Mic amps compressors and other kits

[Reeltarded]

A couple guys have asked me about gear and I know how you goofs like to tinker. My friend Gus in Denmark makes kits for some clones of memorable recording gear.

https://pcbgrinder.com/

He is much funnier than I am. If you email him tell him Miles sent you and he might even be nice.

[Gibsonman63]

Hmmm. My virus protection doesn't like that one, Miles.

edit: OK, going to the main directory gets me in.

[Reeltarded]

Yikes. It's clean! That's where it plops me. I'll edit the url.

[bluesfendermanblues]

I have built Gustavs:

G9 dual preamp/DI box
1176 compressor
GSSL bus compressor

All projects work like a charm. However, the 1176 can be a challange to adjust and it tends to drift if you don't use the specified components.

You can find background info at : http://www.gyraf.dk (under DIY projects)
The projects are somewhat similar to the ones you find at www.groupdiy.com, but Gustavs designs have been build by numerous people and they are same quality as the originals - or better.

[selloutrr]

Really? Which version of the bus comp did you build?

The version I purchased had over 30 glitches. I had to pull the buss comp out of my console and trace through part of it and build a new part of the board to get it to finally work. It needed grounding improvements and overall sounded about 85% as good as the original when A/B'd. I was pretty dissapointed with project.

I've found that most of those projects are close but still a far cry from what our ears consider correct. Good for a project studio that doesn't have protools plug ins. I wouldn't personally use them in an environment I charged money.

The exception being an API 312, neve 1272, la2a or pultec aqp-1a3
If you have the correct iron it'll sound correct.

[Reeltarded]

I can vouch for them being really good if done correctly.

1176 and SSL. I am being nagged to build a small tube console which I really doubt is ever going to happen, but if it does I will let you know.

My non-amp project right now is a passive mastering console with a simple insert and routing setup. Wish me luck! Hard to find the perfect frame for this crap! Hello surplus missile test gear. The back covers are poifect. Just need a box now.

[selloutrr]

Ill send you a few schematics I've got a Manley and a custom EMI mastering board. They are super simple it's all about top quality parts.

You can custom design a cover at front panel express and after it's built take measurements and have a machine shop build a body. Shouldn't be more than a few hundred for a professional look.

I've worked on a tube console it was super cool but we did the math and it was something crazy like $30k to retube and as the console aged its tone drifted. Making remixing close to impossible unless you started from scratch and hoped for the best.

[Reeltarded]

Amp peeps have no idea what it's like trying to retube your ears with unobtanium brand tubes.

[selloutrr]

Keep in mind in order to retube the console you would need matched tubes on all similar sections. That gets both difficult and pricey. You can't call up tube depot and say "hey I need (48ch x's a dozen 12ax7, 3 12at7, and a kt11 all matched and perferably vintage) plus a couple exotic tubes in the master section."

The theory isn't bad it just finically a disaster. It's simple to take a 1290 (the neve 1073 preamp and adapt it to tube. You could very easily do the same to EQ or use the pultec while including the mid band frequencies as well as consolidate space. From a time standpoint you probably want to make PCB boards for the parts to mount to. A high quality glass with well spaced thick traces will be as clean as any point to point (soldano)

Then just a simple driver card for aux sends.

Inline console would be easy transformer to balance to line level with a small tube driver circuit. To penny and file fader. Pan is analog control fed to the master left right driver.
Repeat the fader pack for the main channel and if you wanted a simple relay or via patchbay flip to fader mod.
Build an LA2 or tube a dbx160 as the buss comp. use the 903 card as a template.
For channel dynamics and gates include insert points and/or follow a simple tried a true design. Apex 601 or drawner201 for a gate. Though I'm sure 100's of gate schematics are available online.

After you design and test one channel it's easy just time and money. Terminate everything in back to elco and elco the patchbay

[Reeltarded]

I shouldn't need to build any outboard.

The idea of the 12x8 isn't my idea. Still waiting to see where the money comes from. Lots of better ways to blow the cash. I have had dumb thoughts, building a tube console isn't one of them.

I am a cardinal points guy. There are three directions for panning. L R and C. Click.

I think I have a question for ya.

[Phazor]

selloutrr: Is that a Germanium Solid state board or is it an earlier Tube version? Either way, could I get a copy of the EMI mastering console schematic also? I would love to see that. I can PM you with my email if its OK.

I have a schematic for the Manley Vari MU. If thats the Manley you refer to. I use a Tubetec LC2B currently but have also loved the manley when I used it in the past. Nice tucking the bass gtr into the mix.

It seems like getting good/retro transformers for the builds with tubes, is the hardest thing to come up with, as well as expensive.



Michael

[Milkmansound]

why bother matching the tubes in a console? I think 90% of the transistor based (or opamp based) consoles sold today are not matched in any way.

My old Allen and Heath board sounded different channel to channel, and left to right. Things drift over time - it adds character and its #1 reason musicians record in a studio anymore as opposed to using plugins at home.

Most of the studios in SF are full of vintage gear and there is no way any of that stuff is in spec. But it still sounds great.

I have built an LA2A, a pair of 1072s, an SSL9K preamp and a few other things from those kits. Its an easy and affordable way to get a good recording - much better than plugins and you learn something too.

Another good resource is www.dripelectronics.com