XLR dropout

[shufflebeat]

I have a growing number of bits and pieces which feature non-locking female XLRs which can work loose or just drop out and always at the worst possible moment. Alto 12" is a culprit when used as a wedge monitor.

I imagine it's a result of vibration. Can anyone suggest a solution before I break out the Araldite?

[Dave71]

I've literally just had a look at my altos and don't appear to have that problem. Although its a non locking socket my xlrs are a pretty tight fit
Ultimately I'd strip one down and see what replacing the socket woukd be like. I've taken to using locking iecs though

[Hugh Robjohns]

Short of replacing the XLRs with locking versions -- which might not be easy or practical -- it would be worthwhile experimenting with different brands of XLR cable connector. They do vary slightly in size and you may well find that some brands are tighter and less prone to falling out than others.

H

[shufflebeat]

It's not an issue when using them upright on stands, only as wedges where gravity is not on my side. It has only developed in the last month but is now a proper problem.

I can support the cable at the handle with a Velcro strap but would rather just sort it out. I may fix a clip to the metal plate while I consider the situation.

My olde EV xp200a has a similarly annoying habit of letting go at inopportune moments. It'll be Superglue for that, though. Can't easily get to them in a hurry.

[Mike Stranks]

I've had this problem with XLR/mic combinations in some venues.

As Hugh says, swapping in a different lead will often fix the problem. That was the way I fixed it; if I recall correctly it was a venue's own-brand leads from a well known studio and live-sound supplier that were prone to (literal) drop-out.

[zenguitar]

Might be worth trying a wrap of electrical tape around the barrel of the XLR as a short term fix. Enough to make a good friction fit.

Andy

[shufflebeat]

Thanks chaps.

I've had the breadknife out and had a look at the PCB (pic to follow). It looks like a standard PCB XLR fitting so swapping is an option, possibly just on one of the two channels so as to keep one combi connector.

It's Neutriks all round on my leads so trying alternatives would involve buying and testing others, not economically attractive.

'Leccy tape would be an option but would end up messy and unreliable unless I follow others around reminding them to use the leads with the white tape on.

For now I'll just use the handle for cable support and put XLR replacement on the ToDo list.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

[shufflebeat]

The board:



Hopefully fixed the image for you, JP

[shufflebeat]

Thanks, JP. I thought that was taking a while. Any idea what I was doing wrong?

[James Perrett]

I used the link from the box to the right of the picture on the Photobucket site. I think the link you gave had some extra stuff in it which would only be applicable to you - not to the rest of the world.

[shufflebeat]

OIC, cheers for that, JP.