Sound Skulptor: Pre's, Compressors, Tape Simulator, Professionnal Audio Kits

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JPK

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 15, 2004
Messages
209
Location
Auch, France
Sound Skulptor SK49 Multi-patern Tube Microphone

sk49-ps.jpg

  • Inspired by Neumann M49,
  • Multi pattern, from omni to cardio, to figure of 8 in nine steps,
  • Switchable 80Hz high pass filter,
  • Large diaphragm capsule made at Arienne Audio,
  • Military grade Philips NOS tube,
  • Cinemag CM13101 Enriched harmonic large transformer (USA),
  • Medical grade PSU 100-240V,
  • Shockmount and cable included,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: SK49



Sound Skulptor REM624 Remote control for the MC624 Monitor Controller
The REM624 is a remote control unit for the MC624 Monitor Controler.

rem624-400.jpg
  • All MC624 controls available,
  • Connects to the central unit via a USB cable,
  • The audio doesn't pass in the remote and cable
  • Controllable by a TV remote with a learning function,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: REM624


Sound Skulptor MU524 Vari-Mu Tube Compressor
The MU524 is a Variable Mu tube compressor which, with the help of two transformers, provides a smooth and vintage sounding soft knee compression.

mu524fs.jpg
  • Based on classic vari-mu compressors like Altec 436 / RS124,
  • Natural soft knee compression,
  • Great on single instruments, brilliant on full mixes,
  • Balaced dual triode design,
  • New, old stock, remote cut-off tube,
  • Two Transformers in the audio path,
  • Illuminated SIFAM meter,
  • Optional High pass filter in the sidechain,
  • Can be linked for stereo,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: MU524


Sound Skulptor PAD500 - Dual balanced line attenuator
The PAD500 is used after a mic preamp or any effect that you want to drive hot without clipping your converters.
There are 2 attenuators available: One is wired between the in and out XLR's at the back of the lunchbox, the other between the 2 jacks at the front.

pad500fs-400.jpg
    • Reveals the value of vintage preamps,
    • Balanced,
    • Super simple,
    • 0 to 100% attenuation,
    • Quality conductive plastic potentiometer,
    • High grade double sided PCB with plated holes,
    • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
More info here: PAD500

Sound Skulptor AB528 - mic pre
The AB528 is a transformers coupled, class A mic preamp. The design, from the late 60's, is inspired by a legendary console, that was used at the most famous London studio by the greatest artists, such as the Beatles or Pink Floyd.

ab528frontsidew.jpg

  • 500 series format
  • Transformers on input and output,
  • 0 to 60 dB of gain, 66dB on 300 Ohms
  • DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through the input transformer
  • Easy build
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: AB528

Sound Skulptor CP554 Diode bridge compressor (mono) for '500' series

The CP554 is a transformer coupled diode bridge compressor based on the design of legendary British consoles, adapted to the '500' format.

cp554-frontside800.jpg

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Three Carnhill transformers in the audio path,
  • Same output stage as in our MP573 preamp,
  • Variable attack time,
  • Additional ratio of 12:1 makes a limiter,
  • Side chain EQ with 3 high-pass frequencies,
  • External side chain input,
  • All stepped controls,
  • High grade electronic components throughout,
  • High grade four layers PCB,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: CP554

Sound Skulptor DI503J Triple DI (Passive/Tube/Fet) and Re-Amp for '500' series

The DI503J is a triple mode Direct Box for instrument and a Re-Amp unit for the '500' format of API*.
The DI offers a Passive mode based on a Jensen transformer, a FET mode and a Tube mode. It also include a low noise, low distortion preamp for a line output.

di503j-frontside.jpg

HIGHLIGHTS
  • 3 modes DI: FET / Passive / Tube,
  • Premium Jensen transformer on the 3 modes,
  • Very large headroom in all 3 modes,
  • Low noise low distortion preamp for line level output,
  • Shielded Carnhill/OEP transformer on Re-Amp,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: DI503J Triple DI (Passive/Tube/Fet) and Re-Amp for '500' series

Sound Skulptor CP4500 - 500 series Stereo Bus Compressor

The CP4500 is a Stereo bus compressor based on the design that was originally used in a legendary British console, adapted to the '500' format. It is famous for adding punch and glue to the mixes.

cp4500-frontside800.jpg


HIGHLIGHTS
  • Very faithful to the original design,
  • Four paralleled THAT VCA's (plus one in the side chain) per channel,
  • True stereo side chain,
  • Stepped Ratio, Attack and Release,
  • Side chain EQ with 3 high-pass frequencies and one high boost filter,
  • Wet/Dry mix control for parallel compression,,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: CP4500 Stereo Bus compressor for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Effects, CP4500

