SC-1 Mic Preamp Kit

[owel]

Hey guys...

If you're looking for a great mic preamp DIY project, simple to build, complete pcb + parts, sounds great, check out my mic pre kit.

Features:
- PCB is double-sided, plated through holes with solder mask and silkscreen printing of part ids and values
- Low-Noise, transformerless, High-Quality Mic Preamp
- All solid-state design, using chipsets from THAT Corp and Burr-Brown
- Soft-start, slow ramp-on +48V phantom power
- Crystal clear Red LED indicator for phantom power
- Electronically balanced input and output stages
- 12-position Grayhill gain selector switch
- Gain range from +6 to +72dB, in 6dB increments
- Input RFI protection
- Input clamping protection
- Output surge protection circuit
- Output RFI protection
- Powered by a linear, regulated 18-0-18 Volts supply, with +48VDC for clean power delivery
- Reduced clicking and popping when changing gains
- High quality Bourns, sealed, conductive plastic potentiometer for volume control
- High quality C&K PCB Mounted switch
- Gold-plated, machined, low-profile IC sockets
- Use of high quality 1% Metal Film resistors, and high-quality ceramic and electrolytic capacitors
- Solder pads and TRS jack for INSERTs
- On-board jumper terminals
- Easy to assemble, easy to troubleshoot design
- Each component carefully labeled, protected and packed in separate zip bags
- Very affordable!!!

Some photos:

This is the kit package you'll be getting. Every resistor, capacitor, inductor, every component labeled. Even if you don't know how to read color or capacitor codes, you won't get lost. Packed and labeled in individual zip bags. Semiconductors packed in anti-static HD foam and zip bags.



So you can build this:


I'm new to DIY, how do I build this thing?
Take a gander here... This is the Assembly Guide PDF. Print it, read it, study it. Proven and tested by 1st time kit builder newbies! :) The printed schematic is also included in the kit.
http://www.fivefish.net/diy/sc1/pdf/SC1Assembly.pdf

So what does it sound like:
Clean, crystal clear, very low noise, quiet, high transient, high-gain, high quality, "miles and miles of gain", "wow!".... These are the feedback I'm getting from the first batch of kit builders. :)

One kit builder did a test stereo recording paired with a DAV and he commented the kit seems more transparent and clearer at the top end... he came back for more and ended up with (4) channels. Another user ended up with (8) channels for his 2u rack.

What else will you need?
You'll need soldering iron, lead, hookup wires, AC cable ... and a case and knobs. That's it....

How big is the PCB?
It's 3" x 4". You can fit 2 or 4 channels in a 1u rack, or 8 channels in 2u rack.

Other kits Available:
PSU kit sold separately. I also have an adjustable, regulated PSU kit to go with this project, or you can use your own regulated power supply.

I also have trasformer, fuse holders, power switch, IEC connector kit for your convenience, for a one-stop shopping experience.

How does it SOUND???
Go to SC-1 Audio Samples to listen to some audio clips. The first demo clip was recorded using only SC-1 Mic preamp kit for everything! The second clip is a demo recording of a solo vocals.

How much is the mic preamp kit?
Introductory price of $99.00 per channel.

Is there a ready-made Rack Case available?

Yes! The case in 1u form factor can hold (4) SC-1 Mic Preamp kits, the PSU board and power transformer.
Included in the Rack Kit package:
0.125" Anodized Aluminum Front Panel
with CNC drilled and machined holes
Engraved lettering and dial markings (NOT silkscreen, i.e. will not fade)
Machined Rear Panel with pre-punched holes for Neutrik XLR jacks, IEC AC inlet, fuse holder
Stainless steel socket screws for attaching front panel
Black screws to assemble the rack case
Complete set of nuts and bolts for mounting XLR jacks, IEC inlets
PCB standoff for PSU board, with adhesive base
(8) very nice knobs for your SC-1 preamp kits

$190 + shipping

Got a photo?
Photo of a completed kit:




How to order?
FiveFishStudios.com

[Durv]

i really want to try and do a build of a kit.
I went to the site, but 3 things i noticed.
1)is there a chassis to put these in????
2)why the ads by Google for the other DIY kit companies like SeventhCircle on YOUR site?
3)Its a kit for a POWER SUPPLY? i doubt a "newbie" could put that together....it looks a bit complex!

Durv

[owel]

Originally Posted by Durv

i really want to try and do a build of a kit.
I went to the site, but 3 things i noticed.
1)is there a chassis to put these in????
2)why the ads by Google for the other DIY kit companies like SeventhCircle on YOUR site?
3)Its a kit for a POWER SUPPLY? i doubt a "newbie" could put that together....it looks a bit complex!

Durv

1. Cases? No not yet. But I'm planning on it. Right now I have a factory making a hole template prototype (laser cut). If the dimensions are correct and will fit perfectly with the kit, the hole arrangements will be the basis for future racks/cases they'll build.

