Nord User Forum

Hi all,

This will be my first post in this forum . Couple of days ago I bought a 2nd hand Electro 4D. Everything works great when I test it with the left output (mono).
When I got home I hooked up my headphone out and I hear constant noise/cracks, I tried the right output and it gives the same result. The left output is just fine though.. no noise/cracks.
I noticed yesterday that if I press the rubber feet near the output jack the noise/cracks stop and it works just fine until I unplug and plug the jack again. Is the a familiar problem? Any of you guys have similar experience?

Cheers,

Andrew

Jazzyfi wrote:I noticed yesterday that if I press the rubber feet near the output jack the noise/cracks stop and it works just fine until I unplug and plug the jack again.

That sounds like your smoking gun right there... loose connection? damaged contacts on jack maybe? Not sure if those jacks are surface mounted, but if they are they are easy to damage. That's my 2p but someone who knows these boards from the inside will surely give more insights

For the amount of money that you paid you shouldn't have to deal with that, especially if it's a recent purchase.
I would suggest taking it back to your retailer and explaining to him what the problems are.

rb4u1 wrote:I would suggest taking it back to your retailer and explaining to him what the problems are.

Jazzyfi said it was secondhand, so the seller will no doubt shrug, and walk away muttering 'caveat emptor'... but it's worth a shot that he/she might have some morals and give you a refund. Might be an easy repair though, and that may save a lot of hassle.

It seems that the best way is to return it to the shop where he bought the Nord. I have the original receipt so it will help. I just want to save the long trip to Amsterdam and fix it myself if it is indeed an easy fix . Can someone share the pcb photos where the output jack is connected to?

DISCLAIMER: I only said it *might* be an easy fix My guess is that the jack socket is surface mounted and one of the solders has broken, meaning it is making contact just by touch alone. When you press the base, it makes a good contact, but otherwise it is intermittent. In this case a blob of solder and all is good - although it will probably break again, as you are treating the symptom not the cause.
However, it may be something entirely different, I am only making a semi-educated guess It doesn't hurt to (carefully) open the case and take a look (and post a photo) before you trek to Amsterdam

I already contacted customer service. Hoping to hear from them soon. Does opening the Nord means voiding the warranty?

Jazzyfi wrote:I already contacted customer service. Hoping to hear from them soon. Does opening the Nord means voiding the warranty?

I'd seek Clavia's approval first! For what it's worth - DSI let me open up my Prophet 08 and swap out a circuit board myself without affecting my warranty - but bet your life Korg wouldn't let you do that.

You have a warranty on a secondhand instrument? If so, it is possible (even likely) that this warranty is not from factory, but an aftermarket warranty -- basically an insurance policy. If this is the case, then the people you need to ask are the administrators of that warranty, not Nord.

Those 1/4" connectors are surface mounted to the PCB, but also secured to the chassis to relieve strain on the PCB. The problem you relate is not commonly reported. Best to have someone look at it, and if covered under warranty, have those people either be the ones to look at it, or be the ones to tell you where to go.

Please let us know how this works out for you and your bright red friend.

Bless,

Pablo

P.S. -- surely a trip to A'dam can't be all bad....

As far as I know here in EU if you have the original receipt means you have the warranty covered. The shop should honor the 2 years warranty period. I'll wait for Nord to answer my question. I send them an email last Thursday night via their customer support form. Hope to hear from them soon.