Music Machine for Andi
The most complex Arcade Machine I have ever built
Client
Andi
Project Duration
8 months
How the project started…
The idea behind this project was to create a super-luxurious arcade machine AND music machine!
Andi had some great ideas for the audio setup: a Teufel sound system, complete with a soundbar and an absolutely crazy subwoofer.
Although he only wanted a two-player control panel, he asked me to fill the remaining space with 10-inch screens.
This project gave me plenty of opportunities to experiment, develop new ideas, and design things I'd never built before. And that's exactly the kind of challenge I love.
The Tricky parts…
The tricky part was that this huge and extremely heavy cabinet needed to be split into separate sections so the movers could carry it up the stairs. Easier said than done!
I designed an improved version of my previous construction, and this time both sections fitted together perfectly on the very first try!
Another interesting request from Andi was an electronically operated GLASS drawer that would slide out to reveal the light guns inside. Definitely something I'd never built before!
Plenty of new challenges to sink my teeth into! :)
Building the cabinet…
Once the initial design was finished in Autodesk Fusion 360, my CNC partner cut all the panels. This build required considerably more material than any of my previous projects!
Then came the rough build: cutting all the mitres, routing the T-molding grooves, and assembling the panels.
For this cabinet, I used high-end birch plywood with a beautiful, furniture-grade white finish. It was the perfect material for the luxurious look we were going for.
As for the glass drawer, I decided to leave that part to the experts and had it custom-made by a professional aquarium builder in my area. :)
The end result…
Slowly but surely, the arcade started taking shape! I added some greenery and installed electronically operated doors that open to reveal the controllers inside.
The combination of modern white finishes and lots of RGB lighting effects really worked on this cabinet. It gave the whole machine a luxurious, futuristic look!
What I particularly love is that you barely notice any of the complexity behind it all. The arcade powers up with a fully programmed show, complete with synchronized audio and lighting effects. Buttons operate the motorized doors and drawers, all powered by stepper motors and linear guides.
And the sound system? Absolutely AMAZING! :)
The finished arcade cabinet now has a prominent spot in Andi's man cave, exactly where it belongs!
