Issue 3 of 1974 (Volume V, Number 1) for The Audio Amateur delivers a powerful collection of high-end console engineering and foundational electronics theory. Here are the highlights to entice your inner audio craftsman:
- Design Your Own Switch-&-Jack Panel: Stop the "cable-swapping madness." Craig Stark explains how to build a professional-grade patch bay to manage multiple tape decks, tuners, and noise-reduction systems with total flexibility and a clean signal path.
- An IC Preamp/Console (Part Two): Take the next step in professional recording. Richard Kunc provides the blueprints for building a custom, modular audio console featuring sophisticated mixing logic, cue systems, and dedicated RIAA preamps.
- Grounding in Audio Equipment: Silence the hum once and for all. This technical deep dive explores the "ground rules" of audio engineering, teaching you how to properly isolate signal, power, and chassis grounds to achieve a pristine noise floor.
- On Measuring Frequency Response: Master the art of precision measurement. This guide identifies the four most common sources of error in frequency response testing and explains how to use a calibrated attenuator for laboratory-grade accuracy.
- Learning to Use Transistors (Part 13): Bridge the gap between vacuum tubes and solid-state. This installment details the physics and circuit applications of the MOSFET, explaining why these devices are a "designer's dream" for high-performance audio.
- Kit Report: Electret Microphone Kit: Can a $42 DIY kit deliver professional results? Richard Honeycutt puts the Electronic Enterprises electret microphone to the test, evaluating its frequency response and suitability for on-location recording.
- Audio Aids: The Dynaco PAT-4 & AR Turntable: This issue features essential DIY optimizations, from using computer modeling to perfect the Dynaco PAT-4's RIAA equalization to installing precision ball-bearing pivots in the classic AR tonearm.
- Book Talk: Expand your technical library. R.H. Miller reviews essential new texts on FET projects, semiconductor physics, and electronic instrumentation for the serious home builder.
- Editorial: The "Knotty Mystery" of Reviews: Editor Edward T. Dell, Jr. explores why big audio magazines rarely publish unfavorable reviews and discusses the forum on Hi-Fi equipment testing held at the 49th AES Convention.
Table of Contents
- Editorial: The "Knotty Mystery" of Reviews by Edward T. Dell, Jr. ..................................... 2
- Design Your Own Switch-&-Jack Panel: by Craig L. Stark ............................................. 4
- On Measuring Frequency Response ................................................................................... 8
- An IC Preamp/Console: Part Two: by Richard Kunc ........................................................ 9
- Grounding in Audio Equipment: by Paul L. Taylor .......................................................... 15
-
Audio Aids: by readers Carlstrom, Taylor, and Miles ........................................................ 18
- ECAP'ing the PAT-4 Revisited
- AR Pivots Improved
- Book Talk: by R. H. Miller ...................................................................................................... 24
- Learning to Use Transistors: Part 13: by C.N.G. Matthews ............................................ 28
- Kit Report: Electret Microphone Kit: by Richard A. Honeycutt ................................. 31
- Letters ..................................................................................................................................... 33
- Just Looking .......................................................................................................................... 37
- Classified ................................................................................................................................. 38