The DIY Synth/FX/Stuff thread ... =)

[paradigm_x]

Just finished the 2nd one. Very happy with how the look and sound. The 2nd one records a wee bit hotter, so I can't call them matched but it's a minor detail which can be accounted for with the gain of the preamp.

Not seen the schematics, but would it not be possible to tune the outputs using a trimmer (fixed, variable resistor)?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimmer_%28electronics%29

[Ongelegen]

Just finished the 2nd one. Very happy with how the look and sound. The 2nd one records a wee bit hotter, so I can't call them matched but it's a minor detail which can be accounted for with the gain of the preamp.

Not seen the schematics, but would it not be possible to tune the outputs using a trimmer (fixed, variable resistor)?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimmer_%28electronics%29

Haven't thought of that as I haven't worked with trimmers yet, but considering how little difference there is between the two mics I don't think its worthwhile. The smallest increment on the gain solves it.

[paradigm_x]

OK Cool, completely understand that.

However, IMHO, might be worth looking into tho, for (A) the learning experience, and (B) the next pair might be 10dB out!

You got a schemo for the preamp bit?

A trimmers just a variable resistor, which sticks at the last value you leave it at. Dead easy. Means you can easily get weird values, like 103.7k, or tune things.

[Ongelegen]

I just use my saffire as a pre. You mean the schemo of the XLR/p48 adapter part? If so I posted it a couple of posts back, but here it is again: http://richard-mudhar.suite101.com/how- ... er-a150317

[karmacazee]

Best thread I've seen for a long time, really interesting Been dying to do this for so long, but never knew the right places to look for the relevant info/kits.

Cheers, looks like I'll be building some shizz when I get some cash together.

[Electric_Head]

I know it might not be ideal but a thin coating of linseed or a similar light oil will prevent corrosion to a point.

Interesting, but wouldn't it be easily wiped off or worn off during use and make the body greasy as hell?

That is the downside, it does make it greasy but you can apply a thin layer and wipe it off.
Just a very thin coating applied and wiped off can do the trick.
You just want a thin barrier between the air and metal.

[Ongelegen]

Yeah though so, I'll just leave them as they are for now. I can always do it later. Thanks for the tips though.
Starting to build the second pair today. Stainless steel this time, only had 2 brass pipes.

[nowaysj]

Just dropping in to confess my wankerage, was supposed to have built something in 2011. Didn't get to it. Wanker. 2012 looks less likely. Wankerer.

Carry on.

[Ongelegen]

Stoked New cardioid capsules arrived today. Will start building a cardioid condenser mic next week. These capsules are much bigger than the omnis but don't have a internal FET. More complicated to use, but you can achieve better sound quality. Hoping to put this also in a 120mm long tube, but with a larger diamater.



EDIT: I'll also be rehousing the first pair. Stainless steel pipes painted in matte dark grey with a sandblasted kinda look

[Electric_Head]

Sounds good

[Ongelegen]

Finally rebuild the first pair. New body & paint. Looks sick imo

[mks]

Finally rebuild the first pair. New body & paint. Looks sick imo

Those look cool. How do they sound?

[Ongelegen]

From the previous page, before the rebuild when I finished the first, so just mono

Short audio clip of a acoustic guitar of just a few notes (please note that I'm not a guitar player, I have 0 skill ). Raw clip no processing at all, no noise reduction, only normalized to -0.1dB.
Soundcloud

I'm very happy with the results, S/N ratio is pretty amazing imo

[Hircine]

They sound quite warm / dead at the highs, not saying it's bad, but it's a really unique sound. Mail me one? hahaha

[Ongelegen]

Yeah true, less high-end on these compared to my previous capsules (wm-61a), but these have less self-noise. So it's a pretty good trade imo

[magnetron_sputtering]

So has anyone successfully (or otherwise!) done the MIDI hack for the Monotron? I've been looking at getting this kit. I could source all the parts a lot closer to home but I'd need one of these to programme the microcontroller. That seems like a pain in the arse and would double the cost (I'm trying to do this on zero budget). I'm looking for tips/alternative ways of getting MIDI control, if anyone has tried it.

[paradigm_x]

Matey at beatnic will sell preprogrammed PICs wont he?

[magnetron_sputtering]

Yes. It's part of the kit. I'm just thinking that if I make a balls of it and burn it out or something then I'll have to order another from Japan. I'll just have to not do that I suppose!!

[paradigm_x]

its highly unlikely with the 5v or whatever it uses (3v?) most chips need at least 15v to fry...

unless youre planning on powering it externally?

[Ongelegen]

Maybe he means with the soldering... ,

You should be fine if you have some basic soldering skills, make sure you just triple check everything and off you go. Let us know how it goes. I'm also very interested in modding my monotron with this kit in the near future.

I've put the cardioid build on hold for a bit, the circuit doesn't seem to work. But it's a proven circuit so there is probably an error on my side, hell maybe a defective part or something, but I wasn't in de mood for trobleshooting yet so I started with another project, the binaural dummy head mic. So far it's comming along nicely, hoping to finish it in a few days. Will upload pics and audio when done