MixBuzz1: full-featured 1RU bus compressor. Pre-orders : pls update, page 6.

[stereokillah]

Does it have footprint for DBX 202 or 2001 instead of THAT?  (Any changes needed, or plug and play?)

there is special card 202x substitute with that 2180 or 81 but you can put 202x 202c 2001 instead of it's same foot print

Are all the extra PCBs included in the USD 60?

no

What are EAO lenses?  (Is this an engraving template?)

EAO lense are the white knobs on push button where is writed turbo, mix, in,power

here http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=40766.0

 

[canidoit]

I just want to know exactly how much this project would cost me so I can work out my finance and have no surprises if I build this kit.

Can you confirm the price with shipping for the Full featured all you can get Mixbuzz-1 kit with the front panel and the case.

Can you throw in the knobs and power switch into the mix? I am not really fussed about pimping those so I would be happy with what you are using?

So all I would need is just the power transformer and IEC socket to build this kit.

Would I need the meters from Hairball, since from looking at the picture it uses Leds only?

Do I need to get little bits like PCB mounts, screws, nuts and bolts, cable ties, or any special tools for the wiring and cabling? That ribbon cable you have in your pic, does that require a special tool?

 

[Igor]

Hm.... Was good. We did like 5kg chicken steaks in rum+lemon+chili marinade,
with 3 magnum's of greatest imho local made wine - Yarden Merlot 2003,
for small company of 7 people.....good state of mind!

Just passed here, and to clarify:

the MS option - is that something that could be done externally, like "Crush and Blend"?
I mean, there are many ways - soft and hardware - to convert LR to MS and back again,
can I just strap those on the in and output of the MixBuzz1 (or indeed any compressor)
or is the plan to provide different (Ratio- Threshold- etc) controls for the M and S channels?

To get a mind about paralleled M/S compression, try it with plugins.
Analog will sound 10 times greater.
Take clean and processed signals.
Processed: LR>MS, compress S signal bit more than M, make-up S and M back, than MS>LR.
Add compressed signal to clean at -10...16 db.
It can bring a great feel over whole track: dimension, tightness....
I hate sound talks, first hear.  
Of course, AD trick: the best way to do it, check the attached pic.....
More comes soon......

 

[Igor]

I could be interesting in front panel (the one with LED meter, MIX, soft/tight, dual...) and case.
Now some questions :

1 - what about the scale of the Led meter in GR mode ? If it's 2 dB per led like in Vu mode,
isn't it to be a too small definition ? Or is it easy to work with anyway ?

It is 2 db/step, and IMHO even better resolution than analog meter.
LED's are fast, and this is what I want here. Meter shows GR wrong as it reacts slow.
GR can be easy adjusted for 1 or 0.5 db/led steps.
There are 2 pots: GR OFFSET and GR SCALE.
GR OFFSET located on LED meter PCB to get a reading of 0 like most common compressors do;
With LED meter, GR starts at 0db (LED Nr 11) and goes from RIGHT to LEFT side of meter for more GR;
To get 0.5 db/LED GR screen, just adjust GR SCALE pot.  
The front panel marking have to be done in different scales for GR and IN/OUT this way.

2 - Does the basic kit includes additional ratios (1.5, 6, Cool, soft/thigh and dual switches ?

The basic kit include all ratios, it is matter of PCB and resistors; all PCB's are included in set.
The bag marked RATIO will contain all parts for all ratio options.

Same way, bag marked TBD will include all needed resistors for 3 VCA options.

3 - what about the Att/Rel : are they stepped ? are they continuously variable ?
independent, dependent ? How do you deal with that ? What does the kit includes ?

For basic kit, Lorlin switches and all parts needed to assemble them by "regular" way:
attack 6 settings, release 6 settings.
Added (6th) release setting is A2. This is your secret weapon when you use regular front panel,
one click right after A (5th) position.
Same way, release can be assembled in regular 5 settings, or 5th setting cam be 0.9 sec.
A2 is more usefull IMHO.

basic kit do not include soft thight

All matter of having continuously variable att/rel controls is:
2xspdt toggles
100k log pot
1 or 2meg lin pot
0.47uf poly cap
3.3 uf poly cap
resistors: 820R, 100K, 150K
Easy to wire etc.

rms/peak behavior futur upgrade? Make sense?

