SP-404 audio output screwed up…Only outputs on left channel

pustule · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 8

Hey guys, so my Roland SP-404 sampler is messed up. The audio only comes out on the left channel *unless* I press down pretty hard on the volume pot. When I do that the stereo mix is able to come out (on both the RCA outs and Headphone output)... When I remove downward pressure from the volume knob it goes back to only sound on the left channel. It's definitely messed up, so I've ordered a replacement off eBay..

Do any of you guys know someone who might be able to fix my old unit? It doesn't have to be with official Roland parts (it's well out of warranty)

Have you heard of anyone else having this problem?

Thanks for the info and help!

Krisso The Great · **Joined:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:37 am **Posts:** 588

.. the new pot should do the trick .. might just have some dust on the circuitry

pustule · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 8

Seems strange that the volume pot would effect weather the output is mono or stereo. Anyone happen to have a link to a place I could buy a replacement pot that would work with the SP-404?

Krisso The Great · **Joined:** Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:37 am **Posts:** 588

this might sound like severely bad advice .. but ..

if I had the same problem I'd remove the faceplate .. then blow it with a vaccum to remove any dust

then remove the pot and try clean the connector where it fixes on (as you mentioned having to press down on it for stereo to work)

be careful!!!

also .. https://store.djtechtools.com/products/chroma-caps-knobs-and-faders

Om_Audio · **Posted:** Thu Feb 06, 2014 10:59 am

Might just be a cracked solder joint you can re-flow and not need to replace the pot. I did some mods to my 404 and 555- I can re-open the 404 to look again if needed to see what would be involved and maybe get a part number for you if you are not wanting to open yours.

If you look at pic 3 here it is a jack but pots can be similar- where the metal connector of the pot goes through the PCB board and is soldered. They can crack from use/abuse/age. The fact that you can press and make it work makes me think this is a possibility. You would just re flow the solder of the pot connections and test- if it is still broke then pot is prob bad. I use a mini microscope or photo loupe sometimes to see- you may not be able to see a solder joint crack w the naked eye.
404-SX- viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16089&hilit=mod

555- viewtopic.php?f=13&t=16967&hilit=mods

related;
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9294&hilit=mods

pustule · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 4:03 pm **Posts:** 8

Om_Audio:

Thanks a bunch for the suggestion! I'll check out the link you gave me and get back to you with any other questions I might have. Thanks again!

SP-404 audio output screwed up…Only outputs on left channel

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