The Sherlock: A Level-Loc clone for $69

[toothpastefordinner]

Hi everyone...

First of all, I don't want you to all think this is spam, but I thought I'd offer this here since I know I have talked with some people here about the Level-Loc before, and have gotten some positive comments and encouragement as I've moved through the various stages of this project. It's gone from "I want to clone it so I can get the money back I dropped on my own level-loc" to "Well, I'll make some for my friends", to "Well, maybe some other people want one too if we like it so much, huh?"

Basically what it boils down to is: My pal Harry B. and I have designed a clone of the Level-Loc from the ground up, using modern components, high-quality mechanical parts (switches/jacks), and a few niceties not found on the original LL. The Sherlock has a phase switch- everyone uses their Level-Locs on room mics, right?- and also has a power switch on the front. It runs off a "wall wart" power adapter, instead of batteries. And best of all- it fits in a 1U rack case.

I've made a hundred kits of this and I'll break even when I sell almost a hundred of them, so unfortunately, there is not a lot of profit to be made here, but I finally feel like I am doing something that will help the studio gurus who have helped me out immensely, on this board and otherwise. Unfortunately, I don't have time to sell built-up units (yet!) so these are only available as kits.

Are you interested? check it out here:

www.drewtronics.com


And finally, thanks to everyone here on Tape Op who has encouraged me, directly or indirectly, to keep recording, keep building my own stuff, keep looking for weird sounds, and most of all to keep writing music.


drew

[joel hamilton]

Wow,
yours looks really cool.

I have a level loc, but yours looks cooler....

Neat idea! I love it when people make neat stuff like this. We dont need another frikkin opto compressor 1176 clone type of thing.

This looks great!

Congrats! I hope you sell a few!

[soundguy]

Ill get one of these once I get my console together and take a day off to shower and shave.

tis mono or stereo?

dave

[rhythm ranch]

Just ordered the kit. Thanks Drew, should be a fun project.

Shit, now I have to wait for it arrive...

*tapping foot*

*humming*

[AstroDan]

Awesome. These should sell well.

I've had and sold a couple of LL's. Always miss them, but refuse to pay what they go for now. It is insane.

[joel hamilton]

mono if it really is a clone...

[SlabOLab]

I just ordered one - hope this turns into a good thing for you guys! A dual channel unit would be cool... maybe I'll add another board later.

[cgarges]

Hey Drew,

Thanks for the credit!

It's on it's way, btw.

Hey guys, buy Drew's book, too. It's freaking hysterical.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[E-cue]

Anyone in LA wanna do a direct A/B to a real Level Loc? PM me.

[cgarges]

Anyone in LA wanna do a direct A/B to a real Level Loc? PM me.

I'm not in LA, but I'm working on this right now. Drew is sending me a prototype, which I can compare to a couple of actual Shure units. I'm planning on doing a review/comparison piece for the mag when I've had some time to put it through the ringer. Drew's been real cool about this and he's implemented a few of my suggestions, including the polarity reverse switch and the actual name of the unit.

I'm telling you, go to www.toothpastefordinner.com and buy his book. You'll laugh your ass off.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[inverseroom]

OK--I'll order one for sure. I'm sick of hearing all you guys raving about the little bastard! Plus, there's nothing I like better than an easy-to-assemble kit that involves soldering.

I will, of course, try it on snare drum and acoustic guitar. What mics do you recommend trying? 57? Overheads?

Drew, I want to buy your book too, but toothpastefordinner.com is missing!

[toothpastefordinner]

Hi!

Yes, Chris has been a huge help. Thank you chris! (Would you believe that I worked on this page last night and not only left out some stuff on it, but screwed up one of my other web pages too? Sheesh.)

The Sherlock is a mono unit, but you can fit two of them in one 1U rack case and they will share the power supply with no problem, since each board has filter caps, etc.

The instructions are a step-by-step manual. You MUST have some experience soldering to put this together, but you do not have to be able to read a schematic.

I am trying to write an FAQ for the site but it's hard to do that without knowing what the frequently asked questions are... so ask away, either here, or in email if this is not a good place to do so!


drew
www.toothpastefordinner.com

[joeysimms]

Good work Drew! Congratulations! I hope to order one in the near future, but for now I just bought your book.

[toothpastefordinner]

Also note: The "dual kit" is now available, which is a dual Sherlock board, and a double set of parts, and it is discounted $13 (inc. shipping) from the cost of buying two "full kits". If you have already bought a full kit and want two at once, please write. (drew AT drewtronics.com)


thanks,

drew
www.toothpastefordinner.com

[toothpastefordinner]

I just repaired toothpastefordinner.

As mentioned in the FAQ, I like my Oktava ML-52, and more recently my Beyer M260, with the Sherlock.


drew
www.toothpastefordinner.com