The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum
SEQUENTIAL/DSI => Prophet => Sequential Prophet-6 => Topic started by: TacticalHamster on December 23, 2016, 12:49:39 AM
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Hey guys.
I have been in love with DSI synths for a while and decided to get myself an xmas gift of a new P6!
I unwrapped it just recently and noticed at least 1/4 of the knobs are "loose". I saw some forum posts about "wonkiness", or rotation off-axis, but my issue is different. There is movement of about 1/8" or more when handling some knobs. They feel as though they are mounted to nothing and might snap if not grabbed softly. Mostly the knobs on the right side.
Anyone else have this issue? It sounds beautiful but I really don't want to worry about messing up the PCB someday because I grabbed the knob at an angle while playing.
Any options besides returning it? :(
I'm actually very bummed out. Half of the board's quality feels lower than a pawn store special plastic OD guitar pedal. But other areas it's solid.
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Hey
What can I say, the knobs have a tiny bit of play which is I expect to be normal. On mine it is up to 1mm of play when wiggled (not something you should do too much with pots anyway). Over 1/8" play does sound quite excessive.
Are they really loose? The 'ratchet pots' i.e. Clock and FX knobs are a little looser (but still only 1mm play maximum)
If you feel that your Prophet is not up to scratch then I would definitely do a return (guaranteed unopened exchange). Not worth ruining your Christmas over it and for a 'real' instrument which is a serious investment you need to be happy with it.
All the best
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Thanks for your reply synththeory.
I know talking about loose knobs/pots is subjective. I was hoping a few users would have popped in with a "me too" or "not me", to build an average from.
I'm including a short clip demonstrating what happens when grabbing the knob from different angles as if tweaking the setting. This applies to quite a few of the pots (1/4 - 1/3 maybe). I also notice that some of the LEDs are dim and appear almost off, and the pitch wheel sometimes drops registration of the up movement. Calibrating it fixes it for a while though.
Here is the youtube vid: https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE (https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE)
I should have purchased it from a reputable place like Sweetwater. I bought it new on amazon, sold by a third party Unique Squared. Seems they have a 15% restocking fee even if item is completely broken, which is significant considering the 3k price tag.
First foray into DSI and really bummed.
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I've not noticed any of these defects on my P6, which was new in March 2016. If I had I would have sent it back for a replacement, which I'm sure would not have been a problem given the quality of customer support from both Andertons (uk) and DSI.
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Your video shows about the same amount of wobble that's apparent on my P6 also.
I was a little skeptical at first, like you, but I was assured this was within normal manufacturing parameters by DSI customer service and I haven't had any issues so far under normal use.
I was hoping for three grand we'd get rock solid bullet proof knobs with absolutely no play, but it is what it is. Some keyboards are stiffer than others it seems.
However, the LED readout should not be faint to the point where you can't see what value you're working with. I'd be wary if it's not consistently lighted all the time.
Also, you shouldn't be calibrating your pitch wheel that often.
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Your video shows about the same amount of wobble that's apparent on my P6 also.
I was a little skeptical at first, like you, but I was assured this is within normal manufacturing parameters by DSI customer service and I haven't had any issues so far under normal use.
I was hoping for three grand we'd get rock solid bullet proof knobs with absolutely no play, but it is what it is.
I think you're good to go.
Possibly. I did have other issues that I didn't post here (but are uploaded to YouTube also):
- pitch up not working (even after calibrating) mid-session randomly
- some LEDs dimmer than the rest
- some voices not firing when hit (no pattern to reproduce)
I returned that unit. DSI was helpful after contacting, but I do not agree it's within parameters for 3k. I think it's within their acceptable tolerances, but it wouldn't be with other manufacturers.
The replacement unit (from sweetwater) is 109 digits up from the original serial and has zero issues. Not a single knob has lateral movement, LEDs are uniform, pitch wheel works, and voices always fire. This new unit is a well-built (heirloom quality) unit that feels worthy of the 3k price tag.
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Thanks, TH! I'll take a closer look. That wobble on all the knobs has always bugged me from day one. Too late for me to do the 30-day Sweetwater defective exchange. But if DSI thinks this is normal they will probably not be willing to replace it with an entirely new keyboard. My only option at this point would be to sell it off and buy a new one with hopes that it's an heirloom quality keyboard.
