Hey guys, I have a desire for an audio processor for the work bench, but I have been unable to find a suitable device. The closest are some old school type car audio processors, but again there is always a feature or two missing from unit to unit
I'm interested in something that gets me as close to knob per function as practical. Maybe I can DIY this. Have come up with a some plans that may achieve an analog or digital device
As best I can understand, for a 2.1 system, the output needs to be a set of three responses that can be shaped for lower and upper cut, boost at any point and over any width and be able to change the phase of the .1 channel
This is the outline of the plan
DIY machined and lasered chassis
Internal battery system linked to a USB port
Knob per function with easy visual reference
Balanced and unbalanced I/O
Tuby colouration with defeat
Clear protective cover
What I want to try to experiment with are
Main channels, taken from the input connector and run through two banks of 15 band graphic eq, one for each of the stereo channels. Using off the shelf prebuilt boards. These are stereo boards, so that means I will have to use one board per channel. I will need to learn how to best implement the unused channel on each of those boards. Whether to leave unconnected to the audio, shorted or maybe even cascaded to increase the range of cut or boost. I wonder if it works that way
As best I can understand it, let's say if the lowest fader was 60Hz just for random number, pulling that down would start sloping up from there and to whatever shape I set the rest of the faders. I need to learn if this would set the lower cutoff point or does the response come back up beyond this point. In other words, I have to learn if that fader just creates a dip there or a cut for everything below. If it is only a dip, then I would need to locate a single filter module to insert there as a switchable cut
This bank would be repeated in the next row to allow for active 2-way mains processing. I have to learn if I can use the 15 band eq to correctly set a bandpass here
The last bank would be for the bass. I won't call this a subwoofer channel as since the boards are stereo, which would be useful for stereo bass for active 3-way or stereo subs. I think I know how to sum that output for a mono sub. What I would need to learn is how to create a phase change knob at that output. For this bank, I have selected an easy seeming 5 band design from YouTube. This is a thru-hole type board, and I am hoping to learn to mod this to suit five dedicated bass bands. Also have to learn if this would defeat everything upper band or needs a further upper cut applied
So made up of some standalone filter modules, 4 banks of prebuilt graphic eqs and one DIY graphic eq
Thinking along the lines of a Pass H2 on each output for the tuby effect, switchable
Options
Can use 31 band graphic eqs but this would double project costs
Would be nice
If I could learn to DIY the board for the mains so that I can split them up into mono boards per channel and use lit faders alongside a dedicated level meter alongside each fader
Analog/digital hybrid option
Using digital graphic eq modules instead of the analog and having any extra filters needed in DIY analog. The problem with this is the multi action encoder that is used to select each band and to change it. I can't tell the impact that would have without trying it. The benefit is much more immediate access than using a usual DSP processor with menu diving or app control
Digital/PC option
Looks like I may be able to house a mini PC, a USB sound card and a touch screen in a custom enclosure. Finding the right program that can have the eq and filters up on the touch screen would nail it.
Digital/Android option
Here I can see another related android option. A car touch screen head unit will have touchable on screen faders for eq and all filters, as well as two pairs of stereo outs and one or two sub outs. The Pioneer in my car can do this via touch, but is only a small screen and non Android. I can see some cheap options to 10" display head units on Ali. All the eq and filters are done with DSP using the CPU and the only other thing that could take up runtime is the media player part playing back any test tracks or tones. I can create a custom housing for this and if I can find or make a USB powerbank that has a 12v out, then can be fitted inside the housing. Such a head unit has an analog input referred to as 'aux' and Bluetooth pretty standard but can also have built in power amps that could suit bench use together with a dedicated external sub amp
Compass
At this point, I can't find direction with this. The analog graphic eq and the head unit seem to be the best value options when it comes to the desired knob per function accessibility. While the digital eq hybrid seems like the more pro option. The Android head unit has some menu diving with having to bring up eq and filters in turns, but not too bad. The needed screen can be left up while in use. The mini PC option on the other hand can have multiple windows up on the touch interface
I am inclined to start with the Android head unit option to get a quicker start with projects and then take my time to learn and work towards making a completely hands on option. Thoughts?
