My new quest for a 3 way partybox - loud and powerful

Hello DiyAudio Community
I am a lover for music and a lover for building stuff. I am currently planning to build a portable party box on wheels and with powerful and loud speakers.
But i find it especially hard to pick and buy the right speaker because i currently dont have much knowledge about this which makes me very insecure about ordering.
Should i go for high efficient parts to reach high spl? Like for example: 1 Faital Pro 15FH500 (250€) with 2 Eighteensound 8m400 -140€ per (or FaitalPRO M5N8-80 - 95€ per) and something like lavoce DN10.17 (130€)?
or what would you suggest i'd use? Budget for speakers is around 620€. Im from Germany so parts from companys like dayton audio will be more expensive here.

The box will be used both indoors and outdoors, mostly at smaller parties.
I listen to pop, hip hop, rock, hardstyle and techno.
Because its a box for mostly parties or nights with the boys it needs to be louder and will be played often at around 70-85% volume.
I really like bass but dont want to forget the mids which are also important for me.
My personal room is about 3x7 meters and the other about 4x5 meters.
The speaker size for the sub should be between 12" to 18" and mids should not be bigger then 8".

Heretic Loudspeaker A612 Clone

So, I’ve cloned the Devore O96. Now I want try the Heretic Loudspeaker A612.

Here’s what we know. Outside cabinet dimensions are 30.25” x 25.5” x 17.75” and made from are 3/4” birch plywood. The co-axial driver is a Faital Pro 12HX230 based on a photo on HL’s Facebook page (attached). A photo of the crossover is also on their Facebook page (attached). According to the HL website, the driver is 8 ohms and the crossover is at 1700 Hz using a 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley series crossover. From the photo it looks like there is an L-pad on the tweeter.

Anyone care to take a crack at the crossover schematic?

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2-way crossover

Hi again,

Made a post yesterday with a crossover design i was messing with trying to understand it abit. It was obviously a horrific setup as people explained and have tried again.

I'm just wondering if this would be a sensible setup or not?

I've most likely made some stupid mistake again so all go crazy at me haha

I don't actually have any of the speakers or anything it's just a hypothetical senario for me to get the grasp of things, i've included the specification sheets for the speakers too in case that is any help.

Thanks

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Driver for 810 SE

I decided it would be fun to try some single ended experiments with transmitter triodes. I already had an 811A and 812A from when I was trying some RF stuff. I decided to get an 810 to round out the trio of triodes. I want to use these experiments to learn more about driver stages. So far I've built a few capacitor coupled, no-grid-current amps, so this is new territory for me.

I decided to start with the 810, partly because it's a magnificent looking tube and also because it looks like I could get decent results with zero bias. I can always add some positive bias to increase the power later. I'm attaching the loadline for a 5K OPT (Hammond 1628SEA).

I have a Hammond 126B interstage transformer that I thought I'd try, since from what I'd read it seemed the simplest way to drive grid current. I had already worked with a 12HG7 - with 30mA of plate current it can easily swing 100Vp. I thought that if I coupled it to the 810 with the 126B (5K:5K - max 30mA) I might be successful.

It was not successful (as many of you probably could predict!) and I'm interested to understand what I need to do differently. I'm attaching the schematic.

If I connect a 5K resistor across the IST in place of the 810 I see a nice sine wave. With the 810 in place I get significant distortion. I will post the waveform later when I'm home. As I recall it looks like one half of the wave is distorted. I'm guessing it's the half when grid current is being drawn and my driver is not capable of delivering it. Could it be that the output impedance of the driver is too high?

I'd appreciate any guidance. At some point I will want to look at other drivers including FETs, but for now would like to learn how to use the IST.

Thanks

Richard

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Arduino based LDR volume and source selection controller

Hello,

I needed a remote controlled, very high audio quality attenuator for a preamplifier that I built. After considering the various options, I decided to design my own LDR volume controller.

It took a lot of effort, but it works well now, I'm pleased with the result. I would like to share the project with the DIY community, in case someone is interested.

So, here it is:
- customizable impedance, between 5kohm and 50kohm
- customizable number of attenuation steps, between 20 and 80
- you do not need matched LDRs
- LOG attenuation curve
- you can display your own welcome messages on the LCD screen
- the firmware is easy to update and modify
- remote controlled with any Apple remote
- big LCD screen, the volume level is displayed with 4-char high digits, easy to see from a distance
- the screen auto-dims to a customizable level after some inactivity time
- rotary encoder with push button
- controls up to 6 input and output stereo channels
- I/O switching is done with best quality latching relays with Silver-Palladium contacts, to avoid any degradation of the musical signal
- you can name each input and output channel
- the controller remembers the settings after power off
- can control a delay relay to soft-start a tube preamplifier
- achieves a large attenuation range by increasing series resistance at very high attenuation level and by increasing shunt resistance at very low attenuation level
- the calibration compensates for the load impedance effect
- the on-board calibration relays are best quality and they are powered only during calibration
- the LDR LEDs are working at low current (7 mA maximum), they will last a very long time
- the controller is isolated from the audio ground to avoid noise and loops
- separate linear analog and digital low noise power supplies
- power supplies on separate board, to keep the power transformer far from audio circuits
- easy to calibrate anytime from a menu – no need to plug jumpers or an external module
- better audio quality than R-2R relay attenuators (no multiple relay contacts and solder joints in the signal path, no noisy relay coils)

It is Arduino based - there are more powerful microcontrollers available, but the Arduino is much easier to work with, any amateur can easily update and customize the software.

The DACs are simply the PWM outputs switched to 31250 Hz (instead of the 500 Hz default value) and easily filtered to clean DC by two R-C cells.

The whole thing should cost around 100€ to build, much cheaper than the equivalent commercial solutions available.
I ordered the PCBs from ShenZhen2U ?PCB|Source|Assembly|Components-ShenZhen2U , where 10 pieces of 2 layer PCBs cost 10€.
You can even make the power supply and I/O boards yourself, to save some money, with the toner transfer method or even "by hand", because they are simple and single layer.