YES!!!!! Proto is working. I think to add "slower release if more bass"
auto option. Sorry, this is not included with kit, will be issued about Dec 2010,
but will be priced cheap for those who bought the MixBuzz1 or MixBuzz500 pcb's.

Will there be a full case available for this build where there will be no holes
required to do and is exact for the fully expanded model?

I think for small qty's it is better to go to case guys, Dan or Pur***...it is their bread.
I can engrave some black anodized panels here, but sorry, my time is not cheap.
Trying to get pricing from another source....for now, it comes like $50 for panel, MOQ is 30.

I know that att and rel can be stepped or pot, but what kind are they in the kit ?

Switches, like all GSSL and original do.

Are all the extra PCBs included in the USD 60?

YES.

No MS and no time/crestfactor controls. Reason: still no PCB layout.

I just want to know exactly how much this project would cost me
so I can work out my finance and have no surprises if I build this kit.

Page 4

Can you confirm the price with shipping for the
Full featured all you can get Mixbuzz-1 kit with the front panel and the case.

Shipping included, still no fronts/cases, maybe, in future.

Can you throw in the knobs and power switch into the mix?

I have some surplus stock. Drop a line, will throw'em.

So all I would need is just the power transformer and IEC socket to build this kit.

Meter, XLR's...as well...lemmie think....wires? usual stuff.

Would I need the meters from Hairball, since from looking at the picture it uses Leds only?

Possible to squeezzzz front panel and use both LED and analog meters for full-featured version,
mind, toggles or space-saving pushbuttons for MIX, SC MONO, COMP IN.

Possible to use LED meter only, it shows GR, IN, OUT.
Possible to use analog meter only, it will show GR.

Do I need to get little bits like PCB mounts, screws, nuts and bolts,
cable ties, or any special tools for the wiring and cabling?

Bolts and nuts can be in kits...I didn't thought about this.
Why no, I have surplus stock.

That ribbon cable you have in your pic, does that require a special tool?

No, will post pics of how-to do this....

 

[KrIVIUM2323]

Sorry, MixBuzz1 has only MIX option. Full-featured MS and S&B will be done in 500 format.

No MS and no time/crestfactor controls. Reason: still no PCB layout.

Igor, if i understood correctly 500 format and Feeler share same design. So adding those option at a later stage could be possible.
Please excuse me being insistant with that, i can live without M/S ...but 'crest factor' is some kind of dream for me  

 

[detonator]

but 'crest factor' is some kind of dream for me  

Maby Igor can find a way to mod it afterwords.

But, when are the boards ready to order. I'm hungry  ;D

 

[zayance]

Quote
Are all the extra PCBs included in the USD 60?

YES.

No MS and no time/crestfactor controls. Reason: still no PCB layout.

Price seems more logical for pcb's that's what i tought, so please Igor:

Add me for 2 x set of PCB, no need basic kit nor SC nor Mix, since that's in the PCB set  , i don't need kits.

Thanks a lot again.

 

[KrIVIUM2323]

Maby Igor can find a way to mod it afterwords.

...Or i could doing it same way as Dagoose and is mastering Sontec: give me my Dremel!!! 

 

[warpie]

Igor,
apart from the project I also like a lot the IEC socket in your photos 
Can you please provide some more info?

thanks
w.

 

[zayance]

Igor,
apart from the project I also like a lot the IEC socket in your photos  
Can you please provide some more info?

thanks
w.

Nothing much, just filtered IEC socket like this:
http://fr.farnell.com/tyco-electronics-corcom/10eeb1/embase-iec-filtre-10a/dp/9586032

or all in one:
http://fr.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1428699&CMP=i-bf9f-00001000

there must be cheaper options, just look around.

