Let's share diagrams (and photos) of our total physical audio system and the whole signal path, with a few words and/or links

[Penelinfi]

"Please understand, however, I (we) do not always expect beautifully prepared/drawn diagrams and/or photos; even hand-written/hand-drawn rough sketch diagrams should work well in the perspectives of this new thread."

Diagrams are fun to look at, but also what is the purpose? Especially for a four component system

 

[Multicore]

The study/music room​

Let's start with the overall photographic view

We can divide that into subsystems:

1. Desktop computer system. It has hack PC on the floor and on the desk there are two displays, audio interface and monitor speakers, keyboard and mouse. There's also one microphone on the desk and a camera on top of one speaker.
2. Electric guitar/synth music system. There are two electric guitars on the wall that work with the synth and guitar multi-effects units on the floor, that feed into the looper (mounted on the snare drum stand). Headphones connect to the looper for playing/monitoring without needing the computer.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via 2 instrument line-level cables.
3. Acoustic guitars. There are four, three in their cases and one on the stand.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via microphones and the camera.
4. Dogs. Another hobby of mine.
   >> feeds hairs into the computer case and all over the floor electronics
5. Bicycles. One I use for utility transport is positioned to prevent the dogs jumping on the window sill. The racing and sports bicycles hanging from hooks in the ceiling are from a hobby I quit about 10 years ago.
   >> largely independent
6. Rugs are wool, made in India, 2.3m x 3m. There's space behind the one on the wall for about 50 mm of fiberglass but I never got around to that.
   >> reduces room reverb and maybe can hide some bass absorbers one day too.

System block diagram​

Electric/synth guitar subsystem detail​

The devices on the floor are arranged in the same order left-right in the photo below as in the system block diagram above.

Guitars have Roland GK pickups/control units installed. These have a divided pickup close to the bridge with one pickup per string. The GK control unit buffers these signals and the guitars normal pickup and sends them over 13-conductor GK-13 cable to the BOSS SY-1000 synth floor unit together with some other control signals. (Roland's GK-13 interconnect standard was in use for many years but Roland is now using a serial interface on a 1/4" TRS.)

The BOSS SY-1000 is a guitar synthesizer and virtual-guitar modeler. I use it only with the GK divided pickups and program it to extract the guitar's normal pickup's signal and send it out on the SUB-1 output. That goes via a volume pedal to the Headrush Gigboard. The synth has two expression pedals attached.

The Headrush Gigboard is a digital multi-effects with guitar amplifier modelling, speaker cabinet modelling, and loadable FIR speaker cabinet responses. The third expression pedal connects to the Gigboard, e.g. for wah-wah effects.

The BOSS RC-505mk2 is a looper. A lot of the time I use it only to combine the guitar sounds from the Gigboard with the synth sounds from the SY-1000. But it is really a sophisticated phrase looper. I have figured out a way to use it as a Frippertronics style delay looper.

Old 5-pin MIDI interconnects allow me to synchronize the sequencer and effects clocks on the synth and Gigboard to the looper on which I can select tempo. Super convenient.

Guitar on the left is PRS Santana SE in standard tuning. On the right is Yamaha Revstar RS502 in CG3 tuning.

Examples: here's a recent recording using a synchronized loop and an older one using a long, completely unsynchronized loop (Frippertronics-style). This example demonstrates the virtual guitar capability of the SY-1000: it's the PRS guitar in standard tuning but I made it into that wierd 12-string custom tuned to play on the Messiaen mode. Note: this recording also has one simple synth voice mixed in, it's pretty obvious.

Computer system detail​

The old secondary Dell display panel on the left is 24". The main one is BENQ 32" and 3840x2160. Speakers are Genelec 1029A. MOTU M4 audio interface. Logitech K295 is my favorite keyboard with the Caps Lock key removed. Logitech M220 mouse. Sony camera is easily detachable. AKG D880 mic works for tele- and video-conferencing. I also have a Shure SM35 headset mic to record the podcast. I do not know the names of the puffin and the toucan. My wife made the vase (she's a good potter). Desk surface adjusts up and down (motorized) so I can sit when I prefer. You can see the computer main unit on the floor in the panorama picture.