If you only need the volume control without channel switching, don't order the I/O board and parts and configure the software for either zero I/O (the volume will be displayed in the middle of the LCD in this case) or one input or output (if you still want to display a channel name).

Project status: built and confirmed.

The latest version (23 November 2015) of the project package is here: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/anal...urce-selection-controller-11.html#post4526605

Improved firmware by Wineds is here: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/anal...urce-selection-controller-15.html#post4590382

Firmware modified to support both 2004 and 1602 LCD by Howarthcd: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/278667-arduino-based-ldr-volume-source-selection-controller-27.html#post4725171

Zdr's custom code for OLED and LCD displays + bugfixes: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/278667-arduino-based-ldr-volume-source-selection-controller-55.html#post4889131

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Adding rear channel to factory system

Hi, I am attempting to build some rear speakers for the rear. I don't listen very loud anymore, I just want as clean as possible. I plan on using a Kicker 47KEY2004 in biamp mode, one amp driving a Morel Virtus nano MM2 midrange and a Memphis Audio PRX10 tweeter. The other amp with a Dayton Audio CF120-4 mid bass.
First question is what is the best way to protect the Morel mid? At such low power, would the 120hz hi pass filter on the amp be ok? Or just use a 200hz bass blocker?
2nd question. For the Dayton mid bass, should I just seal it in the enclosure, or try a passive radiator or tuned port?
Thanks in advance.

PLX-500 Turntable Drive Signal

I'm working on a Pioneer PLX-500K TT for a friend. He said that the platter would not rotate. Based on threads in this forum and others, this seems to NOT be an isolated case. Replacement motor boards cost about as much as a new TT, so that's not an option. Besides, I'm enjoying the challenge of troubleshooting to find the root cause. I was an electromechanical engineering student, so I once had a solid grasp on the concepts involved, but that was 20 years ago and I haven't done much electronics work since then. It's nice to get familiar again. Luckily, I have a few experts from a university electronics lab helping me with advice on occasion. But they don't have much time to devote to my personal projects, so I'm mostly on my own.

I could document everything that we've done so far, but I don't want to clog up this thread (unless somebody specifically asks for that info). What I will note is that we tested nearly all components and they seem to be ok, except for the motor driver (BA6868FM). There was a short between pins 1 and 2. The driver was replaced but that didn't help. The motor coil pins (15-17) on the replacement chip had no output. We replaced the driver again, being very careful not to heat the chip too much. Still nothing. The driver was then replaced a 3rd time. Still no motor rotation.

We'd like to feed a proper drive signal to the motor board to determine if the problem is with the motor board or with the main board IC. It seems that main-board IC pins 25 (DRI1) and 18 (FRS1) output a signal to the motor board IC pins 10 (EC) and 11 (ED/S) respectively. If we can supply that signal and there is no output at the motor coil pins, then the problem is likely still the motor driver chip.

I know it's a long shot, but does anybody know what those signals feeding pins 10 and 11 on the motor driver look like?

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Bluetooth LE Audio - how good is it really?

Been looking into LE Audio and saw that Bluetooth has been making a lot of progress for audio. However, if you look at LC3 codec, it can support 24 bit 48kHz stream, but it has a very low bit rate. It makes me wonder how a 24 bit 48kHz stream would be reduced by at least 6 times to wirelessly transfer the audio stream...

What info is lost in order to stream this "high-res" audio?

Has anyone done any work to improve audio over LE audio, and if so, please share your experience!

Treshold Stasis 3 bad

Hello,
I have an unfortunately defective Threshold Stasis 3.
I discovered that 4 transistors in the power stage are defective. Should I replace everyone here with new MJ1502*? Or can I only replace the defective ones?

A few transistors on the front end are also defective.
MPS6571 replacement by ??

MPSA42 replacement by?

Maybe someone here who has already replaced it can help me.

Isn't there an assembly plan for the front end somewhere?

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Matching NPN and PNP

Hi All,

I've built the hi-fi headphone amp from Rod Elliott (project 113) and it sounds great (measures very well in LTSpice as well), however, I didn't get around to matching the BD139 and BD140 output transistors. I realise that it's probably unnecessary and doubtful that I'd ever hear a difference, but I decided it would be nice to do.

I found a thread (now closed) discussing this in which a matching circuit was offered by kct (I have attached the PDF here, I hope that's OK).
My question is that I have modelled this in LTSpice (attached), and whatever random transistors I pick, I still get well below the suggested 20 ua, so have I done something wrong in my simulation?
I'm sure that LTSpice must deal correctly with transistor gain and from what I understand (not a lot, unfortunately) the circuit appears fine.

So, I'm a bit baffled and left wondering if it's worth building it. Any comments, insights or advice would be very welcome 🙂

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Introduction!

Dear all,

I am an IT professional and repair and restore vintage hifi equipment in my spare time. I am quite passionate about this! I learn from every project on my bench and love to share my knowledge and experience with others. I document every project with pictures and stories on my facebook page. I hope to learn a few things from you here!


Have a great day,

-Jan

How to create .zma and .frd files from DATS V3

So I started with XSIM for a 3-way project.
I just took a on-line calculator for filter and started to pluck in the components in XSIM.
Realized I didn´t set the drivers specs - allthough it looked fairly ok with 8 ohm setting.

I don't have the graphs on the driver and I don't seem to get the exact graphs I need from Dats V3 as show in this video for FP Graph Tracer.
Login to view embedded media
So I wonder how do go about with Dayton Dats V3 to get the right curves and data I need to create accurate .zma and .frd files?

For now everything is really wacked when I put in what I have and can get out from Dats regardin .zma and .frd.

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Recommendation for Test Speakers

I built an F5m amp and used an old pair of infinity bookshelf speakers for testing. I inspected them and the foam just disintegrated when I touched it. I need new test speakers.

Does anyone have suggestions on the cheapest/best minimum test speaker setup? I was just going to buy pawnshop speakers tomorrow but am now thinking I should ask since used/blown/old/defective speakers could harm the amp? Since they will only be used for testing, is there something simple I should get like a car speaker or desktop PC speaker? If I buy used, I would need to test the speakers first. ( chicken and egg ) I guess I need something geared for testing and that will be 'easy' on my amp during testing. ( unlike my blown 30 year old infinity speakers )

I though I should ask before I buy, since I don't want to cause damage during testing. Also, someone may have ideas like incorporating dummy load resistor with a switch.