I'm interested in something that gets me as close to knob per function as practical. Maybe I can DIY this. Have come up with a some plans that may achieve an analog or digital device
As best I can understand, for a 2.1 system, the output needs to be a set of three responses that can be shaped for lower and upper cut, boost at any point and over any width and be able to change the phase of the .1 channel
This is the outline of the plan
DIY machined and lasered chassis
Internal battery system linked to a USB port
Knob per function with easy visual reference
Balanced and unbalanced I/O
Tuby colouration with defeat
Clear protective cover
What I want to try to experiment with are
Main channels, taken from the input connector and run through two banks of 15 band graphic eq, one for each of the stereo channels. Using off the shelf prebuilt boards. These are stereo boards, so that means I will have to use one board per channel. I will need to learn how to best implement the unused channel on each of those boards. Whether to leave unconnected to the audio, shorted or maybe even cascaded to increase the range of cut or boost. I wonder if it works that way
As best I can understand it, let's say if the lowest fader was 60Hz just for random number, pulling that down would start sloping up from there and to whatever shape I set the rest of the faders. I need to learn if this would set the lower cutoff point or does the response come back up beyond this point. In other words, I have to learn if that fader just creates a dip there or a cut for everything below. If it is only a dip, then I would need to locate a single filter module to insert there as a switchable cut
This bank would be repeated in the next row to allow for active 2-way mains processing. I have to learn if I can use the 15 band eq to correctly set a bandpass here
The last bank would be for the bass. I won't call this a subwoofer channel as since the boards are stereo, which would be useful for stereo bass for active 3-way or stereo subs. I think I know how to sum that output for a mono sub. What I would need to learn is how to create a phase change knob at that output. For this bank, I have selected an easy seeming 5 band design from YouTube. This is a thru-hole type board, and I am hoping to learn to mod this to suit five dedicated bass bands. Also have to learn if this would defeat everything upper band or needs a further upper cut applied
So made up of some standalone filter modules, 4 banks of prebuilt graphic eqs and one DIY graphic eq
Thinking along the lines of a Pass H2 on each output for the tuby effect, switchable
Options
Can use 31 band graphic eqs but this would double project costs
Would be nice
If I could learn to DIY the board for the mains so that I can split them up into mono boards per channel and use lit faders alongside a dedicated level meter alongside each fader
Analog/digital hybrid option
Using digital graphic eq modules instead of the analog and having any extra filters needed in DIY analog. The problem with this is the multi action encoder that is used to select each band and to change it. I can't tell the impact that would have without trying it. The benefit is much more immediate access than using a usual DSP processor with menu diving or app control
Digital/PC option
Looks like I may be able to house a mini PC, a USB sound card and a touch screen in a custom enclosure. Finding the right program that can have the eq and filters up on the touch screen would nail it.
Digital/Android option
Here I can see another related android option. A car touch screen head unit will have touchable on screen faders for eq and all filters, as well as two pairs of stereo outs and one or two sub outs. The Pioneer in my car can do this via touch, but is only a small screen and non Android. I can see some cheap options to 10" display head units on Ali. All the eq and filters are done with DSP using the CPU and the only other thing that could take up runtime is the media player part playing back any test tracks or tones. I can create a custom housing for this and if I can find or make a USB powerbank that has a 12v out, then can be fitted inside the housing. Such a head unit has an analog input referred to as 'aux' and Bluetooth pretty standard but can also have built in power amps that could suit bench use together with a dedicated external sub amp
Compass
At this point, I can't find direction with this. The analog graphic eq and the head unit seem to be the best value options when it comes to the desired knob per function accessibility. While the digital eq hybrid seems like the more pro option. The Android head unit has some menu diving with having to bring up eq and filters in turns, but not too bad. The needed screen can be left up while in use. The mini PC option on the other hand can have multiple windows up on the touch interface
I am inclined to start with the Android head unit option to get a quicker start with projects and then take my time to learn and work towards making a completely hands on option. Thoughts?
Found a cheap and cheerful 10" touchscreen that can has a good touch interface for DSP and audio settings. Had to filter and browse through a lot of ads to find and affordable unit where they don't cut back on the DSP access or outputs. It's built in power amps might just be enough when working with smaller speakers. The rear channels might be good to power a small sub in bridge mode
I think I will build this into a housing with a pair of 3" FR drivers on the face and a JBL style racer subs in the sides. Will be a great lil portable soundsystem and video, perfect for my daughter and her group. This will be hooked up to the Yamaha AG06mk2 that arrived today 🙂 plus an iPad for my daughter's lil studio in her room and on the workbench when needed
10" with camera
I'll make the speakers detachable, ghetto blaster style, located either side of the screen
Will need switched TR sockets to take off the internal amp and by pass built in speakers as the speaker outs on the custom housing
Will use TR plugs with screw down wire points
Need balanced and unbalanced connectors on all the pre-outs so converters or transformers and TR+XLR connectors for each pre-outs on the custom housing
Same for the line inputs
A chassis mount USB hub or two would be a really cool way to tap into the dual USB ports
SD card with test tracks and tones
Not sure if the DSP has controls for sub phase change and such, so may still need some DIY circuits. This model has eq per channel though
Some tubiness on each out would be really cool as at some point I would like to not use the internal amps but maybe less battery consuming smaller class ds built into the housing. I have a nice lithium battery in the motorcycle size once upgraded to more efficient amps
Would be good for going away and picnics and things too and on the houseboat too. If this works out well then I can pass it on to Jiya full-time and make a new one using a touch screen and Windows PC as a fully blown thing