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Thanks, TH! I'll take a closer look. That wobble on all the knobs has always bugged me from day one. Too late for me to do the 30-day Sweetwater defective exchange. But if DSI thinks this is normal they will probably not be willing to replace it with an entirely new keyboard. My only option at this point would be to sell it off and buy a new one with hopes that it's an heirloom quality keyboard.
When you wrote that you experienced the same, that was a worry of mine too: sounded like you've had it a while. DSI may have a large margin of acceptable tolerance, but, as a consumer, you should be happy. I'd consider seeing what sweetwater can do. They offer their own 2yr warranty and work directly with DSI.
If I recall correctly, the pots are mounted to 1 or 2 PCBs under the lid. When you open the unit, they are mounted to the top. Ribbon cables link up those boards with the main board at the bottom, which also holds the voice "cards". They look like old school AGP video cards (snap in/out).
The reason I bring this up, is that I know a few prophet (6, '08, etc) users that have worked with sweetwater in getting these components to replace (under their own warranty. The system is very easy to maintain and it's not at all messy inside.
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Here's a video. Not finding many videos for repair is a good sign!
https://youtu.be/Q0_B6jREjCo
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So I spoke too soon about replacement being perfect and opened a thread for that issue. Sigh.
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So this is just an expected DSI quality these days. On my fourth replacement (for other, non-knob issues) and still had wobbly knobs that feel like it'll last a year at most.
Embarrassing for an American-made product that costs so much. The OB6 was solid throughout...but also came with an old OS, so it's likely laziness over time with their quality/testing on the P6.
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I received my Prophet 6 on January 20. A lot of them are 'wobbly', some more/less than others.
It turns out, the pot is not wobbly in relation to its attachment to the PCB, its the shaft in the base of the pot itself.
You can see this by removing the plastic knob and gently rocking the shaft. You will see (and sometimes hear the lubricant) rock back-and-forth. The potentiometer is attached firmly to the PCB but some of the shafts have a bit of 'wobble'. They are 100% functional however. I've never seen this before, so I cannot say with certainty that this does not affect its long-term reliability.
I did email DSI support and was told earlier this week:
"There will be some tolerance with the movement of the pots. They should all be 100% functional, however."
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I received my Prophet 6 on January 20. A lot of them are 'wobbly', some more/less than others.
It turns out, the pot is not wobbly in relation to its attachment to the PCB, its the shaft in the base of the pot itself.
You can see this by removing the plastic knob and gently rocking the shaft. You will see (and sometimes hear the lubricant) rock back-and-forth. The potentiometer is attached firmly to the PCB but some of the shafts have a bit of 'wobble'. They are 100% functional however. I've never seen this before, so I cannot say with certainty that this does not affect its long-term reliability.
I did email DSI support and was told earlier this week:
"There will be some tolerance with the movement of the pots. They should all be 100% functional, however."
^^ this exactly. I have a support ticket open now. Here is an audible and visual sample of it:
https://youtu.be/v2QupNOJvUI
You will hear the grease and see the wide lateral movement allowed. These are some seriously bad pots. I do not have faith with this synth being around long-term without issue.
I build custom guitar pedals (amongst other things), and have ordered the cheapest of cheap pots in bulk and the more expensive/tolerant ones. I've maybe have had a couple of these every few hundred (about 2:300).
One member privately messaged me that DSI offered to send him the pots to solder, or have soldered, in as replacement. He wasn't satisfied with quality, understandably, and returned it and moved on to something else. While my time is limited, like most here, I'd be willing to solder in some tightly-spec'd pots (sourced from DSI or other).
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So, I just bought a brand new, unboxed, Prophet 6 yesterday at Guitar Center. Upon setting up my new synth I was happy to experience the sturdiness or the solidness of the knobs, however. Once going through all the main components on the main board (OSC, Effects, Mixers, etc etc) I couldn't help but notice a trend. That discovery was the "looseness" or the "wobbliness" of the knobs. Some knobs worse than others. However, the Oscillator 1 "Frequency" knob appears to be the worst. This knob has the most looseness, wonkiness, wobbliness, and feels subpar to other premium keyboards I own. IMHO, there are some that have a wonkiness to the eye when spinning the knob, and there are some knobs that have very minimal looseness, but there are some that are just beyond the boundaries of what some have described from a DSI perspective as being "within tolerable limitations."