ICEPower 300AS1

Hello there,
I've built a guitar amp using an ICEPower 300AS1 module for the power amp. The pre-amp is a simple op-amp circuit, which is powered from the ICE module's 12V rails. The amp worked great until today. Today, the two status LED's from the ICE module are flashing quickly and there's no output from the ICEPower module. Checking voltages indicate that the 12V rails are at 1V. The 54.5V rail is good. Any thoughts on what could have happened to the 12V rail and why the LED's are flashing? Flashing is not discussed in the product datasheet. Thanks for the help. Cheers.

Audio Transport Module York

Hello DiyAudio community,

I wanted to share my audio transport module project called York.


Original Concept:
I personally used the Amanero modules for my audio devices and never had any problems with drivers or it's hardware, so I bought licenses for integration in my projects a while ago.
The main disadvantage was lack of possibility to communicate from PC to, for example I2C port, for sending configuration to audio DSP. There was only I2S audio stream. So my first idea was just to have USB hub on board to connect VCP IC. As the ESP-ADF was released, the idea evolved into creating a versatile audio data transport module with wireless interfaces, aligning perfectly with the ESP32 module configuration.
So, this architecture was born:
photo1701172546.jpeg


Hardware Features:
USB Audio interface (44.1-384kHz stereo)
BT AptX Audio input (in I2S slave mode)
FPGA reconfiguration (by ESP32 - no need for external programmer)
Amanero compatible interface

The device includes a module for AptX Bluetooth audio, addressing the ESP32's lack of support for high-quality codecs.
While the hardware might seem overkill with an 8K FPGA, it provides ample room for experimentation and DSP capabilities. It is very nice for experiments and hardcore DSP fun! 🙂

Photo of the first revision:
photo1701172519.jpeg

The BT module is underneath:
photo1701172519 (2).jpeg


Currently Implemented Features:
Web interface
mDNS service
MP3 stream playback (Web radio)
CLI for ESP control, FPGA, and external DSP register access
OTA firmware update (both FPGA and ESP32)
Analog Devices SigmaStudio support for ADAU DSP (configuration/control via Wi-Fi)

Later I've discovered ESP32-Squeezelite project, and it is a perfect fit for this hardware, adding Squeezelite, AirPlay and Spotify playback capabilities to all of the above.
I had to do some modifications to original project to include all the nice features that were developed separately for this module.

Hardware Evolution:
It is clear that the current hardware does not make much sense cost-wise: it needs an MCU for Amanero, an Amanero license, USB HUB and USB-UART chips.
Amanero MCU also requires an FPGA. Yes, the FPGA handles all stuff related to I2S multiplexing and clock generation, but all these functions can be implemented with one chip.

So for future version I'm going to use PIC32MZ MCU for as USB-I2S transport combined with VCP. That will consolidate four ICs into one MCU and expanding USB audio to support 8 channels (it can support both In and Out, maybe for future evolution)
I have a prototype of PIC32MZ module based on firmware developed by Alexey (Dortonyan) posted on Vegalab forum.
photo1701172519 (1).jpeg

Here's a photo of the hardware in my 4 (8ch) Class-D amp with ADAU1452 DSP (probably worth another topic)
photo1701172605.jpeg

As there are so many features, I'd like to hear on which are the most interesting ones for the community, I can expand more on them.
I'm eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions as I continue refining and expanding this project.
My vision for now is to make a new revision of the PCB with ESP32 + PIC32 + BT AptX module.

As for the firmware I'm going to fork ESP32-SqueezeLite.

Best regards,
Vladislav

X150.5 testing and planning for the future

I recently acquired a nice X150.5 and of course the first thing I did was popped the hood. Man, what a beautiful layout and build quality! This is a 2011 build date and I don't have much use history. It sounds beautiful with my Dunlavy SM-1's and I measured 45deg. C. heatsinks after a few hours. I plan to test the voltage drop across each of the output resistors (0R47) to test how matched the output sections are. Looks like 4 sections of 5 pairs per bias quadrant. My questions relating to testing, preventative maintenance and planning for the future are as follows; 1. should each of the measurements only have to match each other within the quadrant or should they match for the entire channel? Seems like that could be the reason for 4 bias pots... 2. I have read MOX resistors have a less reliable duty cycle and wonder if replacing the Panasonic ERX would be prudent? I could not find a life expectancy on the datasheet... I see Digi key has a reasonable supply of the ERX 0R47 and 3.3K type S 3w in stock so to plan for the future, I'm going to buy 100 of each unless otherwise advised. 3. Why is 50deg C is the optimal operating temp for SQ? when I measure Vgs for a new IRFP240 at room temp. I get about 3.15 V, then after sitting on the radiator, 3.0 V. Is the mosfet quieter at 50deg C or does the resistor TC curve come into play? 4. Should the needle on the bias current meter be vertical and sitting on the circle ? And lastly, when the PSU caps give up their life, 25 mm 40v caps seem to be un-obtainium... and I didn't see any R between and of the C's... I'm not opposed to re-imagining that PSU pcb if for no other purpose than to fit 30mm caps.
Peace
IMG_20230126_124019442_HDR.jpg
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SissySIT - kit packages

Presenting thread HERE


Schematic and pcb screenshot post #1 , plenty o pictures after .

Tips and Tricks thread HERE

Reading entire thread is advisable , same as inquiring any technical question there : Be sure that you are aware of all things electrical and mechanical !

THF51-S still available on fleabay , watanabetomoaki confirmed seller , also pras1701 - being member here and you have some discount vs. fleabay price

instead , pretty much sure that 2SK180 will work too

Pcbs are made for UMS , mounting directly to heatsink (will show you how).

NB that pcbs are common for SissySIT And Babelfish M25 amps , differences being really minor , except upper output device .

Do not hurry - read , think , ask and only when you feel that you want it and can make it , proceed ...... advice which I'm finding applicable on practically anything 😉 .

