Waveform Magazine Meow Mixer - DIY Build
Every quarter we receive a new issue of our favorite magazine… Waveform. In this issue (Summer 2021 – Issue 6), a small 2HP module called the “Meow Mixer” was featured alongside a new modular case kit (aka. The Mewsic Box) as the featured project. The Meow Mixer is a 3-channel powered Eurorack module that has 3 inputs with attenuation, and 1 summed main output with an output volume control.
As with every DIY project that Waveform Magazine releases, the Meow Mixer was unique in that it could be used in conjunction with other DIY projects that Waveform released. This sounds confusing we know … but stick with us on this build and we will explain everything in detail. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the build of the Waveform Magazine Meow Mixer!
Meow Mixer - The Kit
To start things off, let us just say that the 2HP Meow Mixer is a really simple build. This is partially due to the fact that all of the small things or SMD components have already been placed. The kit only consists of jacks, panel, PCB, pots, a power header and a cool sticker. This kit can also be assembled in less than half an hour.
Note: when working with a pre-soldered SMD components, do not leave your iron on the PCB that long while soldering the hole through parts.
This can overheat the board and release the SMD parts that were tacked down previous. Be quick, be nibble…
The Power Header...
Take the 10-pin shrouded header and place it on a table in front of you with the gap in the plastic facing you. Starting from the left of the header, you will see 5 rows of 2 pins. We will call these rows, 1, 2, 3, etc. Grab a small pair of pliers (needle nose work great), and begin to pull pins out of rows 3 and 4.
Double check to make sure gap in the component is still facing you. Once you pull the row 3 and 4 pins, you should only have rows 1, 2 and 5 left.
Waveform Magazine Meow Mixer - DIY Build
Carefully, place the header onto the PCB making sure that the remaining pins line up to the matching holes. The silkscreen on the PCB shows which way the header is mounted and it is very important that you get this correct.
Leave about a 1mm gap between the PCB and the bottom of the header and tack everything down. Time to move on…
Note: DO NOT PUSH THE POWER HEADER FLUSH TO THE PCB.
Turn, turn, turn …
Next up, it is time for the potentiometers! Flip the PCB over and start with the 2nd pot from the top. This pot is going to sit right on the opposite side of the power header you just tacked down. Carefully, solder the 3 pins on the top of the PCB where the potentiometer connects. Start with the middle leg and then do each of the outer legs.
Be careful not to flow any solder into the shrouded header leads that were protruding through. Finally, solder the side tabs with a good dab of solder. This will help stabilize the potentiometers to the board and keep everything where it needs to be.
Note: Watch out for the plastic on the shrouded header; it will melt if you get your iron too close!
Once you have completed the first potentiometer, take your time and line up the other two. These can be tacked down from the top like you did the first one, or you can flip the board over and solder everything into place from there.
Waveform Magazine Meow Mixer Build Gallery
Jacks and panel placement…
The jacks are quick and easy and they are the last step in the build process. Start by taking the nut off the top of the jack and set them aside. Place all of the jacks in their relative positions and flip the PCB over to tack things down. The last thing to do is to line up the panel and tighten down the nuts onto the jacks. Once this has been completed, the module is done… time to pat yourself on the back and enjoy a cold one.
Meow Mixer Final Thoughts...
Waveform Magazine always comes through with their DIY projects; the Meow Mixer is no exception. Aesthetically speaking, the module matches its peers in the previous Catwalk series and it can also be mounted on the inside/rear of the Mewsic Box case.
This is one of the cool things about the Meow Mixer (0 HP anyone?). If you choose to mount the Meow Mixer in your rack, it only takes up 2HP and draws very little to almost no power. With regard to need, who doesn’t need another mixer module? Being that this one is attenuated and has a main volume control output on it, it’s easy to see why everyone should have this little mixer in their rack.
If you have questions about the build process or suggestions/feedback about this article, feel free to let us know by contacting us We look forward to hearing from you!
Until the next build …
