Getting Started: 21 newbie-friendly DIY projects July 12, 2011 18:04 3 Comments
- Low voltages (no tubes, sorry)
- Prefabricated case and front panel
- Power supply included (pre-assembled is a plus)
- Through-hole components only (no SMD)
- Complete kit (no components to source)

Starting Small
I created the LINE2AMP reamping box and Endless Summer analog summing box kits with absolute beginners in mind. Both are completely passive and have been successfully built by numerous first-timers.
Fill Out Your 500-Series Rack
One easy way to get around the dirty business of choosing a power supply, wiring connections, and cutting holes in a case is to build modules for the API 500-series "Lunchbox" format. The 500-series modules that I recommend for beginners are:-
ClassicAPI VP25/26 or 312 Preamps
ClassicAPI's kits clone the simple API circuit with a roomy layout. This, along with good documentation and the option for pre-assembled opamps, make these the surest bet for your first 500-series project.
Difficulty: 4 -
Sound Skulptor MP573 Preamp
If you want to tackle a Neve preamp off the bat, be prepared to face a more complex circuit with little room for sloppy soldering. However, if you've got experience with a soldering iron, this full kit provides perhaps the easiest way to build a Neve-style preamp.
Difficulty: 6
Full Kits
These kits contain everything you need to complete the project, except, of course, the proper tools.
- Austin Ribbon Microphone Difficulty: 2
-
PAiA Project R
Difficulty: 2

- A12 (API-style) Difficulty: 4
- C84 ("Neutral"/Millennia-style) Difficulty: 6
- N72 (Neve-style) Difficulty: 6
- J99 (Twin Servo) Difficulty: 6
- T15 (THAT1512-based) Difficulty: 3

- Baby Animal Difficulty: 5
- 1290 Micro (Neve-style) Difficulty: 5
- Mono Portable Preamp Difficulty: 2

- MP12 (API-style) Difficulty: 4
- MP32 ("Neutral"/Discrete Opamp) Difficulty: 4
- MP66 (Tube) Difficulty: Not Recommended for Beginners (high voltage)
- MP73 (Neve-style) Difficulty: 6

- SC-1 ("Neutral"/THAT1512-based) Difficulty: 5
- X-12 Difficulty: 5

- HJFP2 (JFET) Difficulty: 5
- HVTP2 (Tube) Difficulty: Not recommended for beginners (high voltage)
Thanks for reading--I wish you the best of luck with your DIY undertakings. If you have any questions before starting your first project, feel free to ask them on the Q&A board.
Comments
Jeff on November 12, 2014 17:57
Has anyone seen any kits that will make it simple (newbie friendly) to convert 500 series gear/kits into stomp box format? I’m especially looking to put a nice mic pre-amp on my floorboard. The end result that I’m seeking is something along the lines of the Colour Box, maybe a little less overdrive, and a little more clean gain. Colour good, overdrive, maybe too much for my taste. I love the i/o which allows signal to flow to two sources, standard XLR out and also the instrument level 1/4" so I can connect with other guitar friendly effects. Thanks!
Peterson Goodwyn on November 12, 2014 17:57
Hi Myckeal, check out Hairball Audio first: http://www.hairballaudio.com/shop/. He has most of the parts and cases for 1176 DIY projects. Best of luck!
Myckeal Rake on November 12, 2014 17:57
Hello there, I’ve seen a built version of the 1176 Rev A blue strip compressor and was wondering what all the parts that where needed and the cost for those would be.
Thanks for the help!!!
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