How to Clean a Mixing Board

Proper cleaning of a mixing board is key to the long life and proper operation of the unit. A mixing board used in live venues is particularly vulnerable to dirt and grime, especially when it is exposed to smoke. Because almost all audio in a live show or recording session runs through the mixing board, it is absolutely critical to do everything possible to keep the unit as reliable as possible. Read on to learn how to clean a mixing board.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Contact Cleaner
• Vacuum Cleaner With Hose Attachment (Optional)
• Glass Cleaner for External Cleaning
• Clean Cotton Cloth
• Cotton Swabs

1. Unplug the mixing board from the electrical outlet. Make a list of connections to the board and then disconnect everything. Make a chart of all settings, if they need to be saved, and remove all knobs on rotating potentiometers (also called pots).

2. Apply cleaning solution to a cotton cloth. Wipe the exterior of the mixing board. The cloth should be damp, not wet.

3. Using contact cleaner applied to a cleaning swab, clean each jack.

4. Insert the nozzle of the contact cleaner into each sliding pot (also called sliders), and spray a drop of contact cleaner. If the nozzle is adjustable, as most are, adjust to low. Slide each pot from top to bottom 10 to 20 times.

5. Use a hose attachment to vacuum the fan and any vents if the mixing board is equipped with them.

6. Replace all knobs on the rotating pots. Rotate each through its full arc 10 to 20 times as the knobs are replaced. Notice any pots that feel loose compared to the pots doing the same job on other channels. Loose ones may be damaged or about to fail (although this is not a definitive test), so note them and monitor their performance.

7. Reconnect the mixing board to the outlet and reconnect to all equipment. Reset all pots to original position.