DIY Mic Pre Kits, Lunchbox Mic Preamp Kits, Power Supply Kits

i have just finished my first PCB, and im pretty proud of myself.

one thing i noticed was the IC chips didnt go in nearly as easily as i wanted, the legs didnt align and had to be bent slightly. when doing this one bent right in on the op amp and i folded it back out, no damage it seems.

what are the chances of the chips surviving this? should i be ok>?

Congrats on the build! Have you tested it?

Re: chips. Should be okay. There is like a 1 or 2mm spacing between the IC chip body itself and the IC socket.

The IC legs are splayed out a bit (which is normal) and just need a slight bending for the pins to into the IC socket holes. This again, is all normal. This helps make good contact.

thanks! took me 5 hours

i have yet to test it as i haven't built the power supply yet, but i will begin that tomorrow.

re the IC chips, thats good to know. i tried my best to keep my fingers off of the metal connectors but there was contact, hopefully nothing to drastic though.

this has whetted my appetite for electronics

well ive finished soldering all the parts! 2 pres and the power supply are done, waiting to visit my friend tomorrow to hookup the wires.

i am excited but also terrified how i'll trouble shoot if it doesnt work, especially since i had to touch the metal on the ic chips etc

Let us know how it goes. Assuming no cold joints solder, no shorts, and giving it the right 18-0-18 power, it's easy to troubleshoot the preamp.