Sound Skulptor EQP501 - 500 series Passive Equalizer

The EQP501 is a passive equalizer based on the classic PULTEC EQP 1A, adapted to the '500' format.
It is made of an all passive section followed by a gain make up stage based on a Discrete Op-Amp (DOA).
It shines on vocals, bass and drums.
The EQP501 retains all the controls from the original but adds some new frequencies to the low and high sections.

eqp501frontside.jpg


HIGHLIGHTS
  • All passive EQ section, faithfull to the original,
  • Separate low end cut and boost allows achieving the "Low End Trick",
  • Coil based high end boost giving that famous airy, transparent high end,
  • Discrete Op-Amp, class A make-up gain,
  • Transformer balanced output,
  • Carnhill inductor and transformer,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: EQP501 Passive Equalizer for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Effects, EQP501

Sound Skulptor LA502 - 500 series Optical Compressor

The LA502 is a soft knee, electro-optical compressor based on the LA2A/LA3A design, which we have adapted to the '500' series format.
It delivers the vintage compression and warmth of its ancestor thanks to the optical coupler response, side chain and transformers.
It shines on vocals, bass and drums.
The LA502 adds a few features to the original such as a new ratio of 6, two high-pass filter in the side chain and two slower attacks of 10 and 20 ms.

la502-front-h480.jpg
  • Based on the LA2A/LA3A compressor,
  • Transformers on input and output,
  • Extremely simple to use, never sounds bad,
  • True RMS compression,
  • Program dependent attack, release and ratio makes it very transparent sounding,
  • More than 40dB of gain reduction,
  • Can be linked for stereo,
  • Hardware relay bypass,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: LA502 Optical Compressor for the '500' Lunchbox, Effects, LA502

Sound Skulptor TS500 - 500 series Tape Simulator
The TS500 Tape Simulator is the successor or the Stereo Tape Simulator. It has been adapted to the API* 500 format with a number of enhancements. It is an analog processor that recreates the sonic imprint of vintage tape recorders. The effect provides the roundness, the punch, the compression and the saturation of magnetic tape.

ts500fs800.jpg

  • 100% analog,
  • Faithful and natural simulation, thanks to the close parallelism with the tape recorder models,
  • Zero latency,
  • For studio and live sound,
  • No moving parts, no hiss, no tape wear, no maintenance,
  • Input and output transformers,
  • 3 tape speeds,
  • 3 tape formulations,
  • 3 recorder frequency response styles,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: TS500 Tape Simulator for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Effects, TS500

Sound Skulptor MP566 - 500 series Tube pre
The MP566 is a dual-triode vacuum tube circuit preamplifier based on a design that has been used in several famous devices from the 50's, which has been adapted to the '500' format

mp566fs.jpg
  • 500 series format,
  • Dual triode design,
  • Input and output transformers,
  • 0 to 68dB of gain,
  • Variable input and output levels for total control over tube saturation,
  • Full 225 Volts tube supply and full 150mA tube heater,
  • 1/4" DI jack, high impedance input for instruments or line,
  • Total current draw less than 160 mA,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: MP566 Tube microphone preamplifier for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Preamplifiers, MP566

Sound Skulptor MC624 - Studio Monitor Controller
The MC624 is similar to the monitor section of a mixing desk: it lets you select one out of six stereo audio sources, adjust the level and route it to one of four monitor outputs.

mc624front.jpg

  • 6 stereo sources : 2 XLR, 2 jacks, 1 RCA, 1 RCA/front mini-jack,
  • 4 stereo output or 3 output+sub: 2 XLR, 2 jacks,
  • Relay driven passive stepped level control, 64 x 1dB steps,
  • Function keys for Dim, Mute, Mute left/Mute right, Mono, left-right difference,
  • "Wire with gain" headphone amp with 2 gains,
  • Minimalistic audio path,
  • Fully differential throughout,
  • All switching done by relays,
  • Controllable by a TV remote, with a learning function,
  • Expandable to surround by stacking several units,
  • Easy build, dense but straightforward
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: MC624 Monitor Controller - Kit, Other studio devices, MC624

Sound Skulptor MP573 - Neve style mic pre
The MP573 is a single ended class A preamp, based on the design that was originally used in the Neve 1290/1073 modules, that has been adapted to the '500' format of API.

mp573fs-700.jpg

  • 500 series format
  • Carnhill/St. Ives transformers on input and output
  • 0 to 70 dB of gain
  • Fet DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through the input transformer
  • Easy build, dense but straightforward
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: MP573 Microphone preamplifier for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Preamplifiers, MP573

