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TTM 56 - Headphone Level
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TTM 56 - Headphone Level

Astonish 8:10 PM - 4 May, 2006
I recently received a 56 from the factory (from Rane, to G.C., then finally myself). :)

The 56 works fine, but the only problem that concerns me is the headphone level, because one side (my right), is louder than my left. (It's almost like the pan slider wasn't set in the middle of channel one).

At first, when I encountered this problem, I thought it may have been my headphones. I patched my headphones to my Empath, and it didn't have the problem that my 56 exhibited. (Both the left and right headphone output was the same - well, that was when I used my Empath).

I proceeded to take it down to Guitar Center where the salesperson checked it. The 56 was connected to first a line level source, then a phono source, and the output through the headphones were exactly the same - but the headphones were loud - clearly not for listening pleasure.

When I'm using the 56, the imbalanced headphone output problem goes away when I crank up the volume - but when the output is low (as in just for everyday listening), the difference is very noticible.

Is there a difference in headphone output in anyone elses 56? Or is it just mine?

Also, the GC salesperson said my problem was attributed to having the mode button on, which in my case, is false - because the green light would come on. :p
nik39 8:24 PM - 4 May, 2006
Quote:
When I'm using the 56, the imbalanced headphone output problem goes away when I crank up the volume - but when the output is low (as in just for everyday listening), the difference is very noticible.

Is there a difference in headphone output in anyone elses 56? Or is it just mine?

Same problem here. Its a know "bug", check scratchlive.net <- click. I had a reply from Shaun, who said that some resistors need to be changed. MAybe you can PM him and ask him to reply here in this thread again. Thanks.
Astonish 8:46 PM - 4 May, 2006
Quote:
The earliest TTM 56 units had a really hot headphone output level. Thus, certain sensitivity headphones required the phones level to be turned most of the way down for normal operation which means the level pot is operating in a range where the two channels in the pot can be rather inaccurate.* This can cause the disparity in levels.

The headphone output level was pretty quickly adjusted in later production runs to avoid this problem [resistor change].

Did you buy a used 56? It sounds like it's a new unit which should not have this problem. If you contact Shaun here at Rane and have your serial number handy we can look up the details and get this baby fixed. It's resistor change.

Have you tried moving the phones level pot around a little [push the knob in a bit, wiggle it back and forth] - I wonder if the pot is cracked which might cause this type of problem?


* This is why we like digital products because we can calibrate this stuff out.


Digital products, eh? Maybe I should get a third mixer? ;)

But no, it was shipped directly from Rane to my local Guitar Center. :O

I'll give you guys a call right now...
Astonish 9:13 PM - 4 May, 2006
Update -

I just got off the phone a few minutes ago with Shaun W.

He told me to take it back to G.C.; bring my headphones with me, and if any problems arise, to tell G.C. to call Rane directly. :)

For added measure, I'm going to take my Empath with me, as the headphone output is equalized. :)

If I ever needed another mixer, I'd buy Rane again - without any hesitation whatsoever!

Excellent customer support, and they deliver 10 times out of 10!

Thanks again!
Dj Ryme 9:19 PM - 4 May, 2006
So you have to take a second trip to GC? Didnt they turn you down the first time?
Astonish 9:24 PM - 4 May, 2006
Quote:
So you have to take a second trip to GC? Didnt they turn you down the first time?


Well, I left because I believed everything was okay.

The output through the headphones are equalized only when the volume is turned up - past listening pleasure. (The knob was cranked to more 1/4 of the way). :O

Needless to say, I got home, and plugged the 56 in. At a normal volume setting (for home use), output is well, greater on one side than the other. (More right than left).

Think of it as having the default pan set more to the right as opposed to the notch in the middle...

I'm out, pz!
Astonish 6:39 AM - 31 May, 2006
My new 56 finally came in on Saturday - and I can't wait to get the red faceplate! Haha... :)

Problem solved! ^^
eder 5:38 PM - 31 May, 2006
Hey y'all!

Recently i purchased a brand new still in the box ttm-56 and i can't turn my headphones louder than 2 or 3 on the master (3 or 4 on the cue) before they start clipping like mad...the signal to the headphones is REALLY hot. too hot to handle. should i take my mixer back into guitar center? what should be the normal level that i should be able to set my headphones at?
boabmatic 7:01 PM - 31 May, 2006
what headphones are you using... I got HD25's and they are really loud at 3/4 but don't distort as you increase the level but won't want them near my ears :)
nik39 7:03 PM - 31 May, 2006
HAha, I thought I was the only sissy complaining about too loud headphones.

Thats how it is, they are extremly loud, I dont make them louder as 2. You could try some cheap headphones which have less louder output ;)

If there is a workaround, I would be glad to know.