Pedalboard for FM3

[TheUser]

Nux bumblebee small is almost exact dimensions as the FM3 (don’t attach the upper section). Great protection on the sides and bottom. But they only come with a gigbag, so you’ll have to find the hard case separately.

 

[MayPRS]

I narrowed down the choices to Temple Audio Duo 17 or Fender Professional Pedal Board S. Both have advantages and disadvantages - the thing I like on the Fender is that is haves two pre-drilled mounted panels to mount a XLR (ou other) terminals. The Temple is a fantastic unit but the modular stuff is expensive, specially the IEC panel. I would prefer, if possible, to avoid taking cables out and in the FM3, I fear the continuous movement on around 50+ concerts per year damage something...

 

[iaresee]

I'm telling ya: plywood is perfect here. You do the dual-lok mount thing and you've got room to route cables under the FM3 between the plywood as well.

 

[MayPRS]

I'm telling ya: plywood is perfect here. You do the dual-lok mount thing and you've got room to route cables under the FM3 between the plywood as well.

I thought of that - just a simple plain board with hardcase but what about the vent on the bottom? Does it have enough room to let the air flow?

 

[iaresee]

I thought of that - just a simple plain board with hardcase but what about the vent on the bottom? Does it have enough room to let the air flow?

If you do @Deadpool_25 's Dual-Lok trick, you've got plenty of room for air to flow between the FM3 and the plywood. The FM3 is plenty light enough that this works to hold it securely.

 

[MayPRS]

On this same subject a doubt: do you have always on XLR cables connected and have the FOH connect to pedalboard terminals/adapters or do you always connect the FOH cables directly to FM3? Thinking on long term terminals durability... also this affects price of the all set (pedalboard + mod/terminals... etc etc)...

 

[vangrieg]

Thinking on long term terminals durability

Those XLR connectors are very durable

The only reason why I could consider using pedalboard connectors is accidents like somebody pulling on the cable. Since the connectors have locks, I’m thinking that a strong pull might theoretically cause mechanical damage.

 

[iaresee]

On this same subject a doubt: do you have always on XLR cables connected and have the FOH connect to pedalboard terminals/adapters or do you always connect the FOH cables directly to FM3? Thinking on long term terminals durability... also this affects price of the all set (pedalboard + mod/terminals... etc etc)...

I just plug right into the XLRs on the FM3. Have for a very, very long time. They're solid.

 

[vangrieg]

I had bad experiences with gig bags, specially when flying.

Just my 2 cents - I use a NUX Bumblebee pedalboard which comes with a gig bag, but since the whole setup is small enough it easily fits in a standard carryon bag/case, where I use clothes to cushion everything. I did check it in once, too.

 

[Rumbletone]

Those XLR connectors are very durable

The only reason why I could consider using pedalboard connectors is accidents like somebody pulling on the cable. Since the connectors have locks, I’m thinking that a strong pull might theoretically cause mechanical damage.

In my experience the biggest risk is someone stomping on the cables where they connect - I’ve had it happen on several different rigs. A strong pull on a locking XLR or TRS is most likely to pull the whole board/device, though if the board/device is stuck and there is a strong enough pull mechanical damage to the plug or jack is certainly possible.

In either case - by using a separate feedthrough/jack, not only does it (likely) restrict the damage to the feedthrough/jack instead of the device - which makes is far more convenient and less expensive to fix in most cases - but the device is still intact and can be plugged into directly to finish the show.

 

[vangrieg]

my experience the biggest risk is someone stomping on the cables where they connect

But to protect from such an incident, it’s not enough to just connect the cables to the board, unless I misunderstand you.

This never happened to me, except I myself almost stepped on those cables at home once. So I decided those connectors deserve some protection

 

[Rumbletone]

But to protect from such an incident, it’s not enough to just connect the cables to the board, unless I misunderstand you.

This never happened to me, except I myself almost stepped on those cables at home once. So I decided those connectors deserve some protection

I use very low profile right angle connectors into the FM3 jacks, and I plan to add an extra protector on top (with similar protection to yours). Usually though mine is wedged between the legs of a mic stand so the rear isn’t as exposed, unlike the sides - which is where I plug in the XLRs and 1/4inch cables to FoH and monitors and the IEC for A/C.

