VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

georgethetech

Ordinarily, one would be compelled to keep a product idea secret.
However, I deeply respect the opinions of this group and would love your feedback on my design.
The concept:
Construct a cover that bolts onto a mixing console to provide three functions.
1. A copy stand
2. A "security cover" to protect the settings of controls on your console that don't need to be readily accessible.

The cover will attach with one screw on either side of the mixer, which threads into existing holes intended for rack ears. This will serve as a pivot point so that you can tilt the entire arrangement forward and make adjustments to the hidden controls, if necessary.
I intend for the material to be transparent plastic, so you can see your meters and confirm that indeed everything is set properly.
Here is a prototype made of masonite.

How much would you pay for something like this?
Is it important that the angle of the copy holder be adjustable?

I am trying to determine whether this project is cost effective. I know I have clients who would have saved a good deal of frustration had their console been protected from children, and themselves!
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Edo · Guest

Hey George,

I can't recall the company's name, but in Holland there used to be this guy selling accessories for recording and dj equipment. He marketed something similar to what you have in your picture since the early nineties, but indeed (as you stated) made out of transparent plastic; hard like glass, about 1/4" thick but very lightweight. I believe the name of the material was perspex. I've worked at a number of radiostations that had these copy holders sitting on top of the consoles, thus protecting all them controls from dust getting in. Due to the see-through aspect of things, you could see in an instant whether any adjustment of for instance the EQ section was neccesary. It provided a clean environment and they weren't all that expensive. I think you could just give the required dimensions, and the covers were then cut to order by a laserplotter or whatever that machine was called...

I'm flying to The Netherlands in a couple of days, and I'll try if I can talk to someone who'll know where to find this business.

georgethetech · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject:

Yep, that's exactly what I am going for.
I've found a few plastic fabricators around Los Angeles to try.
My first estimate was $115, which I think is high, but then it is a one-off.
I bet I can find ways to reduce manufacturing costs, just need to meet with the craftsperson and go over the design.
I will keep this thread updated with the developments!
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

georgethetech · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 11:18 pm Post subject:

I finally got a finished product made.
Let me know what you think!
Here's a photo. Taking orders HERE.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

todd ellis · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 7:09 am Post subject:

that's pretty slick, george. and MAN is that mixer clean!!!
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Looks great, but how is that thing going to fit my 32 channel Wheatstone?
What is that? A Mattel Easy-Record Mixer? Sarcastic

Ingenious rig!
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www.asapaudio.com

georgethetech · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 6:34 pm Post subject:

You give me the measurements, we'll get it made!
Of course, if you have that console, then chances are you have someone maintaining it full time, keeping it clean, and there aren't children around messing with the buttons!
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Gregory Best · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

George, If you go that way be sure to have the upright portion (where the copy rests) adjustable to several different viewing angles. I have used a simple flippable clipboard that adjusts as such a stand for other uses more like a typing stand. Having it adjustbale acommodates different viewing angles and lets you get it down so it is not in the way of montiors to see the screen.
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Gregory Best

greg@gregorybest.com