2. Google Ads.

3. I have first-time kit builders successfully assembled the preamp and psu kit and got it working. They've ordered 2nd channels and has caught the DIY bug. Any newbie issues/questions they asked went into improving the documentation and the assembly guide directions.

Thanks!

[John Suitcase]

Hi Owel,

Welcome to Gearslutz!

I've gotten some good help from Owel on another board, regarding racking my PM1000 strips, which came out great. I'm curious about trying to build a few of these, maybe once the chassis is available (though I have a drill press, so I could make something up myself!)

I can vouch for Owel being a super helpful and knowledgeable fellow, for what that's worth!

[owel]

John, thanks for the warm welcome and the good word! Nice to see a familiar name here.

[DISCERN]

Cool looking kit.

Not to be negative, but a logo like that is going to get you sued.

[owel]

Ack!!!... I don't even own a single piece of focusrite gear in my studio. Didn't know that. Well, there's my next project. a new logo.

[boyd]

Originally Posted by owel

Ack!!!... I don't even own a single piece of focusrite gear in my studio. Didn't know that. Well, there's my next project. a new logo.

I don't know if I'd worry too much about it...the standard notation for "fortissimo" predates Focusrite by about 200 years. Think of all the companies out there with bits of notation in their logos...boggles the mind!

[owel]

I know... but... I can think of a hundred uses for my money than helping a lawyer buy his 3rd condo house.

One thing I won't do is call this a monster preamp.

[Crandall1]

I wouldn't lose sleep over the logo if I were you.

In any event, I just built two, plus the power supply. Everything was flawless; didn't even have to look at the build sheet or parts layout, as the PCB is quite good, and all parts are in individual bags and labeled.

Took me about 2 hours to build the first one, and an hour fifteen to build the second one. The power supply was about a half hour, and apologies to the previous poster, but it is by far the easiest part of the kit to build. Anyone with basic soldering skills can put these together. People seem to have an unnatural fear of making power supplies, but they're really quite simple, and anyone with an iota of common sense can do it. ("These things can kill you!" So can walking across the street.)

In any event, as to sound, I haven't given the pres a real workout yet, but I've done some minor stuff. I have a hard time coming up with a description of what they "sound" like (e.g. "API-ish," "Neve-ish," whatever) because they don't really "sound" like anything. Very clear, and a _lot_ of gain. This isn't terribly useful for condensers, of course, but for ribbons it is handy.

If anyone has any specific questions I'd be happy to answer; I have no complaints whatsoever, and think these pres are well worth the money. I'm in no way affiliated with Five Fish; I paid for these kits, and haven't ever spoken to owel, to the best of my knowledge.

[owel]

Thank you Chris for the review regarding the kits. I'm glad you like them.

>I have a hard time coming up with a description of what they "sound" like (e.g. "API-ish," "Neve-ish," whatever) because they don't really "sound" like anything. Very clear, and a _lot_ of gain.

I've been asked the same question and the best I can come up with is "think of it as wire with gain."

I've tried them with FET condenser mics and I think they sound nice with them... and of course, the usual SM57, and other dynamic mics. And yes! These preamps have no problem with ribbon mics. No fear.

As they say... Garbage in = Garbage out. Plug a Behry mic here, and it's going to sound harsh. Plug a cheap $20 mic and it's going to sound lifeless, but plug a decent mic, and it's a WOW. What you put in, is what you get.

As for the sound, Chris is right. These are not Neve-ish or API-ish. Personally, I don't think we need another clone of these great preamps. :)

I am currently developing an add-on module that will add Hi-Z inputs (with DI input transformer), polarity reverse, pad, vu meter buffering, and output transformer options (switchable in/out). From my research, some people want these items, some don't... so it's an optional module for the SC-1 preamp. Coming soon...

Thanks again for the good word and feedback Chris.

[Faderjockey]

Hard? looks super easy to me... I could bang 4 of those out in a day.. looks like 1 ch should take about an hour... maybe hour and half on the first one.

[Coyoteous]

- looks cool! So, this "SC" has nothing to do with Seventh Circle and the cards don't fit the Seventh Circle rack, right?

[Durv]

as soon as there is a chassis for it. i'm getting one!!
Durv

[owel]

Originally Posted by Coyoteous

- looks cool! So, this "SC" has nothing to do with Seventh Circle and the cards don't fit the Seventh Circle rack, right?

No, they don't fit. The hole sizes and arrangements are different, and the SC-1 PCB is smaller.

The "SC" stands for Studio-Central.com, where me and some other DIY-minded folks first discussed this idea back in February. Check out the DIY forum there.

Tweak was kind enough to allow me to use his SC forum as the launching ground for this project, and along with other SC forum users who offered their wish list and supported me in this.

As homage to Studio-Central, I named this preamp the SC-1.

[mix-it-well]

Oh this Preamp looks super nice!
How much would a chassi cost ?

[owel]

Thanks. I don't have any cases to go with this yet. This kit is just the PCB + parts.

[rapfreak]

Originally Posted by owel

Thank you Chris for the review regarding the kits. I'm glad you like them.