I will be CERTAINLY returning this unit since it is only my second day as an owner. I've barely even touched the synth to even add any kind of wear on the knobs. I cannot foresee these knobs holding up for a very long time with prolonged use with normal wear-and-tear. Certainly not with excessive use.
Here is a video I made demonstrating the inconsistency of the synth between the knobs: https://youtu.be/gG1KQ-zCGVk (https://youtu.be/gG1KQ-zCGVk)
Wonkiness I can get over, but when there appears to be mechanical defects, then electronics definitely don't last long. If this is, however, an engineering design, then I think DSI should release information as to why these proposed defects are in place from an engineering perspective. However, I would like to see them take one of these units, put it under specific testing conditions consisting of prolonged use exceeding normal wear-and-tear and see if these knobs hold up. I'm quite sure they have CAD engineers that can simulate these scenarios. I BET that these knobs do not hold up over a long period of time. Some of them, yes. But the one's that have significant "looseness"? Definitely not.
Thoughts anyone? Oh, I specifically joined to express this same exact issue. My Serial Number is in the 4,200's.
Here is a video I made demonstrating the inconsistency of the synth between the knobs: https://youtu.be/gG1KQ-zCGVk (https://youtu.be/gG1KQ-zCGVk)
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Out of curiosity, is this a problem on the desktop module as well, or only the keys? I'm plotting out my next DSI purchase, and because of desk space I'm only really looking for modules at this point. Would hate to have wobbly knobs if that's my main touch interface with a piece.
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Out of curiosity, is this a problem on the desktop module as well, or only the keys? I'm plotting out my next DSI purchase, and because of desk space I'm only really looking for modules at this point. Would hate to have wobbly knobs if that's my main touch interface with a piece.
This affects both.
It seems the earlier serials didn't have this issue. After returning 3 or 4 P6 units (not just because of wobble, but other bad QA issues), I got one that works, but still with lateral wobble. I love the sound of the P6, and will just live with it. Honestly, I've decided what you get with this poly overshadows imperfections like this.
I did find out that the lateral movement of the pots are just the shafts inside the pots, not PCB flexing or something that would require repair. DSI did send me some pots just in case, but one day, when I'm free (never), I'll tap each pot to check their resistances and replace them with higher quality ones.
The OB6 has a bit of wobble in some pots, but its practically a battleship of rugged construction (thicker top coat, knobs that are flush). I just wish the P6 had that same attention to detail.
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FYI the powdercoat and the pots are the same spec on both instruments, and have been since serial #1 for each. Not sure how you got that many units in a row you were unhappy with, but that's pretty much unheard of as we have great QA and attention to detail for all our instruments. I'm sorry that was your experience.
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FYI the powdercoat and the pots are the same spec on both instruments, and have been since serial #1 for each. Not sure how you got that many units in a row you were unhappy with, but that's pretty much unheard of as we have great QA and attention to detail for all our instruments. I'm sorry that was your experience.
Maybe the OB6's larger knobs give the perception of greater tactile feel (and doesn't allow such great bends when turning the knobs).
I am unsure of how I got that many units either. I was told by a highly reputable music retailer that they'd had quite a few DSI poly returns due to various issues more recently, though. They didn't specify the OB6/P6 designation or model, but didn't bat an eye when I had so many in a row with issues (one with a failed keybed on half of the black keys, distorted output audio and unit lock-up on another, etc). These were all new-in-box, same OS, etc. Thankfully, they agreed to pull a unit out and test it for 24 hours and then ship it.
Yeah, i have some wobble with current model. Yeah, sometimes the keybed fails to register on certain keys, too. It's the least troublesome of the lot and I'm sticking with it. I love the sounds, and that's important. I build custom guitar pedals/amps, so I have myself as support if needed down the road. If I was an average user, I'd definitely be more hesitant and look at another poly.
