Build a Franklin Audio SS6 but far better sound quality

[xarolium]

Hi there,

As there is no forum about Direct Box i presume it is the most adapted forum to post it. (feel free to move the topic if i'm off)
As you probably see on the social media (too much besides) Franklin audio propose on his shop a stereo DI with 6 inputs and a rotary switch to select the desired input for 400USD or 340€.
I found it quite expensive but if they use high grade parts like audio transformer (Lundhal, Jensen, Carnhill, Haufe, Cinemag or Showter..) or rotary switch (Elma or grayhill...) it's ok but IT IS NOT THE CASE

The SS6 is equipped with Chinese transformer (Franklin Audio said custom made...) and alpha rotary switch like those one:

You can find those part on Aliexpress: the switch 5pcs for 3.71USD and the transformer for 7.56USD

The idea of a switched DI is very good but i think Franklin Audio can make it better or cheaper.

Let build my own using those part:
- Grayhill 71A36 rotary switch : 35.72€
- Lundhal LL1935 x2 : 82€/pcs
- Neutrik NRJ6HF jacks x12 : 0.9€/pcs
- Neutrik XLR NC3FB x2 : 3.7€/pcs
- A custom PCB (approximatly cost 10€)
- A Aluminium case 80x160x170mm 11.6€ (if more than 50 members are interested, i can make a silkscreened custom case with logos...)

And i'm done for less than 240€ i have a high end 6 input selected Direct Box.
Of course it can be customized with different transformer by adding different footprint on the PCB, add a input pad for each input.
It can be cheaper too if you need one, i can organize a bulk order for the parts. (50 parts minimum for the bulk order)
Anyone interested ?

 

[Jim50hertz]

Interested!

 

[ruffrecords]

Bear in mind that with a 10K:600 transformer this only works with regular line level signals such as you get from synths, pedals or drum machies. This will not work directly with guitars.

Edit: but with the Lundahl LL1935 wired 10:1 you should be fine.

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

I am not sure about the switch you have selected. For switching two balanced signals you need a four pole switch so you either need four decks or two decks with 2 poles per deck. If you use the 36 degree version of the Grayhill 71 series switch you will need four decks. If you use the 30 degree version you can get two poles by 6 ways per deck. You probably need something like the 71B30-02-2-06N

I chose the B version because it has a regular quarter inch shaft.

Cheers

Ian

 

[xarolium]

I am not sure about the switch you have selected. For switching two balanced signals you need a four pole switch so you either need four decks or two decks with 2 poles per deck. If you use the 36 degree version of the Grayhill 71 series switch you will need four decks. If you use the 30 degree version you can get two poles by 6 ways per deck. You probably need something like the 71B30-02-2-06N

I chose the B version because it has a regular quarter inch shaft.

Cheers

Ian

Hi Ian,

I don't need to switch balanced signal cause the switch choose input signal that are unbalanced so only two decks switch is enough to switch the stereo input signal