Racking Your Modules

NOTICE: I won’t be taking in any outside work for the foreseeable future. Sorry folks, but I have too many projects and too little time. 

Prices have gone up due to various factors; inflation and supply chain issues have driven metal prices (and all parts) up dramatically; and it’s just getting harder and harder to find quality modules at decent prices. Keep that in mind when calling for estimates.

In the past, people sent me modules and I cut and engraved a case, installed the modules and tested them as well. When I get back to taking in work, the starting price for a single unit or pair of modules will be $850 plus shipping from area code 12122 (that’s in Upstate New York). That price will vary depending upon the specific type of module, power requirements, and suchlike. The starting price for four-packs is $2200; eight packs $3800. Base prices include case, internal frame (when appropriate) on four and eight-packs, internal power supply with +48V phantom, necessary wiring, and Neutrik XLR I/O. Lines in, and assorted options (input pads and output attenuators for example)are extras at $45 per channel. DIs are $165 per channel and VU meters including stereo buffer amplifiers are $225 a pair. If your modules need work, I charge $75 an hour for bench time.

Please have a look at the past projects to get an idea of what sort of drawings I have in stock. If I have to make new drawings for your project it may add a day or two (and some extra charges depending upon complexity of the design)to the time frame for finishing.

Metal and wood racks come standard with linear power supply; usually Joe Malone’s (JLM Audio) fine AC/DC or Power Station supplies , toroid transformer, +48V switches, power switches, fused IEC, and Neutrik XLR I/O for each channel.

Custom Studio Cabinetry

***As of 12/22 I can’t do any woodwork. My tools are covered with detritus from my studio build. Hopefully by the end of summer 2023 I’ll be back in the woodworking game.

The wood racks are all custom made to the customer’s specifications. Generally, I buy a variety of wood and send you pictures so you can pick your lumber. I’ll build the box using dovetail or mitered joinery and in the past, I would spray it with many, many coats of lacquer after which it was hand rubbed to a glass-like finish. Recently I’ve been experimenting with water-based finishes and am very happy with the results. The finish is as nice as lacquer without the adverse environmental impact. It looks like a win/win situation.

These pictures show my 500 Series compatible Picnic Baskets. I can build these for 6, 8, 10, 12, or more modules with your choice of wood. The six-packs come standard with internal power supply and Neutrik I/O. I also have hardwood blank panels available to match each 500 series compatible box. They are expensive as fine cabinetry is very time consuming. Call with your ideas and we’ll discuss budget considerations.

The new versions of 500 series compatible cabinets feature extruded aluminum rails.
The new versions of 500 series compatible cabinets feature extruded aluminum rails.
The prototype 500 series compatible picnic baskets.
The prototype 500 series compatible picnic baskets.

API cherry upright back

The prices on dovetailed angled-front cabinets like this one vary depending upon many factors: your modules or mine; type of modules/wiring/power requirements; internal or external power supply; type and grade of lumber; etc. For a finished cabinet, wired and powered, figure on an absolute minimum of about $2000 and plan on something closer to $2600 (that’s using your modules).

chris-cab-small
Chris angled small