Compact desktop line mixer?

[Gold]

Used might be a better bet. I’d look for a Soundcraft that fits your needs in decent shape. Then replace all the pots, switches and faders. I bet that could come in under $1500. It’s a bunch of work though.

 

[Brian Roth]

FWIW, I've been noodling around in my brain on this concept. (After a 13" snowfall here in KS, I've been house-bound since last weekend. At my age, shoveling that much snow from my driveway is just asking for a heart attack...lol!)

The tepid response here (and the apparent lack of commercial products) might indicate there is little interest.

I can imagine a DIY building block system that could be used for OTB mixers, or a sub mixer for a synth rig. I even poked around at Mouser checking out prefab wiring solutions to connect front panel parts to a PCB(s).

shrug.....

Bri

 

[ruffrecords]

Here is a very rough front panel layout for a 7U 40mm wide channel module. XLR input at the top followed by +-10dB trim, a pair of AUX sends (with space beside for toggle or push button pre/post switch), pan and 100mm fader. There is space beside the fader to fit toggle or push button solo and HPF switches.



Cheers

Ian

 

[darth fader]

That panel layout looks like something I could help with, Mr Ian. Do you have dimensions to go with it?

 

[ruffrecords]

That panel layout looks like something I could help with, Mr Ian. Do you have dimensions to go with it?

It was designed using the free frontpaneldesigner software provided by Schaeffer on this side of the pond. They have an associate company on your side that will make the panels from the same design. I have attached the fpd file for the panel. You need to rename the extension from txt to fpd and load it into frontpaneldesigner, From there you can export it as a dxf file. As I wrote that I realised I could just append the dxf file instead so I have, lol.

Cheers

Ian

 

[darth fader]

Cool thanks for the response. I'll check that out when I get off. Is this layout for a specific pcb/project/diykit, Mr Ian?

 

[darth fader]

Also if my forum etiquette is off please inform me, gang. I've read the rules but I'm new and don't wish to offend

 

[MidnightArrakis]

It was designed using the free frontpaneldesigner software provided by Schaeffer on this side of the pond. They have an associate company on your side that will make the panels from the same design. I have attached the fpd file for the panel. You need to rename the extension from txt to fpd and load it into frontpaneldesigner, From there you can export it as a dxf file. As I wrote that I realised I could just append the dxf file instead so I have, lol.

Cheers

Ian

While I was able to easily import your DXF file into FPD, I received the following list of errors:

>> However, none of the errors shown above had any reference as to which specific geometries they are associated with. I can only assume that "The diameter is too small" errors are related to the front-panel hole cutouts for the mounting screws and the potentiometers.

In addition, FPD was also asking for both a "Material Thickness" (I used 3.00mm) and a "Corner Radius" dimension (I used 1.00mm). However, both of these entries were purely guesses on my part. Could you provide what these dimensions are?

I am also assuming/guessing that "The free-form element is to small to mill" error messages pertain to the graphics and text items included within your front-panel design. I have been told by sheet-metal shops on my side of the pond that the smallest width that they can mill is 0.015-inch (0.381mm). Of course, I have no idea how small/thin that "Frank" is able to engrave/mill. Do you know what he requires?

How about that you go ahead and attach an FPD file that needs to be typically renamed (either as a PDF or TXT file). In addition, attaching a (renamed) STP file would also be a really keen and spiffy thing to do for "good measure". Both the FPD and STP files will contain a whole bunch more of useful CAD-data than what a DXF file is capable of containing. But.....that's just me!!!

TALLY HO!!! And.....PIP - PIP!!!

/

 

[MidnightArrakis]

Also if my forum etiquette is off please inform me, gang. I've read the rules but I'm new and don't wish to offend

[if my forum etiquette is off please inform me. I'm new and don't wish to offend] -- Don't worry about this, but just be aware of the fact that.....while you are on this forum posting your comments and responses, it doesn't matter how cordial, nice and/or pleasant that you are in your writings, at some point-in-time.....SOMEBODY ON HERE WILL BE OFFENDED!!! >> I know this all too well!!! <<

By the way, what part of Indiana are you located? I grew up in Indy, used to work at WFBM (now, WRTV) and I also worked in a couple of Indy recording studios before moving out here in Maryland to work with "one of the largest concert sound-reinforcement companies in the world" back in the early 1980's. Now, I "design stuff", while working-from-home.

GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THIS FORUM!!!.....

/

 

[Brian Roth]

Here is a very rough front panel layout for a 7U 40mm wide channel module. XLR input at the top followed by +-10dB trim, a pair of AUX sends (with space beside for toggle or push button pre/post switch), pan and 100mm fader. There is space beside the fader to fit toggle or push button solo and HPF switches.

View attachment 143051

Cheers

Ian

Hi Ian! I guess two of us are now pondering this. What rack format is that designed for? I am NOT up to speed on Eurorack and Eurocard, but after a quick look for info on both, I didn't immediately see anything to accommodate those dimensions. I'm guessing a version of Eurocard?

I am a big fan of modular systems, but have been thinking more along the lines of the mixer pictured in post #9 in this thread and the Speck unit mentioned in post #1.

http://www.speck.com/viafader/VF10M_popup.html

My VAGUE concept is a PCB mounted to the "floor" of a rack chassis (or similar) with flying leads to the front panel controls and rear panel I/O connectors.

But, you've gone much further than I have! <g>

Bri