GroupDIY
General Discussions => The Lab => Topic started by: mikefatom on October 07, 2010, 06:45:08 PM
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So,... I've already talked to a few guys about this and since I'm almost there with the prototyping, I thought I would give everyone a peek preview of my new 500/51X project. However, to make it interesting, I will just post a (very bad :-[) 3D visualization shot of it and let you guys guess what it may be! ;).
PCBs and/or Kits may be available for this if there is enough interest... 8)
Cheers
Mike
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/images/mystery3D.JPG)
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Hi,
Clearly a DoodahMcThingamyJig . . . .
;D
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4 input DI ?
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Hi,
Clearly a DoodahMcThingamyJig . . . .
;D
We have a winner!!! LOL... definitely a DoodahMcThingamyJig :D
There are a lot of hints on the silk screen boys and girls! Come on!! ;D
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4 input DI ?
YES! Pleeeeeaaaaasee tell me more ;D ;D
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Pretty sure it's a whatchamacallit
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Pretty sure it's a whatchamacallit
isn't everything? :P
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True, but you have the only 4 Input DI DoodahMcThingamyJig Whatchamacallit.
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True, but you have the only 4 Input DI DoodahMcThingamyJig Whatchamacallit.
True! :)
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all we need to see is a rendering and we're all-in.
I'll take 2
is it an h.p.d.a.?
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all we need to see is a rendering and we're all-in.
I'll take 2
is it an h.p.d.a.?
hahaha.... weirdly enough, I think I know what you mean by h.p.d.a. and if I am right, you have guessed it perfectly!
Nothing fancy here, just something that I think would be very useful for people with a need for tonal options, like myself! ;D
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I think it should be a cheque casher .......
but i don't know how your going to do it
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now I am really excited! I'll be in for 3 if a more detailed rendering is posted.
seriously , I was guessing headphone distro amp.
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4 channels DI with footprints for DI Plugin ?
Same system as in Jeff's VP312DI ?
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I think it is the QHZPIC51XbMF ;D ;D ;D ;D
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can't be a four input DI, there aren't 4 outputs on 51X or API500
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can't be a four input DI, there aren't 4 outputs on 51X or API500
true - must be for the secret 54X format ;D
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I am guessing that the 54X goes 3 louder?
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all we need to see is a rendering and we're all-in.
I'll take 2
is it an h.p.d.a.?
hahaha.... weirdly enough, I think I know what you mean by h.p.d.a. and if I am right, you have guessed it perfectly!
Nothing fancy here, just something that I think would be very useful for people with a need for tonal options, like myself! ;D
Head Phone Distro Amp?
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You guys are laughing at me don't you , ;-)
I was just guessing this because of HZ1 HZ2 etc etc..
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54X ? i want 3 !
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You guys are laughing at me don't you , ;-)
I was just guessing this because of HZ1 HZ2 etc etc..
Well, if it makes you feel better, you were right about the Hi-Z plugins!
It's a 500/51X series recording DI box essentially. It's meant to be placed between a microphone and a preamp.
It uses the Classic API and [silent:arts] Hi-Z plugin format. There are four 1/4" inputs for four Hi-Z plugins. The inputs have a priority system in place so that there can never be two active inputs at a time. The logic circuit also makes sure that the microphone signal gets fed right through to the preamp when no instruments are plugged in to the front panel.
There are also two switches:
- The first one is a MIC input selector (DI defeat).
- The second one is a DI output pad.
What do you guys think? :)
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now I am really excited! I'll be in for 3 if a more detailed rendering is posted.
seriously , I was guessing headphone distro amp.
haha.. I was actually thinking Hi-z Plugin Di Adaptor or something like that... :P
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I think it is the QHZPIC51XbMF ;D ;D ;D ;D
And what exactly would THAT be??? lol ;D
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You guys are laughing at me don't you , ;-)
I was just guessing this because of HZ1 HZ2 etc etc..
