|
|
Post by downbeatstudio on Sept 2, 2020 17:08:04 GMT -6
Hi all! This is my first post and wanted to share one of my current projects. I recently purchased a Quad Eight bussing panel on Reverb with the intention of turning it into a full-on 16 channel summing mixer. I've been making some slow progress over the past few months acquiring parts, ordering PCBs, working on front panel design etc. Matt from Iron Age Audio has been insanely helpful in getting me started with this project. Here is a bit of info on the unit: - 16 channel input on Quad Eight style DOAs
- Leveraging the Master 2 Bus with Pan, 2 Stereo Echo Pairs and 4 Buss Outputs
- 10 total outputs are balanced with transformers (Jensen JE-123-S)
- SMPS running +-24VDC
- 8 VU Meters
- Built into a wood frame
Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Sept 2, 2020 22:25:35 GMT -6
That’s awesome. I’ve always heard people talk about how good Q8 sounded. So - this would be running 16 channels out and using it as a summing mixer?
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Sept 2, 2020 22:26:54 GMT -6
I’m technically challenged, so I might be talking out of my ass - but each channel has an input transformer?
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Sept 2, 2020 22:27:50 GMT -6
Btw - this section is for music. I’ll put this on the main page to get a little traction and then we can move it to DIY.
|
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Sept 3, 2020 10:03:42 GMT -6
Nice!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Quint on Sept 3, 2020 10:21:16 GMT -6
Super cool!
|
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,919 
|
Post by ericn on Sept 3, 2020 11:43:21 GMT -6
That’s one hell of a first post !
|
|
|
|
Post by Guitar on Sept 4, 2020 12:46:11 GMT -6
That's a heck of a project! Which op amps did you go with? I know IAA has some, I haven't tried them yet, I'm using the GAR version of the Quad Eight style.
|
|
|
|
Post by notneeson on Sept 4, 2020 14:35:31 GMT -6
This warms my heart, racked AM10 based QE’s were the first nice pres I ever owned. Still got em too.
|
|
|
|
Post by johneppstein on Sept 7, 2020 17:13:49 GMT -6
I have a friend in LA who knows a LOT about Q8 stuff. Dunno if he'd be interested in advising on this or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by downbeatstudio on Jan 18, 2021 10:43:52 GMT -6
Hey gang. I forgot to update the thread. I finished assembly of this summing/line mixer back in October/Nov 2020. Matt from Iron Age Audio was a great help. The wiring isn't as pretty as I'd like, but someday I'll clean that up. Lots of transformers and opamps. Really happy with how it turned out. I got the panels from Front Panel Express. Opamps/PCB design from Matt. Jensen transformers/VU meters/knobs were eBay finds. All in cost was a little less than $3k. Which worked out nicely since this was replacing a Neve 8816 with fader pack, which was roughly the same price. I built a Sound Skulptor MC624 for monitor control. You can check out more of my work on Instagram as well: www.instagram.com/downbeatstudio/Here are some pics:       |
|
|
|
Post by downbeatstudio on Jan 18, 2021 11:00:13 GMT -6
That's a heck of a project! Which op amps did you go with? I know IAA has some, I haven't tried them yet, I'm using the GAR version of the Quad Eight style. I'm leveraging mostly the IAA opamps which sound great! I'm using using a few of the GAR AM10's as well. They also sound super good and on par with the IAA. |
|
|
|
Post by downbeatstudio on Jan 18, 2021 11:06:39 GMT -6
I’m technically challenged, so I might be talking out of my ass - but each channel has an input transformer? That's a great question. The design uses discrete opamps on each input channel to unbalance the incoming balanced signal. Every output is transformer balanced with the Jensen JE-123-S transformers. I wanted to try out transformer color on the inputs, but didn't want to commit to building them into the mixer. My solve was to build an external box with 16 Triad A-57 / A-67 transformers wired 1:1 that I can patch in on the front end of the mixer. |
|
Attachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
Attachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
