Just picked up a MKI. Does anyone know what the average life time of the screen is?
With my synths, once I turn them on, I tend to just leave them on for the rest of the day, if I think I might still do some sessions in a few hours. In general, I think it’s the constant turning on/off and that initial surge of current is what wears out components. However, with boxes with a screen, like the OT, I’m guessing that might not be a good strategy, since it’s the screen that will probably start going bad before anything else. For those with the OT since 2011, how’s the screen holding up so far? Do you guys worry about this at all?
My 2011 OT screen pretty much the same as when new, though I do turn stuff off when not in use.
Same tech on the MD/MM and some of those are almost 10 years older and doing fine.
Would be more worried about the encoders going bad or the crossfader playing up.
Based on other LCDs I’d guess minimum 30 years but the backlight might start to get dim in more like 20.
Unless it has some kind of defect like the MPC2000 screens that get dead lines because of inadequate ventilation and ribbon connectors that don’t handle heat well.
LCD technology was already very mature when the OT came out, if the screens don’t have some kind of manufacturing defect they should be really reliable. On top of the mechanichal parts already mentioned, I’d expectthe PCB mounted jacks that are stressed every time you plug or unplug a cable to fail long before the screen. USB connectors especially are really prone to failing under normal use and it’s a shame they’re so widely used because they don’t belong on any kind of professional equipment.
I also have an Analog Keys that I picked up used not too long ago. It was made in 2015 and the screen seems to be fading somewhat at the top and the bottom. It’s definitely not as crisp as my OT. Of course the AK screen is much smaller, so the viewing angle makes a bigger difference. Hence my concern. But maybe it’s just that particular unit. I don’t mind it too much, as long as it doesn’t get worse.
Thanks, guys. Looks my OT is going to be staying on most of the time, then.
Mine is from 2011 (constant live use) and the screen is fine.
I‘ve had occasional flickering this summer, but it went away. Probably a weird external power connection.
Only hassle I get is removing dust that gets inside the glass plate, but it’s manageable.