tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81266949353119928072024-03-19T06:17:31.165+00:00La Révolution DeuxMore Guitars, Stompboxes, Amplifiers and FX than you can shake a stick at.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-14880072036862025422017-03-05T21:46:00.001+00:002017-03-05T21:54:55.405+00:00Friedman - Brown Eye 100 BE-100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDPP3lXKKGA/WLyHKH1Y9MI/AAAAAAAACNs/KjJc1Bp2ERYdpuBHcvWUHKV2XUrVJm2_ACLcB/s1600/Friedman_BE-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDPP3lXKKGA/WLyHKH1Y9MI/AAAAAAAACNs/KjJc1Bp2ERYdpuBHcvWUHKV2XUrVJm2_ACLcB/s320/Friedman_BE-100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check this schematic out for the critically acclaimed (and very popular with big stage acts!) Friedman BE-100.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a fairly standard hot-rodded Marshall design with a few interesting twists - the "Sat" clipping control off the cathode follower and the FX loop design (which I believe is the MetroAmps loop design).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also check out the way the global negative feedback is applied - it's level changes depending on which impedance tap the amp is set to output to. This could be intentional OR it could be a layout error. I've checked this on a real BE-100 and it is actually wired like that!</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5sK_zjMCq8/WLyFTPCAVoI/AAAAAAAACNk/Rwc_ZK_X7aUNUiNLBZuFTmmAyLl1fDhSACLcB/s1600/BE100%252520-V2%252520REV1.5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5sK_zjMCq8/WLyFTPCAVoI/AAAAAAAACNk/Rwc_ZK_X7aUNUiNLBZuFTmmAyLl1fDhSACLcB/s400/BE100%252520-V2%252520REV1.5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-2179599173416846962016-01-15T20:40:00.000+00:002017-03-05T21:17:19.124+00:00DEADplate - "five to nine" - Practise and recording ampIf you're looking for a five to nine watt practise and recording amplifier - build this, it sounds great and only uses two valves!
It's got a special mosfet based phase splitter design which I've not seen anywhere before - so I'm claiming my design is unique :-)
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe height="400" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4ellDU1JmN1A1NFk/preview" width="500"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Build it and leave your comments below.
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-372187762334459432013-04-30T17:16:00.001+01:002013-04-30T17:18:54.236+01:00Trainwreck Amplifiers - Express - Liverpool - Rocket<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETmUjDGEA1o/UX_YOZjPtsI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/NgGpI7OqSFM/s1600/ken_fischer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETmUjDGEA1o/UX_YOZjPtsI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/NgGpI7OqSFM/s1600/ken_fischer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken Fischer with his Trainwreck amps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're interested in guitar amplifiers and haven't heard of Trainwreck amps then you must be stuck on a desert island. Known for their no frills design, great clean shimmer and screaming lead tones Trainwreck amplifiers were hand made in the 80s and through the 90s by the late Ken Fischer. He was one of the first "boutique" amplifier manufacturers to enter the market and many of his design philosophies, construction techniques and circuit designs are still around in the amplifier market today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oenK7YjNUgU/UX_gJVNVLYI/AAAAAAAAB1w/_cK2FDkVtPc/s1600/834_p36511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oenK7YjNUgU/UX_gJVNVLYI/AAAAAAAAB1w/_cK2FDkVtPc/s320/834_p36511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unbelievable collection of Trainwreck and Vox amplifiers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are three main Trainwreck designs;<br />
<ul>
<li> the "Express", a 50W screaming lead machine using 2 EL34 output valves to generate super compressed lead guitar tones.</li>
<li>the "Liverpool", a 30W combination of the Express preamp alongside a quad of EL84 output valves to create a slightly mellower version of the Express. Ken designed this one with single coil guitars in mind.</li>
<li>the "Rocket", a super fine tuned version of the VOX AC30 Top Boost.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Unfortunately Ken only managed to produce around 100 or so amplifiers before his health deteriorated to the point where he was unable to build - this makes original Trainwrecks rarer than hens teeth (or in fact rarer than original Lovepedal circuit designs ;).</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
Now, before we go any further and take a look at the actual circuits we should probably have a listen. Here's some demo videos of the Trainwreck amplifiers in action;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Y2_12Ler9B8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Y2_12Ler9B8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Y2_12Ler9B8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1HIbgtOJjbg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_lLcL13Z1FQ/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_lLcL13Z1FQ&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_lLcL13Z1FQ&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
So there they are, some pretty decent sounding amplifiers. But we want to know how to build them. There are literally thousands of forum posts and discussion on these amplifiers and a few kind owners of originals have taken pictures of their amps to allow others to attempt to clone there sound. Most of this information is stored on the great <a href="http://ampgarage.com/forum/">Tube Amp Garage Forum</a> (which also covers the much sought after Dumble amplifiers).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4PjNb8ExZE/UX_fdTOjNLI/AAAAAAAAB1o/1UOFoIihvbI/s1600/1989TrainwreckExpress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4PjNb8ExZE/UX_fdTOjNLI/AAAAAAAAB1o/1UOFoIihvbI/s320/1989TrainwreckExpress.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1989 Trainwreck Express</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ruldGW1JkU/UX_j7raMnUI/AAAAAAAAB2A/HE6jhX2gPGE/s1600/TrainWreck16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ruldGW1JkU/UX_j7raMnUI/AAAAAAAAB2A/HE6jhX2gPGE/s320/TrainWreck16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ingrid" Trainwreck Express</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt-LMhxjOQU/UX_j_NQ-vZI/AAAAAAAAB2I/IGS9wBxd9Nk/s1600/TrainWreck24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt-LMhxjOQU/UX_j_NQ-vZI/AAAAAAAAB2I/IGS9wBxd9Nk/s320/TrainWreck24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutshot of Ingrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Now, first up is the Trainwreck Rocket schematic;<br />
<br />
<iframe height="400" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4TXJudTBicWthREU/preview" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
The Trainwreck Liverpool Schematic;<br />
<br />
<iframe height="400" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4VXcwbF9WdG56M2s/preview" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
And finally the Trainwreck Express Schematic;<br />
<br />
<iframe height="400" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4enhuaGpDOG1LSHc/preview" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Notice the similarities between the Liverpool and the Express - same preamp circuit different power amp. Also notice how they use that third triode "cold biased" to get some real preamp clipping going in much the same way as the great Marshall JCM800 (2204) does. The Rocket, as you can see, is just the top boost Vox AC30 refined to a single channel.<br />
<br />
On their own the circuits are nothing spectacular; the key with these amplifiers is in their construction and tube selection (and transformer selection - the Express uses a custom build output transformer with a 6k6 primary and the Liverpool a, rather odd, 5k2 primary (usually quad el84 amps use an output transformer with a 4k primary winding)) - if you don't get these factors correct then you'll have an amp that sounds all right, but it won't sound like a Trainwreck. But how do you select tubes for Trainwrecks and tweak them to perfection? Well, it's back to reading all those forum posts and filtering out the truth from the myth and being prepared to lay out some serious cash on NOS tubes!<br />
<br />
Below are the links for a full BOM (Bill of Materials) and Layout files for each of the Trainwreck amps.<br />
<br />
For a full schematic, BOM and layout of the Express check out this Amp Garage topic; <a href="http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5691">http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5691</a><br />
<br />
For the Liverpool check out this topic; <a href="http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5677">http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5677</a><br />
<br />
And for the full Trainwreck Rocket documents have a look here; <a href="http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5684">http://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5684</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-37414927138823670712013-04-02T14:13:00.003+01:002013-04-02T14:13:49.431+01:00Vemuram - Jan Ray Overdrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWWGUnYxKDo/UVrRwXTcPgI/AAAAAAAAB0o/-cYLel2F0Zs/s1600/janray.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWWGUnYxKDo/UVrRwXTcPgI/AAAAAAAAB0o/-cYLel2F0Zs/s320/janray.png" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
