Audio Technology Engineering
Yamaha DM1000 Fader Repair
I purchased a used Yamaha DM1000 board for an exceptionally cheap price, however the faders no longer moved as they should. After working with Yamaha’s support team, going through some firmware troubleshooting not found in the manual, it was decided the faders probably needed replacement. I got to work dismantling the console, removing the old faders and soldering on new ones.
DIY Microphone Builds
I have built two microphones from parts, a clone of a Neumann u87 (Dachman D87), and a tube mic (Aurycle A5500). Both projects had interesting challenges and allowed me to appreciate the technology behind audio recording even more.
Slaps
Slaps is an audio VST Plugin I created with one simple purpose: make the drums slap. Created for a friend who didn’t know much about mixing but wanted his drums to “feel” better, this plugin is very simple. Depending on the instrument chosen (kick, snare, and hi-hat), it’s a one knob solution to add a pleasant compression and EQ to whatever you put it in. The slider on the right simply gets the threshold level in the right spot (the box flashes green when it’s good), and then you turn the knob to taste! I used the JUCE framework to make this plugin.
Microphone Repair
This very vintage microphone had the worst possible connector on it, that did not even work. I learned how the microphone was supposed to be hooked up and soldered on a new, proper XLR connector.
Guitar Modifications
Over the years I’ve done a few modifications to my guitars. This includes swapping out the pickups and replacing the tailpiece to a whammy bar. The video attached shows the pickup replacement.
Mixer Repairs
Ginger’s Bar handed me a couple mixers after a particularly rowdy night, claiming margarita was spilled on one, and the other just didn’t work. I got to work diagnosing what needed to be done to both, and got them back into working order.