Monitor controller/switcher options

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:29 pm

Hi-

So I'm looking at upgrading my central control unit from a Beri mixer, and am looking for some advice....
The Central station is pretty close to what i want, but doesn't have enough analog inputs, has other bells and whistles that i don't need, etc.
the coleman M3PH MKII is pretty close, but at almost a grand, i'd want *exactly* what i want, not pretty close...

so i'm investigating DIY options, as i have a friend that could put it together for me as long as i source parts, and come up with a some sort of schematic or block diagram, etc.

i'd want to customize it thus'ly:

1. 5 inputs, 2 pairs balanced TRS, 2 stereo mini, 1 RCA

2. 1 powered headphone out, selectable from any of the inputs

3. 3 balanced monitor outs, also selectable from any of the inputs (of course)

4. Master volume knob, mute button, power light.

5. 1/2 rack space sized chassis.

Any opinions on if this would be possible and cost effective (meaning, spending about the cost of a central station on parts)?

Any leads on where i could get more info or a rough design that's fairly comparable to what i'm wanting and could be customized without to much trouble?

Thanks for any input!

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:48 pm

What you're basically describing is a Mackie 1202 mixer. A couple of mono inputs and a few stereo inputs. It would work great as a control room monitor section. The purpose built devices are for those without any imagination unlike yourself. You could even provide studio and headphone feeds from this little mixer. OK, you would need to get a little more creative if you wanted to feed at least 2 different sets of controller monitors from this device. But that's a small modification as opposed to an entire DIY project.

What do you think?
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:39 pm

Hi Remy-

Thanks a lot for the response.

Yes, you're absolutely right, what I'm describing is essentially a mixer more or less along those lines.

The main difference, though (and a big part of the reason I want to upgrade from my current mixer to a switcher, quality issues aside) is the form factor.

When you look at that mixer, about 90% or so of the stuff that's taking up space there would be of zero use for my purposes. e.g., EQ's, crappy mic pres, meters, etc. (well... ok maybe a meter would be nice, but not essential).

Since my setup is roughly equal parts composition and production, I'm trying very hard to keep it as compact and accessible (yet quality) as possible.

Though your suggestion does make me think that perhaps modding an existing switcher might be a much easier way to go...

hmmmm.... I'll have to ponder that one.

Thanks again for your input.

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 2:22 pm

although you might be describing a mackie 1202 i strongly urge you not to buy one. this is a noisy piece of sh... equipment. i used one for some time for monitoring purposes. then i upgraded to 2 volume2's by spl. what a relief! no noise anymore, just pure sound! i can highly recommend the volume2. (although it isn't close by far to the many connectors you want to have...)

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 2:25 pm

A Mackie 1202, is no bigger than the monitor section of my old Neve. And they're really not any noisier than any other piece of studio gear, when used properly.

The microphone input would give you talkback to studio speakers or cue to headphones. You could have a microphone for the engineer and a microphone for the producer. Like we had in the Studios in the old days. I think their electronics are neutral enough that it would be a capable control room monitor mixer.

Old world engineer
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:58 pm

I just sold my Mackie HUI, I was monitoring 5.1 through it.
Since my SPL 2489 is still a few days from arriving, I needed a quick monitor solution.
I grabbed an old Behringer UB1002 to monitor a mix consisting of interviews with a music bed, and it served it's purpose.
Actually, the Behringer sounded better than my Mackie HUI!!!!

Anyway check out the SPL2489, I wont say what I paid for it, but they retail for $769.00
It looks pretty close to what you want.

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