EZ1084EQ NEW BATCH COMING - SEE MY MARCH 27 COMMENT ON PAGE 38

[SIXTYNINER]

hey Jim
do you know +/- when pcbs (include last "upgrades") can be available ?
thanks
6t9r

I just want to tell everyone that I had the project analyzed a few days ago and it passed with flying colors! All the frequency bands were dead on! I was a bit worried about the LP filter but I guess my ears don't go to 16K! Measuring instruments do and the filter worked exactly as it should.

There is still some work for me left to do. The Gain switch is 7 steps as in the original but I find the 5db steps too coarse so I will be using the 12 steps in the Grayhill switch to spread the gain over 12 positions rather than 7.

I've also added a relay option to the normal (NEVE) bypass. This allows to use 1 switch (found a very cool one with 2 color LED in toggle paddle).

Dan and I have been putting the final touches on the front panel and I'll have a picture of that soon.

Lastly, after seeing the unit and the test results I've been asked to demo the unit at a local commercial studio. This will give me the opportunity to get someone else's opinion as well.

After that I will be ordering a new prototype PCB so I can confirm final layout.

So there is a bit more time to wait but its great to not have to debug and be going forward now.

Special thanks to 3nity who helped me tremendously with his support and finding several problems. I was getting a bit discouraged and I could not have gone this far without his encouragement and skills. Thanks Jorge.

Also thanks to all who posted here or sent private emails of encouragement. You all kept this project alive.

Jim

 

[Bluzzi]

Great news. I just returned from the studio where the 1084 prototype was on loan. They loved it and are buying 2! I also got a third opinion from a live sound engineer and he fell in love with it (never thought about it being used live). The common description was "musical" and "smooth". I just needed some outside ears to confirm what I was already hearing.

So now I'll be ordering a prototype of the final PCB. I'm not too sure what to do at this point. I'm a bit anal as you can tell when it comes to making sure things are 100% but on the other hand you have all been very patient so I need you guys to let me know if you want to wait a bit longer so I can make a final version or do you want to start ordering based on this prototype now working and sounding 100%.?

If I do the final version prototype it would add another 3 to 4 weeks at least to the delivery. Otherwise I can start taking orders soon and get the boards hopefully before I come back from vacation (Early August).

What do you all think?

Jim

 

[erikb1971]

Hey Jim

Well done man, I was a bit afraid you had died in the process. For as far as Iam concerned, Iam interested in the combination of the 1084 eq and the 1290 pre amp.. how far are we in combining those? Anyway, Iam not much of an expert, so if the experts say the eq is good to go, Iam in for two.

Cheers!

Erik

 

[Benny]

Hey Jim,

great news. Thanks for all the work you and the other guys put in for creating and testing such a great project. I'm also interested in the combination of the 1084 and the EZ 1290.

If it takes another 3 to 4 weeks, take your time and go for a final version. No problem!!! ;D

 

[ruairioflaherty]

If I do the final version prototype it would add another 3 to 4 weeks at least to the delivery. Otherwise I can start taking orders soon and get the boards hopefully before I come back from vacation (Early August).

What do you all think?

Jim

This is clearly a labour of love, take the time to do a final prototype if you need it.  Perhaps have someone else stuff one too?  Another builder nearly catches a few errors....

Great work BTW!

Cheers,
Ruairi

 

[lsskmki]

If the current version works and sounds fine I would be happy to build it like it is now. But some weeks of more waiting is ok, as the final layout will probably be better than the prototype version anyway.

Btw Benny and Erik, why not get a separate preamp board and then combine that with the eq board in one box or build separate units. Even if they were in separate cases, they could still be used together.  

