abechap024
Well-known member
Edit: See white market thread.Thanks to all!
Hi All,
Want to let you know about a completed A Prototype PCB for the 160VU
and for those that don't know about the 160vu, I would recommend googleing it! While maybe not as much as a household name as the 1176 or SSL it is a staple studio compressor used on countless hit records. I've read it call the "Kick, Snr, and Bass compressor" also reportedly used often as a vocal compressor with great results. I say this as I've never had the opportunity to actually use one and half way through the design I was thinking to myself...do I really need ANOTHER VCA compressor? (I just finished an 8 channel ssm2120 mic/line compressor box) but found some samples of before/after clips of the 160vu and clearly yes. I can hear why people love this compressor as they do. Seems to not really sound like anything else. Seems to have a sought after "mojo" and when dealing of things of mystics and "mojo" I have taken the liberty of not taking the liberty of changing the circuit. Original power supply and parts can be opted for throughout the PCB. I have, however, added the option for bigger power supply caps, an option for a less expensive power supply (using mnats or some other regulated supply). I've also added the option for a cheaper and easier option of a THAT VCA.
Also, the DBX 160vu use(es/ed) a mechanically zero-centered meter. These meters cost about 150$ from DBX. If you don't want to spend as much on a meter as you probably will for the whole build, we've added a circuit the will emulate a mechanically centered meter by making it electronically centered. Thanks to Arska for coming up with the circuit and for his help with other design implements. Also thank you to DamnYankee and many others who have helped with information and ideas!
this PCB includes:
-All transistors changed to modern counterparts, so no hard to source components!
-Ability to use a THAT 2180 VCA, a DBX 200 can VCA, or build a discrete 200 vca right on the PCB
-Ability to use a DBX RMS detector can, or build the RMS unit right on the PCB
-Completely original power supply. Plus an option to easily patch in a different power supply if you wish
This is a "Prototype" Small batch PCB feeler thread. If you want to build one, but aren't very experienced with electronics, or are scared of a possible challenge this probably isn't for you. You might as well wait for the "Final" Revision to come out in a couple months.
But for those of you who are itching for your very own 160vu and are excited about electronics and have the equipment and tools for a possible troubleshooting shootout or two. This is your ticket.
I don't *for see* many problems at all. I've been working on this for about a month and have checked the schematic many many times. Also checked and rechecked for the RMS/VCA circuits. But there always seems to be something; mainly I want to see what components are available to people outside of the US, and if there are any recommendations on footprints or any other of a million things that could be changed for easier building/implementation.
Also I haven't been able to get my hands on any original vca/rmc modules and no one has made the measurements available, so I've been forced to resort to black magic and tom foolery, The dimensions should be correct, but I have no way to verify this so This is another thing that needs to be confirmed before "Final" revision.
Prototypes will be 35$ shipped to anywhere in the world. we will need at least 10 people to place an order.
Here is the Schematic and the TOP of the PCB with DBX module pin outs in case anyone can confirm spacings...
www.acsoundstudio.com/DIY/160vu/schematic.jpg
www.acsoundstudio.com/DIY/160vu/PCB1.jpg
Thank You,
Abe
Hi All,
Want to let you know about a completed A Prototype PCB for the 160VU
and for those that don't know about the 160vu, I would recommend googleing it! While maybe not as much as a household name as the 1176 or SSL it is a staple studio compressor used on countless hit records. I've read it call the "Kick, Snr, and Bass compressor" also reportedly used often as a vocal compressor with great results. I say this as I've never had the opportunity to actually use one and half way through the design I was thinking to myself...do I really need ANOTHER VCA compressor? (I just finished an 8 channel ssm2120 mic/line compressor box) but found some samples of before/after clips of the 160vu and clearly yes. I can hear why people love this compressor as they do. Seems to not really sound like anything else. Seems to have a sought after "mojo" and when dealing of things of mystics and "mojo" I have taken the liberty of not taking the liberty of changing the circuit. Original power supply and parts can be opted for throughout the PCB. I have, however, added the option for bigger power supply caps, an option for a less expensive power supply (using mnats or some other regulated supply). I've also added the option for a cheaper and easier option of a THAT VCA.
Also, the DBX 160vu use(es/ed) a mechanically zero-centered meter. These meters cost about 150$ from DBX. If you don't want to spend as much on a meter as you probably will for the whole build, we've added a circuit the will emulate a mechanically centered meter by making it electronically centered. Thanks to Arska for coming up with the circuit and for his help with other design implements. Also thank you to DamnYankee and many others who have helped with information and ideas!
this PCB includes:
-All transistors changed to modern counterparts, so no hard to source components!
-Ability to use a THAT 2180 VCA, a DBX 200 can VCA, or build a discrete 200 vca right on the PCB
-Ability to use a DBX RMS detector can, or build the RMS unit right on the PCB
-Completely original power supply. Plus an option to easily patch in a different power supply if you wish
This is a "Prototype" Small batch PCB feeler thread. If you want to build one, but aren't very experienced with electronics, or are scared of a possible challenge this probably isn't for you. You might as well wait for the "Final" Revision to come out in a couple months.
But for those of you who are itching for your very own 160vu and are excited about electronics and have the equipment and tools for a possible troubleshooting shootout or two. This is your ticket.
I don't *for see* many problems at all. I've been working on this for about a month and have checked the schematic many many times. Also checked and rechecked for the RMS/VCA circuits. But there always seems to be something; mainly I want to see what components are available to people outside of the US, and if there are any recommendations on footprints or any other of a million things that could be changed for easier building/implementation.
Also I haven't been able to get my hands on any original vca/rmc modules and no one has made the measurements available, so I've been forced to resort to black magic and tom foolery, The dimensions should be correct, but I have no way to verify this so This is another thing that needs to be confirmed before "Final" revision.
Prototypes will be 35$ shipped to anywhere in the world. we will need at least 10 people to place an order.
Here is the Schematic and the TOP of the PCB with DBX module pin outs in case anyone can confirm spacings...
www.acsoundstudio.com/DIY/160vu/schematic.jpg
www.acsoundstudio.com/DIY/160vu/PCB1.jpg
Thank You,
Abe
