altruistica
Member
Hi Guys,
Long time since I posted as this last year has been a busy year with family commitments.
Anyhow between all of that, I've replaced my computer (now has 64Gb RAM and potential for 192Gb). Why so much? I've wanted to get back into Cubase and mocking up orchestral stuff so needed the massive sample memory for libraries (got Kontakt Ultimate and Symphonic Series Library).
This all interfaces to a Soundtracs Solo MIDI analogue desk via 3 x Behringer ADA8200 units and an RME Hammerfall 9652 PCI card. That lot comes up on the Solo's 'LINE' inputs and can be fed to the Fostex G24S via the direct outs or the buss outs. The G24S can be returned to the desk via the 'TAPE RETURNS' and can be put on the large faders via 'MIX' which swops INPUTS and TAPE RETURNS. The Solo is the 32 channel version but in a tiny 1.2m footprint. I've also connected the MACKIE ULTRAMIX to the consoles inserts so I have fader automation (VCA). The automation means I can perfect a mix using the PC's digital tracks and then turn the tape machine on for a final pass, saving wear and tear on the G24S.
I've only had the console for about a month and I wanted to run it for a bit and see what problems it had. They were minor until last night, when the PSU deciding to dump the -17V rail. As I'm in the UK, Tim Jones at Studio Systems is the Soundtracs guru. I'd contacted him before buying the desk so he knew I had it. He said the Soundtracs Solo power supplies (Soundtracs 'Source' ) were a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen because of their hybrid construction. He sells new PSUs under the name 'Blue Dog' for £250 which may well be the way to go. Apparently, because the construction is so much more efficient these days, the PSU would pay for itself in three years in the savings on electricity alone. It also makes the mix buss quieter.
Anyhow, as I still had a Soundcraft CPS275 PSU left over from my ventures with a Soundcraft Ghost, after checking the specs I wondered if I could re-purpose it to be used with the Solo desk. I checked the manuals....the CPS275 has +17V, -17V, +5V (not needed), GRD and +48V rails. It provides up to 5.25A on the +17 /-17V rails, o.3A on the +48V. Checking the Soundtracs PSU, it can deliver 4A on +/-17 V rails and 0.25A on the 48V rail.
So I stripped the output looms from both PSUs. The connect via spade connectors so that was easy. I had to transfer the Soundtracs' loom to the Soundcraft's as the HIROSE connectors are different, one 8 pin and one 10 pin.
So here's my question. I've turned the CPS275 on and checked the rails. +17V (+17.668V), -17V (-17.667V), +48V (+48.3V).
The voltages are on the right pins etc.........should I turn the PSU or I have not taken something into consideration (cause I don't know it) which I should have. I've emailed but I think he may now be on holiday.
So should I flick the switch?
Thanks,
Al
Long time since I posted as this last year has been a busy year with family commitments.
Anyhow between all of that, I've replaced my computer (now has 64Gb RAM and potential for 192Gb). Why so much? I've wanted to get back into Cubase and mocking up orchestral stuff so needed the massive sample memory for libraries (got Kontakt Ultimate and Symphonic Series Library).
This all interfaces to a Soundtracs Solo MIDI analogue desk via 3 x Behringer ADA8200 units and an RME Hammerfall 9652 PCI card. That lot comes up on the Solo's 'LINE' inputs and can be fed to the Fostex G24S via the direct outs or the buss outs. The G24S can be returned to the desk via the 'TAPE RETURNS' and can be put on the large faders via 'MIX' which swops INPUTS and TAPE RETURNS. The Solo is the 32 channel version but in a tiny 1.2m footprint. I've also connected the MACKIE ULTRAMIX to the consoles inserts so I have fader automation (VCA). The automation means I can perfect a mix using the PC's digital tracks and then turn the tape machine on for a final pass, saving wear and tear on the G24S.
I've only had the console for about a month and I wanted to run it for a bit and see what problems it had. They were minor until last night, when the PSU deciding to dump the -17V rail. As I'm in the UK, Tim Jones at Studio Systems is the Soundtracs guru. I'd contacted him before buying the desk so he knew I had it. He said the Soundtracs Solo power supplies (Soundtracs 'Source' ) were a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen because of their hybrid construction. He sells new PSUs under the name 'Blue Dog' for £250 which may well be the way to go. Apparently, because the construction is so much more efficient these days, the PSU would pay for itself in three years in the savings on electricity alone. It also makes the mix buss quieter.
Anyhow, as I still had a Soundcraft CPS275 PSU left over from my ventures with a Soundcraft Ghost, after checking the specs I wondered if I could re-purpose it to be used with the Solo desk. I checked the manuals....the CPS275 has +17V, -17V, +5V (not needed), GRD and +48V rails. It provides up to 5.25A on the +17 /-17V rails, o.3A on the +48V. Checking the Soundtracs PSU, it can deliver 4A on +/-17 V rails and 0.25A on the 48V rail.
So I stripped the output looms from both PSUs. The connect via spade connectors so that was easy. I had to transfer the Soundtracs' loom to the Soundcraft's as the HIROSE connectors are different, one 8 pin and one 10 pin.
So here's my question. I've turned the CPS275 on and checked the rails. +17V (+17.668V), -17V (-17.667V), +48V (+48.3V).
The voltages are on the right pins etc.........should I turn the PSU or I have not taken something into consideration (cause I don't know it) which I should have. I've emailed but I think he may now be on holiday.
So should I flick the switch?
Thanks,
Al