For anything else , write either here , send PM or directly to >zenmodiyaudio@gmail.com<

Prices are mostly dictated with small scale nature of operation (as always is case) and time/work involved in matching and soldering little buggers.

For ordering , contact me at above written e-mail addy .





Kit options :

1.
- LCH pcb ,
- RCH pcb ,
- all smd buffer JFets presoldered ,
- Hall current sensing chips presoldered ,
- surrounding smd caps presoldered ,
- 4pcs of 1uF MKC caps (for critical signal position) enclosed.

Full price , including Paypal fee and P&P for registered shipping all around the Globe - 130E

2.
- LCH pcb ,
- RCH pcb ,
- all smd buffer JFets presoldered ,
- Hall current sensing chips presoldered ,
- surrounding smd caps presoldered ,
- 4pcs of 1uF MKC caps (for critical signal position) enclosed.
-all multiturn trimpots
-output P channel mosfets , 2 pcs , most likely Infineon IRFP9140
-voltage regs
-cascode bjts
-optocouplers
-all electrolytic caps (all Panasonics ,except Elna Silmic II for 1 signal route position)
-one-pin sockets for special resistor positions
-all (MF 600mW) resistors
-small u22 caps for Borbely WC follower , if you want it for more sugar

to recapitulate - everything what goes on pcbs , excluding signal xformers and pcb/mosfet mounting screws/nuts/washers and , of course , excluding THF51-S

Full price , including Paypal fee and P&P for registered shipping all around the Globe - 175E



If I have everything in drawers in moment of order , can ship in 3-5 days ;
If I don't have any of normal parts in drawer , shipping could be delayed up to 3 days;
If I don't have pcbs in drawer , shipping could be delayed up to 7 days;
If I don't have most critical part for getting in my neck of wood - ACS Hall chips , shipping could be delayed up to 3 weeks.

DiAna, a software Distortion Analyzer

Now that all the RTX 6001 have been shipped (and delivered?) it seems to me the right moment to "go public" with a free demo version of DiAna. For those who never heard of DiAna, it's a software tool (in conjunction with a ASIO sound card) to measure distortion (THD+N and THD-N). The pro version also measures IMD and the frequency response. Furthermore, the demo version is a bit crippled in that recording of the signal and data processing has been slow downed (i.e. separated into two steps). As an example, please, see below the loop back results of a Lynx L22 sound card.
As for the lower part of the pictures:
1st. graph: Spectrum of the harmonics only.
2nd graph: Full spectrum with coherent integration (averaging).
3rd graph: Full spectrum with incoherent integration.
As for the upper part all pictures: green is input signal, yellow is residual.
(the height of upper and lower part can be varied at will, of course)
For more details, please send a PM.
Cheers, E.

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Passive Crossover Yields Strange Result with Capacitor------Thoughts?

I have a 3 way build, but here we're only discussing the mid-range. It's a scan speak 18M4631 in a 14 liter sealed enclosure. Near field measurements here show the raw (no crossover), active 2nd order high pass filter at 200Hz, Passive capacitor (1st order) and the impedance of the speaker in box with no crossover. When I add a single capacitor (150uf) I get a massive resonance centered at 92Hz (red measurement), which is pretty much where the box seems to have an impedance spike. Is this normal? It clearly doesn't happen with an active crossover. It seems to get better with a 2nd order passive filter, but I can't get the slope correct with that and it's causing other problems with the linearity of the driver. Would a sizable amount of stuffing in the box help with this? I've seen this before with other speakers and I'm puzzled.

Other notes:
Scarlet interface, Earthworks M30 microphone with calibration file, Buckey Hypex Ncore Class D amplifier.
Blue measurement is raw nearfield
Orange measurement is active crossover nearfield
Red measurement is the questionable one with a single capacitor high pass filter. See the 92Hz centered increase?

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Q: 6SN7 Cathode Follower Driver Idea for PP KT88/60W

Hi, folks,

I have a direct-coupled 6SN7 cathode follower driver idea for push-pull KT88 / 60W output. Not made any THD simulation, just basic schematic/simulation in LTSpice with voltage/current/bias numbers. This unit requires (-150V) supply apart from HV B+/6.3V. Cathode follower solves one of the fundamental problems of fixed bias push-pull stages with RC coupling.
P2 33K trim potentiometer is for controlling bias voltage, P1 10k - balance.

Any ideas or suggestions are very welcome. LTSpice files attached as zip archive.
Thanks in advance.

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SE 2A3 300B amp or what's ?

hello, following my E80CC 2A3 preamp, I took the same principle to make an amp,DRD.
just the right transformers and the 6C45Pe as input on 200H 30mA plate choke
the swing will be done
and way not... headphone output,
and way not ... XLR line outputs to drive a high power amp???
the signal-to-noise ratio allows it thanks to the 6C41C triode regulation of the HT @550V
which is perfectly comfortable thanks to the progressive raw HT rise delivered by an EY500A EI nos nib.
yesterday I listened Bob Dylan on HD800 sennheiser headphones, uahoo the clarity and the softness,
then on the fostex 208 BLH a deep bass already at low volume!
exceptional linearity from 15Hz a straight line
right now I'm listening in preamp mode driving PA amp 16X lateral mosfet exicon 25N/P10 i took of my Chevin 1500 that I modified, (replaced the power supplies for less voltage and more bias)
on my onken 2X15 bass guitar cabinet and two compressions from 1K2 KHz passive filtering
it's almost mono because only one cabinet, we're having fun, we're testing,
but let's get back to this amp....preamp???? or headphone amp????
as power amp we largely exceed the 3W5 that the 2A3 usually delivers,
the direct coupling provide grid current control for few more watts without abrupt distortion
as like on a classic assembly with a coupling capacitor and high value grid leakage resistors
the sinusoid is without visible distortion at 6V/8ohm with a 2A3 monoplate (I prefer).
if the final use is power amp, the transition to 300B is simple
replacement of the two 3.3V 25W meanwell for the 5V25W smps modules heating and modification of the grid cathode polar resistors
the power supply transformers deliver 600V 150mA and the first capacitor after 4X4 diodes 1uF 1KV MKT and after the EY500A slow polarization valve 10uF 1KVolts oil, no stress
the smooting choke 10H 200mA
the two filtering chokes 10H 90mA each
the output transformers allow 100mA
who nows tomorrow wath to decide, or not????
showing original E80CC 2A3 inspiration pream schematics

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Attempt at a variable pickup mic preamp

Heya! Quick warning - I'm completely new to both all this audio stuff, as well as circuit design! So much of what I'm doing is complete guess-work. That aside, I'm attempting to make a little circuit that will go into a USB audio adapter off amazon (decided that I'll figure out microcontrollers next time).