So, if you've heard of the Japanese pedal company <a href="http://www.vemuram.com/janray-top.html">Vemuram</a> you've probably heard about this: <a href="http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=1228140">Vemuram Jan Ray = Timmy Clone</a>. It's an attractive pedal - nice brass enclosure, vintage looking knobs. Check it out in action here against the Timmy (yes, there are slight differences - the treble control has a different range and the OPAMP chip is different but the circuit structure is exactly the same.);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PQ9AskzcqHg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Now, the Timmy (the original which is made by Paul C and has been since 1997) has been cloned several times in the past by many different manufacturers. Off the top of my head there's the Danelectro Cool Cat Transparent Overdrive and the Lovepedal OD11.<br />
<br />
Well we have mmolteratx to thank for discovering this latest example of boutiquer cloning. He picked one up and gutted it before tracing it out and providing a schematic for us;<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cptK7MBJa6k/UVrT-gy2_oI/AAAAAAAAB0w/gOW4eSWLC5Y/s1600/8534611993_c0f1da0f93_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cptK7MBJa6k/UVrT-gy2_oI/AAAAAAAAB0w/gOW4eSWLC5Y/s320/8534611993_c0f1da0f93_b.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vemuram Jan Ray Guts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmT-qk5h8jg/UVrUAume-lI/AAAAAAAAB04/eHC8lODEQQ0/s1600/8534690519_fe8b6a5ce9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QmT-qk5h8jg/UVrUAume-lI/AAAAAAAAB04/eHC8lODEQQ0/s320/8534690519_fe8b6a5ce9_b.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vemuram Jan Ray Guts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here's the schematic he drew up;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdnteeLbY6E/UVrWxgpLOYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Hsk2E4zMULE/s1600/JanRay-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdnteeLbY6E/UVrWxgpLOYI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Hsk2E4zMULE/s320/JanRay-2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, it's a Timmy with a slightly altered treble control. Here's an explanation from mmolteratx;<br />
<br /><i>"No, it's entirely in the different treble control. The bass response is exactly the same, all the trimmer does is vary the effective value of R4, which sets the gain of the stage. The treble control on the Jan Ray lops off everything above 2.8kHz at -6dB/decade at max. The Timmy's control at minimum does the same, but at 10.6kHz. Just use the Timmy's control in a different range and you've got a Jan Ray."</i><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So, there you have it, nothing new and yet another clone. For more information, and a great layout from IVIark (of <a href="http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/">tagboardeffects.blogspot.com</a>) on the Vermuram Jan Ray Overdrive visit this; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=21934">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=21934</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-89039923725110393972013-03-28T12:45:00.000+00:002013-03-28T12:45:04.081+00:00Bearfoot / BJF - Baby Pink Booster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n78rn7NRXM/UVQ458UZ-rI/AAAAAAAAB0I/DUcEBCo25wc/s1600/52462701.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8n78rn7NRXM/UVQ458UZ-rI/AAAAAAAAB0I/DUcEBCo25wc/s320/52462701.png" width="197" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like collecting BJFe designs, I like their simplicity and the fact that they sound really good. Here's one of Bjorn's latest offerings - the Baby Pink Booster.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.bearfootfx.com/page38.html">Bearfoot FX</a> website;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #000005; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">+15 dbs of clean guitar friendly boost and a tasty buffer ... Deluxify your drives ! If you've seen the very expensive BJFe Honey Bee and Baby Blue and Emerald Green 'Deluxes' .... this is whats in there besides the drive circuit ---- the BPB is the buffer and the boost for those ---- so put the BPB at the end of your dirt section and 'Deluxe' them all. 8-18v for more headroom and clarity if needed"</span></i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW7_y4ZwHCc/UVQ484nBHWI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/itVF_PEaCnY/s1600/5452B10D-DE38-4F19-9B50-2C867E3D49E6-10459-000003609B6B3686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW7_y4ZwHCc/UVQ484nBHWI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/itVF_PEaCnY/s320/5452B10D-DE38-4F19-9B50-2C867E3D49E6-10459-000003609B6B3686.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutshot of the Bearfoot Baby Pink Booster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And, as usual, a YouTube clip of the offending pedal "in action" alongside some late 80s haircuts;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/_EPW4AbrAcE/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_EPW4AbrAcE&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/_EPW4AbrAcE&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
And here's the schematic provided by mmolteratx;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7gwbCd0JIQ/UVQ4-MbncfI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/MRvtys0oUbw/s1600/BBP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7gwbCd0JIQ/UVQ4-MbncfI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/MRvtys0oUbw/s320/BBP.png" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
There you go, a simple jfet setup that runs at unity gain without the boost pot wiper connected to ground and boosts when the effect is engaged. For most fun - run this thing from 18 volts for extra gain and fun. You'll need to select the jfet as to get it biased correctly, go for one that gives you around 4.5v on the drain (or just one you like the sound of).<br />
<br />
For more info and a few vero layouts check out this thread at freestompboxes.org; http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=22020Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-73409968328421650072012-07-23T11:42:00.002+01:002012-07-23T11:42:11.650+01:00Wampler - Ecstasy / Euphoria Overdrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8A68ysuKBE/UAlBV-6cHxI/AAAAAAAABx8/wYdTk-WaK8o/s1600/28-wampler-660-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8A68ysuKBE/UAlBV-6cHxI/AAAAAAAABx8/wYdTk-WaK8o/s320/28-wampler-660-80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Wampler Ecstasy has recently been renamed the "Euphoria", for what reasons I'm unsure but it could be to do with a few not-so-positive forum topics popping up on google when you search for Wampler Ecstasy! I thought I'd already covered this one but a quick trip over to IVIark's <a href="http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/">tagboardeffects.blogspot.com</a> reminded me that I haven't! The general circuit topology has been known for a while after Brian Wampler kindly got stuck in and posted a few hints over at the freestompboxes.org forum;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i>"Here's the thinking along the design of the ecstasy. The idea was to boost the bass to fuzz up the bottom end a bit, yet retain soft clipping. So there's a pot to a big cap (nfb to ground), variable low pass filter as a tone control, simple gain boost opamp stage after this. [The] switch adds in diodes to 4.5v ref (IIRC!), soft clipping only, or no diodes which is all opamp clipping. Simple design, but works and sounds great."</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx7Iv6padHk/UAlBkQvVFjI/AAAAAAAAByE/Eclenqbqhkw/s1600/wamplerecstasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx7Iv6padHk/UAlBkQvVFjI/AAAAAAAAByE/Eclenqbqhkw/s320/wamplerecstasy.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutshot of the Wampler Ecstasy Overdrive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So let's have a read of the description of the Ecstasy / Euphoria from the <a href="http://www.wamplerpedals.com/overdrive-distortion/euphoria.html">Wampler</a> website;<br />
<br />
<i>"When Brian created the circuit that would eventually become the Euphoria, he was working on creating a pedal that would go from clean tones to distorted tones while adding a bit of warmth. He wanted something for himself that would be dynamic, have a great sounding “gritty” tone to it yet be able to respond to the volume knob like a tube amp. Everything about Brian is in the dynamics of sound and if a pedal can't work with him dynamically, then he just can't use it.</i><div>
