BeePre2 Tape Output Update Question

[bladerunner80]

A while back I asked for tips on adding a tape output to my BeePre2 to run into a headphone amp for a line-level signal and Paul suggested adding an additional set of output jacks using the balanced input transformer holes next to the input jacks and tap the output tabs on the selector switch for the signal.

https://forums.bottlehead.com/threads/using-crack-with-beepre2-how-to-wire-tape-output.15638/

Fast forward about six months and I finally assembled my BeePre2 kit (sounds amazing BTW). I recently saw a post on adding XLR inputs to the amp which peaked my interest and I now have all the parts to do it – which brings me to my question:

Since I can no longer use the input transformer holes and I really don't want to drill additional holes, can I modify the original RCA output jacks (which I am not using) to be a tape-out and if so, how should I do this? I have done both the BeeQuiet and Balanced Output upgrades. With the balanced output upgrade – the XLR output jacks pull their signal from the RCA outs, but there is a 475KΩ ⅛W resistor in between both of the 65L and 62L tabs, each RCA jack ground tab and pin 3 of each output XLR jacks.

To work around this, can I attach the black (ground) leads that go into the existing ground tab of each RCA jack directly to terminals 65L and 62L, then add an additional ground lead that runs from 65L and 62L into pin 3 of each XLR output jack, then attach the red and white wires from the RCA output jacks directly to pin 2 of each XLR output jack and remove the red and white bridge wires from the center pin of the RCA output jacks to pin 2 of each XLR jack? Then I could connect two sets of wires from the selector switch (A,B, C and D) to the now open RCA output jacks (per Paul’s original suggestion).

Thoughts?

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Much, much easier to add a little metal plate beneath the balanced input jacks and just mount the input transformers to that.

I attached a DXF and FPD file that are orderable to make this happen. The file is 2.5"x2.25" (some fab shops may get confused about mm vs. inches). Order yourself four #4 standoffs and screw them onto the screws that hold the XLR jacks you mount, then screw this down on top of that.

 

[bladerunner80]

Much, much easier to add a little metal plate beneath the balanced input jacks and just mount the input transformers to that.

I attached a DXF and FPD file that are orderable to make this happen. The file is 2.5"x2.25" (some fab shops may get confused about mm vs. inches). Order yourself four #4 standoffs and screw them onto the screws that hold the XLR jacks you mount, then screw this down on top of that.

Cool - thanks Paul. Quick question, does it have to be metal? I'm wondering if I could just 3D print the panel.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

For the sake of strength in general and having the metal transformer case solidly earthed, I would just order the metal panel.

 

[bladerunner80]

Sounds good, thanks!