I'm really sorry to hear your questions of desperation. If my memory serves me correctly that particular audio console was TASCAM's relatively low cost, VCA based, automated console? Designed more for use with an analog recorder than a ProTools system? With all of the problems you described, I would likely think it is a power supply problem but it could also be part of the automation system and the voltage controlled amplifiers that most of the audio going through this desk, that is connected to the automation system, have finally died? It does sound rather like an old computer blowing up? The diagnostic process would first involve checking all voltages from the power supply. You need to have a service manual for that. Without a manual, it would be helpful to know if any audio can properly pass through any portions of the console outside of the automation system? The CD player you mention plugged into an external input monitor, may well be an indicator? Can microphone inputs pass through to the direct outputs? You don't have to hear it to know? If so, can you plug the recorders output directly into your monitor amplifier? If so, how does it sound? Can you determine that the problem is not the computer? Lots of steps to take for troubleshooting.

Most likely, you'll need to take this to a qualified service center for repair.
Ms. Remy Ann David

$ .02

sounds like supply issue to me ... on that board if i remember right you should have 4 voltages phantom at 48v.. logic chips 5v... and then the audio at that time 15v was typical but 18 is a possibility (some manusfactures run higher say 19v then drop it slightly once its in the board... since it seems to warm up its also possible that a channel is getting ready to unload and takes a while to show... are ya good with a vom? pop the top on the supply and see if those audio rails are symetrical (both 15v) and close to the same... then check again after it starts to warm see if one side is starting to squat.... then disconnect the supply and see if it comes back up....

thanks for the input.

I think the console is possesed!!! 2 days after my first posting, it started to work fine again. with no problems at all, and leaving it on for a couple of hours. And today it started again!!, but it starts with the automation. The little LCD screen next to the floppy starts blinking and going like if it was just booting up. "Welcome To Tascam", then "Tascam M3700" and SMPTE 30 Switches and Faders" and just starts going through those 3. you can only hear audio playback (from the computer) when it is at SMPTE 30 etc. when it flips the audio stops. Not on the external input though. I still can hear the CD player while it is going through that.
You guys think is still the PWR Supply?? Last time it was doing i could get away by pressing the bypass button on the channels i was using and the master fader.

I have the PWR supply in a rack at the bottom next to the desk where i have the console, but it has room to breathe. I haven't had time to take it out. I do have the manual but i have to first look at thoroughly, at first glance is like chinese!! the schematics i mean.
The supply doesn't feel like it's overheating.

thanks,

felix
bogastudios

[Can microphone inputs pass through to the direct outputs? You don't have to hear it to know? If so, can you plug the recorders output directly into your monitor amplifier? If so, how does it sound? Can you determine that the problem is not the computer? Lots of steps to take for troubleshooting.

Most likely, you'll need to take this to a qualified service center for repair.
Ms. Remy Ann David

the mics are going thru, but it only goes thru the direct out when the automation screen is at SMPTE. yes, i know the problem is not the computer. Yes i can plug the direct outs from the OO2 direct to the amplifier and it sounds like it is supposed to sound.

Thanks,
Felix
BogaStudios

Have you called TASCAM? They are in business ya know.