The attachment at the front of the desktop is a headphone hanger my wife recently got me.

Acoustic guitar system​

I shared this photo of the three steel-string guitars in another thread. Left to right Yamaha LS36, Yamaha LJ56, Furch Blue OM-MM. The LJ56 is set up in CG3 tuning with custom string gauges. There's a Cordoba C5 classical guitar in one of the cases.

You can see how these connect to the computer system two Line Audio CM4 microphones in the video below. This recording sounds better but has no video. The mics, stands and cables are not visible in any of the above photos.

 

[Sjkrabbe]

The study/music room​

Let's start with the overall photographic view

View attachment 456422

We can divide that into subsystems:

1. Desktop computer system. It has hack PC on the floor and on the desk there are two displays, audio interface and monitor speakers, keyboard and mouse. There's also one microphone on the desk and a camera on top of one speaker.
2. Electric guitar/synth music system. There are two electric guitars on the wall that work with the synth and guitar multi-effects units on the floor, that feed into the looper (mounted on the snare drum stand). Headphones connect to the looper for playing/monitoring without needing the computer.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via 2 instrument line-level cables.
3. Acoustic guitars. There are four, three in their cases and one on the stand.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via microphones and the camera.
4. Dogs. Another hobby of mine.
   >> feeds hairs into the computer case and all over the floor electronics
5. Bicycles. One I use for utility transport is positioned to prevent the dogs jumping on the window sill. The racing and sports bicycles hanging from hooks in the ceiling are from a hobby I quit about 10 years ago.
   >> largely independent
6. Rugs are wool, made in India, 2.3m x 3m. There's space behind the one on the wall for about 50 mm of fiberglass but I never got around to that.
   >> reduces room reverb and maybe can hide some bass absorbers one day too.

System block diagram​

View attachment 456436

Electric/synth guitar subsystem detail​

The devices on the floor are arranged in the same order left-right as in the system block diagram above.

Guitars have Roland GK pickups/control units installed. These have a divided pickup close to the bridge with one pickup per string. The GK control unit buffers these signals and the guitars normal pickup and sends them over 13-conductor GK-13 cable to the BOSS SY-1000 synth floor unit together with some other control signals. (Roland's GK-13 interconnect standard was in use for many years but Roland is now using a serial interface on a 1/4" TRS.)

The BOSS SY-1000 is a guitar synthesizer and virtual-guitar modeler. I use it only with the GK divided pickups and program it to extract the guitar's normal pickup's signal and send it out on the SUB-1 output. That goes via a volume pedal to the Headrush Gigboard. The synth has two expression pedals attached.

The Headrush Gigboard is a digital multi-effects with guitar amplifier modelling, speaker cabinet modelling, and loadable FIR speaker cabinet responses. The third expression pedal connects to the Gigboard, e.g. for wah-wah effects.

The BOSS RC-505mk2 is a looper. A lot of the time I use it only to combine the guitar sounds from the Gigboard with the synth sounds from the SY-1000. But it is really a sophisticated phrase looper. I have figured out a way to use it as a Frippertronics style delay looper.

Old 5-pin MIDI interconnects allow me to synchronize the sequencer and effects clocks on the synth and Gigboard to the looper on which I can select tempo. Super convenient.

View attachment 456421

Guitar on the left is PRS Santana SE in standard tuning. On the right is Yamaha Revstar RS502 in CG3 tuning.

Examples: here's a recent recording using a synchronized loop and an older one using a long, completely synchronized loop (Frippertronics-style). This example demonstrates the virtual guitar capability of the SY-1000: it's the PRS guitar in standard tuning but I made it into that wierd 12-string custom tuned to play on the Messiaen mode. Note: this recording also has one simple synth voice mixed in, it's pretty obvious.