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Again, I'm shocked at your experience. We have a less than 1% failure rate across the board. However, mechanical and electrical parts do occasionally fail or don't meet spec. Fortunately, we do have a great warranty policy, and, our out of warranty policy is the best in the business hands down which is $25 per repair. Rest assured if you have any issues down the road we will take care of you.
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Again, I'm shocked at your experience. We have a less than 1% failure rate across the board. However, mechanical and electrical parts do occasionally fail or don't meet spec. Fortunately, we do have a great warranty policy, and, our out of warranty policy is the best in the business hands down which is $25 per repair. Rest assured if you have any issues down the road we will take care of you.
True. For anyone reading, i'm not bad mouthing products by DSI by any means. I love their synths, and they have some equally-minded music support staff. I had some so-so people on support, but some excellent as well. This is a smaller company, and will actually LISTEN (look at the rev2 re-branded as Prophet Rev2) and respond back to you (unlike Korg and others).
I had a bad run, but maybe that truck had a driver that liked hitting speed bumps (the serials are only a few digits off). Who knows. I am happy with what I have. There are things I wish were better quality-wise, i.e. more stable pots. I get the extra cost involved with tolerances, but that's something I can do on my end.
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our out of warranty policy is the best in the business hands down which is $25 per repair.
Holy crap, I had no idea! This is fantastic. Now I'm much less concerned about the future of my PEK. :D
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Hello everybody! After selling my P08 last year I finally got a Prophet 6 as replacement ;-)
As much as I like the sound, it has the same wobbly knobs described here and the plastic/rubber on some knobs also seem to deteriorate. Technically everything works as suspected, but the feel of the pots is one of the worst I've come across (and I've seen a lot). After all, this is supposed to be a 3000€ instrument...
Since the user experience seems so patchy, have different types of potentiometers been used in the P6?
And is it possible to change the pots/knobs with better quality ones?
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I feel blessed i came across this thread prior to purchasing this instument. This is straight up shocking. So to clarify these loose knobs are considered acceptable by DSI? I just read this post watched that video posted with the loose knobs and that is just plain crazy to say that's acceptable for an instrument so expensive. I was really looking forward to purchasing this instrument and has put me right off regardless of warrenty.
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I feel blessed i came across this thread prior to purchasing this instument. This is straight up shocking. So to clarify these loose knobs are considered acceptable by DSI? I just read this post watched that video posted with the loose knobs and that is just plain crazy to say that's acceptable for an instrument so expensive. I was really looking forward to purchasing this instrument and has put me right off regardless of warranty.
The construction is no different than that of, say, a Sequential Prophet-600 from 30+ years ago; then as now, the potentiometers were soldered to the top-panel PCB but used no retaining nut to clamp the potentiometers to the metalwork. There are arguments both for and against this approach, though it's generally much easier to replace the top-panel PCB than to fix bent metalwork.... :D
That said, the knobs themselves have a slimmer (rectangular) profile than those used 30 years ago, with a smaller diameter, so it's much more obvious when a shaft is slightly off center, compared to the OB-6, for example, which uses a different (SEM-style) knob with its square-ish profile.
I've got a Mopho SE of similar construction as that of the Prophet-6, with nary a wobbly knob in sight, for what it's worth.
If one was particularly concerned about this, I'd demo and visit a retailer which stocks the Prophet-6, so that you can inspect the unit prior to payment.
While it may be the case that your expectations regarding build quality are higher due to the import / distribution price differential, it's your money–and it's perfectly fair to question fit and finish. If there's a bad batch of PCBs, or of knobs / encoders, it's statistically likely that all units from the same manufacturing run would exhibit identical behavior.
If, on the other hand, not all units have the same issue, then any and all defective units could have their top-panel PCBs swapped out by the local service center.
DSI has generally been pretty responsive when it comes to manufacturing issues, which is part of the added value when buying their stuff, as opposed to, say, Korg or Behringer.