Well, if it makes you feel better, you were right about the Hi-Z plugins!
It's a 500/51X series recording DI box essentially. It's meant to be placed between a microphone and a preamp.
It uses the Classic API and [silent:arts] Hi-Z plugin format. There are four 1/4" inputs for four Hi-Z plugins. The inputs have a priority system in place so that there can never be two active inputs at a time. The logic circuit also makes sure that the microphone signal gets fed right through to the preamp when no instruments are plugged in to the front panel.
There are also two switches:
- The first one is a MIC input selector (DI defeat).
- The second one is a DI output pad.
What do you guys think? :)
Oh and I forgot to mention that this project can take full advantage of the 24V rail available in a 51X rack. Each module can run off of 16V or 24V. 8)
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I think it is the QHZPIC51XbMF ;D ;D ;D ;D
And what exactly would THAT be??? lol ;D
Quad HiZ Plug In Card 51X by MikeFatom
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Excellent Volker' !!
And mike very good job !
A multi DI is a very good project,
But i think i would have prefered One input and switchable
different audio path, so as you can plug your instrument and compare circuits
in order to choose the best,
But it's also possible to unplug and replug ,
Anyway, congrats on this new 51X baby !
The family become bigeger and bigger !
Regards,
Francois
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Nice idea, i tought bmf had another signification tough ;D
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Like in pulp fiction when Samuel L.Jackson want his wallet back ?
"the one with BMF "
:D
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Excellent Volker' !!
And mike very good job !
A multi DI is a very good project,
But i think i would have prefered One input and switchable
different audio path, so as you can plug your instrument and compare circuits
in order to choose the best,
But it's also possible to unplug and replug ,
Anyway, congrats on this new 51X baby !
The family become bigeger and bigger !
Regards,
Francois
Thanks Francois! I thought about this long and hard before settling down on this solution. I wanted something foolproof, easy to use, but also cheap and easy to assemble.
The only solution that made sense was the four input setup. It makes it very clear that there are four options to choose from, one cannot activate more than one signal path at a time, there is no need for any expensive rotary switch (and the logic that goes with that), the number of relays is significantly reduced (cost) and it looks cooler with four 1/4" inputs at the front. ;D
I'm open to any suggestions and/or advice though! :)
Cheers
Mike
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a good speaker [ & mic ] simulator would be a feat
I keep trying it but never measures up
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a good speaker [ & mic ] simulator would be a feat
I keep trying it but never measures up
That should probably be considered a whole other project of its own... so much can go wrong there!
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I got around to putting this little guy together this week. 8)
Notice the low profile sockets for the Hi-Z plugins. This is crucial for getting the Jensen TX to fit in the width of a 500 series slot.
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X1.jpg)
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X2.jpg)
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X3.jpg)
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X4.jpg)
The two switches are for a -10db pad and bypass.
I am still waiting on some metal work for it which should be here next week.
More to come once I get it all thoroughly tested! ;D
Cheers,
Mike
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Rooking good Mike! 8)
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Thank you Jeff,
I need to get me one of those 51X racks now... :) :P ;D
Mike
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Wow , i never knew that i needed
a 51 x D.I.
apparently i do [ now ]
nice work
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sweet :D
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Looks great mike! Will it spit out hi-z as well, our did you route it solely for input purposes? Haven't checked out the structure of the non-trafo DI's, but it should at least be possible with the Jensen and the Pikatron.
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Thanks for the kind words guys.
Looks great mike! Will it spit out hi-z as well, our did you route it solely for input purposes? Haven't checked out the structure of the non-trafo DI's, but it should at least be possible with the Jensen and the Pikatron.
It does not 'split' and spit out the Hi-Z signal coming in. There is simply not enough room on the front panel to do that.
One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs.
Wow , i never knew that i needed
a 51 x D.I.
apparently i do [ now ]
You can run it 500 style only if you want too: Just cut off the extra 51X tab.
