What to build next...suggestions?

[BluegrassDan]

As you can probably tell from my username, I do mostly bluegrass and acoustic music with occasional country and Americana. Here's what we have in our PT-based studio:

Pres
Vintech 473 (4 channels)
Grace 801 (8 channels)
Presonus ADL 600 (2 channels)
Speck MP5.0 (2 channels)
AEA TRP (2 channels)
Classic API VP26 (2 channels - Built be me)
C24 console pres (eh...)

Outboard
Speck ASC-T (2 channels, EQ)
Daking FET III (2 channels, Compressor)


Because we have quite a few pres already it seems like we could use more in terms of compressors and eq. We don't use a great deal of EQ except for HP filters and maybe some "surgical" correction. Compression is pretty light as well.

So, I'm getting the itch to build something. Here are some projects I'm thinking of doing and could use some help deciding.

2 channels of JLM (either two LA500 - 500 series, or the MAC kit.) JLM Audio Shop The 500 series are much cheaper, but, at first glance, it looks like there is no option for stereo linking the two channels which would make the MAC more desirable.

Point-to-point LA2A. LA2A Compressor - Pro Audio DIY Equipment - DIY Vintage Teletronix (Universal Audio) La2a Compressor It would be pretty cool to assemble a PTP compressor, but would be more work than a JLM kit and cost a little more. However, this would be a more-exact repro of the original.

Various other DIY EQ and compressors.

Any thoughts?

[MrMegaEli]

pultec clone. I made a point to point tube model, and I’m now going to do a p-t-p solid state model. I used an expensive Par Metal case (like $120), but check this out for 3U stuff: 5-525DGY2 Hammond Manufacturing Accessories for Racks & Cabinets

[Jim Williams]

You can never have enough good mics.

Pick up some of those low cost Chi-com mics like the MXL990 or my fave, the MCA SP-1. Those are $49.95 or 2 for $89.
PSSL.com ProSound And Stage Lighting - Buy DJ Equipment and Lighting Equipment

Order a RK-12 capsule from:
K47 and CK12 Microphone Capsules | Microphone Parts
for $89, shipping included.

Do the search on these and find threads describing all the circuit mods you can do like transistors, caps, bias voltage, etc. Me, Joly and Jim from JJ spell it all out for you.

These make exceptional sounding mics. Great top end details, solid low end. The noise floor is silent on mine, far less noise than any of my expensive EU mics. I have 15 of them with various capsules, all are excellent. These are the same capsules some of the botique mic maker guys are charging mucho $$$ for. DIY and save.

[MrMegaEli]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

You can never have enough good mics.

Pick up some of those low cost Chi-com mics like the MXL990 or my fave, the MCA SP-1. Those are $49.95 or 2 for $89.
PSSL.com ProSound And Stage Lighting - Buy DJ Equipment and Lighting Equipment

Order a RK-12 capsule from:
K47 and CK12 Microphone Capsules | Microphone Parts
for $89, shipping included.

Do the search on these and find threads describing all the circuit mods you can do like transistors, caps, bias voltage, etc. Me, Joly and Jim from JJ spell it all out for you.

These make exceptional sounding mics. Great top end details, solid low end. The noise floor is silent on mine, far less noise than any of my expensive EU mics. I have 15 of them with various capsules, all are excellent. These are the same capsules some of the botique mic maker guys are charging mucho $$$ for. DIY and save.

Thanks, this looks great!

[BluegrassDan]

Interesting info about the mics. We do have a few dozen mics so we're not lacking in that regard. Cool nonetheless.