Rewiring a Tascam M30 mixer for my synth console

creatorlars

I'm working on a big integrated synth console to cut down on setup time for live performances and save space in the studio. Between patches between the sequencer-->drum modules, drum modules-->mixer, and mixer-->amps, setup was ridiculous and very limiting. So it was either a couple hundred bucks spent on wood, screws, and paint -- or a few hundred bucks spent on more keyboard stands and flight cases... Wink

I have the new console built and painted (pics coming soon!) It has a two rows of 5U height for synth modules (space for 36 single-width dotcom format modules.) Below this, the sloped console portion has two 12U x 19" segments for mixers, sequencers, patch panels, etc. Nothing's mounted yet, though.

Since my rig is drum-module heavy, it's impossible to use without a flexible mixer. I just sold my old one (a recent Yamaha) and bought a vintage Tascam M-30 8 track mixer in perfect condition. I wanted the crunchy vintage pre-amps, 4-bus setup, and parametric EQs (very fun to tweak live for filtering-type effects)... and I think the extremely flexible patching options and submixing ( as designed for a recording-based mixer) will open up a lot of ideas within the modular synth context. Also, most of the panel components are on a single top panel -- a good thing, since I wanted a mixer I could basically gut out of its case and install in a rack-width space in my new sloped console.

I've attached a picture of the mixer. I've taken it apart and there shouldn't be a problem putting rack ears on that top panel to fit nicely... however, I'm not sure what to do with the VU meter display (anyone have suggestions on more space-efficient replacements for these?)

The biggest problem is that all the backpanel jacks are unfortunately RCA-jacks! And as it's oriented for a backpanel, trying to make it fit into the new console is going to be more pain than its worth. So, I'm going to rewire everything (all 60+ jacks) to a 2U patch panel which will sit above the frontpanel. I'll integrate the power switch and hopefully more space-efficient replacements for the VU meters into this panel as well.

So, after all that rambling, here's my main questions...

1) I'd like to have a single IEC connector on the back of the console wired to an internal surge protector/power strip. What sort of electrical/grounding issues can I expect to tackle, having multiple power supplies inside the same console and powering them all from the surge protector connected to the IEC connector? I know to use heavy gauge wire. Should I be careful that aluminum panels from separate power supplies don't touch?

2) I'm building a Voltage-Controlled Light Dimmer module with four outputs (based on the Velleman VC Light Dimmer kits.) Is powering the lights from the surge protector I mentioned going to introduce anything undesirable?

3) On the Tascam back panel, each jack has a separate signal & ground wire. Typically on my synth modules, I ground one jack on each panel and let the panel ground out the other jacks. Could doing this on my new patch panel become an issue for the mixer? Should I purchase plastic/isolated jacks?

4) The IEC connector I bought has an integrated AC Line Filter. Is this going to hurt or help for my usage?

Thanks,
Lars

creatorlars · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:19 am Post subject:

Here's a picture of the mixer (not mine, but same thing.)

m-30.jpg

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blue hell

creatorlars · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:27 am Post subject:

Cool -- I guess I'll find out, anyway! Smile

Must... have.... LFO controlled.... stage lights.....

blue hell · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

creatorlars · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 8:47 am Post subject:

With a gate sequencer and a bunch of LFOs & ADSRs, and a quad light dimmer setup, I imagine someone could get pretty crazy with stage lighting. Mainly I just want lights that will accurately respond to the same CV sources that are controlling sound -- so that the light show happens as a byproduct of playing the instrument (and in a much more elegant way than just auto-detecting kick drum frequencies, etc.)

EdisonRex · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject:

creatorlars · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:38 am Post subject:

That's a great idea, and probably what I should do --- But, I can get a VC Light Dimmer kit for $15. Smile

Not sure how much I'd end up spending on DMX gear...