DIY for absolute beginners

[jkhuri44]

yeah man, nice one...i like places like this....need to find some more!

[Manning]

How hard would it be to get one started in the Northern Sydney area?

In 12 months these guys have got themselves a CNC machine, a laser cutter, a UP printer (whatever that is), plus oscilloscopes, band saws, drill presses, etc. Having 50 or more people throw in $40 a month sure adds up to some purchasing power.

Update - a UP! printer is a 3D printer. (GBYA - Google before you ask.)

[gregwalker]

For what its worth I've just reviewed JLM's 500 series Mac compressors for Audio Technology Magazine....yeah yeah I know....and they are absolutely fantastic sounding comps. I'm gonna be diving into the DIY thing myself because of these suckers - great on gentle vocal control, great on smashing drum and stereo bus action - and everything in between. Highly recommended and apparently not too tough for a newby to build.

[jkhuri44]

This place is located in gladesville. A friend of mine recently purchased a CNC/mill for the space.

It's called Robots and Dinosaurs (workshop geared towards robotics/electronics)

http://robodino.org/post/17439197449/robots-dinosaurs-has-moved-to-gladesville

[Wiz]

For what its worth I've just reviewed JLM's 500 series Mac compressors for Audio Technology Magazine....yeah yeah I know....and they are absolutely fantastic sounding comps. I'm gonna be diving into the DIY thing myself because of these suckers - great on gentle vocal control, great on smashing drum and stereo bus action - and everything in between. Highly recommended and apparently not too tough for a newby to build.

I built one of these...was really easy to put together and sounds great.

[jkhuri44]

just reading on JLM website quite a bit, on their forums "build threads"....

The Baby Animal Pre (sounds most like SSL, API, Forsell) according to Joe himself....60dB, clean big pre's, running on a very low power rail....

Does anyone know if building these is suitable for a beginner?? says on teh site they are, but im under the impression mains power is involved, and not sure how that would be sutable for a beginner?

[Text_Edifice]

This guy can run on batteries

http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/index.php? ... oductId=88

[mylesgm]

I'm pretty sure that the BA requires no mains wiring as it runs off a SMPS thats in an external lump-style power supply.
And having built some of Joes stuff, it is some of the easiest most well laid out projects and his personal support is fantastic. If you're a little unsure build the battery powered mic pre but unless you have a need for one of those I'd just jump in to the BA.

[jkhuri44]

yeah, BA looks good. ...lots of options too, i didnt know before looking closer that there was both the BAN and the BAD....fkn awesome...and impedance control....best....

[Chinagraf]

I've used Joe's SMPS for a few projects, it has an IEC socket and comes with a normal transformer plug on the output, so you can just use it externally if you need to. BA is a good kit, the BAN is probably the simplest and cheapest.
Just follow the build threads for advice, and if you need help Joe is awesome with email support.
They don't come with instructions, as they are supposed to be a bit of learning experience too...Joe is good like that.

[jkhuri44]

coo, yeah, i feel like a bit of a dill, i read that after posting, thanks guys...look forward to digging into this

[Enchilada]

Great first project is the SDC Royer mod. Pick up a pair of these and make two for overheads/guitars:
http://www.allansbillyhyde.com.au/prod/caaxis1/carillon_axis_1_condenser_microphone.aspx

I started building guitar pedals and kits although all they don't really teach you anything aside from how to place and solder parts in the correct location. I learnt more from my Royer build than any other project I've build because I built it directly from the schematic as opposed to just placing parts at the correct label on a pre-printed PCB. It will be difficult but it will definitely be a worthwhile learning experience. Follow the schematic and wire it on a breadboard

While you're building it you will begin to understand not just how to build it, but also how the circuit works.