Hi-Z plugins designed to run on +24V will require the 51X connection of course.
cheers
Mike
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so does that mean this is this input only?
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so does that mean this is this input only?
Yes.
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One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs
in some situations you might need to use a isolation transformer inline with outgoing signal from the y-split cable - as there might be some ground loop current if this is going to a grounded amp for example... but i'm sure everyone knows that, no biggie.
looks like this'll be a cool unit mike!
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Sorry for the lack of clarity, I was wondering if it was able to perform re-amp duties as well. Idk why I didnt just say that first!
so does that mean this is this input only?
Yes.
But it doesn't look like it... Bummer. Still cool though!
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One could use a simple Y cable though for a hard wire split, the same way it's done in stand alone DIs
in some situations you might need to use a isolation transformer inline with outgoing signal from the y-split cable - as there might be some ground loop current if this is going to a grounded amp for example... but i'm sure everyone knows that, no biggie.
looks like this'll be a cool unit mike!
Very valid point. For what it's worth, this cannot occur when using the passive TX based Hi-Z plugins in the HZ51X. The shield and signal connections of each input jack go directly (and only) to the negative and positive inputs of each Hi-Z plugin. Since the TX based Hi-Z plugins isolate the input from the output, ground loop will not occur, at least not from using the HZ51X!
Here is the SCHEMATIC (http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51Xv1_schem.pdf) for those interested.
Cheers
Mike
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Sorry for the lack of clarity, I was wondering if it was able to perform re-amp duties as well. Idk why I didnt just say that first!
so does that mean this is this input only?
Yes.
But it doesn't look like it... Bummer. Still cool though!
Unfortunately, reamping is not the purpose of the HZ51X. This unit is meant to add HI-Z inputs to any mic pre you may already have. However, I believe Radial has a reamping module for the 500 series. May be worth looking into?
Cheers,
Mike
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It is alive!!! Sounds great too!
I am very surprised at how quiet it is. The Hi-Z plugins do wonders!
First impressions of the Classic API/[silent:arts] plugins:
- The IC HI-Z plugin has WAY more output than the other ones. This makes sense considering the balanced output.
- The FET Hi-Z plugin is shimmery and defined.
- The Pikatron Hi-Z plugin is smooth... tames overly bright instruments.
- The Jensen Hi-Z plugin sounds well balanced.... kinda between the Pikatron and the FET.
Thank you Volker and Jeff! This is really going to change the way I record DI'd instruments! 8) 8) ;D 8)
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X_proto1.jpg)
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X_proto2.jpg)
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... This is really going to change the way I record DI'd instruments! 8) 8) ;D 8)
now we need more plugins to fill a second slot ;D ;D ;D
nice work, I will definitive need one!
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Wow, this is badarse Mike...defintely in for one.
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Ok guys, it's update time!
1- I finally got to look at a third sample of the metalwork (L-bracket) for this project and I'm happy to say that they got it right! I should have the metal in hand by mid January. :)
2- The v1.1 revision proto PCBs should be here tomorow. Nothing was changed to the circuit, just a few components moved around to give more breathing room. If all goes well (I don't foresee any problems at all), I will order up a small run of 30 boards.
3- I would like to offer kits for this project but I need to judge interest before I order the parts.
The BASIC-KIT ($120) would contain:
- L-bracket.
- HZ51X PCB with gold finished edge connector.
- All components needed including, IC sockets, push-button switch caps. All high quality.
- All Hardware.
The face plate is up to you and I can provide a FPD file (same one I use) to get you going. There would not be any HI-Z plugin kits included. You can get them from Classic API of course.
What I can add to the kit given enough interest:
- FPE made face plates. These would add $35 to the kit (assuming 30 orders).
- All 4 currently available HI-Z Plugin Kits from Classic API. They would add $58 to the kit.
- Cinemag CM-DBXPC DI input transformer. They would be $52 each. I believe these sound as good as the Jensens.
If I can get enough interest by mid January, I will make it happen.
