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Post by svart on Jul 10, 2015 14:24:24 GMT -6
Since I'm shipping the converters and working on starting up another batch, it's probably time to start thinking of the next project..
What should I do?
I'd eventually like to do a lower cost inductor EQ.. Kinda like API/opamp labs stuff.
Or
I've built a small 2 channel mixer with transformer based I/O with a tube makeup stage.. I could commercialize that, or do a discrete opamp based one..
Or
Now I'm thinking of a high-class, low-cost mastering controller, with a switch matrix for a few I/O, and a volume controller, and headphone amp, etc.
Or something else, like the SPDIF/ADAT converter people have talked about (if I can still get ADAT chips, etc..)..
Or..
I have a simulation of a discrete preamp that I designed but never built.. It uses some interesting and different ideas that may or may not work..
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 10, 2015 16:38:15 GMT -6
Famous last words ! Have fun !
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Post by jeromemason on Jul 10, 2015 17:28:32 GMT -6
I thought about doing something as well, seems like it would be cool to create kits for folks on this board. I've got a couple of things drawn out, just need to start doing the math before I put it out there for feedback.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 11:43:00 GMT -6
Ok, updated the original post so that it's a poll about what project I should do next..
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 12:01:11 GMT -6
As the 'Something Else" vote, I was thinking expanding the svartbox with additional I/O's.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 12:04:01 GMT -6
As the 'Something Else" vote, I was thinking expanding the svartbox with additional I/O's. Ok, what kind of additional I/Os? |
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 12:09:56 GMT -6
I was thinking Optical and XLR along with the S/PDIF.
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 12:15:45 GMT -6
Oh, I went and looked at the rear pic again. It's got 1/4" TRS with the S/PDIF.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 12:27:45 GMT -6
Oh, I went and looked at the rear pic again. It's got 1/4" TRS with the S/PDIF. So you'd want XLR as well as TRS and Optical SPDIF as well as Coax SPDIF? Just a FYI.. Most older optical SPDIF inputs can't do over 48Khz, which is why I went coax only for this design, as most can do up to 96K. |
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 12:40:51 GMT -6
I suppose I could work-around with XLR/TRS cabling. I have a digital mixer with 48k optical, but two other interfaces with upwards of 192k optical. If there were a couple of banks worth of optical on the Svartbox, I could sum two units together. My analog console could be summed at the mains into XLR/TRS cables.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 13:39:02 GMT -6
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 14:18:37 GMT -6
A little clutter inducing, but I'll check those reviews closer. |
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 14:25:51 GMT -6
I guess my second choice would have been a mastering controller, but would like to hear about the other items in detail.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 14:46:03 GMT -6
I guess my second choice would have been a mastering controller, but would like to hear about the other items in detail. Well, the ideas are pretty much open right now. I personally want some inductor EQs, so it wouldn't be a stretch to design some that can be built commercially. Maybe 4 band with shelving high and low, with switchable bands in the midranges. Low cost would be key here. The little mixer idea is one I've had for years now. I built a test unit years ago and it seems to work pretty well. It's just a two input to single output mixer for multiple mics on guitar cabs, etc. The idea would be to try to get it low cost enough that you could use it to mix down a couple channels to one preamp instead of having to use multiple expensive preamps. It might be a harder sell because it forces folks to commit to a tone while tracking. The mastering controller is one that only recently came up. I think John or someone mentioned doing it. I would suspect folks would want some kind of analog volume control, a switching matrix to switch between sources, and headphone amp to monitor with headphones. It could pair up with my DAC or something else, or be used in a home stereo situation to switch between various CD/tuner/record player sources and so on. this one would take some real research to define for optimal balance between price/performance and features. Next would be a box with ADAT I/O going to SPDIF I/O so that folks could run multiple converters into single ADAT streams. It might be difficult to do the ADC side since it would entail trying to sync a bunch of clocks from multiple SPDIF devices into a single ADAT transmitter. It would be much easier to do a DAC version as I could multiplex the reconstructed ADAT clocks into each SPDIF transmitter chip. Also, lots of companies are abandoning ADAT altogether, so the chips might not be available much longer.. Finally, I have a discrete Class-A preamp design that has some pretty interesting design aspects. I can't go into too much detail because these might be patent-able. Gain would be high and cost would be pretty low I think. It works in simulation but I haven't actually built one yet, so I don't know the real-world result. Maybe I should give it a try and see.. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 3, 2015 14:57:02 GMT -6
I know Jeff did the 4x1 mixer but ultimately decided there wasn't enough demand...just a thought. I think you could clean up with the monitor controller. Really pushing the fact that it's absolutely transparent. I'd buy one.
