PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

Hi.
I tried to look if anyone had the same problam as mine and couldn't find any..
I must say - I LOVE THE MINIMAX!
It's amazing for so many reasons.
Unfortunatley, I ran into couple of issues with it.
I use it as a bass synth for my band - never connected it to the computer, never tried to update it.
The problam is that sometimes the pitch "jump" and I need to "reset" the preset (go to other preset and then go back to the preset I want). Try to imagine how it feels to play it live on stage....scary s**t.
I thought that it had something to do with my midi controller but I tried different kind of controllers, including sending midi from my pc and it still happens. the only way I could solve it was when I adjusted a knob on my controller that controls the main tune. When I tried to tune it through the main tuning knob (of the Minimax) it was really unstable and didn't respond well, to say the least.
Anyone had this kind of a problam?
Will updating help?
If I do need an update - do I need to backup my presets first?
Will appreciate any help!
Cheers,
Amit.

It sounds like the main tuning knob (pot) might be a bit dirty, and sending bad data as if it is being turned. Loading a preset resets the DSP patch to the right tuning.

Try getting some alcohol spray..there are some specific products, and radio shack carries some, too. Take off the plastic knob off the shaft of the pot, spray a little on there, and turn it full stop a few times to clean it out.

Thanks for the advice - I'll definitley try it! (We don't have here Radio Shack but I'm sure I'll find something )
I hope that'll solve it though - I've noticed that when I switch the filter modulation (same preset) it changes the pitch as well in the same way (jumps about +-2 tones up\down and doesn't go back to the original tuning)..
Any Ideas?

use a good commercial contact cleaner and spray it into the cleanout hole on the part of the potentiometer that's on the inside of the box, if you can.

just moving the pot back and forth a few times may fix the problem...

Of topic but:
The minimax is very cool! Having the real knobs and sliders in front of you just beats software GUI's everytime!
I used to own one, and it competed fine with my moog voyager! I actually sold the voyager and kept the minimax for a while. The only thing i really disliked about it was the audible stepping when you used the glide function.

Good luck!

I think the down side about this little instrument is really minor - I really enjoy it and it does the work much better then allot of other similar instruments - it's a little devil!
I had moments of weekness where I thought about selling it - now I can say that it's just not worth to sell it since their not making it anymore and it's not an expensive synth and it sounds very good!
So the analogue gear that I want to get will never be instead of this one
Cheers.