ELEVEN Rack BUILD THREAD

[Joe Malone]

Hi Joe, just some feedback, no harm intended, but I feel a little unsafe with those little switches you used for the link that is surface mount. I think I will be struggling to change them especially when there are modules installed in that tiny hole and it is dark.

Maybe in future updates, something similar and smaller would have been better as they are through the board or maybe add switches to the rear panel.

The SMD switch I have used is a well made 50000 operation fully sealed switch compared to the cheap open air switch in your photo. It is also fully protected from being hit by any 500 module as it is on the rear of the pcb and is very easy to switch via the pcb cutout with a tiny flat screwdriver etc and is also lit by blue led with rack on and can be switched when on. Normally the link switch will be set 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and all TRS to M for mono and rarely touched again so will take a couple of decades to reach its operation limit. A lot of 500 modules now almost have no room behind them when plugged in so would smash the switch in your photo. If I was going to do rear switches I would use toggle switches that just reached through the back panel which would add $ and also will not fit with all the IO connectors.

[metalmaz]

Hello!

My kit arrived with 1x 8r2 1W resistor. It is even hand written on the parts list sticker on one of the bags so I assume it's important. However I can't see anywhere on this thread or forum telling me where it is being used?

Cheers,
Rhys

[Joe Malone]

Hello!

My kit arrived with 1x 8r2 1W resistor. It is even hand written on the parts list sticker on one of the bags so I assume it's important. However I can't see anywhere on this thread or forum telling me where it is being used?

Cheers,
Rhys

It is for the 48v filter. If you are using the links to the build maps at the beginning of this thread it is the first part to fit on the back of the PCB.
See attached

8R2 Eleven Back Build Map.png

[metalmaz]

Oh wow, I managed to miss the absolute first step I see! Whoops.. thanks for pointing out - I already finished my build and fired it up without the resistor last night. Everything seemed to be working great, but I didn’t try 48v on anything thankfully

Is there any chance I’ve damaged anything by neglecting the resistor?

[Joe Malone]

Oh wow, I managed to miss the absolute first step I see! Whoops.. thanks for pointing out - I already finished my build and fired it up without the resistor last night. Everything seemed to be working great, but I didn’t try 48v on anything thankfully

Is there any chance I’ve damaged anything by neglecting the resistor?

Nothing will be damaged. You would have just not had 48v. Fit the 8R2 1W resistor and solder it and you will have 48v.

You can leave the back metal panel fitted to the back pcb and fit the resistor from the side easily. So you don’t have to remove any of the XLR screws or TRS caps.

[ChuckHanning]

Hi folks,
I finished my rack about six months ago and it’s working fine.

I have two questions:
1. Why does this not have a fuse in the power supply in case of errors in one of the modules?

2. While building I noticed other pcb traces and two power jacks that made me wonder if it can be configured as regular api rack (+\- 16 volts) and 51x rack (+\-24 volts. Capi no longer sells the 51x racks.

Thanks!!
Chuck

[Joe Malone]

Hi folks,
I finished my rack about six months ago and it’s working fine.

I have two questions:
1. Why does this not have a fuse in the power supply in case of errors in one of the modules?

The external power supply has built in overload protection. When overloaded it will go into hiccup mode turning on and off until overload is removed.

2. While building I noticed other pcb traces and two power jacks that made me wonder if it can be configured as regular api rack (+\- 16 volts) and 51x rack (+\-24 volts. Capi no longer sells the 51x racks.

Yes the backplane is made to take 15 or 18 pin edge connectors so can be setup as 500 or 51X. We keep the 18 pin edge connectors in stock as well.

[beb]

Yes the backplane is made to take 15 or 18 pin edge connectors so can be setup as 500 or 51X. We keep the 18 pin edge connectors in stock as well.

Hi, is there any chance to pass some usb signal, refering to Wes modules, in those extra 6 pins?

By the way, could someone enlighten me please on the routing of the R/L slots – do they pick up the signal from the 11 slots? and what about the slots 15/16 (2x10 pin), any example of use?

Just finished to mount the Eleven : all clear! and it was a real pleasure.
Here some for v4, if it matters, but I'll definitely buy at least one
* an ignition switch
* some ventilation openings on the top of the rack (I’ll drill one per slot using a large bit)
* some ng500 capabilities

Cheers!

[Joe Malone]

Yes the backplane is made to take 15 or 18 pin edge connectors so can be setup as 500 or 51X. We keep the 18 pin edge connectors in stock as well.

Hi, is there any chance to pass some usb signal, refering to Wes modules, in those extra 6 pins?

I don't know the WES wiring. Do you have any info?

By the way, could someone enlighten me please on the routing of the R/L slots – do they pick up the signal from the 11 slots? and what about the slots 15/16 (2x10 pin), any example of use?