Computer system detail​

The old secondary Dell display panel on the left is 24". The main one is BENQ 32" and 3840x2160. Speakers are Genelec 1029A. MOTU M4 audio interface. Logitech K295 is my favorite keyboard with the Caps Lock key removed. Logitech M220 mouse. Sony camera is easily detachable. AKG D880 mic works for tele- and video-conferencing. I also have a Shure SM35 headset mic to record the podcast. I do not know the names of the puffin and the toucan. My wife made the vase (she's a good potter). Desk surface adjusts up and down (motorized) so I can sit when I prefer. You can see the computer main unit on the floor in the panorama picture.

View attachment 456420
The attachment at the front of the desktop is a headphone hanger my wife recently got me.

Acoustic guitar system​

I shared this photo of the three steel-string guitars in another thread. Left to right Yamaha LS36, Yamaha LJ56, Furch Blue OM-MM. The LJ56 is set up in CG3 tuning with custom string gauges.

You can see how these connect to the computer system two Line Audio CM4 microphones in the video below. This recording sounds better but has no video. The mics, stands and cables are not visible in any of the above photos.

cool setup - I see that you are using Line audio CM4 mics, good sweedish ones. What is your opinion about them? I have a couple myself but havent used them enough to make my own opinion yet.

 

[dualazmak]

"Please understand, however, I (we) do not always expect beautifully prepared/drawn diagrams and/or photos; even hand-written/hand-drawn rough sketch diagrams should work well in the perspectives of this new thread."

Diagrams are fun to look at, but also what is the purpose? Especially for a four component system

Please kindly understand, it is totally up to you whether to come back with your own diagram(s) (and photos), or just to leave (I mean that you "to get-out from") the thread.

Sorry but I have no intention of discussing "the purpose" of diagrams here in this post; it has been fully explained in my very first post on this thread, even though you yourself too have already explained by saying "Diagrams are fun to look at".

 

[Multicore]

cool setup - I see that you are using Line audio CM4 mics, good sweedish ones. What is your opinion about them? I have a couple myself but havent used them enough to make my own opinion yet.

I don't have much experience recording with quality microphones so I have little basis for comparison. When I get the position of the mics right then I am very impressed with the sound. I feel no need to upgrade or experiment with something different. I have some ideological hangups with the aesthetics of mics and recording techniques that are a bit limiting and these hangups also led me to the CM4: I wanted very flat response on and off axis, so as to not choose an EQ curve by proxy.

 

[Sjkrabbe]

I don't have much experience recording with quality microphones so I have little basis for comparison. When I get the position of the mics right then I am very impressed with the sound. I feel no need to upgrade or experiment with something different. I have some ideological hangups with the aesthetics of mics and recording techniques that are a bit limiting and these hangups also led me to the CM4: I wanted very flat response on and off axis, so as to not choose an EQ curve by proxy.

And you couldn´t afford a DPA 4011 - I know the drill. I can work with DPAs at work but my home gear is more rudimentary

 

[Multicore]

And you couldn´t afford a DPA 4011 - I know the drill. I can work with DPAs at work but my home gear is more rudimentary

So you have access to both. That provides interesting opportunities...

 

[dualazmak]

The study/music room​

Let's start with the overall photographic view

View attachment 456422

We can divide that into subsystems:

1. Desktop computer system. It has hack PC on the floor and on the desk there are two displays, audio interface and monitor speakers, keyboard and mouse. There's also one microphone on the desk and a camera on top of one speaker.
2. Electric guitar/synth music system. There are two electric guitars on the wall that work with the synth and guitar multi-effects units on the floor, that feed into the looper (mounted on the snare drum stand). Headphones connect to the looper for playing/monitoring without needing the computer.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via 2 instrument line-level cables.
3. Acoustic guitars. There are four, three in their cases and one on the stand.
   >> feeds into subsystem 1 via microphones and the camera.
4. Dogs. Another hobby of mine.
   >> feeds hairs into the computer case and all over the floor electronics
5. Bicycles. One I use for utility transport is positioned to prevent the dogs jumping on the window sill. The racing and sports bicycles hanging from hooks in the ceiling are from a hobby I quit about 10 years ago.
   >> largely independent
6. Rugs are wool, made in India, 2.3m x 3m. There's space behind the one on the wall for about 50 mm of fiberglass but I never got around to that.
   >> reduces room reverb and maybe can hide some bass absorbers one day too.

