I returned to DIY electronics in 2009 after a 20 year pause by building a few kits to get in shape. This blog is for me to keep track of my progress.
Bruno Putzeys' MicroPre
In April 2013, Linear Audio published in Vol.5 Bruno Putzeys' article "The G Word, or How to Get Your Audio off the Ground". Linear Audio included a free PCB for the demo project from the article: a balanced volume controller, or rather a minimalist balanced preamp with two pairs of balanced inputs.
I have been looking at balanced interconnects for some time and decided to use the free PCB and build the preamp. Here is what I built.
The enclosure used is Galaxy GX247 with front and back panels custom made by Front Panel Express. It was difficult to place a C14 power inlet on the back panel, as the space is quite limited due to the central placement of the six XLR connectors. An easy solution would be to fix the power cord permanently to the preamp, but I found a compact snap-in connector that fits the 3mm back panel of the enclosure.
I understand the article is available for download at the Hypex web site, and the PCB gerbers and a stuffing guide are available from Linear Audio. There was, or is, a group buy for the PCBs on this forum. I highly recommend building this preamp, but also warn you that manual assembly of the PCB required a steady hand, a good soldering pencil, and a magnifier; I used a stereo microscope.
I have been looking at balanced interconnects for some time and decided to use the free PCB and build the preamp. Here is what I built.
The enclosure used is Galaxy GX247 with front and back panels custom made by Front Panel Express. It was difficult to place a C14 power inlet on the back panel, as the space is quite limited due to the central placement of the six XLR connectors. An easy solution would be to fix the power cord permanently to the preamp, but I found a compact snap-in connector that fits the 3mm back panel of the enclosure.
I understand the article is available for download at the Hypex web site, and the PCB gerbers and a stuffing guide are available from Linear Audio. There was, or is, a group buy for the PCBs on this forum. I highly recommend building this preamp, but also warn you that manual assembly of the PCB required a steady hand, a good soldering pencil, and a magnifier; I used a stereo microscope.
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