The 2 x L & R TRS go to the 2 x 10 pin headers for our AMP head dual headphone amp in the half slot.

Just finished to mount the Eleven : all clear! and it was a real pleasure.
Here some for v4, if it matters, but I'll definitely buy at least one

* an ignition switch

The power needs to be switched at the mains so all 3 power rail power up properly. Since the power supply is external it is not easy to do in the rack. Always best to have your whole studio power on together and warm up.

* some ventilation openings on the top of the rack (I’ll drill one per slot using a large bit)

Please read first before drilling. The rack has extreme venting around the sides which is the best way to vent. Otherwise a stack of 500 racks will cook the top rack. When our Eleven racks are stacked the logo vent on top is sealed by the bottom of the rack above to stop heat travelling up the stack and instead forcing it up the sides and back of the rack which is much better for longer life of your 500 gear.

* some ng500 capabilities

Would need WES NG info to be able to look at this

[beb]

A bit embarrassed: I’m starting to get a handle on the wiring, but I can’t find any pinout diagram for the Eleven’s DB25 in and out. Could you please Joe let me know?

The 2 x L & R TRS go to the 2 x 10 pin headers for our AMP head dual headphone amp in the half slot.

Ok, so their only possible use for now (TRS LRs + 2x10 pins) is by adding https://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/dual-amp- ... x_prices=1 in slot 11.

The power needs to be switched at the mains so all 3 power rail power up properly. Since the power supply is external it is not easy to do in the rack. Always best to have your whole studio power on together and warm up.

So, a switch on the power supply case could be useful in some cases.

When our Eleven racks are stacked the logo vent on top is sealed by the bottom of the rack above to stop heat travelling up the stack and instead forcing it up the sides and back of the rack which is much better for longer life of your 500 gear.

I understand, that's carefully thought out for a vertical installation. My setup is horizontal, the Eleven is flat like a mixing desk, and has vertical ventilation at the back. Since I have a few modules with tubes, I’ll see over time if it’s necessary to open up the chassis more and keep you posted.

Would need WES NG info to be able to look at this

There are very few resources on the subject, yet Wes doesn’t seem to own the ng500 patent https://wesaudio.com/uploads/manuals/We ... manual.pdf : starting from page 13, at first glance it seems impossible to fit that into an 18-pin.
However, this usb control feature coming with Wes devices is so convenient that once you’ve tried it, you’ll want it supported by every rack! Chances are it will be adopted by other 500 device manufacturers.

[Joe Malone]

A bit embarrassed: I’m starting to get a handle on the wiring, but I can’t find any pinout diagram for the Eleven’s DB25 in and out. Could you please Joe let me know?

Standard tascam DB25 pinout

1st DB25 1-8 in and out

CH1 XLR in and out
Ch2 XLR in and out
CH3 XLR in and out
CH4 XLR in and out
CH5 XLR in and out
CH6 XLR in and out
CH7 XLR in and out
CH8 XLR in and out

2nd DB25 9-16 in and out

CH9 XLR in and out
Ch10 XLR in and out
CH11 XLR in and out
CH9 TRS in and out
Ch10 TRS in and out
CH11 TRS in and out
Left TRS for Half slot in and out
Right TRS for Half slot in and out

With TRS link switches set to mono mode CH9,10,11 XLR and TRS will be linked together.

Ok, so their only possible use for now (TRS LRs + 2x10 pins) is by adding https://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/dual-amp- ... x_prices=1 in slot 11.

We have made many custom half panels from simple 4 TRS on the front panel patchbay etc. So if you have idea of what you need just ask and I will see if it will fit.

I understand, that's carefully thought out for a vertical installation. My setup is horizontal, the Eleven is flat like a mixing desk, and has vertical ventilation at the back. Since I have a few modules with tubes, I’ll see over time if it’s necessary to open up the chassis more and keep you posted.

I have done as you describe in many mastering studio setups. Leave 1 unit vent space at the top of the rack front or a space at the top of the back of the rack and seal up the back of the rack with a panel and some slow slow running 120mm fans pushing air into the rack from the bottom of the back. This forces the air out of the rack and stops the heat on the front panels. Also keeps all hot opamps and caps cooler for longer life.

There are very few resources on the subject, yet Wes doesn’t seem to own the ng500 patent https://wesaudio.com/uploads/manuals/We ... manual.pdf : starting from page 13, at first glance it seems impossible to fit that into an 18-pin.
However, this usb control feature coming with Wes devices is so convenient that once you’ve tried it, you’ll want it supported by every rack! Chances are it will be adopted by other 500 device manufacturers.

I will go have a read

[beb]

Thanks Joe for your expertise.

Here’s a summary of the diagrams available on the web, it might be useful for everyone (let me know if I made a mistake).
Note that the four DB25 connectors on the back of the Eleven, IN or OUT, are female.

db25_Tascam_pinout_diagram_1.png