Here's my problem (again) - I have no clue what I'm doing. I'm hoping someone could take a quick glance at the schematic to let me know how far off I am (I still don't know how true condensor capsules are meant to be powered). It would be reallyyy helpful if you could!

Here's what I've come up with, and the full schematics are also here for anyone who wants to try spot any stupid mistakes. Thank you for your time!

View attachment 1389538
Note: SW2 is to ground the IN- when SW1 is set in either cardioid or figure-of-8. Andd I'll be using a capsule with 2 diapraghms (aliexpress RK-12)

Arcam Diva A90 inputs preamp issue

Hi,
I have a problem with the preamplifier inputs. This unit has 5 inputs. AUX, CD, TUNER, AV, DVD, but only two of them send a signal to the main amplifier - TUNER and AV.

I replaced the 2 main multiplexers Z104 and Z105 but it didn't help. There are resistors of 22kOhm each at the Z104 and Z105 inputs. An interesting fact is that when I set the TUNER input, the audio signal does not enter the 22kOhm input resistors, but the amplifier plays correctly, the signal comes out of the preamplifier, but when I set the CD input, the signal passes through the 22kOhm resistor and goes to the Z104 and Z105 input, but the signal does not come out of the preamplifier.

This seems illogical to me. 😒

Regardless of which input I set, the output signal does not appear on pin 8 of the Z104 and Z105 multiplexers, which is the signal output.

20241205_134205.jpg
Z104Z105.JPG

Attachments

Alto TS115 TrueSonic cutting out when ran for a while...

I know these are dirt cheap speakers and in all likelihood, they're toast, but I am going to see if I can give repairing them or doing something with them...

Cut a long story short, I ran them both too hot once about 12 months and they've both never been right since and both took a turn for the worst yesterday. After around 20 minutes, the sound went extremely hollow as if only the highs were coming through and most of the bass and mids were completely lost. The singer did an absolutely wonderful job of carrying us considering we had absolutely nothing coming through.

I backed the them off significantly and while one of them made it through just about (at about 70% volume), the other was really struggling and by the end was at around 30% and was still struggling to run for a few mins without losing all of the mids and bottom end.

I spent some time today and stripped them apart expecting to find a nailed preamp, but there's really nothing to indicate any damage. I read a couple of forum posts about the zener diodes going but they look fine. I've dug out the power amp on one.... again, it looks fairly normal. There's nothing to indicate it's toasted or any damage.

My gut feeling was the preamp at first but then it feels like the 20 minute delay might be something heat related.... which would be more likely the power amp right?

I have Googled.... and asked ChatGPT.,... in case anyone thinks I haven't tried yet 🙂

LM3886 Composite amplifier on eBay

[ :cop: Account banned, as it is the return of a previously banned account. ]

Hey guys,
A week ago I found this on eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/334842335447
I was wondering if anyone else had already tried that kit, but couldn't find anything.
So I ordered it and it came 3 days later. The seller also offers a "PCB version only" but I skipped it for now.
As other composites that I have this one also needs +/-15.0V for the op amp. The eBay seller offers such a PSU for a reasonable price so I got it as well.
I put up a setup and made some initial measurements. Picture 1 and 2.
Output power around 65W@8 Ohms PSU -> +/-34.0V. Picture 3
Output DC (input shorted) - 1.1mV - not bad at all. Hooked to a speaker it is dead silent.
The composite is stable and does not show any signs of oscillation though it lacks a Zobel network.
I tried to measure the THD using my Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen) but the threshold of -106dB was too high. Sounds very promising 🙂
Picture 4 Scarlett 2i2 THD and picture 5 composite THD @ 1W measured with Scarlett 2i2.
I'm going to dig out my notch filter and low distortion 1kHz oscillator to finish that job.

So more measurements are coming.

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What is this kind of amplifier topology is this?

Hi!
I have a former college that has revived an old amplifier design he thoughts out may, many years ago. The design is highly unusual, where the output stage is "driving the power rails". In the pictures I've posted of this design he is using two 9V batteries as the power source. However, his old design used a +-50 or 60V power supply, and had loads of power. It sounds really good and has very little distortion. I think he's about to make a youtube video about it (the last design he uploaded created some discussion on this forum), so I'll post the video here when it's ready.

I happen to have an old Altec Lansing 9444B power amplifier (manual and schematics here), and I believe this is design around the same principle. It is a two channel amplifier, but it has two secondary transformer windings, two bridge rectifiers and dedicated smoothing capacitors for each amplifier channel. The neat this with this amplifier is that the all the output transistors, both NPN and PNP are connected to the same heatsink without any insulators, and the heatsink is grounded. Apart from this, I don't know why this design is preferred over the more usual ones.

So here are the questions:
  • What is the benefits of a design like this, compared to the more traditional push-pull designs?
  • Have something like this been done by someone else, other than Altec Lansing in the early 90s?
  • Does this design or arrangement have a name?


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Replacement for IRFB4227

Hi.

I have a Behringer NX3000D with a blown output transistor (IRFB 4227). They seem to be impossible to find anywhere else than Ebay and i think they are just counterfeit parts.
Does anyone know a direct replacement i can use which i can source in Europe through Farnell, Elfa, Mouser or Digikey for example or does anyone of you have 2 spares lying around collecting dust? I can find a IRFB4227 in stock but it has other parameters such as Vds, rise and fall time etc. so I guess it won't work with that?

Thanks in advance!

