PINT volume tracking problem

[barqy]

hey all,

I bought a PINT (built by misterX, but I got it 2nd hand) and when I plugged in the amp, I noticed at low volumes, the left channel is very quiet relative to the right channel.

I have to crank the volume knob past 9pm (starting from 7pm) in order for the sound to 'balance' back out. When using IEM's the 9pm is way too loud.

I suspect the cause of this is due to the volume pot being bad (poor tracking?).


I know it's not my IEMs/Headphones because I tried out different pairs (amped/unamped) and the result stated above was consistent.


Could the PINT not be suitable for IEMs? Even so, shouldn't the volume tracking be correct?

edit: if it's a volume pot problem (worn out), would a VR-16 (100k) or alps RK097 be a suitable fix?

thanks for your advices

 

[Clutz]

Where is zero output volume, at 12? If so, then it seems like the pot is faulty and probably needs to be replaced. If 0 output is at 7, then the problem is probably a problem of most pots - that they don't have very good tracking at low volumes. You would have to replace the pot with the same pot. I think that the ALPS RK097 is the pot used in the PINT though. Removing it from that board is going to be difficult.

 

[barqy]

Hey clutz,

thanks for the reply!

Yep, 0 output is at 7pm~~


Looks like I'll need a new pot. I haven't had a chance to open up the amp yet, but I'll take a gander.


cheers

 

[Pars]

The PINT does use an Alps RK097, and they are not easily changed (I have done one and it wasn't fun). 7-9 o'clock is in the low range of the pot (I think?) and if that is a problem with you IEMs, a better solution would be to lower the gain. Of course you will have to figure out what gain you currently have. Tangent still has the PINT project stuff up on his site. If this is a Mini3-ified PINT (likely), things will be slightly different, but the gain is calculated the same. It will be SMD resistors (1206 pkg).

 

[Gross]

I am using that pot on a PIMETA and in that same range it has bad tracking as well. I can just turn my source down a bit, but obviously that is not the ideal solution, and not always an option.

And having built a PINT myself, replacing that pot is kinda a PITA, but it can be done.


(ooh, this is my 100th post. It only took 2.5 years...)

 

[splaz]

I'll just 4th that taking the pot out is an extreme pain, I even half lifted a pad or two doing it...

 

[barqy]

thanks for the replies

i dont think ill make an attempt at fixing it then

 

[Clutz]

I think the conclusion is that it's not broken, it's just that the pot used doesn't work well at the lower end of the range - so replacing it wouldn't get you anywhere. Lowering the gain seems like a much better way to go.

 

[tangent]

All pots do this.