The original pream/amp module that came with my soundsystem worked, but it was extremely basic, and the mutes for bass & tops didn’t work.
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230702_203321502-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230806_230117754-300x226.jpg)
Of course, being an obsessive nerd, I decided to design and build my own version of it.
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230811_234434709-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230820_024207046-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230820_024154465-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230820_024219004-300x226.jpg)
I found that there’s a lot of inexpensive audio modules that run at 12vdc, and are easy to interconnect. I bought several, and started experimenting. One of the things I wanted to do was have switches to mute the bass & tops, and some nice vintage-style VU meters.
The faceplate started life as a design on paper. I tried to match the layout of the modules, which despite appearances varied between each one. I don’t think there’s a lot of consistency in how these are designed and manufactured.
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230812_205054444-1024x771.jpg)
Once I had a design, I sent it off to a sign shop, and they sent it back about a week later. It’s thin aluminum over plastic, with a 4 color print. I was happy with the end product, but it proved a little difficult to drill without tearing. I don’t know that I’ll use this same method in the future. It’s also pretty scratch-prone.
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230820_024710204-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230822_211408162-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230823_035524830-300x226.jpg)
The finished product worked pretty well! I was happy with what I had ended up with, but it definitely was a first try.
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230823_035812232-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230915_195935920-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230830_214353380-300x226.jpg)
![](https://momotombosoundsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PXL_20230910_231431875-300x226.jpg)
Next version of what I’m calling the “system controller” is well underway. It will be a 3-way preamp, with sweepable frequencies, and have 2x 100w stereo amps for the tops & mids, and 150w mono amp for the bass. I’ve also upped the power to 19v 10a, so I should be able to drive the amplifiers better.