I vacillated a lot over this one. My initial intent was to get into 500 series modules. Start by building a 500 series 1073 pre and EQ in another slot, mounted in an API 10 slot rack (500PVR) with external power supply. I was looking at the Carnhill mic line and output transformers that Neve uses. Audio Maintenance is the distributor. While looking at the transformers on their site, I took a close look at their kits.
Looking at the costs of going with 500 series vs a rack unit, I concluded that the 500 series is more cost effective in the long run but the initial layout is higher. So I decided to go with their EZ1073 1U kit (
Kits, schematic in the assembly guide). All the parts supplied are good quality. I opted to replace the toggle switches with C&K ones, the ones suppled were asian knockoffs. Although the supplied connectors are Neutrik, I'm replacing the plastic ones with better metal ones.
One aspect that worries me is that the power supply is integrated onto their PCB. I decided to build an external supply based on the onboard design with some slight modifications. A problem with this type of vintage equipment is that the noise is part of the character so that finding a balance between authentic sounding and improved has to be found. Then I came across this $47 +24 +48VDC power supply and thought that I'd give it a try (
PSU-2448Plus+ Power Supply Kit). The schematic is in the assembly guide. The cost is less than an OSHPark fabricated board would be, especially if I have to do a revision and reorder. I still haven't ruled out going with my own design and doing a PCB.
I decided to mount the board in a 1U case from Collective Cases
EZ1073 – Collective Cases. The unit is done well, the paint color matches Neve's. As I mentioned above, there is a cutout for an IEC connector. My intent is to cut down a Penn-Elcom dish with a single Neutrik D hole punched and mount that over the IEC punchout. The five pin Neutrik connector on a plate will fit perfectly in that hole, using the IEC mounting holes.
Last item is the British Marconi knobs. Although they are available from AML, I decided to try a set from Classic Audio Products in Nashville (
Classic Audio Products, Inc.).
). Some really nice mausoleums there, including these:
'Course I still live on (generic) Advil.