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Post by formatcyes on Sept 3, 2015 15:04:11 GMT -6
The master controller is being done by mammothcaveaudio.com/products/Your skill set would be better used IMHO on real "electronics's". I vote for the preamp or the eq which ever one you do i would be in for one. |
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Post by b1 on Sept 3, 2015 15:10:01 GMT -6
The ADAT I/O going to SPDIF I/O sounds interesting, if it's feasible on the AD side.
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Post by svart on Sept 3, 2015 15:12:54 GMT -6
The master controller is being done by mammothcaveaudio.com/products/Your skill set would be better used IMHO on real "electronics's". I vote for the preamp or the eq which ever one you do i would be in for one. I see. My idea wouldn't be passive, it would be active, which would help transition between various line level impedances of different devices and stuff. The switching matrix would probably be small signal relays. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Sept 3, 2015 16:52:56 GMT -6
I voted for the EQ because that's more fun, but I might be interested in the monitor controller too... however, New Old Sound just came out with a new active model that looks pretty full featured for the price (assuming it's transparent)... only thing missing for me is individual speaker mutes. www.zenproaudio.com/new-old-sound-mcone-active |
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 3, 2015 22:11:02 GMT -6
Yeah...be hard to beat that price point.
I guess it's not particularly the fun option for you, but adding different digital connections to the Svartbox might be the best move...
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Post by svart on Sept 4, 2015 7:14:17 GMT -6
Yeah...be hard to beat that price point. I guess it's not particularly the fun option for you, but adding different digital connections to the Svartbox might be the best move... Because of the size of the boards and the changes that would be needed, it would essentially be a total redesign of the PCB and chassis to add a few components. That's not something I can do quickly.. That was 75% of the time it took to get the units designed! Honestly I'm kinda burnt out on it and want to do something new! And I gotta admit, I don't really understand the desire for more/different connections. TRS to XLR adapters are a dime a dozen, and SPDIF<->AES adapters are simple and cheap, so are optical<->coax adapters. It would take me 6 months to get new boards, build them, test them, design a new chassis, build cutting/drilling jigs, have silkscreens made, etc.. Or folks can just buy any of these adapters today and have them by next week.. |
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Post by EmRR on Sept 4, 2015 8:11:52 GMT -6
And I gotta admit, I don't really understand the desire for more/different connections. Feels similar to what I deal with in racking up preamps for people. They always want every possible bell and whistle, even when they don't make sense for the pre in question. Convenience convenience convenience is what they see, at least until sticker shock hits. |
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Post by svart on Sept 4, 2015 8:41:42 GMT -6
So it seems the monitor controller is in the lead..
What kinds of features do folks want?
Volume control
Dual Mutes
Dim (-10db pad?)
Headphone amp
Switch matrix (4 inputs to ?)
Desktop form factor
Talkback?
Most of this design would be IC based, with relays for switching the matrix. Cost is a huge consideration. Costs of good step attenuators or matched precision pots are very expensive! This would be more like using IC ladder attenuators.. One of which sports a 0.0003% THD spec..
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 4, 2015 9:32:34 GMT -6
How much would IC'S affect the sound? I would definitely say desktop.
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Post by Johnkenn on Sept 4, 2015 9:36:29 GMT -6
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