DIY 8 Channel Microphone Preamp

CK8-VU Microphone Preamp prototype

Many Years ago I designed and built a 10 channel microphone preamp (Details here). It was a great success and was used extensively in my studio (Shipwreck Studios) for years. Although it still works fine, I decided it was time to replace it. Over the last couple of months I have been roughing out a new design based around That Corporation's 1512 microphone preamp and 1646 balanced line driver ICs. And if I get the board layout right, the specification of this pre should put it in the 'Hi End' category. The cost of the components should be around £150 and once completed should quite easily compete with the likes of Focusrite / Mackie / RME. In fact, the RME Fireface 800 uses the That 1510 which is different only in it's gain structure from the 1512. I already have a 1u rack enclosure salvaged from a poorly designed (Under rated PSU) and now defunct ART reverb unit. So this will house the electronics. I have already designed, built and tested the VU meter boards. The gain controls and phantom power switches are also incorporated into these.

All Done.. CK8-VU 8 Channel Microphone Preamp

My design in CAD ready for printing onto Inkjet film

Etched VU Meter Boards. Due to my A4 size restriction I designed the board in two halves.. 

Trimmer resistors used for calibrating the meters

Completed boards

Testing

Front Panel drill guide template

Drilling the front panel

VU meter board fitted

Wiring

The Arty Shot..