 

[stereokillah]

or here
http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280419256466

this shop have a good price and nice communication

 

[user 10827]

Hey Guys / Igor,

is there a FP layout for this project out 'n' about? I've looked but can not see one..

Best
Pete

 

[warpie]

Nothing much, just filtered IEC socket like this:
http://fr.farnell.com/tyco-electronics-corcom/10eeb1/embase-iec-filtre-10a/dp/9586032

or all in one:
http://fr.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1428699&CMP=i-bf9f-00001000

there must be cheaper options, just look around.

or here
http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280419256466

this shop have a good price and nice communication

thanks guys!
Just out of curiosity, how is the filtering achieved?
I mean, is it worth it?

 

[tommypiper]

the MS option - is that something that could be done externally, like "Crush and Blend"?
I mean, there are many ways - soft and hardware - to convert LR to MS and back again,
can I just strap those on the in and output of the MixBuzz1 (or indeed any compressor)
or is the plan to provide different (Ratio- Threshold- etc) controls for the M and S channels?

To get a mind about paralleled M/S compression, try it with plugins.
Analog will sound 10 times greater.
Take clean and processed signals.
Processed: LR>MS, compress S signal bit more than M, make-up S and M back, than MS>LR.
Add compressed signal to clean at -10...16 db.
It can bring a great feel over whole track: dimension, tightness....
I hate sound talks, first hear.  
Of course, AD trick: the best way to do it, check the attached pic.....
More comes soon......

Igor, my man,

Does your Mixbuzz 500 series have M-S processing?  

What is this M-S box in your attached photo, (attached below)?

Are you working on a M-S add-on PCB?   I hope!  ;D

 

[zayance]

Does your Mixbuzz 500 series have M-S? 

What is this box in the photo?

Are you working on a M-S add-on PCB?  I hope! 

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=37771.0

 

[jandoste]

Hey Guys / Igor,

is there a FP layout for this project out 'n' about? I've looked but can not see one..

Best
Pete

Yep
Good point too

 

[briomusic]

I am still confused about the MS option....
So - after converting the signal from LR to MS we want to compress the M and S signals slightly differently - how can this even be done with a SSL buss type compressor which traditionally only has one set of controls? or would this be a complete rework with separate controls for both channels?

 

[evilcat]

GR can be easy adjusted for 1 or 0.5 db/led steps.
There are 2 pots: GR OFFSET and GR SCALE.
GR OFFSET located on LED meter PCB to get a reading of 0 like most common compressors do;
With LED meter, GR starts at 0db (LED Nr 11) and goes from RIGHT to LEFT side of meter for more GR;
To get 0.5 db/LED GR screen, just adjust GR SCALE pot. 
The front panel marking have to be done in different scales for GR and IN/OUT this way.

That's good news ! So, if I understand correctly, I could, for example, have the I/O metering w/ 2dB per led from -22 to +18 dB and GR metering w/ 1dB per led, set the 0dB reduction to full right : that way you have 20dB scale, right ?

basic kit do not include soft thight

All matter of having continuously variable att/rel controls is:
2xspdt toggles
100k log pot
1 or 2meg lin pot
0.47uf poly cap
3.3 uf poly cap
resistors: 820R, 100K, 150K
Easy to wire etc.

So soft/tight are only achievable with continuously variable att/rel controls ? What about "Dual" release option : achievable with stepped controls ? Does it make sense since there's already A1 and A2 ?

Last question, let's go crazy ;D ! Is it possible to have, like on the Tube Tech LC2Ab, the choice between stepped and continuously variable controls ? If yes, would it be a good and practical idea, or is it too much ?

Anyway, thanks for everything you've already done ! I can't wait to start this project.

Ben

 

[Igor]

I am still confused about the MS option....
So - after converting the signal from LR to MS
we want to compress the M and S signals slightly differently -
how can this even be done with a SSL buss type compressor
which traditionally only has one set of controls?
or would this be a complete rework with separate controls for both channels?