<i><br />The Euphoria is his take on that elusive tone and feel made famous by Dumble Amplifiers - smooth creaminess yet crunchy when you need it to be, yet the tonality is much more transparent than other “dumble sounding" pedals. Very responsive tone controls that interact with the pedal - they don't just “color” the sound. The controls actually affect the response and feel of the pedal, just like a great tube amp.<br /><br />If you love the sound of your clean tone, and just wish you could have more “hair” on the note... a little bit of grit without any change in tonality, the Euphoria will do that with ease. PLUS it's extremely flexible... with the toggle switch in the down position you'll get a hint of fuzz along with the overdrive, it's reminiscent of the tones that "Eric Johnson" may use. With the toggle in the up position the tonality is super smooth, creamy yet crunchy when you dig into the strings. <br /><br />This is reminiscent to the famous “Dumble” tone, though it's really much, much more than that. In the center position, the toggle will give you tons of crunch, or roll the gain back a bit and push the volume up and you have a superior clean boost with a 2 band EQ that's extremely transparent, but variable so you can actually turn it into an awesome treble booster just by cranking up the treble and turning the bass down."</i><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Here's a ProGuitarShop demo video of the Ecstasy / Euphoria in action;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Lw1IdFSPDg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now we've heard it lets see the reversed schematic;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQJAmOvot_Y/UA0osWj9OtI/AAAAAAAAByQ/UOFTMmGWINc/s1600/wamp_Ecstasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQJAmOvot_Y/UA0osWj9OtI/AAAAAAAAByQ/UOFTMmGWINc/s320/wamp_Ecstasy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Note that the schematic is a screen grab from modelling software - you don't need the three seperate voltage dividers which provide 4.5v, a single voltage divider will do with all of the points that need connecting to 4.5v pointed there. the 12.5k/12.5k resistors in the filter at the rear of the circuit are in fact a 25k pot with it's middle lug connected to the 22nF cap. The opamp (as seen in the gutshot above) is a JRC4580D.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So looking at the circuit layout it's pretty simple - tubescreamer/voodoo labs overdrive hybrid with a treble roll off control. The switching goes between soft/none/hard clipping options and the bass control is the same bass control as is seen on PaulC's Timmy Overdrive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a vero layout check out tagboardeffects.blogspot.com; <a href="http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/wampler-ecstasy.html">http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/wampler-ecstasy.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more info here's the freestompboxes.org forum topic; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13611&hilit=wampler+ecstasy">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13611&hilit=wampler+ecstasy</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-16377607330146865212012-07-14T00:26:00.000+01:002012-07-14T00:26:07.052+01:00Catalinbread - CB30 Overdrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UQf84fY6Ns/UACZ7HCgJKI/AAAAAAAABxk/w8IKgtnNUfw/s1600/cb30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UQf84fY6Ns/UACZ7HCgJKI/AAAAAAAABxk/w8IKgtnNUfw/s320/cb30.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So, on the topic of "Voxy" sounding boxes here's another - the Catalinbread CB30. Most of you who read this blog regulary will know that I do like Catalinbread pedals; they always sound good and their aesthetic appeal and build quality is top notch. Unsurprisingly the CB30 is no different.<br /><br /><div>
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.catalinbread.com/CB30">Catalinbread</a> website;<div>
<br /><i>"The CB30 is designed to give you jangly, dynamic, responsive overdriven tones, just like it's British 30 watt counterpart. The tone controls work exactly the same way as the actual amp, where the more the treble and bass increase, the more scooped the mids become, making it capable of being quite hollow and jangly. The CB30 can be dialed in for that immediate attack, compressed mid range honk, finished by the shimmery high end jangle, an elusive sound for many players. Like all the foundation pedals in our line it sounds excellent on its own, or when stacked with other pedals (no really, just wait until you put a treble boost in front!)<br /><br />As owners of the real deal know, the amp has an amazing touch sensitivity, with the ability to go from clear and chimey, to that unique overdrive character with just your picking dynamics. The CB30 has the same response, and cleans up extremely well with your guitar's volume control. The CB30 is true bypass, and comes in a rugged silkscreened case, has black aluminum knobs that feel great, and are easy to see on stage. If you're looking for an expressive, chimey overdrive, we think you'll enjoy the CB30 for years to come."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a demo video of the Catalinbread CB30 in action;</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpwPFOr1dyo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a schematic from mmolteratx;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_9k7pjqCTA/UACqV1nQD8I/AAAAAAAABxw/y3HbIHKovT8/s1600/CB30schem.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_9k7pjqCTA/UACqV1nQD8I/AAAAAAAABxw/y3HbIHKovT8/s320/CB30schem.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's similar in structure to the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret and Formula No 5; a dual mu-amp design with a tonestack taken from the amplifier family it's looking to emulate. There are a few interesting little additions to this circuit though - C6 & R2 form a gain lowering feedback arrangement for higher frequencies and the 470pF C7 really restricts low end signal from exiting that first mu-amp stage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some people have complained that the CB30 lacks a little gain, I'm not sure it does but here are a few mods and suggestions which will allow you to pump up the available gain without removing too much of that Vox character;</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Reduce the value of R1 (maybe 10k),</li>
<li>Increase the value of C4 (47n or higher),</li>
<li>Increase the value of C7 (1n-10n),</li>
<li>Remove R7 or just reduce it's value,</li>
<li>Make Q5 a jfet gain stage instead of just a buffering stage.</li>
</ul>
<div>
NOTE - these modifications will alter the frequency response of the pedal somewhat, it's about tweaking it to your taste while attempting to retain that Vox character!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another favourite modification I like to use with mu-amp type circuits is an increase in supply voltage, it nearly always has a positive impact on the tone of the circuit. Pumping up the voltage from 9 to 18v opens up more dynamic headroom and pushes the gain up just a touch. Even though when playing mu-amp circuits at 9v they feel like an amplifier the higher you go with the voltage the more convincing they get. Push the voltage up to a limit of 25v as that is the limit for 2N5457 jfet type devices, any more voltage than that and you'll cook 'em!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the freestompboxes.org forum topic for reference; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13691">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13691</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-32744744953832777752012-07-13T22:33:00.002+01:002012-07-13T22:33:37.196+01:00HipKitty - Oxblood Distortion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j35x0Chy_qE/UACOAIWA-OI/AAAAAAAABw4/5rR3pPMLpUk/s1600/oxblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j35x0Chy_qE/UACOAIWA-OI/AAAAAAAABw4/5rR3pPMLpUk/s320/oxblood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've not covered many Vox sounding pedals on the blog so I thought I'd stick one up - the HipKitty Oxblood Distortion. It's supposed to be able to turn your huge full stack into a little boxy Vox AC15! Right-o..<br />
<br />
Here's the description from the <a href="http://hipkittyproducts.com/pb/wp_c4fed516/wp_c4fed516.html">HipKitty website</a>;<br />
<br />
<i>"The Oxblood Distortion was designed to emulate the tone and response of an old Vox AC15 with added gain at the input stage. Unlike other Vox-like pedals which emulate the tone and response of the Vox AC30, only the Oxblood Distortion emulates a boosted AC15. <br /><br />Unique to the Oxblood Distortion is it's ability to make a "large" amp sound "small" and in hyper-drive with the tone of the AC15. <br /><br />Also unique to the Oxblood Distortion is it's controlled output. While other distortion pedals use greater than unity gain at output to alter the user's amplifier input stages, the Oxblood Distortion does not. This keeps the true tone and response of the effect intact throughout the initial preamp stage of the amplifier in use."</i><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And a demo video of the Oxblood Distortion in action;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Yy9Mw4nFuA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is quite an interesting tone - very boxy, it really does seem to make an amp sound smaller! Here's the schematic, it's yet another one of WhiteKeyHole's;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Q_0nCfe90/UACPZWu0_YI/AAAAAAAABxA/oxO1U_jrS7k/s1600/hipkittyoxbloodscheme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Q_0nCfe90/UACPZWu0_YI/AAAAAAAABxA/oxO1U_jrS7k/s320/hipkittyoxbloodscheme.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
