Advice and ideas for a mixing console build

[efinque]

I love the idea of a removable mic pre/eq module like on the old Neve's and trident desks. While it does up the cost a bit it does make it plausible to run those modules separate from the consoles for remote recording.

Many large format consoles are built highly configurable.. I may have gone a little overboard with the frame though, one could fit a lot more features into it than what I originally sketched in the schematics.

Another thing I've been thinking is whether I should make the fader section modular for easy service.. at first I was thinking fixed configuration, perhaps because I was intending the console for summing. Faders are dirt cheap though.

Thanks for the ideas anyway!

 

[pucho812]

Many large format consoles are built highly configurable.. I may have gone a little overboard with the frame though, one could fit a lot more features into it than what I originally sketched in the schematics.

Another thing I've been thinking is whether I should make the fader section modular for easy service.. at first I was thinking fixed configuration, perhaps because I was intending the console for summing. Faders are dirt cheap though.

Thanks for the ideas anyway!

While that is true, most do not let you remove the mic pre eq and just plug it into a rack and go.  there is usually some sort of hoop to jump through.  As we migrate further and further forward we loose those things.  for example the new ssl's are not as modular as the older ones.

 

[efinque]

While that is true, most do not let you remove the mic pre eq and just plug it into a rack and go.  there is usually some sort of hoop to jump through.  As we migrate further and further forward we loose those things.  for example the new ssl's are not as modular as the older ones.

I was thinking mic pre modules instead of kits.. eliminates the need to look for bad solder joints and components etc, and means less solder work. The obvious downside is serviceability though..

 

[efinque]

We should do a gdiy console project. I plan on 24 buss and 8 auxes because I still have that desire and need to a degree.  Plus it's becoming more rare to do.  If anyone wants to trade ideas around maybe we can get to doing it.

I think a "charity" console idea is great.. I was thinking a very similar concept with PA the other day.

 

[ruffrecords]

Faders are dirt cheap though.

Good one aren't cheap.

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

I was thinking mic pre modules instead of kits.. eliminates the need to look for bad solder joints and components etc, and means less solder work. The obvious downside is serviceability though..

Removable modules were invented primary to improve serviceability. It's an upside not a downside.

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

I think a "charity" console idea is great..

A better word would be community.

Cheers

Ian

 

[efinque]

Good one aren't cheap.

Cheers

Ian

Yes but the ones I can fit in there are... the ALPS for instance have a very high profile.

Meanwhile, I've been working on a linear PSU..

 

[boji]

My second piece would be that 3U high 500 series modules are too small for this.

It's size seems perfect for non-tube pre's but I agree they get a little tight with full featured eq's.

I chose that format because they have become fairly a standard. There's so many 3rd party offerings of all sorts, diy and commercial that is seems like a natural choice for a modular  'community' mixer, at least in the pre section.

 

[Brian Roth]

500 modules make  sense for preamps and EQ's.  That was the original intent.

So what happens when you quickly run out of edge connector fingers in the 500 format for stuff such as busing and auxes and yada?

Bri

 

[ruffrecords]

500 modules make  sense for preamps and EQ's.  That was the original intent.

So what happens when you quickly run out of edge connector fingers in the 500 format for stuff such as busing and auxes and yada?

Bri

Exactly. You need something taller  with more I/Os for routing modules. Maybe a double height module with two connectors?

Cheers

Ian

 

[iampoor1]

It's size seems perfect for non-tube pre's but I agree they get a little tight with full featured eq's.

I chose that format because they have become fairly a standard. There's so many 3rd party offerings of all sorts, diy and commercial that is seems like a natural choice for a modular  'community' mixer, at least in the pre section.

I believe classic API already has the metalwork available for building a console in the 500 series format?

 

[efinque]

Built the 12V version of the ESP mic pre.. I believe it works to some extent.

 

[JohnRoberts]

Back in the 70s-80s when I was running my kit company I considered offering a modular kit console/mixer. I ultimately abandoned it for a couple reasons.

#1 the primary reason people bought kits (at least back last century) was to save money. A kit modular console would actually cost more than a cheap (made in Japan) value mixer of the day. This was before mixers from China got silly cheap in the 1990s. 

#2 The design task to make a truly flexible, fully configurable mixer/console, means you have to anticipate all the possible future configurations to incorporate the hooks into the basic design. Even if you don't populate all the features for a basic mixer, you burn the PCB real estate and connectors. If you want lots of buses you need a line or two for each. In hindsight I am kind of glad I didn't do this kit program.

I know several people who have built one DIY console for their personal use, nobody who ever built a second one.

JR

 

[boji]

So what happens when you quickly run out of edge connector fingers in the 500 format for stuff such as busing and auxes and yada?

Just add another 500 bucket à la Jeff's kits?

Also:
https://www.purpleaudio.com/products/moiyn/

 

[pucho812]

One of my clients has a custom console by the folks at tree audio.

It has 16 channels that have 2 x rows of 500 slots to allow 2 X 500 modules per channel.  It seems like a great idea, I can add 500 modules to a channel strip that has auxes, busses, panning, mute, solo, etc.  that's the upside it is customizable I can build as I go, add what I want, etc. The downside is if you do not already own the 500 series modules, it can get real expensive real quick to fill it up.

 

[boji]

The downside is if you do not already own the 500 series modules, it can get real expensive real quick to fill it up.

Ain't that the truth.  Also since the channel section and patch seriously test one's endurance, the thought of diy-ing another 32 modules is...

Two kidneys right? We technically only need one, so...

 

[pucho812]

I got it. for auxes, buss, pan pot, mutes and solo cards, just use ye standard eurorack connector, everyone else does. 

 

[efinque]

Here's a pic of a prototype channel strip in the making..

 

[ruffrecords]

Here's a pic of a prototype channel strip in the making..

Image not working for me

Cheers

Ian