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[Dan Bobek]

I would like to document how our system is connected and the settings for each channel etc; are there any programs or processes you recommend for this? 

Have tried in photoshop but it takes a long time with a large number of components to include... 
Have also tried MS Visio because you can link lines and move components, but it still does not produce the professional result I would like...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Dan

[g'bye, Dick Rees]

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Dan

Dan...

 I recommend you comply with the Forum rules on using your real, full name.  Then we can deal with your questions.

[Tom Young]

I use Smartdraw for my own drawings and creating sketches, or marked-up photographs for clients. I also have AutoCAD, which is arguably the standard drawing software when working with architects and other disciplines.

Google makes Sketchup which is compatible with AutoCAD.

Stardraw allows you to create sexy looking drawings suited to showing the client. They are supported by some Pro Audio manufactures who provide drawing blocks.

Others will add to this, I'm sure.

[Ivan Beaver]

Back when I was doing system drawings I used Stardraw.

However if this is a "one shot" deal-I highly doubt it would be worth the cost-learning curve etc.

You could do some simple drawings using most anything.  Heck even a good hand drawing may be good enough and much better than nothing.

Unless you plan on doing a lot more of this type of drawing-I question whether it is worth the hassle.

[Steven Barnes]

What OS are you using?

On the mac side of things, I like Omni Graffle for quick shop drawings, for everything else it is AutoCAD.

On the windows side it is either star draw or AutoCAD. I believe star draw has a 30 day demo than is full function. If it is only a one time deal you can probably get away with that.

Lastly, you mentioned Photoshop, do you have illustrator as well? I have used illustrator for basic line drawings. Depending on how detailed you want to get with the blocks, you can get it done pretty quickly.

I have about 30min into the drawing attached this was done with Omni Graffle.

[Hal Bissinger/COMSYSTEC]

Back when I was doing system drawings I used Stardraw.

However if this is a "one shot" deal-I highly doubt it would be worth the cost-learning curve etc.

Yes, you can get Stardraw free for a 1 month evaluation. The learning curve isn't very steep (at least it wasn't for me  ) and you certainly should be able to come up with excellent schematics within that time frame. Pre-configured drawing blocks from many manufacturers save you time. I was even able to create rack drawings using pre-configured front panel illustrations. They had every manufacturer of everything in the rack. If I had the money and the need I would use Stardraw above anything else. I have no idea how you used Photoshop and AutoCAD is going to take a college degree .

-Hal

[Steve M Smith]

AutoCAD is going to take a college degree

I use AutoCAD every day - it doesn't!

I hear paper and pens still work well!


Steve.

[Craig Hauber]

I use AutoCAD every day - it doesn't!

I hear paper and pens still work well!


Steve.

It looks to be over $4000.00 though!  Is there a lesser version that does 2D diagram type work?

[Steven Barnes]

It looks to be over $4000.00 though!  Is there a lesser version that does 2D diagram type work?

If you do not need 3D capability, AutoCAD LT is a great alternative for both mac and PC. I have a license at the shop, they are on sale right now for $1000 per seat, $1200 regular price.

[Josh Millward]

I would like to document how our system is connected and the settings for each channel etc; are there any programs or processes you recommend for this? 

Have tried in photoshop but it takes a long time with a large number of components to include... 
Have also tried MS Visio because you can link lines and move components, but it still does not produce the professional result I would like...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Dan

I generally just use Visio because it is easy and it can look pretty good if you put in all the right details.

[ProSoundWeb Community]