So, it's not a complex circuit - broken down it's a buffered silicon fuzz face with a treble cut control. The first transistor stage is a simple emitter follower, the second and third transistor stages make up the fuzz face with the treble cut control tacked on the end - that's it! The 10k trim pot is used to bias the fuzz face correctly, you can use it to dial in the sort of overdrive you're looking for - anything from around 4v to 7v on the collector of Q3 sounds decent. So why does it make the amp sound small? It's due to those small coupling capacitors - they cut the bass content down and really accentuate the middle and treble frequencies this gives that "boxy" tone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you want to build one up here's a vero layout for you;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxyUSViB4xc/UACScvv-qAI/AAAAAAAABxM/tIWJeU8K5IA/s1600/Oxblood.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxyUSViB4xc/UACScvv-qAI/AAAAAAAABxM/tIWJeU8K5IA/s320/Oxblood.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally here's the freestompboxes.org forum topic for reference; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4270">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4270</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-64349555384192333632012-07-10T22:49:00.001+01:002012-07-11T13:10:02.727+01:00Blackout Effectors - Mantra Overdrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-PP5o71g3I/T_xNUyHewqI/AAAAAAAABvU/yxljgi2NAL4/s1600/mantra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-PP5o71g3I/T_xNUyHewqI/AAAAAAAABvU/yxljgi2NAL4/s320/mantra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More interesting stuff from Blackout Effectors now - the Mantra Overdrive. There's been some hype around this one *and* it comes in a gold enclosure! It doesn't get any better than that :-D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the description of the Mantra Overdrive from the <a href="http://www.blackouteffectors.com/?page_id=319">Blackout Effectors</a> website;</div>
<br />
<i>"Equally capable of invoking the sacred sounds of a classically refined overdrive AND summoning wickedly raunchy drive, with more crunch on tap than the overdrive moniker usually entails. With such a wide palette of tones and character the MANTRA will feel just as at home at the feet of the stalwart blues crowd as it will the quintessential rock & roll protagonists.<br /><br />The MANTRA utilizes amp-like circuit architecture, with multiple cascaded MOSFET and JFET gain stages to insure the most natural, touch-sensitive overdrive conditions possible and a seemingly endless range of clean-up with your guitar's volume knob. We burned a lot of midnight oil to make sure that the MANTRA could get down with vintage-type, low output single coils and hot humbucker pickups alike. From gently fingerpicked melodic phrases to bludgeoning riffs that you'll want to play over and over and over..."</i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With a ProGuitarShop demo video for you;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-bsYiG53Pg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sounds pretty sweet and does have a real range of gain available, it's nice and dynamic too - this'll be due to those multiple gain/clipping stages it employs! I always like my "amp like" overdrives (i.e. overdrive circuits that take inspiration from the structure of amplifier pre-amps) to have more tone controls than a simple "treble cut" - I don't think a treble cut gives enough of a convincing EQ curve - the use of the baxandall style tonestack works well though; a plus for the Mantra!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYC_DWZO8BI/T_xQdGnLynI/AAAAAAAABwM/illQ4eXpcMo/s1600/P6230012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYC_DWZO8BI/T_xQdGnLynI/AAAAAAAABwM/illQ4eXpcMo/s320/P6230012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gutshot of the Blackout Mantra - super clean wiring and construction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again the freestompboxes lot had a peek inside a Mantra overdrive and managed to work something up. The thanks for the majority of work on this one go to KindaFuzzy and RnFR (the tracing was KindaFuzzy and schematic and PCB files are RnFR's);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu9QXQTAnYI/T_xPKjuFDTI/AAAAAAAABv0/rF7feNb2jAI/s1600/MANTRASCH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu9QXQTAnYI/T_xPKjuFDTI/AAAAAAAABv0/rF7feNb2jAI/s320/MANTRASCH.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The circuit structure is slightly more interesting than the standard "Tubes 2 Jfets" topology and shows how mosfets and jfet can be combined to really create an interesting and convincing overdrive clipping structure. The J201 always sounded a little dark to me but with the source resistor set higher as it is in the Mantra (10k) it seems to brighten up a little and not roll off so many highs. It would be interesting to have an option to run either the mosfet section or the jfet section independently for some cool lower gain tones - there's an idea for you modders out there :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ7LVBuJaXQ/T_xPO0mbi6I/AAAAAAAABv8/1lcp3mcWS6k/s1600/mantrapcb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ7LVBuJaXQ/T_xPO0mbi6I/AAAAAAAABv8/1lcp3mcWS6k/s200/mantrapcb.png" width="145" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGad70bc4JY/T_xPRp_vjqI/AAAAAAAABwE/wCrYVC-VpIE/s1600/mantralyt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGad70bc4JY/T_xPRp_vjqI/AAAAAAAABwE/wCrYVC-VpIE/s200/mantralyt.png" width="145" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the freestompboxes.org forum topic for reference; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14562">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14562</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-35078818153405165392012-07-10T18:37:00.002+01:002012-07-10T22:23:58.810+01:00Blackout Effectors - Twosome Dual Fuzz, Fix'd Fuzz & Musket Fuzz<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8-U83lX3c0/T_xN1B1L5kI/AAAAAAAABvc/zm-FfzxwcV0/s1600/4841049917_f89cec4e0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8-U83lX3c0/T_xN1B1L5kI/AAAAAAAABvc/zm-FfzxwcV0/s320/4841049917_f89cec4e0f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blackout Effectors Twosome playing a bit of Table Football</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blackout Effectors make some really cool looking and sounding boxes. With their introduction into the ProGuitarShop product line I decided to take a look at a few of the nifty fuzz boxes they offer, in particular the Twosome Dual Fuzz and the two circuits which make up the Twosome - the Fix'd Fuzz and the Musket Fuzz.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before we get started looking at schematics let's check out how the Twosome sounds;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/FrSaz_i7fE8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FrSaz_i7fE8&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FrSaz_i7fE8&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pretty cool. The sheer number of combinations available with the Fix'd make it one hell of an effect that you could play with for hours and still not find all the tones the Twosome is capable of producing (the red eyes of the owl and rabbit just make it extra special). The one criticism I would have is that you can only run one of the circuits at a time and not run the effects into one another and "stack" them up for even more versatility (although there is a special edition available which does enable you to run both circuits at once).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the description of the Twosome from the <a href="http://www.blackouteffectors.com/?page_id=499">Blackout Effectors</a> site;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i>"The Twosome is a meaty fuzz sandwich made up of the Musket Fuzz pedal and the deluxe version of the Fix'd Fuzz pedal. Both circuits run independently in an A/B configuration allowing you to dial in your perfect fuzz or overdrive tone on each and then switch back and forth between them. You won't find more dirt under one roof - unless you live in a mud hut."</i><br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXMbP3B7HyY/T_xQ8BDsl2I/AAAAAAAABwU/Q9J46OFf1ds/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXMbP3B7HyY/T_xQ8BDsl2I/AAAAAAAABwU/Q9J46OFf1ds/s320/IMG_2713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a gutshot from an early twosome pedal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, we're going to need schematic's for both the Fix'd Fuzz and Musket to build one up. Never fear - both schematics are here! First up the Fix'd fuzz, I love the ant graphics;</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO5IZcLhWnY/T_xORTps7aI/AAAAAAAABvk/NfcAC4l_vs4/s1600/4840641085_48729be510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO5IZcLhWnY/T_xORTps7aI/AAAAAAAABvk/NfcAC4l_vs4/s320/4840641085_48729be510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the description of the Fix'd Fuzz from the <a href="http://www.blackouteffectors.com/?page_id=481">Blackout website</a>;</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i>"The FIX'D FUZZ V3 is the hydra-headed dragon of handmade fuzzboxes/boosts/overdrives. Replete with two polar-opposite fuzz tones, a full-bodied boost through light overdrive and a (wide) tone sculpting stage. It delivers BIG diversity in sound - all in a SMALL footprint package designed specifically for the cramped pedalboard. All 4 stages of the circuit are bypassable via their respective toggles, meaning you can add/remove from the stack as your black heart desires."