MADC 2110 Trem-3 problem...

[jepsound]

When I received my MADC 2110 last November, I was thrilled with the Trem-3 effect but as time has passed, noise has been creeping into the audio chain. Bypassing both Trem-3 modules got rid of the noise. I now have hooked up a Leslie to get that trem effect.

My question is: Is this a common problem with Trem-3? If so, what might be the recommended fix? My other instruments are not good at sharing and they want their Leslie back.

Thanks,

Jim

[Admin]

Can you describe the quality of the noise (pops, frying, sizzle, static, hiss, etc.)? Is the noise there only when the trems are on? Are both trem units noisy?

[jepsound]

The noise is a steady background noise, similar to a hissing sound. It only occurs when the trem switch is on. Both trems are noisy in the same manner.

When this first started, I only detected it on the swell. At that time, the sound was more of a cracking sizzle. Now, that has changed into the noise described above. Also, I noticed sometimes turning on the trem will lower the volume of the swell and not create the trem effect. Sorry - did not confirem this for the great before I bypassed both trems.

[Admin]

It sounds like you have two distinct problems that may or may not be related.

I have six Trem 3's in my 1981 vintage Allen 965 and I can't say I've ever been aware of any hiss. One of the units developed a distorted tremulant a few years ago making it unusable.

These units are chock full IC's, FETS, and bucket brigade devices, anyone of which could individually or together contribute to background noise level. Unfortunately, the complexity of these units and the way they are packaged makes them difficult to troubleshoot and repair. The bucket brigade devices are obsolete and therefore expensive and difficult to find. In the end, I found a NOS Trem 4 circuit board on EBay to replace the defective unit. Although it's not entirely a drop-in replacement, it did work. I was intending to attempt a shotgun parts replacement repair on the defective unit, but am now using Hauptwerk pretty much exclusively and not using the Trem 3's at all.

If this hiss isn't too bad, I'd just learn to live with it. The no trem problem might just be a dirty pot. Note the position of the various control pots then try cleaning them by rotating them back and forth.