System block diagram​

View attachment 456436

Electric/synth guitar subsystem detail​

The devices on the floor are arranged in the same order left-right as in the system block diagram above.

Guitars have Roland GK pickups/control units installed. These have a divided pickup close to the bridge with one pickup per string. The GK control unit buffers these signals and the guitars normal pickup and sends them over 13-conductor GK-13 cable to the BOSS SY-1000 synth floor unit together with some other control signals. (Roland's GK-13 interconnect standard was in use for many years but Roland is now using a serial interface on a 1/4" TRS.)

The BOSS SY-1000 is a guitar synthesizer and virtual-guitar modeler. I use it only with the GK divided pickups and program it to extract the guitar's normal pickup's signal and send it out on the SUB-1 output. That goes via a volume pedal to the Headrush Gigboard. The synth has two expression pedals attached.

The Headrush Gigboard is a digital multi-effects with guitar amplifier modelling, speaker cabinet modelling, and loadable FIR speaker cabinet responses. The third expression pedal connects to the Gigboard, e.g. for wah-wah effects.

The BOSS RC-505mk2 is a looper. A lot of the time I use it only to combine the guitar sounds from the Gigboard with the synth sounds from the SY-1000. But it is really a sophisticated phrase looper. I have figured out a way to use it as a Frippertronics style delay looper.

Old 5-pin MIDI interconnects allow me to synchronize the sequencer and effects clocks on the synth and Gigboard to the looper on which I can select tempo. Super convenient.

View attachment 456421

Guitar on the left is PRS Santana SE in standard tuning. On the right is Yamaha Revstar RS502 in CG3 tuning.

Examples: here's a recent recording using a synchronized loop and an older one using a long, completely unsynchronized loop (Frippertronics-style). This example demonstrates the virtual guitar capability of the SY-1000: it's the PRS guitar in standard tuning but I made it into that wierd 12-string custom tuned to play on the Messiaen mode. Note: this recording also has one simple synth voice mixed in, it's pretty obvious.

Computer system detail​

The old secondary Dell display panel on the left is 24". The main one is BENQ 32" and 3840x2160. Speakers are Genelec 1029A. MOTU M4 audio interface. Logitech K295 is my favorite keyboard with the Caps Lock key removed. Logitech M220 mouse. Sony camera is easily detachable. AKG D880 mic works for tele- and video-conferencing. I also have a Shure SM35 headset mic to record the podcast. I do not know the names of the puffin and the toucan. My wife made the vase (she's a good potter). Desk surface adjusts up and down (motorized) so I can sit when I prefer. You can see the computer main unit on the floor in the panorama picture.

View attachment 456420
The attachment at the front of the desktop is a headphone hanger my wife recently got me.

Acoustic guitar system​

I shared this photo of the three steel-string guitars in another thread. Left to right Yamaha LS36, Yamaha LJ56, Furch Blue OM-MM. The LJ56 is set up in CG3 tuning with custom string gauges. There's a Cordoba C5 classical guitar in one of the cases.

You can see how these connect to the computer system two Line Audio CM4 microphones in the video below. This recording sounds better but has no video. The mics, stands and cables are not visible in any of the above photos.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful and amazing audio and sound recording setups!
Very much interesting and impressive "real musician's audio rig" which would be nice references for many people visiting this exciting thread.

 

[Penelinfi]

Please kindly understand, it is totally up to you whether to come back with diagram(s) (and photos) or just to leave the thread.

Sorry but I have no intention of discussing "the purpose" of diagrams here in this post; it has been fully explained in my very first post on this thread, even though you yourself too have already explained by saying "Diagrams are fun to look at".

You seem overly bent on this leaving the thread thing.

Again, why put this in your post, then ask about not a proper diagram?

"Please understand, however, I (we) do not always expect beautifully prepared/drawn diagrams and/or photos; even hand-written/hand-drawn rough sketch diagrams should work well in the perspectives of this new thread."

 

[dualazmak]

Hello @Penelinfi,
For clarification, I have just slightly modified/edited my above post #304.

