I need some serious help to build a reference sound quality device: portable studio mixer to have functions and layout that I see being necessary, that is as transparent as possible -- much better than the commercial stuff built to a price point with all inherent compromises in sound quality:
rough guide:
3 stereo channels with phono
self calibrating LDR modules instead of standard Alps pots
direct coupled, biased in class A circuit
Autoformers on master out volume control
output transformers for balanced outputs
Isolators on each of channels
Any contacts would be very much appreciates.
best regards,
Herman
rough guide:
3 stereo channels with phono
self calibrating LDR modules instead of standard Alps pots
direct coupled, biased in class A circuit
Autoformers on master out volume control
output transformers for balanced outputs
Isolators on each of channels
Any contacts would be very much appreciates.
best regards,
Herman
If you want transparency why decide to include devices which will add a little distortion (LDRs) and reduce frequency response (transformers)? These items may have other benefits, which is why people tolerate them. Of course, you realise that direct coupling and transformers are mutually exclusive.
In any case, you are starting from the wrong place. Instead of specifying your idea of means, you need to specify requirements. "As transparent as possible" is a wish, not a requirement. Unless, of course, your aim is not really transparency but pushing of certain fashionable audiophile buttons.
In any case, you are starting from the wrong place. Instead of specifying your idea of means, you need to specify requirements. "As transparent as possible" is a wish, not a requirement. Unless, of course, your aim is not really transparency but pushing of certain fashionable audiophile buttons.
The only analog circuit that is not Class A is used in power amps. That is as long as you do not consider digital.
Mojo notwhistanding, modern commercial equipment is *incredibly* good, average products surpassing 70`s and 80`s cream of the cream ones, the ones you seem to want to emulate, at least you quote technology which was popular way back then.
That modern stuff can do so and yet cost so little owes a lot to modern manufacturing technology, plus advances in Science and development of new parts.
Is it a DJ desk?
You intend to play vinyl records?
See above.
That said, you will find many threads in this Forum regarding different aspects of what you ask for, so browsing them will definitely prove very useful ... you might even find find somebody with same or very close needs and work together.
Good luck .
The requirement is a 3 channel DJ mixer. I intentionally do not want to use the word "DJ" because normal people here assosiate DJ stuff with quantity over quality and features over sound -- not my intent.
The intent is to build an exceptional sounding pre-amp in the form of DJ mixer.
Zero negative feedback, Autoformers, LDR's and other ideas are not necessary but should all be considered. I do not know what works together and does not work together and that I believe is key in such a device.
Any contacts for very good electronics engineers (mixers AND audiophile preamps, phono amps) would be appreciated.
The intent is to build an exceptional sounding pre-amp in the form of DJ mixer.
Zero negative feedback, Autoformers, LDR's and other ideas are not necessary but should all be considered. I do not know what works together and does not work together and that I believe is key in such a device.
Any contacts for very good electronics engineers (mixers AND audiophile preamps, phono amps) would be appreciated.
Sounds interesting, have you considered budget, operating environment, ancillary equipment? Tone controls/EQ, Does it need to be field serviceable, modular?
A lot of the buzz words used point at tubes - is this what you intended?
The sort of mixer hardware you are talking about would be more appropriately discussed in analog source rather than I & A.
Shoot me a PM if you want to discuss further.
A lot of the buzz words used point at tubes - is this what you intended?
The sort of mixer hardware you are talking about would be more appropriately discussed in analog source rather than I & A.
Shoot me a PM if you want to discuss further.
Kevin,
Not sure why this post is here, in I & A. I though I posted in "analog source" forum, but may have made a mistake.
Anyway, PM will be sent to you with further details, on this project.
Thanks
Not sure why this post is here, in I & A. I though I posted in "analog source" forum, but may have made a mistake.
Anyway, PM will be sent to you with further details, on this project.
Thanks
Budget is important.
So what are the control specs? Does it just need multiple volumes? Does it need gain? Balancing?
I'm tempted to say, hey I'd like to get in on this... but you've provided no information.
So what are the control specs? Does it just need multiple volumes? Does it need gain? Balancing?
I'm tempted to say, hey I'd like to get in on this... but you've provided no information.
With due respect: any Pro will charge (a lot) for a custom design and development.
Some OEM Chinese Manufacturer might not charge extra for the custom design, but then will demand you guarantee sales of, say, 5000 or 10000 units.
