Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian 861v4 Volume Jump

Hello all,

I am having a problem with fluctuating volume levels on my analog outputs. I recently purchased a spare rack mounted 861v4 for parts / backup of my existing 861v4. When the spare 861v4 arrived it was in better aesthetic condition than my current system so I began to swap some cards and simplify the main processor. I ended up with the following configuration:

Spare Chasis new card configuration:

IA00
OA12x2
IE42
ID40
C00


Original Chasis 861v4 Cards:

IA00
VS00
RF00
OA12 x 2
IE42
ID40
C00

Spare Chasis 861v4 Cards:

S00
IA00
OE12
OA03
IE42
C00



After swapping cards I upgraded the processor firmware from 4.25 to 8.1. I then updated the configuration program with the updated card configuration and applied the configuration to the new processor.

Things seemed to be working well but I quickly noticed the volume level would almost double about 30 seconds after content playback began. The volume indicator on the processor does not change but the level of sound increases. If I mute / unmute the processor or power the system off and back on the volume returns to the normal level for 30 seconds or so and then jumps to the louder level.

I have typed the system as well as re-applied the firmware update twice without any improvement. I have not built a new configuration from scratch.

Any ideas on what might be going on? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you !

Nick

Quick update. I wonder if it may be heat related.

After having the processor off for about an hour and returning to it the sound level remained stable for about 20 minutes after which the sound level increased again until muted or powered off.

I do have the processor in a rack on the Meridian rack shelf with fans operating and a cool ambient temperature.

Hey Nick,

I seem to recall the OA12 cards having jumpers on them to determine which speakers they will output (front vs rears). You could double check the jumpers, or perhaps they have to be in a certain order in the 861v4, maybe try swapping the positions of the two cards? Is the volume jumping on speakers from both cards or just one?

When I was running my analog front speakers, I temporarily hooked up some DSP5200's to demo them for a sale. I remember having alot of trouble configuring the system to get the DSP speakers to work and OA12 was still putting out REALLY loud sound when it was supposed to be coming out of the DSP's. I think I ended up having to take out almost all the cards to get it to work. Perhaps there's an issue with the config program when switching from analog to digital configurations, could be worth starting from scratch?

I have a spare OA12 in the garage (and a currently unused one in my 861v4). Let me know if you can't figure this problem out and want to borrow them to confirm it's not a problem with your OA12 cards.

Thanks,
Chris

Thanks Chris. I will take some time and rebuild the config from scratch. Fingers crossed.

Hi Chris,

Good news ... the OA12s are just fine as well as all the DSP cards. Building the configuration from scratch resolved the volume problem!
Thanks for the advice and nudge to rebuild the config.