I now stop discussing with you, so you would please also do not argue furthermore.
You would please come back here, hopefully in the near future, with your hand-drawn and/or beautifully designed "diagram(s)" of your own audio system.

Just for example, @Multicore kindly and firstly has shared his hand-drawn diagram in his post #41, and he came back again today in his above post #302 sharing really wonderful diagrams and photos as well as YouTube video link...

 

[Sjkrabbe]

So you have access to both. That provides interesting opportunities...

yeah very much so - and DPA 4011 (and 4006) has a special place "in my heart" because before I went on to be a sound-engineer i 1989, I was an apprentice as a electronics mechanic at Bruel& Kjær in the years 1985-1988 and happend to be in the department of Microphone developement (dept 41 as far as I remember) at the time 4011 was under developement - VERY exciting indeed

 

[Multicore]

"Please understand, however, I (we) do not always expect beautifully prepared/drawn diagrams and/or photos; even hand-written/hand-drawn rough sketch diagrams should work well in the perspectives of this new thread."

Diagrams are fun to look at, but also what is the purpose? Especially for a four component system

We may discover the purpose as we proceed with the practice. I did.

It is quite common, especially in the arts but also in the practical sciences, as these overlap so much, to deliberately place ourselves under constraints, work under those constraints, see what comes out of it, and maybe socialize the results. This is the diagrams thread. The constraint is: express ourselves using diagrams that represent how our audio systems work. There are plenty of other threads on ASR in which we use words. This one is for diagrams (which may be supplemented with photos).

My initial response to the OP was: Wow that's a crazy lot of work even to start understanding @dualazmak's diagrams, let alone make my own. My first response was #9 in which I expressed my initial reluctance to accept such a homework task. Some others expressed similar sentiment on page 1 of the thread. But then more diagrams came in. Some were interesting and surprising and complex, e.g. #7 and #12. Some were simple, cute, e.g. #29 and #31, expressing their creators personality somehow (e.g. #39). Even the simplest diagrams led to some good conversations. So I started to warm to the idea and added my own in #41, pencil and paper, as a personal expressive choice. Later some really astonishing diagrams showed up. And some more of simple systems that show off the personal in the diagram. Eventually I redid my diagram with colored pens in #249. Then, after tidying and cleaning the study/music room, which also involves cleaning so many cables, I photographed it and then decided to diagram it, this time with the draw.io app (#302). Doing that work afforded some new understandings, and like many of us I think, I like to show off too, hence #302.

So as it went on the purposes of the endeavor, submitting to the diagram constraint, slowly emerged. I suppose we all see them differently but I'm ready to defend the idea.

Our systems are to some extent home made even if we use off the shelf components. So home made system diagrams!

 

[Oddball]

Seems appropriate to do a diagram if the system is complex in terms of connections and functions. I shared my system below and "diagram" is too simple to chart out as it is text book diagram for 9.4.4 system (except perhaps for the last point below):

- All sources go to Marantz AV-10 processor via HDMI as don't use analogue any more
- LR speakers are driven by Bryston 4SST stereo amp
- Center speaker is driven with Bryston 4SST stereo amp, single channel
- Remaining 10 channels are driven by 5 Rotel 1070 stereo amps
- 4 active subs are connected to independent sub outputs of AV-10
- SVS 3000 micro is connected in parallel to AV-10 output for center channel to reinforce the center channel output

Hope that this is sufficient for people to visualise my system as really kind of a simple type of typical connections. Gear is in the signature. What might be less than usual is what is happening on the software side, like bass management and room correction. Not really sure how to provide a diagram of that. But if anyone is interested, happy to provide some additional detail.

 

[dualazmak]

We may discover the purpose as we proceed with the practice. I did.

It is quite common, especially in the arts but also in the practical sciences, as these overlap so much, to deliberately place ourselves under constraints, work under those constraints, see what comes out of it, and maybe socialize the results. This is the diagrams thread. The constraint is: express ourselves using diagrams that represent how our audio systems work. There are plenty of other threads on ASR in which we use words. This one is for diagrams (which may be supplemented with photos).