I've been asked the same question and the best I can come up with is "think of it as wire with gain."

I've tried them with FET condenser mics and I think they sound nice with them... and of course, the usual SM57, and other dynamic mics. And yes! These preamps have no problem with ribbon mics. No fear.

As they say... Garbage in = Garbage out. Plug a Behry mic here, and it's going to sound harsh. Plug a cheap $20 mic and it's going to sound lifeless, but plug a decent mic, and it's a WOW. What you put in, is what you get.

As for the sound, Chris is right. These are not Neve-ish or API-ish. Personally, I don't think we need another clone of these great preamps. :)

I am currently developing an add-on module that will add Hi-Z inputs (with DI input transformer), polarity reverse, pad, vu meter buffering, and output transformer options (switchable in/out). From my research, some people want these items, some don't... so it's an optional module for the SC-1 preamp. Coming soon...

Thanks again for the good word and feedback Chris.

will this optional module be easiely retrofitted to a kit i build now? for that price i don't mind picking up two and then waiting for the module to be out. i'm just being too lazy to look at the pcb tracing to see if you have allowed for this upgrade in your current board spinning.

[owel]

will this optional module be easiely retrofitted to a kit i build now? for that price i don't mind picking up two and then waiting for the module to be out. i'm just being too lazy to look at the pcb tracing to see if you have allowed for this upgrade in your current board spinning.

The module works like this... instead of connecting the SC-1 input and output pads directly to XLR jacks, you'll connect them to the IO-Module instead. Then you connect the IO-Module to the XLR input and output jacks.

[thenewyear]

+1 for a purchase once there are some enclosures available.

I'd like a stereo enclosure personally as I'd be unlikely to fill an 8 channel one.

How about a HPF on the add-on module as well?

[Mosby]

+1 on the enclosures.

I would be much more apt to jump in if there was an enclosure.

[owel]

Thanks for the feedback. I hear you guys.

Right now, I have prototype panels being made... no ETA yet on when I'll be able to offer complete cases for sale. Getting there... I'm working hard on it.

[rapfreak]

racks are so easy to buy and machine yourself (typically don't need anything more than a screwdriver, hacksaw and maybe a dremel) that i'm not sure why such a big deal. yes, it would be nice to have a pretty box but you'll pay for that. i'd rather keep the price of the kits low and do the box myself then to take up owel's time that he could be using designing new kits.

[Magnus]

Originally Posted by rapfreak

racks are so easy to buy and machine yourself (typically don't need anything more than a screwdriver, hacksaw and maybe a dremel) that i'm not sure why such a big deal. yes, it would be nice to have a pretty box but you'll pay for that. i'd rather keep the price of the kits low and do the box myself then to take up owel's time that he could be using designing new kits.

I agree completely! The price of this kit is just right by the way.

[Durv]

i think its one thing to put together a kit.
an entirely diferrent thing to fabricate something.
i doubt i am the ONLY one asking for a "box" to put the kit in...
i love that its $99...but without a "housing" for it...i couldnt use it without stressing out over it...or worse, messing the "guts" up.

if there is ever a housing for it. i'll be the first in line.
thank you!

Durv

[owel]

i doubt i am the ONLY one asking for a "box" to put the kit in...

I hear you Durv... I think 1 out of 2 buyers wish for a case, and 2 out of 3 potential buyers ask if I also offer cases.

It was not in my original plans to offer cases, but I've changed my mind in the last month or so, even before my posting to Gearslutz.

So I will be offering cases, for sure!... but no tentative date yet when they'll be available.

I have RFQs out to different factories and I'm sorting through all of them and trying to make deals with them and weighing pros and cons of laser cut, water cut, cnc milled, steel, aluminum, powder coat or not, etc... getting there.... slowly, one step at a time.

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by Durv

i think its one thing to put together a kit.
an entirely diferrent thing to fabricate something.
i doubt i am the ONLY one asking for a "box" to put the kit in...
i love that its $99...but without a "housing" for it...i couldnt use it without stressing out over it...or worse, messing the "guts" up.

if there is ever a housing for it. i'll be the first in line.
thank you!

Durv

Durv, You could always just put a face plate on it and then mount it in a vertical wooden box.. Make it look a little vintage style. But then your only needing to worry about the front. The wooden box would be easy..
Let me know if you need help putting it together.. It looks easy.. just over an hour.
I'd like to hear one before I went and got a few.. At some point I'm going to get one and try it out..before I worry about a chassis or my wooden box idea.

[John Suitcase]

Since it runs at +/1 18v you could probably make a case to mount in an API lunchbox enclosure. It seems that all of the cool preamp manufacturers are doing it, and I'm pretty sure it'd be easier than fabricating a true case.

[robd]

I will get some as soon as there is a case. Another mod i would really like to see would be a 5-10megaohm di option for piezos.

[mix-it-well]

What about transformers?
Could I add a output trannie for some more vintage-sounding elements ?