Colour 500-Series Palette mkII

Add three stages of real analog color to your setup in a single 500-series slot.

Revamped Controls. Dial in exactly the signal path you want with individual drive/trim knobs and bypass switches for each Colour. 21-position stepped controls make stereo matching and recall easy.

Still Radically Affordable. Despite featuring new controls, an upgraded signal path, and aluminum knobs (formerly a premium upgrade), the Palette mkII still comes in at an unbelievable price point.

Even DIY Friendlier. The Palette mkII is a painstakingly thought out and documented kit. Over the last few years, we've seen seen every possible snag a DIY project can hit, and built every way we can think of to prevent those snags into this kit.

Full Features List

• 3 Colour sockets. Colour modules are sold separately. Browse our ever-broadening Colour spectrum.
• Individual knobs and switches for each Colour
• Master output trim/boost control
• 21-position detented potentiometers for stereo matching and recall
• Anodized aluminum knobs (previously an upgrade, now stock!)
• Customize your signal chain by swapping Colours' positions
• Ultra-transparent signal path when Colours are bypassed
• Electronically balanced, line-level inputs and outputs
• RGB indicator LEDs automatically light up to the hue of the Colours installed
• Compatible with the 500-series format
• Kit includes every part need to complete the Palette

What the Pros are Saying

"The Colour system is a fascinating example of what can be done with analogue electronics, and produces some great textures. If you have a 500-series with space for another module or two, this is a no-brainer."

-Mike Hillier
MusicTech.net

"I can't say enough good things about Colour. This product embodies everything Tape Op is about. It's rooted in DIY; it sounds good; and it's inexpensive, novel, fun, and wide open for experimentation. Right on."

-Scott Evans
TapeOp Magazine #107

"...the whole concept and execution works brilliantly: DIYRE’s Colour platform is a great way to add a little analogue character to your setup, or to dip those first tentative toes into the world of DIY."

-Matt Houghton
Sound on Sound Magazine

Technical 

Signal Path

The balanced, line-level input signal is received via a THAT Corp. 1256 integrated circuit. From there, the signal passes through each Colour stage in series.

Each Colour stage includes a bypass switch and combined drive/trim control. The drive/trim control is a dual potentiometer that controls both a drive amplifier before the Colour and corresponding attenuator after the Colour. The result is that the Colour's intensity increases/decreases while the net gain remains the same.

The Colour stages are followed by a master output trim/boost control and bypass switch. Finally, the output signal is balanced via a THAT Corp. 1646 line driver IC.

Specifications

Resources

• • Colour Knowledge Base
  • Assembly Guide
  • Schematic (PDF)
  • Getting Started With DIY
  • Interactive Build Map