Creation Audio Labs | Pro Audio Restorations and Refurbishment

PRO AUDIO RESTORATIONS

Console knobs removed Step 1: The console is completely de-knobbed.
Console stripped down Step 1: The console is completely stripped down.
Console dirt and grime before Step 1: Built up dirt and grime is cleaned out (before).
Console dirt and grime after Step 1: Built up dirt and grime is cleaned out (after)
Fan before Step 1: All looms and fans are cleaned, all power connections are checked (before).
Fan after Step 1: All looms and fans are cleaned, all power connections are checked (after).
Loose hardware from life on the road Step 1: Any loose hardware in the frame from the modules is collected and replaced.
Loose hardware from life on the road Step 1: Any loose hardware in the frame from the modules is collected and replaced.
Modules to be refurbed Step 2: Cleaning the modules
Console modules stripped down Step 2: Cleaning the modules... The module is stripped and the module fascia is cleaned.
Fader cleaning before Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Fader packs are removed, cleaned and lubed (before).
Fader cleaning after Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Fader packs are removed, cleaned and lubed (after).
Switch cleaning before Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All switches are cleaned, lubed and blown with high pressure air (before).
Switch cleaning after Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All switches are cleaned, lubed and blown with high pressure air (after).
Before re-soldering Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All potentiometer and switch contact points are re-soldered to correct problems and add strength (before).
After re-soldering Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All potentiometer and switch contact points are re-soldered to correct problems and add strength (after).
Burned resistor Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.
Swollen caps Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.
Fractured solder points Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.
Console frame check Step 3: Frame inspected and refurbished... Rear connectors are cleaned and re-soldered. Wiring connectors are cleaned and re-seated.
Power supply rebuiltand tested Step 3: Frame inspected and refurbished... Power supplies are rebuilt and tested.
Console re-assembled Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... The console is reassembled.
Knobs and fader caps cleaned Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... All hardware, knobs and fader caps are cleaned.
Console road case before Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... Road cases are cleaned (before).
Console road case after Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... Road cases are cleaned (after).
Console is fully QC'd Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... The console is put through a full diagnostics and any remaining problems are found and corrected.

Any console that we perform modifications on receives our restoration process along-side the mods. In most cases, the console is restored to "better-than-new" status. Here at Creation Audio Labs we go beyond the standard of work that might be found at a typical repair center.

This procedure will cure intermittent signal loss, pops and crackles, stray capacitances which can created unwanted filtering, as-well-as super- and sub-sonic distortions, while strengthening the console to increase its durability and stability for many years to come.

To find out more about this detailed process, please view our slideshow. Hover over the picture for a description of each frame.

What Our Process Involves

Disassembly - We carefully strip down the desk, removing all separate modules from the framework, removing all nuts, bolts, & screws, knobs, buttons, & faders, before addressing each item individually.
Clean & Lube - We clean & lubricate and exercise or burnish all mechanical components in the audio signal pathways
- Potentiometers
- Switches
- 1/4" TRS Jacks
- XLR jacks
- Faders
Re-solder - We re-flow fresh solder to the mechanical parts. This repairs any solder fractures, cold solder joints, or joints formed by insufficienct wetting, and strengthens all metallurgic bonds for continued use many years to come. Here are some of the parts we address:
- All mechanical components mentioned above (pots, switches, 1/4" TRS Jacks, XLR jacks, Faders)
- LEDs
- Internal connectors (mother loom or any other loom-style conn, flex-ribbon connectors, faders, meter harness connectors, MIDI mute loom connectors, etc.)
Scrubbing - All metal work, knobs, buttons, and hardware are cleaned with the appropriate chemicals / solutions / high pressure air.
Re-assembly & Testing - After the refurbishment process is completed, the console is reassembled and fully tested via an oscilloscope performing a waveform analysis and a condenser mic "live" audio testing. Our Quality Control (QC) process is often more stringient than the manufacturers own factory tests. Our process typically fixes 90-95% outstanding issues with consoles, but any additional, outstanding problems found during this QC are corrected during this time.

The Finishing Touches

Power Supply - Additionally, the power supply is tested and trimmed for maximum headroom specs. If you have the older PSM-series power supply, it is recommended to update your power supply as a first priority.

PRO AUDIO RESTORATIONS

Console knobs removed

Step 1: The console is completely de-knobbed.

Console stripped down

Step 1: The console is completely stripped down.

Console dirt and grime before

Step 1: Built up dirt and grime is cleaned out (before).

Console dirt and grime after

Step 1: Built up dirt and grime is cleaned out (after)

Fan before

Step 1: All looms and fans are cleaned, all power connections are checked (before).

Fan after

Step 1: All looms and fans are cleaned, all power connections are checked (after).

Loose hardware from life on the road

Step 1: Any loose hardware in the frame from the modules is collected and replaced.

Loose hardware from life on the road

Step 1: Any loose hardware in the frame from the modules is collected and replaced.

Modules to be refurbed

Step 2: Cleaning the modules

Console modules stripped down

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... The module is stripped and the module fascia is cleaned.

Fader cleaning before

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Fader packs are removed, cleaned and lubed (before).

Fader cleaning after

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Fader packs are removed, cleaned and lubed (after).

Switch cleaning before

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All switches are cleaned, lubed and blown with high pressure air (before).

Switch cleaning after

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All switches are cleaned, lubed and blown with high pressure air (after).

Before re-soldering

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All potentiometer and switch contact points are re-soldered to correct problems and add strength (before).

After re-soldering

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... All potentiometer and switch contact points are re-soldered to correct problems and add strength (after).

Burned resistor

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.

Swollen caps

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.

Fractured solder points

Step 2: Cleaning the modules... Module is examined for damaged parts; for example, blown resistors, swollen capacitors and fractured solder connections.

Console frame check

Step 3: Frame inspected and refurbished... Rear connectors are cleaned and re-soldered. Wiring connectors are cleaned and re-seated.

Power supply rebuiltand tested

Step 3: Frame inspected and refurbished... Power supplies are rebuilt and tested.

Console re-assembled

Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... The console is reassembled.

Knobs and fader caps cleaned

Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... All hardware, knobs and fader caps are cleaned.

Console road case before

Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... Road cases are cleaned (before).

Console road case after

Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... Road cases are cleaned (after).

Console is fully QC'd

Step 4: Re-assembly and diagnostics... The console is put through a full diagnostics and any remaining problems are found and corrected.

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