Avid Technology S3 Use and care manual

9329-66310-00 REV A 9/29/21
S3 Fader Replacement
Avid S3 Fader Replacement
This document provides instructions for replacing individual faders in an Avid S3 control surface.
Required Items
This procedure requires the following items:
• PH1 Philips screwdriver
• M2 Hex driver
• A clean, padded work surface that will not scratch the unit,
and blocks, foam or similar to support the unit when set face
down (to avoid putting weight on the fader caps and encod-
ers).
• Anti-static wrist strap (not included). Make sure you are
electrically grounded and discharge static before working.
Overview
Replacing a fader requires the following steps, detailed in the fol-
lowing sections of this guide:
• Preparing the System
• Replacing the Fader
• Re-assembling the System
Preparing the System
Before you begin, be sure you have assembled all the required
items listed above, then shut down your system as described be-
low.
To shut down the system:
1Turn the back panel power switch to the Off position.
2Disconnect the power cable from the S3.
Replacing a Fader
To replace a fader in an S3:
1Put on your anti-static wrist strap (not included) according to
the manufacturers instructions.
2With the S3 unit sitting face up, remove the fader cap for the
fader you will be replacing. Keep the cap nearby (later you will
install the fader cap on the new fader).
3Using an M2 Hex driver, remove the two Hex screws that se-
cure the fader to the top panel. Set the fasteners aside.
4Carefully flip the unit over and set it face-down on your pad-
ded work surface, making sure the unit is not resting on any
knobs or faders.
5Using a #1 Philips screwdriver, remove the 14 screws that se-
cure the bottom vent plate to the chassis. Keep the fasteners or-
ganized as you remove them.
6Lift the vent plate off the unit and set it aside.
Fader screws to remove
Fasteners to remove to remove the bottom vent plate

2
7Carefully disconnect the fader cable harness from its
connector.
8Carefully lift the old fader out.
9Remove the replacement fader from its packaging.
10 Being sure to orient it correctly, place the new fader in the slot.
11 Connect the new fader’s cable assembly to the port on the
chassis. Carefully press the cable assembly so it seats fully into
the connector.
12 Carefully flip the unit over so it is sitting face-up and re-install
the two hex screws that secure the fader to the top panel. Use
one hand to hold the fader in position from below while re-in-
stalling the screws.
13 Install the fader cap onto the new fader.
14 Reinstall the bottom vent plate and secure it with the 14 screws
you removed earlier (M3X5). Make sure no cables are pinched
under the plate.
Disconnecting a cable
Fader cable assembly fully seated
Reinstalling the fader screws