I’ve had multipin connectors as well as traditional 1/4 inch connectors stomped on by bandmates, audience, or others on stage, breaking plugs, jacks, and/or enclosures and rendering them non-functional in some cases (in some cases I was able to finish the set even with it broken ..). So for me it’s definitely not a theoretical risk. That I am often playing punk or metal doesn’t help, as people running, jumping, and falling on stage is common . The musical theatre gigs are less high risk LOL.

 

[MayPRS]

If I were to mount on a Temple Duo, would this screws (M3.5X16) be OK?



My concern is the "pointed" tip, would it damage the FM3 in anyway? Can't find the flat locally...

 

[skolacki]

If I were to mount on a Temple Duo, would this screws (M3.5X16) be OK?

View attachment 164385

My concern is the "pointed" tip, would it damage the FM3 in anyway? Can't find the flat locally...

M3.5 are machine screws, a thread size. Your pic shows self tapping screws. 3.5 is a bit of an oddball size but a decent hardware store might have them. Or buy online.

 

[MayPRS]

M3.5 are machine screws, a thread size. Your pic shows self tapping screws. 3.5 is a bit of an oddball size but a decent hardware store might have them. Or buy online.

Right! I see now I was completely wrong about these. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Vito Porkleone]

Anyone using the same thought process for the EV-1? Do the screw holes line up on the Temple board like the FM3? Recommended screw size?

 

[MayPRS]

Still deciding between the Rockboard Quad 4.1 and the Temple Audio... the TA is cool but the mods are really expensive. I prefer having everything connected on the FM3 to prevent the regular connect/disconnect of 50+ gigs per year...

 

[Rumbletone]

Still deciding between the Rockboard Quad 4.1 and the Temple Audio... the TA is cool but the mods are really expensive. I prefer having everything connected on the FM3 to prevent the regular connect/disconnect of 50+ gigs per year...

There are cheaper alternatives to the TA mods. If you don't solder, you can make something with passthrough connectors so you're just plugging cables into each end of the passthrough. If you can solder, then you can make a passthrough box (or just a simple panel), drill it for the jacks you want (1/4 inch for TS/TRS are really easy, XLR require a much bigger hole but still doable with basic tools), and solder leads directly to the jacks.

Now that I think of it, it was building a simple 4x TRS junction box 15 years ago that ignited my DIY interest - once I could drill an aluminum enclosure and solder jacks, I realized I could build DIY pedals, which then led to building amps, as well as modding instruments and winding pickups. I don't build many pedals or amps since I got a Fractal modeller, but I still make all my own cables, snakes, etc., and my only regret is that I didn't start sooner!

 

[MayPRS]

There are cheaper alternatives to the TA mods. If you don't solder, you can make something with passthrough connectors so you're just plugging cables into each end of the passthrough. If you can solder, then you can make a passthrough box (or just a simple panel), drill it for the jacks you want (1/4 inch for TS/TRS are really easy, XLR require a much bigger hole but still doable with basic tools), and solder leads directly to the jacks.

Now that I think of it, it was building a simple 4x TRS junction box 15 years ago that ignited my DIY interest - once I could drill an aluminum enclosure and solder jacks, I realized I could build DIY pedals, which then led to building amps, as well as modding instruments and winding pickups. I don't build many pedals or amps since I got a Fractal modeller, but I still make all my own cables, snakes, etc., and my only regret is that I didn't start sooner!

Yes... using the MOD plate and Neutrik D-shaped XLR/USB connectors it's much less expensive.

 

[MayPRS]

I’ve got mine on a Rockboard 4.1 with a MOD 3. The 4.1 is a bit deeper and protects connections on the back of the FM3 whilst still being fairly compact. Any stumbling bass/keyboard players break connections on the MOD 3 not the FM3 There is room for an expression pedal to the side. I’ve mounted the XSW-D pedal receiver under the Rockboard and power it from the FASlink to keep cables running from the board to a minimum View attachment 163839

Do you carry in the Rockboard hardcase or gig-bag? I thought of getting the 4.1 with hardcase but I read somewhere that one haves to push hard to close the lid, meaning some pressure on the FM3 handles.