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Knowledge base of ~80+ markdown files across 14 domains (00-13), Logseq graph, hardware design files (KiCAD), infrastructure configs, and talas-wiki static site. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
91 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
91 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# Talas One — Open Hardware Condenser Microphone
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A large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for professional audio recording. Fully open hardware: schematics, PCB layouts, BOM, and assembly documentation published under CERN-OHL-W-2.0.
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## Overview
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Talas One is a dual-PCB condenser microphone based on the Alice OPA circuit topology by DJJules:
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- **Preamp board** — OPA1642 low-noise operational amplifier, balanced XLR output
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- **Hex inverter board** — TC4584BF-based voltage multiplier providing bias voltage for the condenser capsule
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The dual-PCB architecture means if one component fails, you replace that component — not the whole microphone.
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## Project Status
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**Prototype assembled — debugging in progress.**
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Both PCBs have been fabricated (PCBWay) and hand-assembled with SMD and through-hole components. The prototype does not produce audio yet — first-revision debugging is underway. This is documented openly as part of the design process.
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> The hex inverter KiCAD project in this repository is a partial reconstruction. The complete design files from the fabricated board are being recovered and will be uploaded shortly. The fabricated board photos and gerber files are included.
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## Repository Structure
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```
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hardware/
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preamp/ # OPA1642 preamp — complete KiCAD project
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hex-inverter/ # Hex inverter PSU — KiCAD project (WIP, see note above)
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components/ # Custom KiCAD symbols and footprints
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gerbers/ # Production files (as sent to PCBWay)
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bom/ # Bill of materials with sourcing links
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docs/
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assembly-guide.md # Step-by-step build instructions (in progress)
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photos/ # Prototype and PCB photos
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LICENSE # CERN-OHL-W-2.0
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```
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## Photos
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| Preamp PCB | Hex Inverter PCB | Assembled Mic | Body + Capsule |
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|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
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## Circuit Design
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Based on the Alice OPA topology (DJJules, published on Instructables and GroupDIY forums):
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- **Capsule**: t.bone SC-600 large-diaphragm condenser (34mm, gold-sputtered)
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- **Preamp**: OPA1642AIDR — ultra-low noise, low distortion JFET-input op-amp
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- **Bias supply**: TC4584BF hex Schmitt-trigger inverter configured as charge pump, generating ~60V DC bias from 48V phantom power
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- **Output**: Balanced, transformer-less, via standard XLR connector
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## Bill of Materials
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See [`bom/`](bom/) for the complete BOM with component values, part numbers, and sourcing links.
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Key components:
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| Component | Part | Role |
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|-----------|------|------|
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| Op-amp | OPA1642AIDR | Low-noise preamp |
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| Hex inverter | TC4584BF | Bias voltage generation |
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| Capsule | t.bone SC-600 | Large-diaphragm condenser |
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| Resistors | MFS series (metal film) | Signal path |
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| Capacitors | Nichicon / Vishay | Filtering, charge pump |
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## Tools Required
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- Soldering station with fine tip (for SMD work)
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- Stereo microscope or magnifying lamp
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- Multimeter
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- Oscilloscope (for debugging — recommended)
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- Standard screwdrivers (body assembly)
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## Design Software
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All electronic design files use [KiCAD](https://www.kicad.org/) (open source EDA).
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## License
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Hardware design files are licensed under **CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 — Weakly Reciprocal (CERN-OHL-W-2.0)**.
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See [LICENSE](LICENSE) for the full text.
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## Acknowledgments
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- **DJJules** — Alice OPA circuit topology (Instructables, GroupDIY, JLI Electronics)
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- **DIYPerks** — inspiration for the "build a studio mic for cheap" approach
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- The [GroupDIY](https://groupdiy.com/) and [micbuilders.com](https://micbuilders.com/) communities
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## Author
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**Nikola Milovanovic** — [Talas Group](https://talas.music)
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