My initial response to the OP was: Wow that's a crazy lot of work even to start understanding @dualazmak's diagrams, let alone make my own. My first response was #9 in which I expressed my initial reluctance to accept such a homework task. Some others expressed similar sentiment on page 1 of the thread. But then more diagrams came in. Some were interesting and surprising and complex, e.g. #7 and #12. Some were simple, cute, e.g. #29 and #31, expressing their creators personality somehow (e.g. #39). Even the simplest diagrams led to some good conversations. So I started to warm to the idea and added my own in #41, pencil and paper, as a personal expressive choice. Later some really astonishing diagrams showed up. And some more of simple systems that show off the personal in the diagram. Eventually I redid my diagram with colored pens in #249. Then, after tidying and cleaning the study/music room, which also involves cleaning so many cables, I photographed it and then decided to diagram it, this time with the draw.io app (#302). Doing that work afforded some new understandings, and like many of us I think, I like to show off too, hence #302.

So as it went on the purposes of the endeavor, submitting to the diagram constraint, slowly emerged. I suppose we all see them differently but I'm ready to defend the idea.

Our systems are to some extent home made even if we use off the shelf components. So home made system diagrams!

Thank you indeed @Multicore for your generous and "right-on-target" follow-up message after my discussions with @Penelinfi.

I really agree-with and impressed-by your final sentence of "Our systems are to some extent home made even if we use off the shelf components. So home made system diagrams!".

 

[dualazmak]

Seems appropriate to do a diagram if the system is complex in terms of connections and functions. I shared my system below and "diagram" is too simple to chart out as it is text book diagram for 9.4.4 system (except perhaps for the last point below):

- All sources go to Marantz AV-10 processor via HDMI as don't use analogue any more
- LR speakers are driven by Bryston 4SST stereo amp
- Center speaker is driven with Bryston 4SST stereo amp, single channel
- Remaining 10 channels are driven by 5 Rotel 1070 stereo amps
- 4 active subs are connected to independent sub outputs of AV-10
- SVS 3000 micro is connected in parallel to AV-10 output for center channel to reinforce the center channel output

Hope that this is sufficient for people to visualise my system as really kind of a simple type of typical connections. Gear is in the signature. What might be less than usual is what is happening on the software side, like bass management and room correction. Not really sure how to provide a diagram of that. But if anyone is interested, happy to provide some additional detail.


View attachment 456692View attachment 456693View attachment 456694

Really amazing and impressive 9.4.4 system which is also aesthetically beautiful and so nicely wonderfully organized!

I can imagine "your physical connection diagram" in my brain. Only if possible at your side, however, I will highly appreciate if you can spare your precious time for a while to prepare "diagram(s) of your system" for our at-a-glance understanding and fun-watch; such possible your diagram will be a great reference and of-interest for many people kindly visiting this exciting thread.

Furthermore, again if possible at your side, I will be much interested in seeing your "total signal path diagram" (just like Fig.03 in my very first post); I am really curious about Fq coverage and XO configuration for each of the multiple SP drivers.

I know well these two requests would be somewhat of homework for you, and of course you can simply refuse/ignore my requests.

Again, thank you for your great post #313.

 

[Anton S]

You asked for it, so ...

It was a giant pain in the nether region, but here you go:

Pic3

 

[dualazmak]

You asked for it, so ...

It was a giant pain in the nether region, but here you go:

Pic3

Wow, Wow,,,
I (we) really thank you for your great efforts on preparation of wonderful diagrams and beautiful photos; very much impressive!
I will inform you my further impressions (including the wonderful wiring in the wall, right?) hopefully soon tonight. The time here in Japan is 05:45 early morning now (a busy day for me)...

 

[Multicore]

You asked for it, so ...

It was a giant pain in the nether region, but here you go:

Pic3

Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof.

The gear racks sure look the business.

 

[Mart68]

Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof.

The gear racks sure look the business.

Best damn racks on ASR!

Who remembers this TV show?

 

[Multicore]

Best damn racks on ASR!

Who remembers this TV show?

Space 1999