Hey everyone! I'm diving into the world of DIY audio projects and would love some guidance. I'm particularly interested in creating a microphone preamp with +48V phantom power and a 3-band equalizer. My second project idea is an audio FET compressor. I only have a basic understanding of electronics and want to make this a fun hobby. So far, I've built a booster pedal and an LED dB driver visualizer. I'm a bit lost when it comes to managing the power source and the overall design. Should I start with simpler projects to build my skills before tackling the more complex ones? I'd really appreciate any advice or resources you can share. Thanks a lot!
4 Answers
When working with phantom power, remember that it’s usually sent through a dedicated wire, like pin 2 in an XLR connector. Make sure your circuit has proper audio choke filters too. This way, you can clean up the signal for the preamp effectively. Pay close attention to how you manage the common and signal wires in your design – it can make a big difference!
You might want to check out Rod Elliot's website! It's packed with awesome resources for audio projects. Just search for sound-au.com – you'll find tons of helpful schematics and explanations there. It feels like a gold mine for audio enthusiasts.
If you're looking for a project to build your skills, how about trying a 16-band audio spectrum analyzer? It's a cool project, and I found a great webpage with all the schematics, explanations, and even a video walkthrough! Check it out here: bluemoonshine.fun/Project-AudioSpectrumAnalyzer.php
Building your own gear is super rewarding, just watch out for those pesky hums! Keep experimenting and don't get discouraged. There’s loads of info online to help you through the process. Plus, remember to factor in mechanics alongside electronics when working on audio.

Totally agree! Rod's site has everything you need to get started.