X4 problem.... AJ?

The message is directed to all Ketron users, but specially to AJ, because he knows the circuits inside the "magic box" (well, not so magic right now...).

I'm having a bizarre problem with my X4. From time to time (it happens several times during one of my performances) one of the audio channels becomes totally distorted and weak, forcing me to switch off the PA for that channel. At the beggining I thought the problem was inside the PA, but already excluded that possibility trying out different sound systems. Now, the annoying thing is that it's an intermittent problem (after distorting the sound for a while, it becomes clear again, and 10 minutes later again distorted) and I'm hesitating in bringing the instrument to my dealer, as it can be an easy-to-detect thing. What I have done is to open the box and check if there are visible bad connections. Everything seemed normal. I also thought it could have something to do with heating of the electronic components, but there is no clear pattern of the behaviour (it distorts when hot or cold).

Is anybody familiar with this kind of strange behaviour? AJ, do you have a clue about what is happening?

Thanks a lot for any help!
-- José.

matias,

Contacts might need cleaning. Do you usually play in a 'smokey' environment?

Thanks,

AJ

AJ,

Thanks a lot for your answer and hint.
I'm not a full time musician but, yes, when playing live I frequently do it in "smokey" environments.

How do you recommend I should clean the contacts? Do you refer to the external female output jacks or also to internal plugs? I suppose my attention should be directed to the circuits in the neighborhood of the audio outputs... Is that so?

I wish the solution is that simple! Thanks very much!

-- José.