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOALk3wi1A4/T_xcmfDRI9I/AAAAAAAABwg/uiYLhBuNumk/s1600/Fix%2527d+Fuzz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOALk3wi1A4/T_xcmfDRI9I/AAAAAAAABwg/uiYLhBuNumk/s320/Fix%2527d+Fuzz.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fix'd Fuzz schematic (note the 3k9 resistor on the boost transistors emitter is actually 390R)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So, looking the the Fix'd Fuzz schematic there are 4 distinct stages - a standard boost transistor stage - as is seen in the first stage of the Big Muff or in the old Electro Harmonix LPB-1. The second stage "Fuzz 1" is the old DIY classic Hemmo's Bazz Fuss. The third stage "Fuzz 2" is a strangely mis-biased fuzz face circuit. The final stage is a tone control comprised of a Big Muff Pi filter and gain recovery stage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The regular Fix'd fuzz only has controls for the Boost, Tone and Volume, the rest of the pots are inside as trim pots, the newer Fix'd Fuzz Deluxe has all the controls on the outside of the enclosure.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xozFJWejYiI/T_xOrD32tnI/AAAAAAAABvs/IkCJhiC9f-c/s1600/6207456395_0e92c8fce3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xozFJWejYiI/T_xOrD32tnI/AAAAAAAABvs/IkCJhiC9f-c/s320/6207456395_0e92c8fce3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuzz Cat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally the Blackout Musket Fuzz, here's the <a href="http://www.blackouteffectors.com/?page_id=402">Blackout </a>description;<br />
<br />
<i>"The logical progression from then to now, the MUSKET is based on one of the raunchiest, best selling fuzz circuits of all time - taken three giant muffy steps further. With the addition of the PRE, FOCUS & MIDS controls, the MUSKET is able to traverse the decades, the continents and the many iterations of the classic 4-stage fuzz circuit - from emulation to beyond. If you need fuzz and you need it to be massive...</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>And bass players, look no further. The Musket brings the thunder to perfectly compliment your lightning. You'll find the Musket on pro bass player boards the world over."</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZB01T96UlQ/T_xgFxm5T_I/AAAAAAAABws/TBKuaILhTiE/s1600/musket_schem.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZB01T96UlQ/T_xgFxm5T_I/AAAAAAAABws/TBKuaILhTiE/s320/musket_schem.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NOTE - You must take into account these corrections to the Musket schematic; </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>"R27 470k -> 10k<br />R17 10k -> 56k<br />C6, C9 47n -> 100n<br />C11 100n ->47n"</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So yeah, as Blackout says it's a modified Big Muff - an essential weapon in any Guitarists armoury. The "Focus" control is basically a bass blend type control which allows you to dial in the level of bass that hits the front end of the clipping stages - I like this approach, I think removing bass before clipping greatly improves the clarity of the effect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So if you're into fuzz there are two interesting options for you to look at, although the circuits are pretty standard the manner in which they are combined, especially in the Fix'd Fuzz, makes for some really interesting sounds.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-37074645505913135652012-07-10T15:51:00.003+01:002012-07-10T15:54:23.992+01:00Mad Professor - Snow White Auto Wah<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Hv5EVXqcI/T_xAJ02wvgI/AAAAAAAABuo/26e9kZVarCk/s1600/mp-swaw-001.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Hv5EVXqcI/T_xAJ02wvgI/AAAAAAAABuo/26e9kZVarCk/s320/mp-swaw-001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The Mad Professor Snow White Auto Wah is a cool little envelope filter. Designed by Bjorn of BJF effects it always was going to be a decent design. Check out the demo video to see what this ice-cool pedal can achieve:<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Zi6n1YUH6E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
Well, the tracers fund over at freestompboxes got a hold of one and thanks to the work of several forumites (abflacken, Ice-9 plus many others) there's a schematic available: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dV3lzyt4Zw/T_xAYx1DuYI/AAAAAAAABuw/gfMLjzLKOV0/s1600/mpswaw.gif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--dV3lzyt4Zw/T_xAYx1DuYI/AAAAAAAABuw/gfMLjzLKOV0/s320/mpswaw.gif" /></a></div>
<br />And a PCB layout by DimebuGG: <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?wntjz1k5kj0jkjq">http://www.mediafire.com/?wntjz1k5kj0jkjq</a><br /><br />And a vero layout by Harald Sabro (<a href="http://www.sabrotone.com/">www.sabrotone.com</a>): <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxGV46mpOSk/T_xAgfgJaZI/AAAAAAAABu4/5P9whcoHzg4/s1600/SnowWhiteAutoWah.gif" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TxGV46mpOSk/T_xAgfgJaZI/AAAAAAAABu4/5P9whcoHzg4/s320/SnowWhiteAutoWah.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
My7of9 (from http://www.guitarpcb.com), has made a great post detailing some mods/improvements that he has made to the circuit. I've summerised them here, along with the circuit block schematic he provided: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7OYbR2ciZY/T_xAnVwlxpI/AAAAAAAABvA/aEEwW1j3eKA/s1600/SWAW02BlockSchem.png" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7OYbR2ciZY/T_xAnVwlxpI/AAAAAAAABvA/aEEwW1j3eKA/s320/SWAW02BlockSchem.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Here are a couple Mods with an explanation from our site (GuitarPCB.com) which some really seem to favour.<br /><br />Install a 1N34 germanium diode in D6 and a 1uf electrolytic cap for C8 and the thing really came alive.Sounds much funkier clean and before a light overdrive it cops a great Garcia-Like tone.<br /><br />In Regards to adjusting R18 as well as much more here is the explanation.<br /><br />R18 mod - short answer - increasing R18 will allow you to set the Sensitivity more towards the 12 o'clock position. I'd go with a 47kΩ resistor here. The only advantage is being able to turn the signal down a bit further (50% to 0% is better than 20% to 0%) at the expense of turning the signal up (20% to 100% is better than 50% to 100%)<br /><br />The circuit can be broken down into five main blocks:<br /><br />Input buffer stage (blue) a high impedance input to get as much guitar signal as possible going into the circuit and a low impedance output to drive the next two stages.<br /><br />State variable filter (yellow). Without getting too techie, this is the part that goes "Wah". If you are interested, look at the application notes (Google NE5517 or LM13700 data sheet) - warning !! this can be rather boring for normal sane people.<br /><br />While we need to keep the signal going into the State Variable Filter (yellow) quite low, a slightly higher level signal might be needed for the envelope follower stages (green, pink and lilac).<br /><br />The "green" stage boosts the signal, the "pink" stage converts the signal into a DC voltage, the DC voltage is proportional to the signal coming from the "green" stage - higher signal level, higher DC voltage level.<br /><br />The DC voltage output of the "pink" stage drives the transistors in the "lilac" stage into producing a control current (more DC voltage at the base of Q2 means more current), the control current, which is connected to pins 1 and 16, tells the State Variable Filter (yellow) how much it should "Wah".<br /><br />Since the question is about R18, a quick look at the "green" stage might be in order.<br /><br />Nothing more than a gain stage. The gain is determined by whatever the Sensitivity pot is set at divided by the value of R18.<br /><br />If the pot is set to 50% rotation, the resistance value of the pot (for a 100kΩ linear pot) is 50kΩ. Divide 50kΩ by 20kΩ - the value of R18 - and you have a gain of 2.5. If the input signal is 100mV, the output signal is 250mV.<br /><br />So how did I arrive at a value of 47kΩ in the short answer ?<br /><br />It would appear from many posts that setting the Sensitivity pot at the 9 o'clock position gives good results.<br /><br />Since "9 oclock" is about 20% rotation, the value of the Sensitivity pot will be about 20kΩ.<br /><br />The gain is therefore pot value divided by R18 which is 20kΩ / 20kΩ giving a gain of 1.<br /><br />If I set the pot to 50% rotation, the pot value is now 50kΩ and if I change R18 to 50kΩ (47kΩ nearest standard value), the gain is 50kΩ / 50kΩ which is also a gain of 1.<br /><br />It is possible to leave the value of R18 as it is (20kΩ;) and change the pot to a 47kΩ pot and still achieve the same results.<br /><br />There is one other mod possible - called "side chain" which allows you to place effects such as fuzz and distortion before the auto wah and achieve good results. The only disadvantages are that you will require a simple buffer / splitter circuit (if you have got a Tonmann ParaMix available from GuitarPCB.com you won't need the extra circuit) plus you will need enough space on the enclosure to install another jack socket."</i><br />
<br />
