Tips to Keep Your Studio Gear in Top Shape

When pulling out a piece of studio gear for the first time in a while the last thing you want is to find that it doesn’t work anymore. Though digital music tools like your DAW will never need repair, the physical parts of your setup are vulnerable. Even the best studio monitors may suffer damage due to your negligence towards taking proper care and can shorten their lifespan.

This article is all about the basics of keeping on top of your gear maintenance.

• Dust – your worst nightmare

Dust can wreak havoc on your electronics. Not only does it weaken the solder contacts but it also causes the potentiometers (knobs) to get rough. Try to keep gear covered far as practicable and regularly remove any dust that accumulates.

• Be careful of batteries

You can’t leave the batteries in place forever. Even the best batteries, at some point, start leaking corrosive materials that can easily damage equipment. This is pretty common in the classic synthesizers that use watch-sized batteries to power LED displays or other exterior elements. Be sure to swap dead batteries at the earliest to avoid any damage.

• Prevent heat build-ups

Electronics are highly susceptible to excess heat as well. You must ensure that the built-in fans are in perfect working condition and any vents or heatsinks aren’t blocked. Refrain from putting two extra hot units too close to one another. Keeping the room well ventilated is important in any situation where things regularly get hot.

• Regularly change the replaceable

A lot of equipment comes with components with a limited lifespan that need to be replaced regularly. Fuses, vacuum tubes, and other replaceable components should be renewed before they begin to conk out.

• Power your devices correctly power

Make sure you apply the correct power to all your devices. Be mindful of the specifications and use a power supply with the correct specs. Always use a power supply of the exact voltage value specified—unless the manufacturer gives a range. Very high voltages can be immensely damaging. Also, use a power supply that provides at least as much current as the device specifies and also pay attention to the polarity of the power supply. You must match the polarity of the device with the power supply or you could risk damage.

• Stay away from using soaps or cleansers

It is best to use some kind of cloth or wipe to tackle the dust on your gear. Ideally, gentle non-abrasive material like microfiber cloths or soft rags works best. Though there are many specialized cleaning products available, in most circumstances a slightly damp cloth is the best option. Soaps or cleaners can adversely affect the finish of your sensitive studio monitors. Moreover, it’s quite rare for your gear to be dirty enough for them to be necessary.

• Well-kept gear is happy gear 

Though cleaning and maintaining your studio equipment gear might initially sound like a highly mundane task, it has great benefits. Use these tips to keep your gear in top shape and ready to use when inspiration strikes.