How to Clean and Maintain Your Controller

Built for a Lifetime: A Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Yaeltex Controller

Your Yaeltex controller is more than a tool; it's a long-term creative partner. We design every device with durability, reparability, and longevity at its core. This isn't a disposable piece of plastic—it's a robust instrument built to withstand the rigors of the studio and the stage.

Understanding how to care for your controller will ensure it remains a reliable centerpiece of your setup for years to come.

Crafted for the Long Haul: Understanding the Materials

The first step in proper maintenance is appreciating what your controller is made of. We meticulously select every material for its strength and resilience, a philosophy that ensures your hardware feels solid and stays strong when the stakes are high.

• The Case: The foundation is a beautiful and sustainable Lenga wood case.
• The Faceplate: This is protected by a 2mm thick aluminum faceplate that is precision laser-cut, anodized for hardness, and permanently printed with your design.
• The Controls: All components are chosen for intense use:
• • Knobs & Encoders: Feature durable metal shafts designed for endless tweaking.
  • Faders: Travel on metallic rails and include built-in dust covers. Our crossfaders boast a solid steel 8mm stem to handle heavy-handed use.
  • Buttons: We use high-quality rubber buttons and, for the most demanding tasks, virtually unbreakable Arcade Buttons.

A Practical Guide to Cleaning Your Controller

While our controllers are built tough, regular cleaning will keep them looking and performing their best.

Important Note: The following are general best practices for cleaning electronic instruments. Always proceed with caution.

Step 1: Disconnect All Power

Before you begin, always unplug the USB cable and any other connections from your controller.

Step 2: Dusting the Surface

For routine dusting, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth. This will safely remove fingerprints and dust from the faceplate and wood case without scratching. For hard-to-reach areas around knobs and faders, a can of compressed air (used in short bursts from a safe distance) is highly effective.

Step 3: Light Cleaning for Grime

If you need to clean more stubborn grime, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water.

• Never spray liquid directly onto the controller.
• Wring the cloth out thoroughly so it is only slightly damp to the touch.
• Gently wipe down the surfaces, being extra careful to avoid getting any moisture into the openings around faders, buttons, and encoders.

Step 4: The Golden Rule - What to AVOID

To protect your controller's finish and components, there are certain things you must never use:

• NEVER use harsh chemicals. This includes solvents, alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners, or any abrasive polishes.
• These can permanently damage the anodized finish on the faceplate, the printed markings, and the rubber components.
• When in doubt, stick to a dry or very lightly water-dampened cloth.

Beyond Cleaning: Our Philosophy of Longevity

Our core philosophy is "Design Against Obsolescence." A Yaeltex controller is a fully modular system, designed to be maintained and upgraded, not replaced.

• Your Controller is Designed to be Opened.

We believe in total reparability. You can open your controller and replace any single element—be it a button, a fader, or a knob. This commitment to sustainable production means your gear is easily repairable, a key part of our promise to you.

• The Brain is Designed to Evolve.

The Kilomux is your controller's motherboard. As we develop new hardware generations with new features, you have the option to upgrade this "brain." Our Kilowhat software is fully retrocompatible, meaning our latest software will always support older hardware, ensuring your controller never gets left behind.

Your Yaeltex controller is built on a foundation of durability and designed to evolve with you. With the simple care outlined above and the peace of mind that comes with a fully modular design, you can be confident that your instrument will be ready for creative action for a lifetime.

Updated on: 26/06/2025