Here's a nice internal picture of the Mad Professor Snow White Auto Wah:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze6UOQ1dt10/T_xA0sqsmHI/AAAAAAAABvI/pjp8cCezj9M/s1600/swaw2.jpg" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze6UOQ1dt10/T_xA0sqsmHI/AAAAAAAABvI/pjp8cCezj9M/s320/swaw2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here, for reference is the freestompboxe.org topic: <a href="http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7012">http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7012</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-27561379803581862482012-07-06T16:18:00.001+01:002012-07-08T17:10:51.980+01:00Vox - Clyde McCoy Wah<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YCHSJzEU5c/T_btXAwY0JI/AAAAAAAABr4/-zP5CKEy6qU/s1600/hendrix-wah-660-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YCHSJzEU5c/T_btXAwY0JI/AAAAAAAABr4/-zP5CKEy6qU/s320/hendrix-wah-660-80.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimi Hendrix's Clyde McCoy Wah which sold for over $11,000 at a recent auction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who is Clyde McCoy and why is this Wah pedal so sought after?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Good old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clyde_McCoy">wikipedia</a> provides this info;<br /><br /><i>"Clyde McCoy was a jazz Trumpet player ... who developed a signature "wah-wah" sound in the late 1920s by fluttering a Harmon mute in the bell of his trumpet. In 1967, this distinctive sound was replicated for electric guitar with the introduction of the Vox Clyde McCoy Wah-Wah Pedal, the most significant guitar effect of its time. The Wah-wah pedal was invented by a young engineer named Brad Plunkett, who worked for the Thomas Organ Company, Vox/JMI’s U.S. counterpart. The wah circuit basically sprang from the 3-position midrange voicing function used on the Vox Super Beatle amplifier.<br /><br />Vox cleverly packaged the circuit into an enclosure with a rocker pedal attached to the pot (which controlled the frequency of the resonant peak) and named the new device after Clyde McCoy. Early versions of the Clyde McCoy pedal featured an image of McCoy on the bottom panel, which soon gave way to his signature only before Thomas Organ changed the name of the pedal to Cry Baby. Thomas Organ’s failure to trademark the Cry Baby name soon led to the market being flooded with Cry Baby imitations from various parts of the world, including Italy, where the McCoy pedals were originally made."</i><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, so they were the first wah-wah pedals ever made but that doesn't explain why everyone wants one. Well, Jimi Hendrix, the man who is probably most associated with a wah pedal, used one - that's why everyone wants one.</div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JB-5ljwTDhw/T_bs-8cYS1I/AAAAAAAABrw/OY4VdGc4NrE/s1600/VOXWah_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JB-5ljwTDhw/T_bs-8cYS1I/AAAAAAAABrw/OY4VdGc4NrE/s320/VOXWah_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The insides of the Clyde McCoy Wah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's Hendrix on his Wah playing Voodoo Chile live at the Royal Albert Hall, probably one of the songs most associated with the use of a wah pedal and the reason the effect became so popular;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/524CiQvLz5w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
So, let's check out the schematic of the original Vox Clyde McCoy and compare it to the standard Cry Baby model (although it's noted as a Jimi Hendrix model it's just the same as a standard Cry Baby model) wah;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqYeUPLSafc/T_b_ifadBMI/AAAAAAAABsE/BeiLdPquKG4/s1600/schem.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqYeUPLSafc/T_b_ifadBMI/AAAAAAAABsE/BeiLdPquKG4/s320/schem.gif" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ok, so there's not that much difference but it's a small circuit so small differences in components add up to make a large difference in sound. Firstly the transistors are BC109, these have a much lower HFE (gain) than the MPSA18 darlington type transistors used in the standard Cry Baby, this lower transistor gain leads to the wah having a much nicer and rounder bass response. The wah pot has an "ICAR" taper, these are vintage specs and replicas can be bought from various sources. The ICAR taper alters the feel of the wah and, as I find, gives you more quack on the toe end of the travel. Add together the other small differences in component values and you have the changes that make the McCoy wah unique.<br />
<br />
Going back to the gutshot of the Clyde McCoy wah there are a few further things we need to take note of before we look to construct a replica;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The capacitors are old "tropical fish" style caps, many people believe these caps have their own sound and contribute to the character of the original Vox Clyde McCoy.</li>
<li>The wah inductor - it's known as a "Halo" style inductor (due to it's ring type shape). There are many people who build replicas of these inductors, one of the best comes from arteffect in Israel.</li>
</ul>
So, we want to build one now, you've got your old Cry Baby shell gutted and you're ready to build up the circuit. Here's what you need - a great vero layout from Sinner of <a href="http://turretboard.org/">turretboard.org</a>;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ms7W3UqIPpY/T_cBKqSrK7I/AAAAAAAABsM/mYf8YYp4M6E/s1600/VoxMcCoyStrip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ms7W3UqIPpY/T_cBKqSrK7I/AAAAAAAABsM/mYf8YYp4M6E/s320/VoxMcCoyStrip.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-2296018505030130142012-07-06T13:19:00.000+01:002012-07-08T17:24:39.431+01:00RunOffGroove - Thor - Marshall Superlead Emulator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y40NinavZLA/T_bMrJNCVEI/AAAAAAAABrE/4hdk5zD2irM/s1600/MMV-1959SLP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y40NinavZLA/T_bMrJNCVEI/AAAAAAAABrE/4hdk5zD2irM/s400/MMV-1959SLP.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The Marshall 100W Super Lead amplifier is a legendary source of endless guitar tone, it's sweet break up and aggressive edge made this amp the choice for many rock and electric blues guitar legends - Eddie Van Halen had a few, as did Hendrix. So, if you're still wondering why you should be interested in playing through one of these check out this demo;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VlhlWDbeW8E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
It's got serious tone! But let's be honest here - not all of us can afford one of these machines, let alone be able to crank them up to the volumes required to really get the most out of them. So, what can we do? Well, <a href="http://runoffgroove.com/">runoffgroove.com</a> have given us an option - the "Thor" overdrive pedal.<br />
<br />
Modelled on the Marshall Super Lead circuitry using the runoffgroove Jfet Fetzer Valve "tube emulation" techniques the Thor aims to recreate all those great Super Lead tones in a controllable (and affordable) manner.<br />
<br />
Let's look at the description from the <a href="http://www.runoffgroove.com/thor.html">runoffgroove</a> website;<br />
<br />
<i>"Our primary inspiration was once again the Marshall Super Lead. Numerous old Marshall tracings and schematics were scoured for the definitive components that make up the famous sound. After trying many - if not all - of these arrangements, we have arrived at the values shown above.<br /><br />The smaller Bright cap on the volume control is taken from the JTM and early Super Leads. This value allows a usable Bright setting without the harsh treble effect exhibited by the later amps. Beginning in 1969, the amps often had 5000pF caps that are almost always removed or replaced with a much smaller value.<br /><br />The classic 470k/470pF filter preceding the second gain stage was chosen for its fuller sound. This is a later Super Lead filter with a lower break frequency than the older design, which gives a fuller sound.<br /><br />The mu-amp section better simulates the odd order harmonics of the amp's Class AB push-pull distortion.<br /><br />For those without a 4x12 cabinet, the added Bottom control closely mimics the bass resonance of the famous Marshall speaker arrangement.<br /><br />All these ingredients result in a sound similar to the classic Marshall amp.."</i><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
And here's a demo of the Thor in action;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EWy2ZutTcKI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It does a nice job of getting you near those Super Lead tones. Admittedly it's never going to get you all the way - the sheer volume and smooth clipping of real EL34 output tubes add so much to an amp's sound it's impossible to completely recreate a screaming Super Lead with just a few jfets running at 9v but the Thor does a damn good job!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ok, so it's time to check the schematic;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dHK2jwek-Q/T_bRxHUI4wI/AAAAAAAABrQ/586UHrgzN8M/s1600/thor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5dHK2jwek-Q/T_bRxHUI4wI/AAAAAAAABrQ/586UHrgzN8M/s320/thor.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a nice little circuit; 2 common source jfet stages driving a mu-amp stage with a bass boost circuit on the end. To understand how they picked the values for biasing those jfet stages you can read the <a href="http://www.runoffgroove.com/fetzervalve.html">Fetzer Valve</a> article on <a href="http://www.runoffgroove.com/fetzervalve.html">runoffgroove</a>. It's got some great info on how careful biasing of a common source jfet stage can result in the jfet having clipping characteristics similar to a standard tube gain stage with the correct frequency response and harmonic generation, it's a great read and highly recommended if you're interested in jfets :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For those of you wanting to build the Thor here's a perfboard layout;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ox6hIaIcQ/T_bVmFf_89I/AAAAAAAABrc/Zgh4AWDvTfg/s1600/Thor_perf.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9ox6hIaIcQ/T_bVmFf_89I/AAAAAAAABrc/Zgh4AWDvTfg/s320/Thor_perf.gif" width="257" /></a></div>
