Newbie help please

[Guest sunstorm]

Hi, I stumbled across this project about a week ago and as a skint student, it seems the perfect alternative to slaving overtime at work for a mackie or logic control. I've worked out an order list for most of the components for the core from RS as in the UK it is easier and they also do nice console size enclosures :)  but I would really appreaciate some help before I take the plunge and order everything.

1) Is it possible to build a Midibox that can emulate a LC for controlling Logic, while also being able controlling protools?

2) If so, what components do i need to construct such a device? eg, how many buttons, faders go on a LC etc.

3) Is there any harm using motor faders withouit touch sensitivity as long as i dont move them while there in motion?

Thank you for such a great project, and i hope someone can help me.

[pilo]

well, I think I read somewhere that tje LC now works with protools....

For the LC : 8 faders (unly 8 ae handle by the midibox...), heeeuu 96 switchs? I can't remember! and 9 encoder (8 V-pot + joggle), 2 2x40 LCD, or a graphic one, and MBHP module! ;) 1 core, 1 MF, 2 DOUT, 2 DINX4 (maybe more... )

[pay_c]

For the first two points: Use the search function here in the forum.

I suggest D2K´s thread. Everything very clearly there.

Although I have to say that the LC clone is a hard one to start with! I hope youve done electronic DIYs before!

For the third point: No, just that the motorfader wont stop if you touch it.

The function of the touch sens. is that the MF will stop moving as soon as you touch it, so you can move it other way and wont harm it.

An easy way to get around this is to just put a switch (or a metall plate - just another way of connection) under the fader, which is emulating touch sensitivity.

But also for this point: Search string in this forum. There are already many threads about this.

btw: **GOOD LUCK**  ;D

[nebula]

IMHO the real advantage to building something like the MIDIBOX LC is not in the cost savings.  Believe me you will spend a LOT of time putting something like this together.  Electronics are only a portion of the battle -- if you want your project to look anything close to half decent you will spend a lot of time designing enclosures and panels to make everything fit.

But if you're a crafty person, you can start to gain the true advantages of DIY: customization.  If you haven't already, look at this LC which was custom built into an older mixing desk:  http://www.midibox.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=gallery;action=display;num=1050012551

WOW!!!  But-- continue to read the thread, look at the toil that went into this creation.  Those weeks of overtime turn into weeks of sweating over the tiniest details.  Obviously in this case the results are beautiful.  But, consider:  how long, and how much trial and error is required to get those LCD displays to line up perfectly with their associated "channel strips"?  All those little buttons with the LEDs beside them, aligned perfectly?  How do you plan to make slots in your enclosure for the faders?

The results of a really great job can be well worth it, but if you're not careful or experienced a DIY project can yield very clunky results, and in this case after you buy all the parts, enclosure, and hardware, the savings might not be as great as you think.

(Food for thought).

Cheers!