where do you get/make the wall plates?
Well, when I want to make something, I usually GO out into the shop to make them.
I usually layout what it is I'm going to build in Autocad or on paper. List the things I need. Gather them. Measure them. Machine them. Assemble them. Install them. In this case, how many lines and what type? I assume your talking mic lines, but there are midi lines, line level lines, computer lines etc. In the case of mic lines. You need the XLR chassi mount which are available from most music stores, Rat Shack, or electronic stores. Even multi outlet wall plates are available as a blank plate, or as a plate similar to a wall electrical outlet plates. In my case, I hate spending money I can use elsewhere, so I usually build ANYTHING that I can to save money. Hell, were only talking a plate of aluminum, or extrusion of some type. Most commercial plates are stainless steel. DO NOT buy a plate of Stainless. Have you ever tried to drill an 1/8" hole in stainless? Even 20 gauge. Ha! Try a 5/8" hole. Ain't gonna happen. That is unless you have tools that will handle stainless. Thats why I suggest 1/8" aluminum plate. Much easier. Or 18 to 16 gauge mild steel.
Figure out how many mic inputs you need and lay them out on a sheet of thin carboard. You can usually find aluminum plate at a hardware store like True Value, or any metal supply house. Your lay out will determine the dimensions. Metal supply houses will usually cut a plate for a small fee. Or the hardware store may have a size that you can use.
Tape the cardboard or masking tape to the plate. Pre punch your centerlines with a metal punch. Pre drill 1/8" holes. Usually, chassi mount XLR's have the main jack hole, and two holes for fastening. I usually drill the fastening holes after I have the jack inserted into the jack hole in the plate, which I usually drill first. You can use a hand drill, with a multi step metal drilling bit, or in a drill press. Once the main holes(I think 5/8" is the size but may be wrong-verify it when you buy them.
Usually, I'll drill the holes for fastening to match a 1/8" rivit. But you can use machine screws too.
Unless your in a hurry, I get much more satisfaction out of building things for my studio than buying things that I can make. I've even built my own console out of welded steel and other materials. I am posting the assembly pics of the console on the analog forum, cause my studio is all analog. The members there seem to be more interested in this sort of thing than here. This forum is for complete studio design and building. Anyway, hope this helps. Don't be afraid to build stuff. Every project completed will give you confidence in the next. Steve has built his own console also, I believe. BTW, Steve(knightfly) is an EXCELLENT builder and can pretty much tell you how to build anything.
My best advice is planning. Flying by the seat of your pants may be ok in a plane, but building things requires a little forethought. Ok, I'm done.
fitZ
