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

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:33 pm
by paradigm_x
Project EX wrote: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

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

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:51 pm
by Ongelegen
paradigm x wrote:
Project EX wrote: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.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:49 pm
by 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.

:4:

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

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:57 pm
by 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

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

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:22 am
by 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.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:32 am
by Electric_Head
Project EX wrote:
Electric_Head wrote: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.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 10:57 am
by 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.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:11 pm
by 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.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:23 pm
by Ongelegen
Stoked :D 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.

Image

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

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

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:32 pm
by Electric_Head
Sounds good

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:21 pm
by Ongelegen
Finally rebuild the first pair. New body & paint. Looks sick imo 8)

Image

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:25 pm
by mks
Project EX wrote:Finally rebuild the first pair. New body & paint. Looks sick imo 8)

Image
Those look cool. How do they sound?

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:32 pm
by Ongelegen
From the previous page, before the rebuild when I finished the first, so just mono :)
Project EX wrote: 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 :lol:). 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

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:34 pm
by 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

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

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 11:38 pm
by 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

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

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 12:32 pm
by 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.

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

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 5:44 pm
by paradigm_x
Matey at beatnic will sell preprogrammed PICs wont he?

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

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 7:47 pm
by 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!!

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

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 2:12 pm
by 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?

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

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 2:49 pm
by 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 :)