Early Audio Engineering for a small scale multichannel setup to be able to implement digital research and be a starting point to produce professional sound pieces.

Equiptment


In order how they are shown:

  • RME Digiface USB Interface
  • ADAT Cables
  • Behringer ADA8200 Ultragain
     Pre Amps (x2)
  • Plug Extention Lead
  • IEC C13 Power Cables (x2)
  • XLR to RCA Stereo Cables (x7)
  • DC 12V 2A-5A AK-170 Stereo Car Amplifier (x7)
  • AC 220V to DC 12V 30A Power Supply 
  • AIYIMA 3 inch 4Ω loudspeakers (x14)
 
Also used:
  • Male 5.5x2.5mm DC Power Connector connection (x7)
  • Souldering Iron
  • Electrical Tape
  • Rachet Strap
  • Digital Multimeter

Wiring and Power


Exposing the two cables within a power cord, parallel wire seven male 5.5x2.5mm connetors. Measure the distance against the stack of seven car amplifiers and secure with a rachet strap. 

 

(Do NOT plug into the wall, yet) With a plug, cut a length of cord and expose the wires, fasten the wires into the AC part of the Power Supply. With the power cord with seven connectors on it, fasten one cable into the the V+ section and the other into the V- section.

Connect to the stereo amplifies. You can now plug the power supply in. At 12V and 30A your amplifiers, drawing 2A-5A each, have power.  

Cable Managing


Cut audio cables to desired length and expose each end, these will go into you amplifier and attach to the pins of your speaker. From the amplifier attach an RCA end to the XLR of the Preamp. Start with the first amplifier's left one being the connected to one and the the right being connected to two. It helps if you write it down.

 

Connect the Interface to the Preamps with ADAT cables (Out to in and in to out). Plug in the power supplies.

 

 

Configuring (and Troubleshooting)


Download the RME driver, TotalMix and Fireface to create 14 channels out. In Abelton assign each channel to a speaker (channel). Line up a sample in each channel in sequence and play to see if everything works as expected.

 

Had an issue, because I had tried to keep this as elementry and cheep as possible, as a proof of consept, some of my cables ended up to be defective, so even though it worked done the line, at this stage the setup was not fully functioning