Point of diminishing returns

Hi Thanks for reading What do you think is a fair price to pay for a quality drive unit before it gets into the territory of rapidly diminshing returns.
Recently I had to chance to audition a load of speaker cables. The most expensive was van den hul at £50 a meter which sounded no better / revealing / detailed than my current cable which is van damme at £7 a metre. Van den hul has been selling for years worldwide, what are these people paying all this money for
With drive units, some people post that they purchased a visaton drive unit for £100 and it sounded fantastic, others post they purchased seas excel for £700 and it sounded brilliant.
At what point does it get to when a drive unit is well made enough that it can give good performance and spending a ton of money more would give little benefits

Amplifier Mackie

Hello. I have a probleme with amplifier mackie m2600. Chanel 1 was bad, i change all 16 output transistors and 8 drivers. Now he is ok, but 2 output transistors is very hot. I buy the transistors from Mouser. I don t know what could be the problem. Thanks.
The schematic https://forumpoweraudio.ro/download/file.php?id=1269&sid=21f29696cc578af9c87b8b32871c002e


https://imgur.com/a/hIPRigZ here is a picture with hot transistors and some voltage measure.

Beogram CD3300 not playing sound

Hello, I have a Beogram CD3300 that does not play the CD’s.

It’s behavior is as follows for all CD’s. It spins for a while and does not read the TOC and displays the symbol ?

I have the service manual and test equipment available but it does not tell me how to get access to the component side of the PCB’s. I guess the problem is related to laser focus or power. Could anyone shed some light?.

I have replaced the gearwheel and belt on the glass plate drive and wonder what the correct sequence of events shall be.

When i push eject the plate is lifted about 15mm and then the drive starts slipping due to some light obstruction at the eject switch mechanism which is easily overcome by my finger assistance. The glass plate will raise to a near vertical position to allow me to insert the CD. Pressing “play” lowers the glass plate to close and bounces about 4mm up when touching the deck and settles in the normal closed position after which the CD starts to turn a very little bit in the wrong direction after a second it will turn correctly sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes for a lengthy period of time but no display of the TOC. When the disc spins I can step the tracknumbers as indicated on the display but no sound and finally it stops displaying the dreadly ?

I noted this model has a built-in test routine by applying a ground to pin 4 of the IC6078 on the control panel pcb and simultaneously applying mainpower to start the routine. Question shall pin 4 remain at ground during all tests?

Building a simple source selector

Hi Guys,

I am sure not to be the only one who doesn't have enough inputs on his amplifier. For my "office" setup I am using a Pioneer SA-508 that I have restored. But with tape, reel too reel, tuner, CD player and Mac I am short of at least one input.

Trying to get away with the most simple passive design a possible. Found a switch that has one "output" and five "inputs". Each got two connectors. So that works for Left and Right.

But and thats the big question, I need to hook ground up together for all devices. Is that doable? Do I sacrifice on audio quality? Or is ground just ground and it doesn't matter?

Marantz CD 40 player, no-oversampling and tube output

Hi,

I am selling one upgraded Marantz CD 40 player.
Is in very good condition and the changes have been made are:
  • changed few capacitors from power supply;
  • the standard op-amps output stage replaced with tube output stage;
  • put in no-oversampling mode;
  • changed the decoupling capacitors of the TDA1541 DAC.

The price is 300 euro (shipping included). I can ship only in EU countries.

Please send DM for more details.
marantz cd 40 2.jpg

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Help choosing between two amplifiers, TPA3251 vs. TDA7498

Hello, I'm new to the world of class D amplifiers and I'm looking for a good and cheap amplifier to connect to my PC through an Asus Xonar AE, to listen to mainly heavy metal, stoner metal, classic rock and progressive rock. Here in Brazil there are two models that interest me, so I'd like to know your opinion about them. I already have a good quality 36V 9.7A Mean Well power supply. Thank you.

https://www.amazon.com/XY-T220H-Amplifier-12V-36V-Bluetooth-Compatible-Modified/dp/B0DDKKCHM8?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIDIY-LIVE-TPA7498E-Bluetooth-Amplifier/dp/B0CHFMYHMS

Near full range BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator)

Hi All,

Something that night tickle your fancy,

images


In the next few months a very interesting driver will
become available from Wilmslow Audio in the UK.

Its a near full range BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) :

http://www.music-line.biz/cms/fileadmin/pdf/wp_ovator_bmr.pdf

http://www.hificritic.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=469

Midband efficiency is not high, making bass driver choice and bass
loading type very interesting, there are lots of workable possibilities.

2x12" open baffle could be quite interesting.

Myself, I'm currently planning on building the TRK design.

/Sreten.

For Sale Fisher SK 492 50 SA 8.5K/W Heatsink - 18pcs

Here i have new heatsink that can be used for preamp, vas amp, headphone preamp heatsink and other devices that needs small size high quality heatsink from fisher.

Heatsink thermal resistance are 8.5K/W and i have 18pcs for sale.

Price is €6,00 per pcs plus shipping cost.

Length is 50mm, black anodized and in the middle from bottom side is thread inside heatsink for M3 screw so that it can be easy fixed to pcb.

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FPGraph Tracer : great software to create FRD or ZMA file from graphic response curve

i just started learning to use Xsim, it's easy and fun to learn. but I'm lack of having frd or zma files from the driver that i want to simulate. Somehow i landed on this page

FPGraphTracer : fprawn labs

"FPGraphTracer is a simple, easy to use, tool for automatically tracing lines in a graph to extract the data it represents. Originally intended for the DIY speaker community, it outputs in the FRD/ZMA text based format used by many speaker designing programs, which can also be pasted directly into most Spreadsheet software"

long time ago, i have tried manual tracing from manufacture frequency response curve, copy it to xls file and estimate SPL based on Freq. this is manual sampling but it's very hard and boring to do to match with datasheet.

