Fender FR-12 preamp mod : The Hissterectomy

[pima1234]

Primarily, if you are connecting the XLR output from the FR10 to a PA’s mixing console, make sure the cable you are using to connect it is not plugged into an input that has engaged phantom power on the console’s input channel.

Yup. That's all it means. Actually fairly straightforward, once it's explained that way.

 

[AmbientOwl]

What are you plugging into the FR?

It is just receiving from my Axe. I don't run it out into anything. Seems like that means I'm on the clear (which was what I had always assumed but these recent posts were scaring me).

Primarily, if you are connecting the XLR output from the FR10 to a PA’s mixing console, make sure the cable you are using to connect it is not plugged into an input that has engaged phantom power on the console’s input channel.

Super helpful -- thank you!

 

[Jkist7]

It is just receiving from my Axe. I don't run it out into anything. Seems like that means I'm on the clear (which was what I had always assumed but these recent posts were scaring me).



Super helpful -- thank you!

Phantom power is used to send power from a mix board or interface to a microphone. Some mics require external power to work properly. Rather than have a separate power cable, these mics can have the power routed via the cable itself.

That's all fantastic, but you can see how sending power to a device which is only expecting an audio signal could be problematic.

 

[ZenRigs Man]

Been waiting for the ZenRigs site to restock. He’s had up that it was supposed to be restocked in March… he’s a one man show like you also
Edit: Saw in another post he is trying for July

Site reopening this week and you can follow updates here

https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...rotection-system-knob-guards-and-more.207854/

 

[donaldr]

In winter that revives the dead!, for the cold it is the best.
But I live in the south, Andalusia, and here it is hot enough for cicadas to live in the living room with the air conditioning.
I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Ronda.
View attachment 141707

@Nawual I'm gonna be in Ronda next Tuesday. Any good restaurants (not tourist traps)?

 

[Mincer]

So how is V3 going?

 

[WKSmith]

So how is V3 going?

Proofs of two V3 versions are in production. I am looking forward to hearing them both and picking a winner. One is full SMT, one is old school full size parts with just SMT ICs.

 

[Chewie5150]

Can't wait to see what Doc Brown is cookin up in the lab!...

 

[Rex]

Proofs of two V3 versions are in production. I am looking forward to hearing them both and picking a winner. One is full SMT, one is old school full size parts with just SMT ICs.

Tsk. Two versions.

New prediction: cab fab research will begin in four months.

 

[Mincer]

Proofs of two V3 versions are in production. I am looking forward to hearing them both and picking a winner. One is full SMT, one is old school full size parts with just SMT ICs.

So are you expecting them to sound different? I don't know about these things, so I am learning.

 

[WKSmith]

So are you expecting them to sound different? I don't know about these things, so I am learning.

The tone is essentially the same, but with a lot more headroom before clipping. And the eq is even easier to set flat (ish). The cut knob also has more useful range in its travel.

 

[Rex]

The tone is essentially the same, but with a lot more headroom before clipping. And the eq is even easier to set flat (ish). The cut knob also has more useful range in its travel.

I think he’s asking whether you expect the two V3 versions to sound different.

 

[WKSmith]

I think he’s asking whether you expect the two V3 versions to sound different.

I hope they sound identical. They are the exact same circuit.

If they sound very close, the one that will keep the target price low wins.

If they sound different, the best sounding one wins, even if it costs more.

I don't know how much myth and mystery live in the big full size components (especially nice film caps) This will be a great test. It may be one of those things old guitarists like me just believe in ... or it may be a drastic improvement over SMT. I am testing my long held belief that the really nice PTH size passives sound better than some SMT parts.

 

[4406cuda]

Are all the V2’s gone?

 

[WKSmith]

Are all the V2’s gone?

No a few dozen will be available soon for waitlisted folks even before the V3 is finalized. I might even do a nice discount to burn a large hole in the waitlist.

..But there are way more folks on the waitlist than the remaining V2s. Because yall are awesome!

I will have the V3s completely assembled by an outside contractor. So there will be no waitlist. Just dropping large quantities all at the same time and re-ordering.

 

[Mincer]

I hope they sound identical. They are the exact same circuit.

If they sound very close, the one that will keep the target price low wins.

If they sound different, the best sounding one wins, even if it costs more.

I don't know how much myth and mystery live in the big full size components (especially nice film caps) This will be a great test. It may be one of those things old guitarists like me just believe in ... or it may be a drastic improvement over SMT. I am testing my long held belief that the really nice PTH size passives sound better than some SMT parts.

Cool, this is the kind of info I was interested in. As more electronic gear moves to SMT, I always wondered if the sound suffered, or even if quality and longevity was affected. I certainly am not attached to any one method, except it has to sound good. I think that can probably be achieved either way.

 

[davi_ssilva]

All I can say is that, after some long waiting, I've finally have got my V2 mod to be delivered to me in Brazil!!! Yesssss!!!

On the other hand, I'm having a very tough time dis-assembling my FR-12. I've already removed all the screws, knobs, nuts and washers, including those from the input board. But I jut can't open it, the chassis seems stuck! Any tips on what kind of movements I have to do in order to oppen it safely? I'm afraid to pull it off too hard and end up damaging something important inside.

 

[WKSmith]

If you have something like a plastic or teflon spudger you can pry without maring up the tolex. Once the top 2 chrome screws are loose.. push / pry the chassis down and it should free it.

 

[davi_ssilva]

If you have something like a plastic or teflon spudger you can pry without maring up the tolex. Once the top 2 chrome screws are loose.. push / pry the chassis down and it should free it.

Teflon spudger? Well, you won't believe what I've just used to open it

 

[davi_ssilva]

I'm aiming for tasty tones, indeed!