KiCAD PCB Design Tutorial | Cloudlifter CL-1 | Mic Activator Series Video 3

Let's build a PCB inspired by the Cloudlifter CL-1 microphone activator using the free open source software: KiCad. Whether or not you are interested in microphone preamps, this video serves as a great introduction to anyone looking to get started with PCB design using KiCad.
Note: I do not have any affiliation with Cloud Microphones, the manufacturer of the Cloudlifter CL-1. The content in this video is being provided for entertainment/educational purposes. Some links below are affiliate links.
Mic Activator Series (⭐ = you are here)
1. • Cloudlifter CL-1 Teard...
2. • KiCAD Circuit / Schema...
3. ⭐ • KiCAD PCB Design Tutor...
4. • Building a Custom Clou...
Cloudlifter CL-1 amzn.to/4a8zLQe
GitHub KiCad Project Files github.com/Mos...
Links
• KiCad: www.kicad.org
• Cascode Amplifier: en.m.wikipedia...
• LSK389 Datasheet: www.linearsyst...
Cloudlifter CL-1 Components / Values
Note: My analysis of these parts is a best effort, and not guaranteed to be correct. The provided links are what I THINK are good candidates for the actual parts used in a Cloudlifter CL-1.
• LSK389C JFETs: store.nacsemi....
• 1.8nF 1206 PEN Film Capacitor: www.mouser.com...
• 3K 1206 Thin Film Resistor: www.mouser.com...
• 33K 1206 Thin Film Resistors: www.mouser.com...
• 22Ohm 1206 Thin Film Resistors: www.mouser.com...
• 39Ohm 1206 Thin Film Resistor: www.mouser.com...
• Neutrik NC3MD-L-1 3-Pin XLR Male Connector: www.markertek....
• Neutrik NC3FD-L-1 3-Pin XLR Female Connector: www.markertek....
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[@Delorean29]

I draw according to your scheme, I make a circuit board in Easyeda which will be smaller than the XLR connector input on the back, I will have molex division 3.96 MM. 3 sticks! Circuit board 20.3 X 20.3 MM. small everything fits!

[@MostlyBuilds]

Hey cool!

[@Delorean29]

@@MostlyBuilds Can I use 1.8 NF 100V standard hole capacitors for 5 MM raster?

[@MostlyBuilds]

I’m not an expert expert. But I don’t see an issue with using a through hole part. I’d suggest still making sure it is a plastic film capacitor.

[@masonmag]

Wow i forgot how cheap the pricing for oshpark is. And at that low volume thats amazing.

[@MostlyBuilds]

Ha yeah it’s pretty amazing for a small board. I have another board that is a lot bigger for another project that is like $70 every time I rev the board. I usually get a stencil for it too. That one hurts 😩

[@scrummyvision]

is the idea behind putting the caps close to the jfets for noise purposes? this series of videos is incredible, thank you! i just designed and ordered my first PCB for a 3PDT footswitch daughterboard so i'm looking for potential new projects to try. my plan is a basic boost pedal circuit, and this might be the next! thanks!

[@MostlyBuilds]

Yup exactly. You generally want to put decoupling caps as close as possible to the IC. Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck with the projects!

[@kazuviking]

Nice work. The cloudlifter cl-1 is a massive scam compared how much the parts costs, 5$ in parts sold for 150$. The fethead is in the same boat. For easier gerber generation get the gerber to order plugin or fabrication toolkit, it creates gerbers in a single click.

[@MostlyBuilds]

Thanks! I agree that the $150 price tag is pretty steep. It’s kind of a niche device. They probably sell a decent amount but I don’t imagine it’s a ton. They manufacture in the US, so to make it worth their while I guess they settled on that price. I can kinda understand where they are coming from. $100 would be a better price point IMO. They are the most popular brand in the category. On the plus side, they do a really nice job with the parts and assembly. Just my opinion 😀 Thanks for the pointers on the plugins. I’ll check them out!

[@scrummyvision]

@@MostlyBuilds this and the SM7 are in the "youtuber/streamer" starter pack, i think they do sell a ton of them, and it is a scam lol. but now i'm inspired to make my own!