OSCAR – Open Source Console for Analogue Recording

A recent idea inspired by the success of the 500-Series format and the continuing popularity of analogue consoles. OSCAR is a an open platform for building analogue consoles, based on buckets of eight channels with simple metalwork and – as far as possible – standard parts

One possible path is to size the bucket so that 500-Series modules can slot right in. They’re 1.5″ wide as standard. Other options include modules 2″ wide (actually 50.8 mm). This fits in with the Eurocard standard

Both 500-Series and Eurocard have a standard 3U (5.25″) module height, but Eurocard also allows for a 6U (10.5″) standard which is a far more usable size for a channel strip

I don’t see 500 modules as the perfect solution. A taller channel strip would allow greater flexibility and reduce cost and allow the format a wider appeal

Metalwork represents a sizeable proportion of the total cost of a console but it’s possibly the most difficult thing for DIY builders to create. Constructing a console out of standard parts, each built to close tolerances and with a good finish, would leave the DIY builder free to concentrate on electronics

There’s a thread running about the idea over on the Group DIY Forum

http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=63172.0

 

First sketch of OSCAR

modular_console_1

First sketch of metalwork ideas

modular_console_2

 

 

Links

http://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=63172.0

http://www.radialeng.com/500series-standards.php

http://www.emusician.com/gear/1332/roundup–api-500-series-chassis/45767

http://51xaudio.com/alliance/index.html