mix with grease used to lube the shaft.
The gooey mix then sticks to the wiper and the result is what you are seeing.
They will normally come good if you can get some grease solvent into the pot, alcohol and Freon are both useless.
Has to be a hydrocarbon like Naptha.
Many products exist like CRC 2-26 or WD40 that work well.
One you have got some fluid in there, rotate the shaft many times to do the cleaning work.
Others here may recommend " DeOxit" but I would not, it's pure snake oil.
....... Phil