I've done some more thinking and schematic drawing on this console. What concerns should I have about Mic pres with ~40dB fixed gain? The circuit that's in them now has about the same gain, I'm thinking it won't be an issue.
Also, I'm trying to think of the best way to implement inserts and direct outs, while keeping a balanced mix bus. I think separate, switching TRS sends and returns would be the "best" way to do it, any tips or opinions on this are welcome. If I'm imagining it right, on top of having the ability to insert effects into channels separately, I would be able to record multitrack to tape or digital from the send/direct out and then mixdown from the tape machine or interface into the return jacks (which would feed directly into the balanced mix bus). I plan on adding 3 or 4 additional line level inputs to the mix bus(new AUX/FX return will need to be 600ohm balanced, will be no mixer tube in next program amp ).
I was looking at a UA 1016 circuit for the line/program amp. Fully balanced from front to back, looks good! THEN, I started toying with the idea of adding compression to the line amp. I looked at a few circuits and soon found that the UA 175 is basically a UA 1016 with a vari-mu stage and sidechain tacked on.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Danny