No need to separate channel controls. Just feed more S signal before compressor
and play with M/S balance after the compressor.

is there a FP layout for this project out 'n' about? I've looked but can not see one..

http://twin-x.com/groupdiy/thumbnails.php?album=416
"Release" markings, text 1 and 3, should be replaced with 0.5 and 0.9,
for full-featured front panel design. Will update the file soon.

Feel free to offer us engraved panels!

That's good news ! So, if I understand correctly, I could, for example, have the I/O metering w/ 2dB per led from -22 to +18 dB and GR metering w/ 1dB per led, set the 0dB reduction to full right : that way you have 20dB scale, right ?

OK....To clarify all about LED meter.

For IN/OUT metering, THAT2252 RMS detectors used.
Timing can be peak or RMS.
Every LED is 2db, from -22 to +18 db.
Finally, I used (-22...-2) green, and (0....+18) red displays.
Looks cool and convenient. Scale can be changed as well for 1.5 db/led for example,
as there are level_scale and level_offset trimpots for every channels.
Adjustment takes some time, but whole meter can be set up in 10-20 min.
with soundcard+multimeter.

GR metering for LED meter done to be convenient in same manner like it done in
1176 or LA-4, for example. I.e. it starts at 0 db of meter, and goes from right to left.
When no GR, we see 11 led's from 0 to -22db on.
When there is about 1.5 db of GR, 0 db led goes off, and we see 10 led's.
Hope it is clear

Now, the meter adjustment for GR has 2 pots: GR OFFSET and GR SCALE.
We set offset to fire up first 11 led's, by analogy with LA-4, when we set meter to 0db for 0 GR...
Than feed signal and set threshold to get 20 db of compression,
than adjust GR SCALE trimpot to get only first (-22db) led ON, same like with LA-4 or 1176.

And, we want full scale, 20 LED's to show gain reduction in 0.5 db steps.
To do this, without gain reduction, we set all 20 LED's ON with GR OFFSET trimpot.
Feed signal, get 10 db of gain reduction, and adjust GR SCALE trimpot
to see only first LED (-22) half-lighted.
We need 2 different scale markings for this way of GR meter behavior,
anyway, if this is your compressor, you know what is the trick even without marking.

So soft/tight are only achievable with continuously variable att/rel controls ?

The "original" way of switch arrangement does not allows this.

BUT:

The one of coolest benefits of MixBuzz1 over other designs is completely LEGO front panel.
I.e. it can fit every existing fronts and be used in many different ways.

This way, we can use pair of ganged, concentric switches with pots
for user-defined time constants, and have continuously variable attack/release controls, for example.

What about "Dual" release option : achievable with stepped controls ? Does it make sense since there's already A1 and A2 ?

It is usefull. First, the "second" (slow) release changes with "fast" release, we just keep relation between them 30%/70% for example. More options. Fits like a glove on mix.
If you ask me, ONLY continuously variable controls for attack/release,
or even better 21-stepped ELMA's. I always want a choice in-between.

I said good-bye to 6 attack and 5 release positions after testing full-featured MixBuzz1 in two studios.
One of them BTW has big ATC and Lavree Blue converters with my mastering console
and great accoustic treatment, and yes, more attack/release options is way usefull!

Last question, let's go crazy ;D !

Yalla, like we say here I am already half-way to madhouse with holidays+work overload

Is it possible to have, like on the Tube Tech LC2Ab, the choice between stepped and continuously variable controls ? If yes, would it be a good and practical idea, or is it too much ?

Yes, already answered. Without hardcore wiring. Only thing needed is
concentric switches with pots. I can post a pic for getting the idea.
This way, we can have 10 stepped positions and 11th is "cont",
where the control goes to pot instead of switch.

Another cool option, is having TIMING and CRESTFACTOR on pots, LED for PK/AVG,
and time constants on switches. Yes, it will be there bit later.

Anyway, thanks for everything you've already done ! I can't wait to start this project.

Thanx for support.

Here are the pictures of inside as well.

http://twin-x.com/groupdiy/thumbnails.php?album=416

 

[Igor]

Here is detailed schematic for continuously variable attack/release.