Designed and built custom niche hardware product for touring professionals
The DirectOut EXBOX.BLDS MADI redundancy switch is a powerful and robust solution for production environments with advanced reliability requirements.
Problem
The EXBOX.BLDS device lacks an easy and robust way to control input selection on device. Instead, we can use an onboard GPIO port to design and build a tour ready, practical accessory that offers EXBOX.BLDS users the ability to remotely monitor and control input selection.
Solution
The result is the EXBOX.CTRL. Aesthetically, I drew inspiration from the sleek appearance of the EXBOX.BLDS. The board was designed to minimize the device footprint and the unit is enclosed in a laser cut, black acrylic case. A translucent top glows green or red to indicate the current active input. A Cherry-MX mechanical key yields a solid and reliable switching experience, enhanced by proprietary onboard customized software that provides active debouncing.
The EXBOX.CTRL is the perfect EXBOX.BLDS add-on for redundancy-conscious production environments.
The product is actively in use with Def Leppard, Gwen Stefani, Cirque du Soleil, Shania Twain, St. Vincent, Sia, Roger Waters, and many others.
Design Evolution
Alpha version, using off the shelf components and enclosure
Laser cut MDF prototype enclosure
I knew the key to mass production and desired small footprint would be to design a custom PCB. This is an early PCB prototype.
Packaging
My two primary design goals for the packaging were simplicity and sustainability. The acrylic is made from recycled materials and 100% of the packaging is recyclable.
Other Live Touring Related Hardware Prototypes
Making use of PCB design and fabrication, laser cutting, 3D printing, Arduino, I’ve designed and built quite a few hardware prototypes for a variety of clients. Below is one example:
4x4 dual host customizable keypad for touring playback professionals