<div>
And a vero layout;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pBhs9371yU/T_bVsEqNeNI/AAAAAAAABrk/cLX0dFs4kf8/s1600/ThorFinal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pBhs9371yU/T_bVsEqNeNI/AAAAAAAABrk/cLX0dFs4kf8/s320/ThorFinal.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For reference and the original Thor article check out the great runoffgroove website here; <a href="http://www.runoffgroove.com/thor.html">http://www.runoffgroove.com/thor.html</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-23105393220614094162012-07-05T23:06:00.000+01:002012-07-07T16:16:26.537+01:00Fairfield Circuitry - Barbershop Overdrive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0fKWVGhtqQ/T_YICq629YI/AAAAAAAABqk/QXTLPRWVAK8/s1600/barbershop-overdrive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0fKWVGhtqQ/T_YICq629YI/AAAAAAAABqk/QXTLPRWVAK8/s320/barbershop-overdrive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Guillaume Fairfield of Fairfield Circuitry makes some cool pedals, and his circuit designs are refreshingly interesting. The Barbershop Overdrive is one of the most interesting, a nice transparent overdrive/boost pedal (I would say it's an overdrive/boost pedal as the gain in this thing isn't super high) with a cool "Sag" control that controls the voltage the pedal's circuitry is running at and alters the compression and colouration of the overdrive. You can use the Barbershop to stack with your other dirt pedals in so many different combinations - it adds a great touch sensitivity and sparkle to almost any circuit!<br />
<br />
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.fairfieldcircuitry.com/B.html">Fairfield Circuitry</a> website;<br />
<br />
<i>"Have you ever sat in a barber's chair wishing your tone was as slick as your freshly shaved upper lip? With the Barbershop Overdrive on your pedalboard, you could keep your <a href="http://www.fairfieldcircuitry.com/img/moustache.jpg">moustache</a> and sound good doing it.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br />The Barbershop is an original design, not a clone.<br /><br />Raw, gritty, warm, smooth, open and transparent are all terms that have been used to describe this overdrive. It sounds great with any setup, but truly shines when used to dirty up a tube amp."</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Here's the customary ProGuitarShop demo video of the Barbershop Overdrive in action;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QbRm6EY5vMg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Not only are Guillaume's designs interesting they are also well thought out and manufactured to a great standard. Here's a gutshot for the Barbershop Overdrive (check out the cool logo on the PCB!);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sB30N9FnHhc/T_YNyAK9-CI/AAAAAAAABq4/Kj-mDRl2KaU/s1600/barbershiop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sB30N9FnHhc/T_YNyAK9-CI/AAAAAAAABq4/Kj-mDRl2KaU/s320/barbershiop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, without further rambling (and with thanks to WhiteKeyHole and Guillaume) here's a schematic of the Fairfield Barbershop Overdrive;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcQxu0SQ_a4/T_YMCWIW7BI/AAAAAAAABqw/2q3KFrUyFa4/s1600/Fair2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XcQxu0SQ_a4/T_YMCWIW7BI/AAAAAAAABqw/2q3KFrUyFa4/s320/Fair2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So what have we got? It's two cascaded Jfet gain stages followed by a simple NPN transistor emitter follower. The mosfet device is there for polarity protection. The 10kB pot is the "Sag" control that affects the overall supply voltage to the circuit and the clipping in the cascaded jfet/emitter follower stages. Guillaume has suggested that he sets the bias of the two jfets at around 2/3 of the supply voltage (when measured at the jfet's drain). I'd replace the drain resistors with 25k trim pots which will allow you to dial in the 6.66v bias point a little easier than using trial and error with set resistors.<br />
<br />
If you want to build one of these up you're going to need a vero layout, there's one available here; <a href="http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/fairfield-circuitry-barbershop.html">http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/fairfield-circuitry-barbershop.html</a>, at IVIark's brilliant tagboardeffects blog.<br />
<br />
Here's another vero layout for you;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57K0qxkSScw/T_ckw5IJN0I/AAAAAAAABs8/U79qQrv_rvg/s1600/Barbershop.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57K0qxkSScw/T_ckw5IJN0I/AAAAAAAABs8/U79qQrv_rvg/s320/Barbershop.gif" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out the forum topic on freestompboxes.org, Guillaume offers some really great info and tips to guys wanting to build the circuit up; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4435">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4435</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-53517400030334253142012-07-05T21:50:00.002+01:002012-07-08T17:30:15.571+01:00Tycobrahe - Octavia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSCg-NkV5LQ/T_Xxt5gGYgI/AAAAAAAABpo/6TC8tXX9afY/s1600/fr411a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSCg-NkV5LQ/T_Xxt5gGYgI/AAAAAAAABpo/6TC8tXX9afY/s320/fr411a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original Tycobrahe Octavia Pedal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There aren't many Tycobrahe pedals around, the company was only in the pedal business for a few years before it ceased manufacturing. One of it's most infamous (and yes, I do mean infamous - have you heard this thing?!) offerings is the Tycobrahe Octavia fuzz pedal. As rumour has it the Tycobrahe Octavia came into being after one of Roger Mayer's (who was Jimi Hendrix's FX guy) original Octavia circuits was taken into Tycobrahe for repair and was traced out by an employee.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ayFdUVnaU/T_XyjZsM6LI/AAAAAAAABp4/BBbLDTGRJlY/s1600/fr411g.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ayFdUVnaU/T_XyjZsM6LI/AAAAAAAABp4/BBbLDTGRJlY/s320/fr411g.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-indent: 15px;">Above you can see (supposedly) the schematic that was traced by a Tycobrahe worker from the hand made Roger Mayer pedal. Here's a bit more info from the <a href="http://wc6w.50webs.com/wc6wvint/index.html?fr411.html">Radio WC6W</a> website; </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 15px;"><i>"This is the schematic, traced from the pedal that was brought, by a "Jeff Beck" crew member, to Tycobrahe Sound for repair, which became the genesis of the Tycobrahe Guitar Pedal line. The polarity "fixes" that resulted when the demarked transistors were removed and analyzed on a Tektronix curve tracer may be seen on this first draft."</i></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 15px;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 15px;">For those of you who sport a pair of glasses or are drunk, here's an easier to read schematic;</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLiaUEESVUE/T_X434h-ZfI/AAAAAAAABqE/22bjUFeJo8Q/s1600/Tycobrahe_Octavia.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLiaUEESVUE/T_X434h-ZfI/AAAAAAAABqE/22bjUFeJo8Q/s320/Tycobrahe_Octavia.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Looking at the schematic the Octavia is pretty simple - a high gain fuzz circuit driving the octave generation circuit comprising of a small audio transformer and a couple of germanium diodes. If you want to cancel the octave up effect all you need to do is switch one of these diodes out of the circuit.<br />
<br />
