How hard would it be to DIY this?

[cassius987]

I want to build something of a buffered Ric-O-Sound box. It's very simple in theory. Basically...

1x stereo input to 2x buffer to 2x mono output

But to have someone make this for me (say for instance Creation Audio Labs) is going to be well upwards of $200... I feel like the concept is so simple I should be able to just do this myself. I am handy with a soldering iron after all.

Is this a feasible DIY, and where would I source the enclosure and the buffers? Thanks TB.

 

[seanm]

Buffer could be done with one dual-opamp or two JFETs.

This is the article on buffers: Basic Buffers

 

[cassius987]

So I've come up with a components list I will need and this is basically it:

metal enclosure with holes for jacks, 3PDT switch, two LEDs, and 9 volt power supply
1x stereo jack
2x mono jack
1x 3PDT footswitch (toggles mono/stereo operation and the stereo mode LED)
2x LEDs (one for power and one for stereo "Y" mode on/off)
1x power supply ?? (ideally 9 volts, I guess there's no reason I can't do 18 if I have to)
2x buffer units (mono)

Where is the best place to get the enclosure made affordably? And as for LEDs and power supplies, I have no idea where to source those for this kind of project.

 

[Azure Skies]

Go to small bear electronics for this. Just use a 9V wall adapter like for typical pedals.

 

[Gero]

It's really easy to build these...AMZ - Guitar Effects & JFET Splitter

I use one every day. It's not going to make anything sound like a Ric though. That's from the electronics & separate pups splitting to different outs.

 

[Pollinator95]

You'll also need perfoboard or veroboard, a DC jack, and some wire. Remember you'll need some resistors for the LEDs. Maybe some LED bezels to make it snazzier.

Edit: why isn't there a "snazzy Murderface" meme?

 

[cassius987]

I use one every day. It's not going to make anything sound like a Ric though. That's from the electronics & separate pups splitting to different outs.

I totally agree, but don't worry, I already have the Ric--I just want a buffered Ric-o-sound box with the option to go mono, rather than a passive, y-only box.

 

[Gero]

I totally agree, but don't worry, I already have the Ric--I just want a buffered Ric-o-sound box with the option to go mono, rather than a passive, y-only box.

OH! In that case the link I posted will do exactly what you need. You'll just have to ignore the extra parts for the 3rd output (disregard anything after column 14 in the vero layout), and add the switch to the 2nd stage/out.

The enclosure for mine has a stoned octopus on it, and ever since I boxed it up, I've wanted to make another with 8 outputs...why not? hah

 

[cassius987]

Wow, I'd love to see pics of that!