The head unit is on its way and I think I have most things on hand to bring it all together. I really like the idea of upgrading from the internal amps at some point to some clean, but disposable type of modules mounted within the custom housing as sacrificial bench amps, but the best thing is that I can hot wire it for immediate use and develop it as I go
I think I will build this into a housing with a pair of 3" FR drivers on the face and a JBL style racer subs in the sides. Will be a great lil portable soundsystem and video, perfect for my daughter and her group. This will be hooked up to the Yamaha AG06mk2 that arrived today 🙂 plus an iPad for my daughter's lil studio in her room and on the workbench when needed
10" with camera
I'll make the speakers detachable, ghetto blaster style, located either side of the screen
Will need switched TR sockets to take off the internal amp and by pass built in speakers as the speaker outs on the custom housing
Will use TR plugs with screw down wire points
Need balanced and unbalanced connectors on all the pre-outs so converters or transformers and TR+XLR connectors for each pre-outs on the custom housing
Same for the line inputs
A chassis mount USB hub or two would be a really cool way to tap into the dual USB ports
SD card with test tracks and tones
Not sure if the DSP has controls for sub phase change and such, so may still need some DIY circuits. This model has eq per channel though
Some tubiness on each out would be really cool as at some point I would like to not use the internal amps but maybe less battery consuming smaller class ds built into the housing. I have a nice lithium battery in the motorcycle size once upgraded to more efficient amps
Would be good for going away and picnics and things too and on the houseboat too. If this works out well then I can pass it on to Jiya full-time and make a new one using a touch screen and Windows PC as a fully blown thing
The head unit is on its way and I think I have most things on hand to bring it all together. I really like the idea of upgrading from the internal amps at some point to some clean, but disposable type of modules mounted within the custom housing as sacrificial bench amps, but the best thing is that I can hot wire it for immediate use and develop it as I go
Found a cheap and cheerful USB interface that can be panel mounted and if I am lucky with the stock ports, they just might give me direct access to the Androids line in and out as well as a USB-C connector into the system
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...ene:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller|query_from:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...ene:pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller|query_from:
Didn't notice that the USB device plugs into a motherboard. Found the correct one
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...mSly8uZd&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...mSly8uZd&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:
The lil Yamaha AG06mk2 is reassuringly solid feeling. Looks very elegant in a deep charcoal metal body with silver-grey markings, black and white knobbery and buttons as well a good slash of colour using red LED's and some buttons. Only thing that I don't like are the silver connectors. Gold is more appealing and these connectors are all chassis mount types, so a mod might be possible
I have a better strategy to bring all this together elegantly. A desk case with briefcase action. Lower and deeper bin part securing the head unit, DATSv3, AGo6mk2 and the shallower lid featuring a mount to use the Protégé X30-J in tablet mode in the centre and main speakers to the left and right. Dual opposed subs in the lower unit
This will be a great way to store and use the gear in the work bench and out in the wild when measuring speakers. It will close up like a briefcase and a waterproof seal around the lid
If the initial use of the head unit goes well, I will now, instead of passing this on, make a similar device for my daughter to be more of a studio out of a briefcase and setup for her IPad on the lid side and another one of this lil Yamaha AG06mk2 mixer alongside her AKAI MPK Mini Plus. She is still in primary school but already in the high school music academy. At the moment, they are learning about populating an audio track with stock loops and samples, as well recording bits on the virtual instruments. They had to write a jingle about bread and are now composing music for it. I will also duplicate her system for a lil nephew overseas who is very much into learning music and is a mid-primary school student who also is a student in the local Mandali which has a program teaching folk and some poppy spiritual and religious music for kids. I already bought two of most other things for them and will spoil them with their own mixers too
So initial build as an Audio Processor for the bench, and we will share the mixer and head unit and then later a dedicated build for her and my nephew. I am very excited about the potential this will have
I have a better strategy to bring all this together elegantly. A desk case with briefcase action. Lower and deeper bin part securing the head unit, DATSv3, AGo6mk2 and the shallower lid featuring a mount to use the Protégé X30-J in tablet mode in the centre and main speakers to the left and right. Dual opposed subs in the lower unit
This will be a great way to store and use the gear in the work bench and out in the wild when measuring speakers. It will close up like a briefcase and a waterproof seal around the lid
If the initial use of the head unit goes well, I will now, instead of passing this on, make a similar device for my daughter to be more of a studio out of a briefcase and setup for her IPad on the lid side and another one of this lil Yamaha AG06mk2 mixer alongside her AKAI MPK Mini Plus. She is still in primary school but already in the high school music academy. At the moment, they are learning about populating an audio track with stock loops and samples, as well recording bits on the virtual instruments. They had to write a jingle about bread and are now composing music for it. I will also duplicate her system for a lil nephew overseas who is very much into learning music and is a mid-primary school student who also is a student in the local Mandali which has a program teaching folk and some poppy spiritual and religious music for kids. I already bought two of most other things for them and will spoil them with their own mixers too
So initial build as an Audio Processor for the bench, and we will share the mixer and head unit and then later a dedicated build for her and my nephew. I am very excited about the potential this will have
Hey man, which process are you referring to? Most of my plans or ideas recently haven't worked out all that well