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The construction is no different than that of, say, a Sequential Prophet-600 from 30+ years ago; then as now, the potentiometers were soldered to the top-panel PCB but used no retaining nut to clamp the potentiometers to the metalwork. There are arguments both for and against this approach, though it's generally much easier to replace the top-panel PCB than to fix bent metalwork.... :D
That said, the knobs themselves have a slimmer (rectangular) profile than those used 30 years ago, with a smaller diameter, so it's much more obvious when a shaft is slightly off center, compared to the OB-6, for example, which uses a different (SEM-style) knob with its square-ish profile.
Well, I prefer them fastened to the case but that's not the point. I also wouldn't mind if the knob is off center.
The potentiometers themself are not moving at all actually, it's really just the shaft of them that are loose and moving a few mm. I've only experienced this with the cheapest of cheap pots and I just don't get why DSI would use these on this otherwise wonderful synth...
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Yes, same here. Just got it last week from Sweetwater. The pots are shoddy in every way. How they can call that movement acceptable is ridiculous. My 200 line 6 amp has VERY tight knobs. The $10 dollar pot on my guitar is more solid. Simply unacceptable which really sucks because I love the instrument. To try and pass this off to customers when they clearly know it's not right is flat out insulting!
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Yes, same here. Just got it last week from Sweetwater. The pots are shoddy in every way. How they can call that movement acceptable is ridiculous. My 200 line 6 amp has VERY tight knobs. The $10 dollar pot on my guitar is more solid. Simply unacceptable which really sucks because I love the instrument. To try and pass this off to customers when they clearly know it's not right is flat out insulting!
Send it back for a refund, then wait to see what happens.
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Hey guys.
I have been in love with DSI synths for a while and decided to get myself an xmas gift of a new P6!
I unwrapped it just recently and noticed at least 1/4 of the knobs are "loose". I saw some forum posts about "wonkiness", or rotation off-axis, but my issue is different. There is movement of about 1/8" or more when handling some knobs. They feel as though they are mounted to nothing and might snap if not grabbed softly. Mostly the knobs on the right side.
I'm not in love with the knobs n my new OB-6. I had problems with the suboctave and I have been turning this a lot to test it and it seems to be working loose after a fortnight.
On my Prophet-6, I have not had any problems with looseness of controls in the last 18 months. It feel very nicely built and the action is dead smooth and slightly "oily" so you can glide to a very precise setting. It's one of the first year's production and I wouldn't be surprised if those earlier ones were better made. My P6 feels a very much more solid instrument than my new OB-6. There is a sight hint of wonkiness or eccentricty to a few of the knobs but not much and this does not affect their feeling of solidity.
I would suggest returning your P6 and looking for a good secondhand Prophet-6 with an early serial number, say around 400, so some of the early issues have been ironed out but there is no possibility of thrifting with components.
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Thanks for your reply synththeory.
I should have purchased it from a reputable place like Sweetwater. I bought it new on amazon, sold by a third party Unique Squared. Seems they have a 15% restocking fee even if item is completely broken, which is significant considering the 3k price tag.
First foray into DSI and really bummed.
Right, I got my PB+6 from Andertons in the UK at a competitive price I would add, not the very cheapest in the UK but second cheapest among the real dealers. I had a problem with the first one, some weirdness with the sub oscillator mentioned elsewhere and on Gearslutz, so they sent me a second unit and collect the first, for free. Second unit had a sticky Bank button that skipped values but then it stopped doing it after some swearing but I videoed it so I have PROOF!
This second unit also started to crash on power on which I videoed again and swore rather a lot. In tne meantime, Andertons' courier accidentally re-directed the first unit back to me so I had the two at home to compare. Neither was perfect. The first one had the Sequential label serial #03638. and the second had the DSI label serial # 03632. SO I got to play with my Prophet-6 and two OB-6s very carefully for a few days. Eventually I decided I really wanted the sound and to keep one. Andertons were still willing to refund me after trying 2 units and instead of pushing me to try a 3rd they said maybe that wasn't advisable, which it wasn't.
So I kept the first and the courier collected the second one this morning.
Now this afternoon, the sub octave knob on the one I kept is starting to work loose.
It is not a good build compared to my old Prophet-6.
As for Andertons, for customer service in sending 2 synths on a combined 5 journeys for free, I would rate them *****.
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I've not noticed any of these defects on my P6, which was new in March 2016. If I had I would have sent it back for a replacement, which I'm sure would not have been a problem given the quality of customer support from both Andertons (uk) and DSI.