Which in practice means you pre order that many on your pocket and then it´s your problem selling them.
JMFahey,
>>With due respect: any Pro will charge (a lot) for a custom design and development.
Yes, I know you are correct, in general. However, if a pro that is interested in such a project, personal use or just out of sportsmanship, would want to work together with me -- my experience of layout and features, it may be closer to having both of our interests fulfilled. Maybe this will be less about money and profit and more about fulfillment of both interests. That is my hope but I completely see your valid point.
Example: lets take a good preamp like Placette Active Linestage and combine it's performance with 3 channel mixer functionality = nice device for certain people!
>>With due respect: any Pro will charge (a lot) for a custom design and development.
Yes, I know you are correct, in general. However, if a pro that is interested in such a project, personal use or just out of sportsmanship, would want to work together with me -- my experience of layout and features, it may be closer to having both of our interests fulfilled. Maybe this will be less about money and profit and more about fulfillment of both interests. That is my hope but I completely see your valid point.
Example: lets take a good preamp like Placette Active Linestage and combine it's performance with 3 channel mixer functionality = nice device for certain people!
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I feel obligated to add this:
Since this is for DJ use, consider the audience. WHile both the audience and the DJ want it to sound good, no one sits in a chair stereo center and actively listens to a DJ, by definition, a DJ is up there to get the audience dancing. SO going for super hifi sound quality is in my opinion a waste of time. I am as a professional sound man more interested in reliable gear that will set up and tear down thousands of time without causing failures.
Since this is for DJ use, consider the audience. WHile both the audience and the DJ want it to sound good, no one sits in a chair stereo center and actively listens to a DJ, by definition, a DJ is up there to get the audience dancing. SO going for super hifi sound quality is in my opinion a waste of time. I am as a professional sound man more interested in reliable gear that will set up and tear down thousands of time without causing failures.
Agreed - this is what we call crossing the creek for water... at least the OP needs to specify what he really wants. So far it is only rather vague wishes...
There are several manufacturers out there who will deliver good quality at a price far less than any custom developed thingie.... unless we're talking tube mixer, which is really not suited for banging about at gigs...
EDIT: Citronics used to good DJ stuff back in my days, - I know the brand still exists, but it's current status...
There are several manufacturers out there who will deliver good quality at a price far less than any custom developed thingie.... unless we're talking tube mixer, which is really not suited for banging about at gigs...
EDIT: Citronics used to good DJ stuff back in my days, - I know the brand still exists, but it's current status...
There is a chain of "gentlemen's clubs" in the USA that used to (may still for all I know) have very nice sound systems for DJs. At the time all the locals used cheap Numark junk. These clubs all used a nice DJ mixer made by Biamp. Biamp quit making them years ago. But they were nice, well built units with nice features.
Rane used to make a nice DJ mixer as well, with super nice faders/crossfaders.
Rane used to make a nice DJ mixer as well, with super nice faders/crossfaders.
There's several Rane 60-series mixers on Ebay.... looking very good, and with more silly gadgets than I've ever seen in a mixer before... 🙂
Don't Mean to Throw Water on the Fire But
I've been out to a few venues lately and if what I'm seeing is any indication of what is going on around the country, just get some Behringer Mixers, a used Crown power amp with some Krank Jr. Speakers and get it over with.
I understand your desire to produce a high quality product but the drunken stoned crowd won't know the diff. Sorry to say. This brings to mind another phenomena I've observed- The disappearance of the pickup game.
Another question? What is the pay back.
Also, a long long time ago I was going to build my own stereo system. I found out it was cheaper to just buy the completed product since the parts would cost more than a new one from the store.
Who will debug the finished product if it doesn't work?
colorcat.
I've been out to a few venues lately and if what I'm seeing is any indication of what is going on around the country, just get some Behringer Mixers, a used Crown power amp with some Krank Jr. Speakers and get it over with.
I understand your desire to produce a high quality product but the drunken stoned crowd won't know the diff. Sorry to say. This brings to mind another phenomena I've observed- The disappearance of the pickup game.
Another question? What is the pay back.
Also, a long long time ago I was going to build my own stereo system. I found out it was cheaper to just buy the completed product since the parts would cost more than a new one from the store.
Who will debug the finished product if it doesn't work?
colorcat.
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