I have abandoned this method and now i'm surprised to find this wonderfull software which fulfill my needs. you can read the manual on the page, but I'd like to share my experience here, hopefully it's useful

1. find manufacturer frequency response curve in high resolution, i prefer pdf file instead of jpeg.
2. convert pdf to to png (many free website to do this for free). this why step 1 for pdf is better because JPEG file has dirty image around the line. the "white" on the screen you see, when you zoom it will show many artefact
3. load png file from step 2 to FPGraphTracer, click 8X zoom button and zoom to the line that you want to trace. once you click it, look at the trace that it created (usually in pink line). if you find it hard to get a good curve tracing compared to datasheet, go to step 4.
4. edit the png and clear any dots around the curve that you want to trace, the purpose is to get a clean curve without any artefact. I do this using MS Paint, zoom it to max 800% and start Erasing pixel by pixel

this is my project to trace SB17NRX, all artifact around the curve have been cleaned. started from Axis response

960735d1624017760-fpgraph-tracer-software-create-frd-zma-file-graphic-response-curve-sb17nrxc35-8-axis-png


5. repeat step 3, move vertical and horizontal pink line to match with graphic and set X and Y axis min/max on left menu. my below example, vertical line is set to 60 and 95 (this is for SPL) and horizontal line to 20 and 15000 (this is for Freq). then save to .frd file. there are 3 group of data, first is Freq then followed by SPL and followed by Angle

960737d1624018415-fpgraph-tracer-software-create-frd-zma-file-graphic-response-curve-trace-1-jpg


6. data verification, this is the most important step. open frd file using Notepad, choose any Freq point on graphic and compare to the number on frd file. my below example is : choose 100Hz point and check on number that is shown as 88 which verified by my eyes to the graph is around that, mission passed. you can sample as many point as you need

960738d1624018415-fpgraph-tracer-software-create-frd-zma-file-graphic-response-curve-trace-2-jpg

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Do current mirrors make the sound "grainy"?

Hi!

Newbie here! I recently started dabbling in amplifier design. What an addictive hobby! I've learned more than I ever could have imagined.

Anyway, I put together the amplifier in the attached schematic. It's fairly basic and classic design. I like the way it sounds and I get respectable values in both simulations and real measurements. So far, so good!

However, I was recently told to lose the current mirrors on the LTP by someone (who's probably on this site, so feel free to chime in). The reason was that they supposedly make the sound "grainy". I tried to replace the current mirrors with 2k resistors in SPICE and it increased my THD from 0.004% to 0.15%. Suffices to say I wasn't impressed.

I guess my question is whether there's any truth to current mirrors having a detrimental effect on sound. I'm here to learn, so lay it on me!
1733404239750.png

Kenwood KR2010 FM noise mute

Hello everyone. I am continuing with the restoration of a Kenwood KR2010 receiver.
I have managed to correct the bias current and the DC bias of the power stage thanks to your contributions.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/kenwood-kr-2010-bias-adjustment.371991/
I have put LED backlighting on the tuning dial and illumination on the tuning pointer.
Now I want to reduce or eliminate the noise between FM stations, and looking in the service manual I see the IC KB4402 and I don't know how to achieve it since there is no potentiometer to adjust the mute. I appreciate your help.

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Amplifier suggestions for 300W~350W 4Ω tower speakers

Hi there,

I'm new here and don't know if any better place to ask here.

I'm looking for an amplifier to build that can drive my custom made 300W 4ohms floor standing speaker,

I'm looking forward to Apex A40 design,
Any updated or better suggestions?

Thanks in advance

(Attaching A40 schematic)

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First post

Hello

I've been following many threads on this excelent site for years, but never posted anything yet.

My interest for Hifi and audio goes back to being a kid and listening to my dads Stereo setup a beautiful
Marantz reciever, Dual turntable and big Sansui speakers 🙂 This is almost 40 years ago now...

Since then I have owned many bought Hifi setups and built quite a few DIY speakers and subwoofers. Hopefully
I'll be able to build many more and keep on learning.

Negative Feedback

This isn't a strictly tube question but since I'm asking in the context of tube literature I decided to post here. I've attached a copy of an explanation of the effects of negative feedback from a 60s RCA Tube Manual.

My question is this: As I understand from the manual's explanation, the reverse phase signal is fed back to the amp input cancelling the peak as shown. This seems like a paradox to me thoughif the unwanted signal is being cancelled constantly, how can it appear at the amps output in the first place?



feedback.png





thanks

Mitch

DIY speakers- I need crossover help to finish this project… please!

I just picked these up at junk store, they are seriously well made, but have no crossovers or terminals. I need help in finding the proper crossover/terminal given the speakers.

tweeters are “Dali BC25tg19-04, DPE9.” They measure 3.3 ohms

woofers are “Peerless HDS-P835025, 8ohm (measure 6.6) 55 watts t04-1B06B0009 2018.09.24 made in china”
any help appreciated As I have no idea what I am doing!

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Mini-MEH🤷

Day1
Goal: Small reliable all in one "pa" speaker for friend.

Notes--I chose the drivers for the flat "cones" should negat the need for any chamber fill magic that I don't have the tools or skills to create.
--i will probably be make the cabinet out of nomex honeycomb and fiberglass.

Elements
X1 DaytonH6512 waveguide
X4 TECTONIC Tebm35c10-4 BMr 2"
X2 Dayton rc180-55 res-core race track woofer
X1 1" dome tweeter TBD (I might start with whatever cheap I can find local)
X1 wondom Jab4 4x30w dsp amp (2x30w 1x60w)
Optional
Battery bank

Approx $250 total


To start looking for advice on how to mould/glue on mounting plates for mid and woofer

I'm thinking Bondo from what I have seen



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[3D Print] BJT Simple Matcher - Air Current Shield

Attached is a 3D print file for a little box to be used as an air current shield when matching BJT transistors using @Mark Johnson 's BJT Simple Matcher.

Very simple design, but it fits snug and helps with consistent measurements.

