MXR 10-Band crackle and pops

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Hey guys, I know a few of you here either have or had an MXR 10-band EQ before. I bought one because of the recommendations on here..

Today is a sad day Sad

Lately my MXR EQ has been making crackling and popping noises. I tried different cables, in front of the amp, and tried different wall outlets and it still makes the same noises. The only thing I have not tried, is a different power supply.

Just wondering if any of you have had this issue and do you think there is anything that can be done for the pedal? I did a google search and found at least two other cases where people were having the same problems.

Pedal is well out of warranty

I will see if I can get a new power adapter to try but I'm fearing the worst. Unfortunately, this pedal does not accept batteries.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

It may be out of warranty but they can and will still fix it for you dude. If you call them and get an RA # they will take care of you. It's probably a $10 fix.

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:57 am

Maybe try spraying the sliders with an electronics cleaner? Probably the level control, you might also want to check that the in/out jacks are still soldered correctly. A few minutes of your time may save you some money with an easy fix

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Northwinds wrote:

Maybe try spraying the sliders with an electronics cleaner? Probably the level control, you might also want to check that the in/out jacks are still soldered correctly. A few minutes of your time may save you some money with an easy fix

That's a good idea. I did spray the crap out of it with compressed air.. I think I have some contact cleaner around my house somewhere.

I'll take a peek on the inside and maybe hit the solder joints up with a tad bit of solder. I did try putting some pressure on the cable jack with them plugged in and this didn't effect the sound so I don't think it would be bad solder joints on the in/outputs.

I did notice that if I turn everything up really loud and tap on the pedal really hard that the noise from me tapping actually comes through the speaker. I thought that was interesting.

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

It may be out of warranty but they can and will still fix it for you dude. If you call them and get an RA # they will take care of you. It's probably a $10 fix.

I will try this as a last resort since I'm sure shipping from Canada will be a fair bit. My soldering iron is getting dusty too Laughing

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 8:46 am

Open her up
Plug in guitar and amp
Gently wiggle one wire at a time Wink

Also gently bend the tabs to hold the cables tighter Cool

Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 3:08 pm

Northwinds wrote:

Maybe try spraying the sliders with an electronics cleaner? Probably the level control, you might also want to check that the in/out jacks are still soldered correctly. A few minutes of your time may save you some money with an easy fix

Always a good idea.

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:44 am

I'm having this same problem. If I turn down the Presence on my amp, it helps a little. But, i dont want to turn down the presence. I eq with a lot of high.
This maybe is a common problem?

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

I've tried everything suggested and still problems.

I still haven't tried a new power supply but am doubting that is the problem. I'll see if I can get a hold of a new one to try it out.

I have also tried the pedal with all the sliders cranked down and it still makes noise. The position of the sliders or EQ settings on my amp do not seem to affect the issue at all.

There is no noise when the pedal is in standby.

I guess I will contact MXR and see what they say.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

dan_plus_o wrote:

I've tried everything suggested and still problems.

Send it to MXR and you'll get it back good as new for a few bucks out of pocket.

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Sounds like you have some experience dealing with MXR Lanning?

How much do you think it would cost to get it fixed in total (Shipping + shop fee)?

The only reason I am asking is because I actually have my entire setup for sale (amp and all pedals). I just got an email from someone who is interested in buying the whole setup. I am just wondering how much I should be taking off because of the pedal issues.

I was just about to send it off to MXR too but I don't want to make this guy wait for the pedal to get back because he might lose interest in my gear.

Oh and in case your wondering. I love the setup. I am selling due to University. I will have very little use for the stuff. I hope to get an ElevenRack or something I can easily move around and play with headphones.

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Double post...

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

I'd say no more than $30.

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Alrighty! Thanks for the info

Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 818 Location: Canada

Hey I just got in contact with MXR.

They charge a flat rate of $75. I will also have to pay shipping one way.

So I'm looking at around $90 to get a $130 pedal fixed.

I think I'll hang it on my wall or something Laughing

Anyone want to buy a piece of s#%t MXR EQ pedal?