MixBuzz1: full-featured 1RU bus compressor. Pre-orders : pls update, page 6.

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Yeah, 1 of these will be mine, too. With lens, if you're considering making them, ofcourse. That looks über sexy.
 
Cool than. I adding the word "FEELER" to this topic.


Write your forum name and quantity for PCB's,
and if you interested in kit.


To get started with MixBuzz1, we have to get minimum 50 PCB orders.
Quality like always, 2Oz, immersion gold,
E-test-of course, tab routing, etc.

Both PCB's and kits (sorry) have to be pre-ordered.

Pricing.

50 PCB orders: PCB (include powers supply, meter driver, vca boards):
if we get to 50 orders, USD60 incl. shipping, and USD48 incl. shipping for 100 PCB orders.
Shipping-regular registered airmail. Takes 7-28 days worldwide usually, has basic tracking,
no lost packages for last 3 years. For EMS, which is almost cool as Fedex economy,
but cheaper, add some bucks depending on your location.

Basic parts kit about USD200, and kit with all add-ons about USD280.
Kits shipped with PCB's, so, no additional shipping costs.
Have to get some answers for complete pricing.
To issue the kits, we have to get minimum 30 orders.

Time frame.

Collecting the orders till 5th October.
I will have absolutely nice final version PCB's with cool silkscreening, gold plating etc
right after "rosh-ha-shana" (local official New Year) holidays.
Fun, but normal New Year is not an official holiday there :)

Arround 18th September third, full-featured proto, will be completely tested.
Than, OK to pay will be posted here.

Something like 10th October the PCB's can be shipped, if all goes normal way.

More about kits.
Basic kit will have all parts to build kinda GSSL+turbo, basic version
without audio VCA's. Then, just add options:
+minimalist VCA
+cool VCA
+SC filters
+C&B
+LED meter

And, of course, if you can source EAO old push-buttons, there will be engraved lens caps
for free, for first orders, until I have caps in stock.

I will post complete kit's pricing within few days.

Now, more about MixBuzz1.

Shortest and simple possible sound path. This is the way to do audio IMHO.

It can sound as mastering grade compressor, with use of 4xTHAT2181A on VCA board;
it can sound nice dirty in case of old VCA's, and it can sound modern nice in case of
use of 1xTHAT2181C, bit misadjusted for second harmonic.

Many options.

Working on easy-to-read complete documentation. Parts numbering done according to build blocks.
To build MixBuzz1, first, select what you want, pick up
acoording BOM and drawing for each piece, done. Same PCB set, all is there.

1). Type of VCA (i.e. sound character).

2). Ratios assembly: 3 options, classic 2-4-10,
"secret weapon one click left" for existing panels: 1.5-2-4-10,
or 1.5-2-4-6-8-10 for those who always feel about "better if I had one more".
As well, original ratios changes the actual threshold.
Working now on "equal threshold" mod. All on same PCB set of course.

3). Sidechain filters. Switch assembly done to fit with most existing panel markings.
Don't want SC filters? Install 2 jumpers and leave it.

4). C&B or MIX. It is simply there. Of course, relay bypass-able.
Don't want C&B? Install 2 jumpers and leave it.

5). Attack/release control. Steps or continuously variable; modern
"independant attack/release" or old school "attack and release depends on each other";
dual release switch to have lot of options for compression which fits on mix like a glove.
BTW, standard opt has 5 or 6 steps for release, it can be done as "0.9, A" or "A1, A2"
for last two steps in case of 6 steps, or exactly as classic release switch with 5 steps.
You can use your own attack/release switches, as they not necessary have to be built
on front panel PCB; 2 wires to each attack/release control, done.

Attack/release can be done with "peak/average" and "timing" control, breadboard is alive,
working on easy attach-able PCB (future project).

6). Meter. Every 200uA....5mA full scale deflection analog meter fits here
for reading GR amount, in 10 or 20 db full range.
Provision for backlight LED's on main PCB connector.
Or, 2x20-segments LED meter which can read IN, OUT, GR.
IN/OUT timing can be peak or RMS. Bit complicated, but not a big deal to build,
same difficulty level as say building old era turbo board+additional sidechain filters :)
I added the LED meter not for fun, PRACTICALLY, analog meters does not show
what really happens due to their slow ballistics etc.
From the other side, 10 led's is not enough for audio.
So, I did it up to my bad taste, with 2x2x10-led-bargraphs. Same LM3914's shared
for L/R bargraphs for precision.
With some squeezing, it is possible to have all options +2 meters (analog and LED's).

6). Many pot options for THRESHOLD, MAKEUP and MIX. Or,
easy to fit stepped controls (ELMA/Uraltone).

7). Front panel can be used as one peace and attached with socket to main,
no wiring at all, or disassembled to pieces and used with EVERY existing front panel.

8). All possible backlighted pushbuttons or toggles whatever can be used here.
Switches and meters using same "pinout" on PCB: +led/-led/sw1/sw2.
Easy to wire, etc.

9). Connectors: crimp, solder or BOLT (screw terminals).
I hate these bolt connectors, because for taking the PCB out of box it takes 5-10 minutes
instead of unplugging 5-8 connectors (10 seconds). Putting the wires into
screw terminals also takes a lot of time and not secure. Anyway, up to your taste,
MixBuzz1 can be done with Molex connectors or screw terminals connectors.

OK.....long one.
More pictures: on the way.
 
Pictures.
The basic build is very simple. To get an idea about this:
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/diy33609/SIMPLE_VER_ALL.jpg
SIMPLE_VER_ALL.jpg


http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/diy33609/SIMPLE_SHOW_HOW.jpg
SIMPLE_SHOW_HOW.jpg


Full version:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/diy33609/FULL_VER_ALL.jpg
FULL_VER_ALL.jpg


Simple version:
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg291/diy33609/SIMPLE_VER_ALL.jpg
SIMPLE_VER_ALL.jpg


Detailed explanations: tomorrow.
 
hi igor,
looking good - a few questions:
-does the $200 kit include pcb or does this go on top pricewise?
-can i start with just one 2181A and add 3 more (from farnell/RS/etc) at a later stage, if I feel it is needed?

Please put me down for one set of pcbs plus, if available, one kit with minimal VCA(2181A)/SC filters/C&B/2*2*10 LED meter.

Lastly - are you offering front panels or is this up to the buyer?
Either way, I would like to have room and holes for switches for ALL future expansions, even if I have a dummy switch in there for, say, 'crest factor' which is not connected at first.
cheers briomusic
 
Taking one kit with 1xC and 4xA VCA and all the other options (C&B, LEDs, lens caps, SC). I want to try the different VCA options and see what I like best.
 
Will there be a full case available for this build where there will be no holes required to do and is exact for the fully expanded model?

How difficult is the calibration process, what tools will you need for calibration?
 
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