 

[Bluzzi]

The final PCB will have the corrections the current prototype have accumulated as well as an option for  relay for the other bypass. It will be "prettier" too. ;D

The only thing I still have to do is add some more attenuation to the Gain switch. Its 7 poaitions as per the original schematic but since I have a 12 position switch there I will be making them all active. Also I find positions 4 to 7 are pretty well useless. Just plain way too much gain. So I am going to add more attenuation and make positions 1 to 6 have 2 or 3db gain (as opposed to 5db). After that steps will continue as in original. So those wanting original gain steps will still have it (except for 3rd step) but the extra attenuation will allow better interfacing with modern equipment. Of course if one wants to they could use original 7 steps. Just insert the required resistors.

I will be contacting Martin shortly to work out the 1290LE add-on board thing. I'll let you all know how it goes.

So far (its still early) it looks like most can wait for "after" final prototype. I'll wait a few days to determine what action to take.

I'm really excited about the sound of this baby. Next to my LA2A's this is my favourite piece of equipment right now (I'm really in love with my LA2As).

Thanks to all for the positive responses.

Cheers.

Jim

 

[bluesbaz]

I'm still in for 8 of these.
-s

 

[mrtrev]

I'm just about to build my first batch of EZ1290's, I've no use for EQ although I would love to have a HPF on it, which is the one thing I'd really need as an extra on my build. Would there be a possibility of you someday doing the HPF section as an add on for current EZ1290 users? There may not be a call for it and I understand if it's not practical. But you never know until you ask

I think your HPF would compliment Martin's boards!

 

[Bluzzi]

That's going to be something on the rack! I'm going to want to see pictures of that when you finish!

I'm still in for 8 of these.
-s

 

[Bluzzi]

HPFs are very handy. Its a possible project for the future but for now I really want to start shipping these before I tackle another project. If you want to bring it up later on I'll try to take it on.

but you know what? I think you do NEED some 1084s 

Jim

I'm just about to build my first batch of EZ1290's, I've no use for EQ although I would love to have a HPF on it, which is the one thing I'd really need as an extra on my build. Would there be a possibility of you someday doing the HPF section as an add on for current EZ1290 users? There may not be a call for it and I understand if it's not practical. But you never know until you ask

I think your HPF would compliment Martin's boards!

 

[loopermc5]

Great job!!! Must feel good to have finally conquered this. You know ill be in for 4 or so?

 

[mulletchuck]

are you going to release the schematics and perhaps a self-etch file?  my GBC Laminator shows up in a few days!!

 

[Bluzzi]

Thanks man. Yes it feels great. I must say that I had help from 3nity. When I was down or had no time to devote he kicked in with some moral and technical support. In the end when I see the faults I had they are so bloody silly!

Jim

Great job!!! Must feel good to have finally conquered this. You know ill be in for 4 or so?

 

[Bluzzi]

For a schematic see original. The parts I added are very easy to figure out (relays and connectors etc.). I won't be doing a self etch layout sorry. I think have enough on my plate.

Why would you want to do that? I took my time to design a PCB layout that would be easy enough for a beginner (OK almost a beginner) to successfully complete.

Jim

are you going to release the schematics and perhaps a self-etch file?  my GBC Laminator shows up in a few days!!

 

[bpucekov]

just take your time and make the final version, I think we all have some unfinished project on the table so it certainly will not be idle while waiting
bpucekov

 

[mulletchuck]

Why would you want to do that? I took my time to design a PCB layout that would be easy enough for a beginner (OK almost a beginner) to successfully complete.

Jim

why?    because I don't have $104 LOL!!!

 

[Bluzzi]

I was just pushing your buttons.

You make me feel bad for you though. Of course on the other hand if you don't have $104.00 you don't have $$$ for the parts either!

I'll be getting a new quote soon. Maybe price will get better.

Jim

Why would you want to do that? I took my time to design a PCB layout that would be easy enough for a beginner (OK almost a beginner) to successfully complete.

Jim

why?    because I don't have $104 LOL!!!

 

[Futureman]

This project is gonna be good.

I'm seriously saving my pennies for this one.

Regards
Mike

 

[suli]

Hey Jim,

Great news. Thanks for  the  great projec .