This first round of orders is limited to 30 kits!
Please post your interest or questions/comments below.
UPDATE:
I have created a Google Docs form to facilitate the order process. Please simply fill in this FORM (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhHMVk5eEJhdkQzTGVQVVlKdDIxZGc6MQ) to indicate your interest.
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Price added for the BASIC-KIT. :)
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I'd go for a couple of those more than likely.
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Interested in 1, with full parts could be better.
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I would go for 1 Kit, Faceplate, Plugins and Trx.
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Thanks for your replies guys! :)
Bryan (Ptownkid) and Volker: I just realized that I did not acknowledge your kind words. Sorry about that and thanks! ;D Should I count you in?
UPDATE: I just got word from David @ Cinemag. The CM-DBXPC are going to be $52 each. That's $1 more than buying it straight from Cinemag (not including shipping either). The extra buck will allow me to cover shipping. Not making any money here... Just making things easier for everyone interested. I will update the feeler post asap.
Cheers,
Mike
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How many DI options are available??
I'll take 1 for sure.
If theres more DI options i take 2.
Thanks.
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How many DI options are available??
I'll take 1 for sure.
If theres more DI options i take 2.
Thanks.
Hello Jorge,
There are currently 4 HI-Z Plugins which means 4 options total for now.
They are all available from Classic API.
That includes 2 passive Plugins:
HiZ-TX1 - Jensen JT-DB-EPC or Cinemag CM-DBXPC based. The kit from CAPI does not include the TX, hence my offer of adding it the HZ51X kit.
HiZ-TX2 - Pikatron UP3096M based. The kit from CAPI comes with the TX, so we're good there.
and 2 active Plugins:
HiZ-FET1 - Fet input DI originally by Peter Purpose.
HiZ-IC1 - Op-Amp based DI buffer circuit. The Classic API Kit contains the Burr-Brown OPA2604 for this one.
There will be more options to come as well I'm sure! :)
The HZ51X can hold four Plugins at a time. The idea is that you'd pick your favorite four and stick 'em in there. If you have more than four favorites or would like to had the Hi-Z goodness to more than one mic pre, I guess you can buy a second HZ51X or as many as required ;).
Cheers!
Mike
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I'll take one for support
the great thing about this is you don't have to patch different pre's
trying the the d.i. in's
Have you tried using more than one at a time
anything wacky or intersting ?
may be a good canidate for the drag control like radial
or something for impedance ?
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I'll be in for one with faceplate
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Hey guys,
I created this FORM (https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhHMVk5eEJhdkQzTGVQVVlKdDIxZGc6MQ) to facilitate the order process.
All you have to do is fill out some simple info and indicate your interest. Submitting the form will record your entry in a special Google Docs spreadsheet which I will keep track of.
The link to the form will also be in my signature to make it easier to find.
Thanks!
Mike
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I'll take one for support
the great thing about this is you don't have to patch different pre's
trying the the d.i. in's
Have you tried using more than one at a time
anything wacky or intersting ?
may be a good canidate for the drag control like radial
or something for impedance ?
Thanks Greg!
I have not tried using more than one DI plugin at a time. I actually intentionally included a logic circuit to avoid having more than one plugin feeding the output at a time.
Cheers,
Mike
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Any ideas on shipping cost yet?
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Any ideas on shipping cost yet?
Thanks for filling out the form!
Shipping will be whatever it costs to get it out to the respective recipients.
I will pack up a dummy kit as soon as i get a chance this weekend and give you a quote on the shipping to France.
With that in mind, I added a 'Location' field to the form. This will help me with the shipping quote requests amongst other things.
I will send out a shipping quote to anyone who requests it.
Thanks!
Mike
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Any ideas on shipping cost yet?
Ok, looks like shipping via Canada Post to Europe would be $32 by 'Air' and $14 by 'Surface'.
Air shipping has an estimated delivery time of between 6 and 10 business days while Surface shipping is between 4 and 6 weeks.
