Ó Draighnáin
Well-known member
Attached is a photo of a project that literally took years (seven?) to reach this point. Still not finished. In the 90% plus complete region now I suppose. It is in that sort of "fully operational death star" category, to paraphrase the Emperor.
If you are thinking about it, or decide you might want to build a console, just don't, don't do it (I know you'll probably do it anyway). Of course, if you have deep pockets, can hire a guy or two, then knock yourself out.
To give you an idea, I started out thinking 16:8:2 full pre eq on every channel with both mic and line input transformers. Ended up a wee way away from that.
In contrast to the slick consoles being constructed (the details of which you may see on this forum), this is an aesthetic dog's breakfast. I mean, I couldn't even line up the drill holes for pots and switches. Curves are nice though.
Along the top row (from left to right) is a first stereo return (or line) module, a second stereo return (or line) module, then a pair of line amps, then 6 x mic pre eqs (with inductors) and 4 x simplified mic pre eqs (no inductors).
Along the bottom there is a DI followed by channel routers (in the master section there is a main stereo bus and two stereo auxiliary buses). The bus, master and power distribution is over in the far cabinet (where you can see the module pulled out).
I still haven't finished the metering (I need some motivation currently lacking) and you have no idea how many pan pots I managed to wire backwards (I am mystified as to how this keeps happening).
In spite of all the self-deprecating criticism above, it works. It seems that the electrons are above aesthetics (and I don't have to worry about clients).
If I were ever to do such a thing again (which I will never do) I would micronise the hell out of everything.
If you are thinking about it, or decide you might want to build a console, just don't, don't do it (I know you'll probably do it anyway). Of course, if you have deep pockets, can hire a guy or two, then knock yourself out.
To give you an idea, I started out thinking 16:8:2 full pre eq on every channel with both mic and line input transformers. Ended up a wee way away from that.
In contrast to the slick consoles being constructed (the details of which you may see on this forum), this is an aesthetic dog's breakfast. I mean, I couldn't even line up the drill holes for pots and switches. Curves are nice though.
Along the top row (from left to right) is a first stereo return (or line) module, a second stereo return (or line) module, then a pair of line amps, then 6 x mic pre eqs (with inductors) and 4 x simplified mic pre eqs (no inductors).
Along the bottom there is a DI followed by channel routers (in the master section there is a main stereo bus and two stereo auxiliary buses). The bus, master and power distribution is over in the far cabinet (where you can see the module pulled out).
I still haven't finished the metering (I need some motivation currently lacking) and you have no idea how many pan pots I managed to wire backwards (I am mystified as to how this keeps happening).
In spite of all the self-deprecating criticism above, it works. It seems that the electrons are above aesthetics (and I don't have to worry about clients).
If I were ever to do such a thing again (which I will never do) I would micronise the hell out of everything.