I've just had some issues with two OB-6s from Andertons and they were very helpful and free postage for returns, etc, etc.
See my other reply on this thread.
Your P6 is old, like mine (mine is probably made late 2015 perhaps, serial #0383.) Feels solid as a rock and ALSO plays the same note twice on the arpeggiator isn ASSIGN mode with HOLD on so you can play ANY 32 note arp, even with repeated notes which the new OB6s WILL NOT DO.
When I first saw this P6 I was surprised at the high quality feel of the conrols, though asmalll, precisely adjustable and very, very smooth to turn. Nice 1970s Texas Instruments TI-58 pocket calculator style "clacky" buttons and then those old Prophet-5 switches makes for a nice sound and feel in the room as well as the audio output from the synth.
Will your P6 do this? Mine has OS 1.4.0 by the way.
I knew the OB6 would feel cheap by comparison and it does.
I am wondering if the old Prophet-6s are better built than the later ones.
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One member privately messaged me that DSI offered to send him the pots to solder, or have soldered, in as replacement. He wasn't satisfied with quality, understandably, and returned it and moved on to something else. While my time is limited, like most here, I'd be willing to solder in some tightly-spec'd pots (sourced from DSI or other).
There's no excuse for that kind of poor build quality. Period. It's a "Friday afternoon after a long, liquid lunch at the pub" type of assembly and quality control problem.
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Thanks, TH! I'll take a closer look. That wobble on all the knobs has always bugged me from day one. Too late for me to do the 30-day Sweetwater defective exchange. But if DSI thinks this is normal they will probably not be willing to replace it with an entirely new keyboard. My only option at this point would be to sell it off and buy a new one with hopes that it's an heirloom quality keyboard.
I would suggest looking at an earlier serial number secondhand one and going and having a good look at it first. Patience might pay off. My second hand P6 is solid as a rock, in fact the smoothness and quality of the pots surprised me when I tried them.
As for the OB-6, the pots feel cheaper (2018-19 OB6s that is) and not nearly as solid.
Maybe I just got a really nicely finished P6 and the guy who built it knew how to use a screwdriver.
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Would hate to have wobbly knobs if that's my main touch interface with a piece.
This affects both.
It seems the earlier serials didn't have this issue. After returning 3 or 4 P6 units (not just because of wobble, but other bad QA issues), I got one that works, but still with lateral wobble. I love the sound of the P6, and will just live with it. Honestly, I've decided what you get with this poly overshadows imperfections like this.
The OB6 has a bit of wobble in some pots, but its practically a battleship of rugged construction (thicker top coat, knobs that are flush). I just wish the P6 had that same attention to detail.
I found the opposite. My old P6 is much more solid than my newer OB-6. Cases on both look and fell fabulous but they really need to improve this issue with the knobs because it pees off the customers. I mean, lovely keybed, lovely case, lovely wood, lovely design, lovely SOUND, lovely specification, lvely usability and then crappy lots too many times.
There need to be some butt kicking in the pot tightening department.
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Hey guys.
I'm actually very bummed out. Half of the board's quality feels lower than a pawn store special plastic OD guitar pedal. But other areas it's solid.
The guys/girls at Sequential in management need to kick butt on this one. There is a lack of realisation that sloppy quality control or possibly some corner cutting on some things can be spoiling the reputation of the product, even though in other areas the units are superb. The sub octave knob on my new OB6 seems to be loosening in the first month of use.
I mean if they took the same care with the knobs as with the wood, everything would be great!
We need the wood department guy/girl to manage the knob department.
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They use decent alpha pots, if there are problems then that happens in bulk manufacturing, but they use good stuff. You know that sequential doesn't actually make the synths right? They contact the work out to another company in California.
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I feel blessed i came across this thread prior to purchasing this instrument. This is straight up shocking. So to clarify these loose knobs are considered acceptable by DSI? I just read this post watched that video posted with the loose knobs and that is just plain crazy to say that's acceptable for an instrument so expensive. I was really looking forward to purchasing this instrument and has put me right off regardless of warranty.
This is what needs to be said to focus the minds of the instrument producer.