This part will be included in all of the BJT Simple Matcher kits that are posted up in the swap meet.
20241207_195127.jpg

20241207_192757.jpg

20241207_194854.jpg


1733629020169.png


Added thicker walls to minimize thermal transitions that I was seeing with the thin walled version.
1733683620100.png

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DIY MIDI 6x6 Janko accordion

It was always my ambition to create an easy to learn and play accordion style musical instrument, but it took me ages to get my act together. Finally, step by step I built the DIY components for it: Result:
1) I converted a 120-button accordion bass to Midi.
2) From 3 PC plates I created a 6x6 JANKO keyboard
3) I created a WYSIWYG notation for it (similar to Klavar notation).
It can't get any easier (!!) and to make it sound like a real accordion I got myself the latest XXL MASTER ACCORDION from V3 sound modules, pairing it with an equally excellent MidiToolEx software and voilà, now I'm enjoying the sound of 206 top accordions at a fraction of Roland Midi accordion's costs.

In case anyone of you would like to have some more details, please feel free to contact me.
To accelerate the notation conversion I would need to find a programmer for it.

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[3D Print] ACA Mini - Murata Coil Box for "ClaudeG Mod"

Attached in the zip file below is the 3D print file (3MF) for the coil box I created to be used with ClaudeG's suggested modifications for the ACA Mini. Anyone with access to a 3D printer can print the parts out of PLA (or material of your choosing).

Use two tapered head M3 bolts (16-20mm long) to secure them top plate to the bottom. It's designed to tightly grip the barrel connector cable (little grip ribs are hard to see) so no stress is put on the solder joints.

I made up a bunch the suggested mod kits after reading his review which I posted up in the swap meet.
20241207_184600.jpg

If you purchase a 1 meter 5.5x2.5mm barrel dc plug extension cable like this one, all you do is simply access the positive DC wire inside, snip it, and put the coil in series. Clamp the wires tightly with the top plate and you can add/removed the coil easily for A/B listening comparisons.

Here's the little mini-Build Guide for how to install the coil in the box.
ACA Mini Murata Coil Build Guide (Rev 12-29-2024).png


20241124_115359.jpg

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Fostex DMT-8VL Mixer Channel dead?

I have just bought a used Fostex DMT-8VL and it has a dead Channel, I am trying to find some advice about what could be causing this?

I don't know anything about repairing multitrack recorders or mixers, I bought this item thinking I was buying a fully working digital multitrack but it turned out to have a few problems which I think after a closer look were caused by liquid at some point in its life, I noticed that all the faders were rough and giving inconsistent audio from the input channels, and channel 8 was giving no audio at all, I stripped the whole recorder down and gave it some TLC all the faders have been thoroughly cleaned channels 1 to 7 are perfect with consistent audio all the way up the faders and they slide nice and smoothly now, the only issue it still has is the silent Input Channel 8.

What I have tested so far
If I turn the levels to their limits I can just about hear the audio from input 8 but its very faint, if I switch the L/R-Mon switch to Monitor I can hear the audio signal coming in from the channel 8 jack and I can raise lower the volume and pan the signal left and right using the pots in the monitor section but the fader, eq and meters have no effect when in this mode so I suspect that the problem is after the Monitor section?

I used input 1 to send and record the audio signal to Input Channel 8 and the Channel 8 Led Meter responded to the signal and recorded the track but I can hear nothing on playback the fader does nothing to the signal yet the meter for track 8 is peaking away showing that there is a recording there?

The recorded output from track 8 cannot be heard from the stereo outputs but it can be heard loud and clear from the rear direct out for Channel 8 so I am assuming that the recorded track bypasses the channel 8 fader section altogether?.

So I am stuck without any schematics or previous knowledge on mixer repairs, I am hoping someone can put me on the right track so to speak?

Thanks in advance
Dale

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Using Rigol DS1054Z to set Amp Bias

I built an F5m amp and am now looking to tune the bias.

I tried using my Rigol DS1054Z with 2 leads across a resistor on the amp board ( lead ground wires removed ) at 1X ( and 10X ) with MATH enabled on Chan1 and Chan2 ( A-B ) but get lots of noise on the math line. The math line bounces around within a 200mV range which is not accurate enough.

Any advice on how I can use it to get a reading of 10mV or even 1mV accuracy? ( I think my Rigol is unlocked too )

I get a 10000 meter next week but wanted to try with my oScope in the meantime.

For Sale Hypex Bruno's Balanced Preamp PCB kits from GB, parts and Extra, All SMD Parts installed

FS Hypex Bruno's balanced preamp PCB kit with all small SMD parts pre-assembled on the preamp board from the original GB. Kit also includes all the parts (except XLR connectors). I have also a pair of original Hypex HxR12 Regulator modules to supply the preamp (POS & NEG), and optional Hans Polak design Volume controller (resistor/relays) that was designed for this project (there are some small smd resistors to solder on this pcb. It also includes the parts for the Volume control.

Includes all docs, schematics, detailled BOM, pcb silkscreen, etc...

So this kit is the perfect compagnion for any Hypex based amplifier, being designed by Hypex Bruno himself...

Price is 200U$ + shipping + 3.5% Paypal fee. Note: kit is small and not heavy, so shipping won't be that expensive

Let me know if insterested
SB

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Aleph-X standby mode

Hello,

I'd like to add support for placing the Aleph-X into standby mode where the output mosfets would not conduct any current. Standby would be active during initial power-on of the amps to limit inrush currents but could also be entered afterwards instead of powering off the amps (for short periods of time).

I plan on using an RGB (red in standby, blue during normal operation) momentary anti-vandal switch with associated circuitry (not shown) to generate the standby signal. On power-up, the standby will be active until the switch is pressed. Later presses would enter/exit standby mode.

In the attached schematic, the relay output provides a DISABLE signal that is at V- when in standby, or V+ (via current limiting resistor) when not. This DISABLE signal feeds several PNP transistors that conduct when standby is enabled and, in turn, disable the aleph current source mosfet (Q10) and the output gain mosfet (Q11) via the transistors Qa and Qb, respectively.

The schematic provides 2 options for disabling the output gain mosfet (Q11). The first options just sinks the current from the input stage differential pair. The second option disables the input stage current source and, I think, is along the lines that Nelson has suggested in the past.

Does anyone see any problems with the proposed circuitry? Are there any improvements that can be made and which of the 2 options would be preferred for disabling the output current gain mosfet, Q11?

Much thanks in advance!
Brad

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