Sound Skulptor 501 - Single 500 Series Host

501-2comps.jpg

The 501 is a single slot, 500 series compatible case with power supply.
  • Delivers +16V and -16V rails and 48V phantom,
  • Auxiliary jack socket can be connected to any I/O signal such as compressors stereo link,
  • Several 501's can be stacked to create a custom lunchbox,
  • Very low noise power supply,
  • Works from any 12 Volts DC power source, including a battery,
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: 501 Single 500 Series Host - Kit, Accessories, 501

Sound Skulptor CP5176 - FET Compressor

cp5176frontside600.jpg


The CP5176 is a FET compressor based on the design that was originally used in the 1176 compressor, which has been adapted to the '500' format of API*.
  • Original Cinemag transformers on input and output,
  • All discrete, class A audio path,
  • DOA based, API* 2520 compatible, output stage,
  • 5 ratios + SLAM mode (all buttons mode),
  • Optional High pass filter in the side chain,
  • Distortion mode adds 3% of second harmonic, close to Rev A,
  • Stereo linkable,
  • Available assembled or as a full kit.
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: CP5176 FET compressor for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Effects, CP5176

Sound Skulptor MP 5.12 - Mic pre in 500 series format
The MP 5.12 is based on one discrete Op-Amp, one Cinemag input transformer and one Cinemag output transformer.

mp512fs-600.jpg


  • Original Cinemag transformers on input and output
  • SK25 discrete Op-Amp
  • 70 dB of gain
  • Variable output pad for those who like to drive it hot
  • Fet DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through the input transformer
  • Easy build
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: MP512 Microphone preamplifier for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Preamplifiers, MP512

Sound Skulptor EQ573 Lunchbox Equalizer
The EQ573 is an equalizer based on the design that was originally used in the Neve 1073 and 1084 modules, that has been adapted to the Lunchbox '500' format.
The EQ573 can be used as a standalone unit but also as an insert, between the input and output stages of the MP573 mic pre, recreating the full architecture of the 1073.

eq573-ii-frontside.jpg

  • Three bands equalizer and high pass filter
  • Pre/Bypass/XLR switch on the front panel allows both MP573 insert or standalone mode
  • Carnhill inductors
  • Available assembled or as a full kit
Full details are available here: Sound Skulptor: EQ573-II Equaliser for the '500' Lunchbox - Kit, Effects, EQ573-II
 
Last edited:
I've looked on your site and can't really see: is there a way to hook up those kits to an already existing (or custom) PSU, in a rack I would make myself?

Those MP66 look awesome, they look like they have that special Gers vintage sound (warm, punchy, wich a little crust in the foix gras range) one would be looking for!
 
To mikefatom :
Thanks for the nice comment. They also sound good :)

To Doubleroger:
You are absolutely right about the foie gras crust but you must not forget also the Bordeaux effect in the high end.
For sure you can install these modules in your own rack. You just have to provide the ad hoc PSU. I have a connecting diagram available that I will post in the FAQ, in the local forum.

To dandeurloo:
The MP66 tube pre uses 2 slots in the rack. They are mounted like the others on 5mm stand-offs.
 
Yes the Euro value is really painful. But most people here think it's cool because they can buy US products cheap.
Still wondering about the 500 size. Maybe I am waiting for a new extended standard to come out.
 
Just a bump for Jean-Pierre and Sound Skulptor. I built a rack with four of his modules - two MP32, an MP73 and an MP12. They are beautifully designed, fun to build and they do sound great. I plan on building another rack with two MP66 in it.
Those of us who enjoy DIY and kit building are very lucky these days to have so many wonderful choices, from so many talented designers.
 
another bump from me. these kits are made with love!
jp, i will build another rack for shure...
cheers, alex
 
So here it is ... tested, alive and kicking   ;D

My first project ( with a lot of help from a friend  ... PSU / Case )

Stereo SoundSkulptor MP73
JLM PSU
Custom case


Thanks to Jean-Pierre for this great kit!

Highly recommended !!!
... even for a newbie like me

cheers 2Low


 

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JPK said:
A few preview details are available here:
http://www.soundskulptor.com/uk/sts.html

We are also considering creating a mini kit that would exclude case, PSU and panel components such as pots, switches and connectors.
The advantage for DIY’ers would be the ability to make their own casing as shown in the 2 examples below.
Please let us know if there is some interest...

hi jp, interested of course!!
p.s. your sound samples seems to be pretty heavy processed... nice!  ;D
 
I'm very interested about the tape simulator units. Could you please provide more examples? Some demos with the different "speeds" and maybe even harder distorted stuff?

Thanks,
Mike
 
Those tape sim boxes look and sound GREAT!  I'm definitely interested in some kits.  And I'd probably rather have them in my own case.  Nice job! 
 

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