Cheers,
Mike
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Hmmm Us dollar right? And 13 seem to be ok but why between 4 and 6 weeks? Kind of long no?, sure about this, no offense tough, it's seems weird, and not insured nor trackable for surface? If yes in France it's 10 days all over the world for that kind of shipping, well you know better...
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Hmmm Us dollar right? And 13 seem to be ok but why between 4 and 6 weeks? Kind of long no?, sure about this, no offense tough, it's seems weird, and not insured nor trackable for surface? If yes in France it's 10 days all over the world for that kind of shipping, well you know better...
I understand your concern but I am strictly quoting you what Canada Post is giving me. I think they probably play it safe by giving a 4 to 6 week estimate.
With Air or Surface, the package would be insured up to $100CAD. I will personally cover the remaining amount should anything happen.
Also, since the US and CAN dollar are pretty much on par right now, you can pay in whatever currency works best for you. ;)
I will call them on Tuesday to see if anything can be done.
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Don't need to bother, like i said you know better, no prob, allright now i know what's shipping cost...
I think we still have time to pay, well i hope, i need a little time, not much tough...
Thanks and Happy New Year!
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I will send out PayPal invoices when it's time. Probably between mid and end of January.
Happy New Year to you too! :)
Mike
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Hey guys,
Figured I would show everyone what the front panel will look like for the HZ51X:
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X_DIY_Quarter.jpg)
And,
(http://www.whistlerockaudio.com/HZ51X/HZ51X_DIY_Front.jpg)
The L-Brackets are still not ready yet. However, I got word that they are being bent as we speak!
If everything else goes well, I should have them in hand in a week. :)
Thanks to all that filled out the form. We still haven't reached 30. ;)
Cheers,
Mike
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Looks very nice Mike! 8)
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Looks very nice Mike! 8)
Thanks Jeff! I really like the look of this thing. 8)
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those FPE panels do look very sharp!
I always prefer the simple look for gear... great job!
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I'd be in for 1 kit with all the add ons
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Fun with Target?? (pg 1)
FP... Does look VERY nice Mike ! :) :) :)
GARY
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pardon but whats target? the stores?
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those FPE panels do look very sharp!
I always prefer the simple look for gear... great job!
Thank you haima! I like simple/straight forward panels as well!
I'd be in for 1 kit with all the add ons
I will add you to the list. :)
Fun with Target?? (pg 1)
FP... Does look VERY nice Mike ! :) :) :)
GARY
Thank you Gary. I'm not sure what you mean by 'Target (pg 1)' either.
Cheers all!
Mike
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AHHH !!! It's looking good , Dam you !
It's a few pages long now but
do the inputs mix together ?
with the pad , can they take a line level input ?
i thinking it may save me mixing gtr mic pres together
for one track
Anyway hope this does well for you and thanks for the offering
regards Greg
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AHHH !!! It's looking good , Dam you !
It's a few pages long now but
do the inputs mix together ?
with the pad , can they take a line level input ?
i thinking it may save me mixing gtr mic pres together
for one track
Anyway hope this does well for you and thanks for the offering
regards Greg
Thanks Greg!
The input signals don't get mixed. This is actually by design.
The pad is after the hi-z plugins but the plugins should be able to handle an unbalanced line level signal.
Have nice snowy day! :)
Cheers
Mike
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alright, ya got me. i might be able to spring for two depending on when the bell tolls.
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alright, ya got me. i might be able to spring for two depending on when the bell tolls.
Thanks for submitting the form Grant!
Cheers,
Mike
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Thanks for submitting the form Grant!
Cheers,
Mike
well i figured you went to all that trouble... ;)
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I surely want one...but i have some questions regarding your ordering.
All Four Classic API / [silent:arts] HiZ-Plugin Kits ($58)
Can you be specific about what is included with that item...
Actually, it would be nice to know what's in the basic kit as well...hope i didn't miss that info here somewhere.
