Hello there,
last weekend I had the honour to build the first kit.
Getting an MS module in 500 series format kept me dreaming for about two years.
But always the question:How could it work in a two modules width when you need 8 (eight!) I/Os for it?
A standard slot only has two XLRs......
Getting prepared/infrastructure:
The solution is a TAC rack:
Except of the standard XLRs it provides three (!!!) additional quarter inch jacks -per slot(!)- for different purposes which can be seperately switched to several functions.I have the debal./balancing card fitted on the two first slots.It takes care of all you need,eg. turning the rack to a comfortable splitbox at line level and fully balanced.
Or handle this fantastic ms matrix called "MID SIDE ONE".
And a lot more......
For the matrix the jacks provide the insert sends (on outputs #3) and returns (on inputs #2),as said fully balanced at line level.
And as if this isn´t enough the outputs #2 can carry a signal to your choice,whether from the modules´inputs or the matrix outputs.Done by jumpers on the main board.
Plus the insert sends always carry the signals you chose on the frontpanel for input mode.
Now that´s awesome,isn´t it?
The modules' functionality & look:
What can I say....outstanding it is!
It has really all functionality I can think of.
Main I/Os can be switched to L-R or MS processing....in any combination.
Inserts are switchable for easy comparison.
Both M and S have a mute switch.
Meters can be switched to read In- or Outputs and have a +10dB switch to increase their sensitivity.
System in bypasses the unit.
It is dead-quiet.
And there are two further "weapons" on board.
A width control balances the mid and side signals,while the filter is a high pass in the side signal making it easy to clean up all the mud and smear one might have in the bass range!Often known as "monomaker" in plug-ins,but here you have it and you can touch it....it´s analogue,the real deal!
My favourite tool on the module.Both switchable of course.And both the width and filter are there all the time without having to insert any external gear.They are permantely located between encoder and decoder,meaning even you choose L-R mode for both Input and Output!
Fantastic!
The module is super-intuitive to handle,everything sits where it belongs.Take it for any needs,whether to treat signals,recordings in ms mode or mastering.
Don´t want to talk much about sound and start boring discussions "digital vs. analogue"again,I have the well-known plug-ins too.
This beast is analogue,fast,deep sounding at a wide frequency range.
EOM.
It is black on the front using the same knobs,pot caps and layout like EQ ONE so fits them well visually.
In summary a "mens' toy"........
Building the MID SIDE ONE:
It is easy.
If I can do it then you can do it.
Some soldering skills,a steady hand and -as always- patience will do it.
The package came with baggies all having clear writings on them.These then contain smaller ones,the single parts have writings on them too.Even the values e.g. on the resistors or caps!
Although I always recommend (if I may) to check parts as far as possible prior to soldering.
All bigger bags form a complete building block.These are then assembeled mechanically using hex standoffs.
The module consists of five boards,the main,the I/O on the second slot position,a switchboard and two boards for meters.All connect via ribbon cables.Even easier to build than the EQ ONE.
I did not have the build manual,so I built it right after the bom.Of course Cemal helped me at some steps when it came to some little "oddities"in the bom.These were easy to clear up though.
As said it did it over the last weekend.After testing I found it to be fully working,really no issues at all!
Measuring turned out to fully match every specification,there is a nice chart of all possible setup procedures in all modes that you can easily follow.
And in case of anything seeming odd you have those nice testpoints to comfortably check signals/functions.
Mechanically everything fits like a glove.
I want to recommend to screw on the faceplate early after the mainboard is done.Then you can use it as a cool jig for easy led soldering.I can post build pics for that if you like.
Finally:
This module has become one of my most important tools instantly,my dreams came true.
I want to thank Cemal for being here around with us,letting me build this as a first DIYer and for his help when it comes to it.....always!
A big thank you of course to Mr. Graham Langley for another excellent design.
And to both for making this possible for all of us.
A take my hat off again,
Udo (doing a big bow).
P.S.:I want to show some pics,here´s the first while testing it: