[SBE] Symetrix 528E switch help

[Bob Reite]

I have a client with several Symetrix 581E 4 in 16 out distribution 
amplifiers.   They are about 12 years old now, and starting to fail, but 
they are still current catalog.  We bought a replacement, and have been 
rotating them out for repair as they fail.  We did not want to switch 
brands to avoid rewiring, as it is a quick job to unplug the audio 
connectors and install the replacement.  Repair costs have been 
reasonable.  The repair costs have always been less than half the cost 
of a new unit.

Bo wrote:

> Personally I’ve never had anything from Symetrix that works as promised 

> except their 421 and 422 AGC units.  I much prefer Behringer or ART tube 

> preamp/processors.  They offer a warm, but true sound that most made for 

> TV oriented gear can’t match.

> 

>  

> 

> But honestly, I don’t know of any equipment that will last for long 

> above 90 degrees unless it is built to military specs.

> 

>  

> 

> Good Luck,

> 

> Bo Bratcher

> 

> Video Engineer - MetroTV

> 

> Louisville Metro Government

> 

>  

> 

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>  

> 

> *From:* sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] *On Behalf Of 

> *Edwin Bukont

> *Sent:* Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:30 AM

> *To:* sbe; radio-tech at broadcast.net

> *Subject:* [SBE] Symetrix 528E switch help

> 

>  

> 

> Please reply off list if possible as I do not seem to be getting the 

> radio-tech list reflector

>  

> I have five Sym 528E mic processors all with the same issue.

>  

> Units were mounted one atop the other is a wooden rack in a studio with 

> no HVAC.  The room itself was probably 95-deg and the units were 

> literally tooo hot to touch.

>  

> All the units exhibit the same issue.  Audio does not flow reliably 

> through the unit.  The problem is the blasted plastic shadow (might be 

> other manufactuer) alternate action push button switches.  They look 

> like shadow anyway. Excersizing them does seem to help, but the 

> audio remains intermittent, operating best if the switch is held firmly in.

>  

> I think the high heat might have corrupted the conductive lubricant that 

> I understand is contained within the switches.  Is anyone familiar with 

> a lubricant that can be used to restore proper contact operation of the 

> switches? 

>  

> OR..is this a familiar problem that necessitates component replacement?

>  

> These units are only 6 yrs old, have seen very little use.  Sym wants 

> $100-240 per unit plus shipping for repair.  I can buy an 8-channel 

> preamp for less than that.

>  

> Thanks

> 

> Edwin Bukont CSRE, DRB, CBNT 

> V- 240.417.2475; F- 240.368.1265 

> 

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