Signature electronics - volume increases on rotation of pan control from centre position

[rogertvr]

I reported a problem to Mica regarding The Dragon's Wing.  I'm not sure if this is a specific problem to my own instrument or to Signature electronics in general, but I thought I would share anyway!
 
The problem was that rotating the volume control from the centre position would cause the volume to gradually increase, until the pan control was fully anti-clockwise or fully clockwise, where the overall increase in volume would be +4dB.  Which in this digital age, was more than enough to cause clipping and distortion.  Consequently, I've been shying away from using the pan control at anything other than the centre position because reducing the volume manually (sometimes mid-song) was a hit-and-miss affair that meant that the components of my audio chain (mixer, compressor, pre-amp) weren't driven properly so the sound ended-up being weak.  Or too loud and clipped.
 
The modification that Ron built is a small component (sorry - electronics aren't my subject) with four wires sticking out of it - two for power, and two others that attach respectively to the pan control and the volume control.
 
Now I've fitted it, it is possible to rotate the pan control through the whole range and the volume does not change at all - I've found a whole new range of sounds and the beast has most definitely been unleashed!!
 
If anyone wants further information, please feel free to ask me in this thread and I will help if I can.
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[bsee]

The only question I have is will this be integrated into all future instruments?

[rogertvr]

I don't know - it's a question I've asked Mica myself.  I do know it's devastatingly effective!  The modification has completely  
transformed the useability of the instrument from a sound point of view. Just my opinion!

[dadabass2001]

Roger
Did Mica or Ron say this would be something of interest to us Epic and Orion owners? I tend not to go to either extreme of my pan controls on my Epics, but if this is an effective modification for these instruments then maybe I'll find some new sonic space as well.
Mike

[rogertvr]

Hi Mike,
 
Neither Mica or Ron have mentioned anything about the problem I have experienced applying to other Alembics.  You'd be better off asking Mica about Epics and Orions, I've never owned one so I can't comment.  Sorry!
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[lothartu]

So do you think this is something that happens with all Signature electronics or is it something that only applied to The Dragon's Wing?  (Did The Dragon's Wing have something special done to the Signature electronics that may have caused this?)
 
I'm curious because I have a bass on order that is getting the Signature electronics package and if it's an issue with the standard Signature electronics then I'ld like find out if I need to request that the mod that you had sent to you be done to my bass before it leaves Alembic.
 
- Jim
 

[rogertvr]

Hi Jim,
 
I can't comment on this being an issue with all Signature electronics.  The Dragon's Wing is my first Alembic.  The best thing you can do is speak with Mica about your concerns.  I do know that this small modification has transformed The Dragon's Wing from a smart piece of art with some good sounds, into a smart piece of art that sounds phenomenal!
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[lothartu]

Ok, thanks Rog.
 
I'll check with the Alembicians when wood begins flying on my new bass.
 
Thanks again.
 
- Jim

[mica]

It will be included on all Signature models made from now on, and an available upgrade for those units in the field.

[lothartu]

Sweet,  Thanks for the info Mica.  
 
(I keep thinking about my new bass, I can't get it out of my head.  I'm not sure if it will be better or worse once I start seeing picture of the construction)
 
- Jim

[jazzyvee]

How much will the upgrade cost?
Jazzyvee