Free DIY Repairing and Modding Resource
After making music for a few years there's no escaping the need for decent hardware. If you think about it even your computer and speakers are hardware. Whether it be a synthesizer, a mixer or compressor you need, you will want to keep it in good nick, especially if it is vintage gear.
Here is a list of repair and mod projects, and an insight into gear used, repaired or sold on by Delta Tek Sound in the quest for great sound. It is advised that you research any repair or modding project beforehand. Free to download useful documents are available in some slideshows.
List is in order of completion - most recent first.
Special attention should be paid to electrical safety. It is advised not to work on equipment when it is powered on, unless you are trained and/or have sufficient knowledge to do so. And, to be aware of electrical discharge, such as from capacitors even when the unit is powered off. Refer to a dedicated repair service if you are not happy doing this kind of thing.
CLICK IMAGES FOR SLIDESHOW
SPL Vitalizer SX2 - Jack Version with Q Mod
22/10/2019
Another Vitalizer refurb, but this time with a special Q knob. Also the power supply was reinforced with new capacitors and voltage regulators. This item sold to a happy customer in Glasgow UK.
AKAI MPK mini 2
06/05/2019
A cross breeding project! - between a standard unit and a special edition one. The only differences from the two are the parts are different colours. Also a USB port was repaired and some new aluminium knobs were added to the best one, shown in the picture.
SMPro M-Patch 2
06/03/2019
Most computers, powered monitors and recorders don't have a dedicated volume control, right! With one of these things you can. Have it hooked up just before your powered monitors and just after a patch bay, and you can control the volume of anything going to your powered monitors. You don't even have to switch it on - great stuff.
Korg Prophecy
28/02/2019
Classic early Virtual Analogue Synthesizer - the Korg Prophecy. Here the output jacks were repaired, and version 20 EPROM's were installed. Some capacitors and the internal battery were checked as well.
SPL Vitalizer 9320 (Blue Face)
18/04/2018
Another Classic SPL Vitalizer 9320 (XLR Stereo Version).
Great for mastering EDM styles. In this project all the capacitors were replaced with high quality Vishay, Rubycon, and Nichicon ones. The internal 5K trimmers were replaced, and the Voltage Regulator IC's were replaced because these can get very hot. Sold to a customer in Montenegro.
SPL Vitalizer 9320 (Black Face)
19/02/2017
Classic SPL Vitalizer 9320 (XLR Stereo Version).
Great for EDM styles. This was a simple project to replace the capacitors and the 2 internal pots that adjust the DC offset. The item was later sold on ebay for £299.
SPL Vitalizer SX2
20/12/2016
A great piece of kit if used the right way.
It can be used in mixing and mastering and adds some old skool 90's harmonics and bass enhancement. In this project all of the electrolytic capacitors were replaced along with the voltage regulators. The XLR PCB mounts were re-soldered and the internal output trims were re-calibrated. Sold to a customer in South Korea.
Korg - Z1
22/05/2016
Guidance on how to install a new internal battery and, how to install the ultra rare DI-TRI ADAT board.
XTA - RT1 Audio Analyzer
18/05/2016
XTA RT1 Real Time Analyzer - great peice of kit.
DBX - 1066 Compressor
05/03/2016
This is the dbx 1066, not as expensive as some compressors but a good creative tool. A walk through guide on one way to service and/or mod this piece of kit. Two capacitors that looked a little worse for wear, were replaced and the optional output transformers (Jensen JT-123-DBX) were installed, as well as replacing some Insulation Displacement Connector's (IDC's). This item was sold to a customer in Spain.
DBX - 160XT
31/10/2015
Classic dbx compressor bought from BN1Studio in Brighton. Not the most expensive piece of kit but sounds good. Some blown capacitors were replaced and the XLR audio in/out connectors were rewired. Also the optional Jensen output transformer was fitted.
JOMOX - Airbase 99
22/10/2015
Jomox Airbase 99. Great sounding drum machine module. If you are into making EDM etc, this is a highly recommended machine, if you can find one! The previous owner upgraded the screen to a nice orange OLED one - nice.
TC Electronic - Finalizer
02/10/2015
Getting the internal battery replaced by official TC Electronic repair shops can cost over £100. The unit is held together with Torx screws as well, so trying to replace the battery yourself seems almost impossible, but it can be done, with a little patience, and some inexpensive tools. This can also be done on Fireworx units and other TC Electronic gear too.
Oberheim - Matrix 1000
26/09/2015
Great sounding synth. Here the software was upgraded and a battery holder was added.
Audio Architecture - Function Junction Plus
04/09/2015
Audio Architecture Function Junction Plus, a 16 in 16 out MIDI patch bay. Nice 1990's model, very is easy to use. The internal battery was replaced and some power terminals were repaired.
AKAI - MPC 4000
12/01/2014
This MPC 4000 was fitted with a 120GB SSD, Compact Flash card reader and a silent fan. It was eventually sold to a happy customer from Sarm Studio's in London!
Klark Teknik - DN60 Audio Analyzer
15/07/2013
Refurbishment of a Klark Teknik DN60 Audio Analyzer, later sold.
