Our FABModules will come in a variety of standard sizes. They’re designed to minimize user-error when plugging the modules to each other by having the boards keyed, i.e. you can’t insert them  the wrong way.

Most FABs will have  the standard 2×5, 0.1″ pitch, Input and Output header connections. These connectors transfer all signal and voltages throughout your signal chain.

Some FABs will only have Output headers, or only Input headers… depending on the functionality.

For example, an XLR Input FAB Module will only have Output headers and no Input headers.  While an XLR Output FAB Module will only have an Input header, without an Output header.

In a few special cases, some FABs won’t have either the standard 2×5 Input or Output header. A few cases I can think of will be Switch modules, or Gain Selector modules.  In these special cases, there will be headers designed to connect these modules to other modules via jumper wires.

All FABModules connect to each other via standard 0.1″ pitch Male/Female headers.

INPUTS will be Female 2×5, 0.1″ pitch headers.

OUTPUTS will be Male 2×5, 0.1″ pitch headers.

The 2×5 Header pin outs are as follows. Note the location of the “notch”.  The headers will be inserted/soldered on the edge of the PCB with all ODD-Numbered Pins on the top copper side, and all EVEN-Numbered Pins on the bottom copper side. See diagram below.

Continue Reading…

This will be our FAB Naming Convention.

FAB1xxx 
All modules related to providing power to our FAB Modules.  This will include modules related to AC-to-DC power sources (line level, 110V or 220V AC operation), or DC-DC converters, voltage regulators both Linear and Switching, including isolated and non-isolated outputs.

FAB2xxx
All modules related to the Input Section. These will include XLR Female jacks, TRS jacks, Input Transformers, Balanced Line Receivers, Mic Input Modules, Returns, DI (High-Z) inputs, etc.

Continue Reading…

Welcome to our new website, FABModules.com —  brought to you by the same folks at FiveFish Audio!

What are FABModules?

FABModules (or FABs for short) are “FiveFish Audio Building Blocks.”  They are basically little electronic “widgets” that you can combine (like Lego blocks, or Erector sets)  in different ways to create your own audio signal processing unit.  Just like “Lego blocks”, they connect with one another easily, and lets you recreate proven designs (like preamps, equalizers, compressors, etc.) or build, invent or design-your-own thingamajig.

For example: Maybe you’ve dreamed of a preamp with parallel optical and VCA compressors, or  maybe you’re wondering what a preamp with a certain combination of Input Transformer, Amplifying unit and Output Transformer will sound like?

Or maybe you just want a simple gadget that will do one thing well or maybe you’re already racking or DIY’ing your own gear and just need a certain “module” to finish your project.

With FABModules, you can!

Continue Reading…