EDIT Nevermind, i found it...no coffee yet...
http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=41312.msg528185#msg528185 basic kit details and a few post later is the HIZ kit details.
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I surely want one...but i have some questions regarding your ordering.
All Four Classic API / [silent:arts] HiZ-Plugin Kits ($58)
Can you be specific about what is included with that item...
Actually, it would be nice to know what's in the basic kit as well...hope i didn't miss that info here somewhere.
EDIT Nevermind, i found it...no coffee yet...
http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=41312.msg528185#msg528185 basic kit details and a few post later is the HIZ kit details.
;) Thanks P.
Have a safe cold weekend!
Mike
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pardon but whats target? the stores?
Software... I thought for a half a second Mike used target
for his Pg 1 drawing. BTW.. Check out the 3d section of this
software. It's very cool
http://server.ibfriedrich.com/wiki/ibfwikien/index.php?title=3D
I got to spend some time to learn this guy! :)
GARY
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Gary, that makes sense now.
The 3D rendition is generated by my PCB software.
Target looks like fun! It looks like what Volker is using.
I would love to give it a shot. :)
Cheers
Mike
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UPDATE:
Looks like I will have the brackets in hand tomorrow! Finally! 8) ;D 8)
I know it's been a long wait but that's just the way these things work out... :(
I will send an update to everyone on the list tomorrow and push things forward. We haven't reach 30 yet. We're actually only at 10 kits spoken for. So there's room if anyone wants to jump in now. ;)
Thank you all for your patience! :)
Cheers,
Mike
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I'm in for 2.
Carlos Lima
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I'm in for 2.
Carlos Lima
PM'd ;)
Mike
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Did I add myself to the list...can't remember... :-[
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Did I add myself to the list...can't remember... :-[
Not yet. I have you on there though. :)
Fill out the form when you get a chance though.... I don't have all your info. :)
Thanks P,
Mike
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Check your emails ladies and gentlemen! ;)
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I just finished sending all invoices out.
If anyone wants to still jump in, you have until February 13th.
Payments must all be in by February 20th.
Thanks guys! :)
Mike
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Today is the last day guys!
See post right above. ;)
Thanks!
Mike
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Alright boys... Invoices have been paid up! Thanks to everyone!
I am now getting the money transfered over from my PP account before I order bigger ticket items like the Cinemag TXs and the face plates. I have most components ordered as well and will be ordering the production PCBs by the end of the week. :)
Cheers,
Mike
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UPDATE TIME!
Everything is ordered and some of it already on its way. All distributors have everything in stock so I should see everything arrive within the next couple of weeks. 8 ;D
Happy happy! :D
Cheers,
Mike
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Just found this thread today and filled out the "interested" form. Am I too late?
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Just found this thread today and filled out the "interested" form. Am I too late?
I did order at least 1 extra of everything except the face plates.
If you're set on getting the face plate from me, I can spare the one I have on my proto if you want it.
Otherwise, I will be posting the FPD file for those that want to design and order their own from FPE.
Shoot me an email: mike @ whistlerockaudio.com
Thanks,
Mike
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UPDATE TIME:
I received everything this past week with the exception of the face plates. Therefore, only those who have opted out of the FPE face plates will have their packages shipped tomorrow.
ptown, zayance and grantlack: Your packages will ship tomorrow. You should receive a PayPal notification containing the pertinent package info when they ship.
Everyone else: I should be receiving the panels this week and will ship as soon as I get them. :)
I will be posting the necessary documentation for the project in time before you start assembly.
Thanks guys!
Mike
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Stupid Question:
When to use 16V, when to use 24V on the jumper ?
I got all 4 plugins on the HZ51X.
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Stupid Question:
When to use 16V, when to use 24V on the jumper ?
I got all 4 plugins on the HZ51X.
- you don't need any voltage on the passive versions
- if you have a GDIY511 Rack use 24V for the actives
- if you don't have a GDIY511 Rack use 16V
:D ;) :)