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What wee need to know is: if we get a knob on our synth that works loose over time, can we repair it easily?
I have a slightly working loose Sub Octave knob on a nearly new OB6. My Prophet-6 does not have any of these, at all.
The others are fine.
If I look underneath the knob, there is a circular thing, maybe that I gues surrounds the shaft that holds the seemingly plastic control knob. This does not appear to move so prehaps the shaft that sticks up from it is the thing that has the play - or the plastic knob itself.
I don't know if the knobs are removable. I guess they must be, otherwise how can a service engineer / tech detach the control PCB board from the top panel?
However, I am not going to remove any of these knobs! I won't even do it on my old broken Pro-one because I don't want to break anything further. A YouTube video or repair kit/advice is needed.
If the vast majority of controls on the synth are OK, there must be a way to change any one(s) that is/are too loose.
The trouble is, once a knob seems to be loose there is a temptation to wiggle it more to test it - and make it even looser.
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I’ve seen loose knobs on a few of the store models I’ve tried (though obviously they may get abused).
More telling was that the cutoff knobs on my Pro 2 became wobbly after just a couple of weeks. Yes they were still functional but became so loose that it was difficult to program accurately and it took some of the joy out of playing. I ended up returning it for a refund after a replacement board didn’t solve the issue. It’s such a shame as the synth was great. I just need to have confidence that my gear isn’t going to fall apart through normal, careful use. I really hope Sequential consider using better parts in future for their pots.
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Hello, I knew about wobbly knobs and other issues there were found on some P6, but I didn't know that also the OB-6 could have the same issues. Few days ago I bought a B-stock desktop module OB-6 from Thomann and it should arrive here tomorrow.
Now I'm curious if it will have some defects too. In the case I will swap it for a new one...
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Thanks for your reply synththeory.
I know talking about loose knobs/pots is subjective. I was hoping a few users would have popped in with a "me too" or "not me", to build an average from.
I'm including a short clip demonstrating what happens when grabbing the knob from different angles as if tweaking the setting. This applies to quite a few of the pots (1/4 - 1/3 maybe). I also notice that some of the LEDs are dim and appear almost off, and the pitch wheel sometimes drops registration of the up movement. Calibrating it fixes it for a while though.
Here is the youtube vid: https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE (https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE)
I should have purchased it from a reputable place like Sweetwater. I bought it new on amazon, sold by a third party Unique Squared. Seems they have a 15% restocking fee even if item is completely broken, which is significant considering the 3k price tag.
First foray into DSI and really bummed.
Hello - I have a Prophet Rev2 with the same type of knobs.
And my knobs are behaving the same way. Thank you for this video.
Now we know what we are talking about.
I purchased it new from the dealer here in Germany.
And abou 1/4 of the knobs are looking and feeling absolutely similar to what you have shown in that video. The worst is the cut-off knob.
That’s difficult to understand. We are talking about a top synthesizer in the top price range.
That needs to be build more sturdy and reliable.
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Hello!
I have bought a Prophet 6 in 11/2021 brand new from thomann.de serial 8900+ and it still has the same cheap/poor/bad/ugly/worst wobbly knobs... Not good at all for this top price instrument...
Thanks for your reply synththeory.
I know talking about loose knobs/pots is subjective. I was hoping a few users would have popped in with a "me too" or "not me", to build an average from.
I'm including a short clip demonstrating what happens when grabbing the knob from different angles as if tweaking the setting. This applies to quite a few of the pots (1/4 - 1/3 maybe). I also notice that some of the LEDs are dim and appear almost off, and the pitch wheel sometimes drops registration of the up movement. Calibrating it fixes it for a while though.
Here is the youtube vid: https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE (https://youtu.be/JqvGhxxRKJE)
I should have purchased it from a reputable place like Sweetwater. I bought it new on amazon, sold by a third party Unique Squared. Seems they have a 15% restocking fee even if item is completely broken, which is significant considering the 3k price tag.
First foray into DSI and really bummed.
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Got mine in 2017 brand new, still in the box. No loose knobs but the mod wheel was loose. Easy fix after contacting DSI. Excellent service. My fav synth and I have a small herd of them.
Keith