Custom Studio Products
Here
are some photographs that I took of various custom-built "gizmos" that
I've built the past few years. Click on any of the small
thumbnails for a larger image.
Each unit was customized for my client's requirements.
I have adopted a "classic black" mindset, which also works well with
most front panel layouts. Instead of easily-eroded panel
legends/markings (silkscreen, etc.), I've chosen mechanically engaved
panel markings that do NOT rub-off over time. Fortunately, I've
also found a local artisan who owns computer-controlled engraving
equipment that ensures permanent panel legends. I have spent thousands
of hours as a session/recording engineer under
the typical dim lighting found in a studio, so legibility of
the panels became a priority to me...even if the original panels
weren't all that legible to begin with!
All of these devices also included an external power supply box; for a
custom-made unit, that is the best solution to minimize AC
mains-induced noise.
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This shows
an early rackup project of a pair of Audix modules, built to a client's
specs, which included plenty of internal bracing to withstand shipping
of the unit as it travelled from one studio site to another inside of a
"road case".
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Here is a simple rack-up of two ADM 780 preamp
modules. I added the controls and switches which became missing
after the module was removed from the original desk mainframe.
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Eight ADM (six 780 and two 1540) modules along with backlit
VU meters are shown in this pic. |
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I also
design custom power supplies for anything ranging from an entire mixing
desk to a small unit which is part of a rackup. Shown is the PSU
for the 8 module system shown above.
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I worked with my engraver, and came up with this design for
four Langevin AM-16 modules. The original Langevin modules have a
fixed gain, and thus require input/
output attenuators.
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Another
simple rackup of two Auditronics 110B modules. My client sent me
the rack chassis with the required machine work already done, so it
required only engraving and internal wiring.
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Mastering control devices consist of a short analog signal
path. This picture shows a "DC to Daylight" unit I built for
a Mastering studio which had a passive "main" signal path.
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I always
strive to constuct my custom devices using the best materials, and the
best of my skills. Here is a pic of the "innards" of a custom
4-channel preamp, with a pair of 2-channel ADM preamp cards
mounted into a rack chassis. |
Any
custom product that I build is ALWAYS CONSTRUCTED to the specs of my
client. Hence, I cannot compete with "Chinette" gear sold at the
"guitar stores", and I have no interest competing with those imported,
mass-marketed "goods" (which is an oxymoron in itself).
However,
unlike the "mass market", I also intend for anything that I
custom-build should out-live me! (I guesstimate that I have a few
decades left <g>.)
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