The Octavia is an evil sounding beast with a huge amount of fuzz available, twin that with the octave up (it makes all notes played sound an octave up) effect and the swells and bloom that you get and you've got one of the Devil's favourite FX pedals. Check out this demo of the Octavia in action to see what I mean;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 15px;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cbpmFi5sV84?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a very specific sound, you can hear the Octavia employed well on "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix and many of his tracks with the Band of Gypsies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtFpWCTWD3Q/T_X8b9TvAOI/AAAAAAAABqY/Jwpfvl3Bfb0/s1600/tych_octavia_inside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtFpWCTWD3Q/T_X8b9TvAOI/AAAAAAAABqY/Jwpfvl3Bfb0/s320/tych_octavia_inside2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gutshot of an original Tycobrahe Octavia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what if you fancy building one and cracking out some of the old Hendrix licks? Well, here's a vero layout for the Tycobrahe Octavia by Dr Tony Balls. This is an NPN negative ground layout (unlike the original which was PNP positive ground) which means you can use it with your pedal power daisy chains without a problem;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XR3etMJXnmY/T_X8KB4prrI/AAAAAAAABqQ/hQslF9MY20A/s1600/tyco_octavia_vero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XR3etMJXnmY/T_X8KB4prrI/AAAAAAAABqQ/hQslF9MY20A/s320/tyco_octavia_vero.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-28274584561686085162012-07-05T15:13:00.002+01:002012-07-08T17:48:01.528+01:00Cloning the Uni-vibe; Neovibe / Easy Vibe / Phase 45<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF6ElI69268/T_GbjYwHapI/AAAAAAAABn0/wa7w2Mv3K-s/s1600/Univibe_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF6ElI69268/T_GbjYwHapI/AAAAAAAABn0/wa7w2Mv3K-s/s320/Univibe_00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) and Robin Trower have made the Uni-Vibe one of the most sought after vintage effects units with originals now so rare that they command huge prices, well into the thousands, even for units which aren't in great working condition. Of the many classic tracks that feature the Uni-Vibe some of the most well known are Breathe by Pink Floyd, Bridge of Sighs by Robin Trower and of course Angel and Machine Gun (among many others) by Jimi Hendrix. Yes, the Uni-Vibe really is the main component in that classic psychedelic, swirling guitar tone and a great effect to play with but if you can't afford to buy an original 'Vibe what are we going to do? Simple; build our own!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've never heard a Uni-Vibe (how?) here's a demo video of an original Uni-Vibe in action;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXME8slAKJw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And here's the original inside manual;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htz6IWRZHUw/T_WSgu6RDKI/AAAAAAAABoo/yIT18utFJjA/s1600/univibe_manual2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Htz6IWRZHUw/T_WSgu6RDKI/AAAAAAAABoo/yIT18utFJjA/s320/univibe_manual2.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now let's hear it on record. Here's "Breathe" by Pink Floyd, check out the great swirling Uni-Vibe tones throughout this track for an idea of the extra dimensions the 'Vibe can bring to your guitar tone;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mrojrDCI02k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Now, lets have a look at a schematic for the Uni-Vibe (Provided by UniVox themselves!);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMXh0hrPsvQ/T_WQhRjERYI/AAAAAAAABoY/KMrT1GXMKec/s1600/univibe.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMXh0hrPsvQ/T_WQhRjERYI/AAAAAAAABoY/KMrT1GXMKec/s320/univibe.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With an easier to read version;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J3L9R1_Chk/T_WXTQl5NqI/AAAAAAAABo0/K70MXGGHHVE/s1600/fv_sch_vint.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J3L9R1_Chk/T_WXTQl5NqI/AAAAAAAABo0/K70MXGGHHVE/s320/fv_sch_vint.gif" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
As we can see it's a 4 stage based phase shift design. Now there are many other 4 stage phaser designs available, the most famous being the MXR Phase 90, but they sound nothing like the Uni-Vibe. Why? Well it's a composite of many reasons:<br />
<br />
- It's built using transistor stages instead of opamps with the non-linearity of the transistor stages adding their own magic to the mix. <br />
- Those strangely mis-matched phase shift capacitors which mean that differing amounts of phase shift are applied to different frequencies. <br />
- The fluctuations in the tolerances of the LDRs and lamp rather than matched JFETs that many other more modern phasers use. <br />
- It's strange LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) design (which itself is known as a "phase shift oscillator") which produces a skewed, non-perfectly symmetrical sine wave which gives the Uni-Vibe that classic "double pulse" sound. <br />
<br />
For a real understanding of how the Uni-Vibe "does it's thing" check out this great article by RG of GeoFex; <a href="http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/univibe/univtech.htm">www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/univibe/univtech.htm</a>, it covers everything you need to know!<br />
<br />
So, we want to build one. How? There's a few options here. Firstly there is the "Forum Vibe" project which you can find here; <a href="http://www.classicamplification.net/forumvibe/">http://www.classicamplification.net/forumvibe/</a>, with the information you'll find on the forum vibe pages you'll be able to knock up a Uni-Vibe clone in no time at all. The second option is the "Neo-Vibe" project at GeoFex; <a href="http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/univibe/vibeupdate.pdf">http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/univibe/vibeupdate.pdf</a> or GeneralGuitarGadgets; <a href="http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/neovibeupdate.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a">http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/neovibeupdate.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a</a>.<br />
<br />
The Neo-Vibe project is an "as close as you can get" replica of the original Uni-Vibe, I've built a few NeoVibes in the past and they do sound great. The "Mods" project on the Forum Vibe site is also great but not a complete replica of the original Uni-Vibe. However, the modifications suggested really do make the circuit *better* (read as "easier to tune in a get sounding right"). The choice is yours!<br />
<br />
You may have noticed that the Uni-Vibe isn't the simplest of circuits to build - it's much more intimidating than a Fuzz Face! So what can you do if you're not that confident in taking on such a challenge? Well, you could try the "Easy Vibe". The Easy Vibe is a 'Vibe type circuit designed by John Hollis in which he stripped back the Uni-Vibe to it's skeletal structure and built again with a much simplified structure (it uses opamps....). Have a look over the schematic and compare it with the original Uni-Vibe;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00FdB3oTabo/T_WbyeIc2cI/AAAAAAAABpA/tgyrtJG_zqY/s1600/easyvibe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00FdB3oTabo/T_WbyeIc2cI/AAAAAAAABpA/tgyrtJG_zqY/s320/easyvibe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Notice no use of nasty incandescent lamps or dodgy transistors ;-) This circuit is much easier to build and tune in than an original Uni-Vibe and I'd recommend it to those of you who are a little less experienced with the soldering iron. Most importantly - how does the Easy-Vibe sound? Check out this video;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fI9SlX-FJI0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The differences in tone are there, it's just a case of which you prefer.<br />
<br />
Again, here's a PCB layout file for the Easy Vibe from GeoFex (RG loves his 'Vibes!); <a href="http://www.geofex.com/PCB_layouts/Layouts/easyvibe.pdf">http://www.geofex.com/PCB_layouts/Layouts/easyvibe.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Finally there is one more suggestion I have for you; the MXR Phase 45. By no means am I suggesting that the simple 2 stage MXR Phase 45 can get all the deep complex tones of a Uni-Vibe but it can do something which sounds great and similar in character. For example the "Lovepedal Magicboy Vibe" and many other "small box" 'Vibes are based around the Phase 45 circuit. Here's the schematic for a 'Vibed Phase 45 from <a href="http://www.lynx.bc.ca/~jc/pedalsPhase45.html">JC Maillet</a> where he outlines what each of the modifications does;<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlDk9hQ2jL4/T_Nsbj3jOEI/AAAAAAAABoM/Ys0qY5KWoo8/s1600/phase45modded.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RlDk9hQ2jL4/T_Nsbj3jOEI/AAAAAAAABoM/Ys0qY5KWoo8/s320/phase45modded.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For a PCB layout which will allow you to perform these mods go to Tonepad; <a href="http://www.tonepad.com/getFile.asp?id=70">http://www.tonepad.com/getFile.asp?id=70</a><br />
<br />
A final point that I should make about the Phase 45 circuit is that you'll need to know how to select matched Jfet devices (i.e Jfet devices that turn on at a similar voltage so that the Phaser works correctly). Once again GeoFex has the answer with a full article on jfet matching available here; <a href="http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/fetmatch/fetmatch.htm">http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/fetmatch/fetmatch.htm</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-42175112000721077362012-07-01T15:29:00.001+01:002012-07-08T20:43:32.271+01:00ISP - Decimator Noise Reduction System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N59szlHezj4/T-8lAMkKzAI/AAAAAAAABmY/cL50-G0KmLY/s1600/isp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N59szlHezj4/T-8lAMkKzAI/AAAAAAAABmY/cL50-G0KmLY/s320/isp.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
This one isn't actually strictly an "effects" pedal but it is a *really* useful piece of kit for reducing the latent noise in your rig. So all those noisy but great sounding vintage FX pedals no longer have to add all that hiss. It'll also cut out all the 50Hz hum from your single coil pickups too. It's not a typical "noise gate" with the classic issues around tone sucking and note cut off.<br />
<br />
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.isptechnologies.com/portfolio/decimator-pedal/">ISP Website</a>;<br />
<br />
<i>"ISP Technologies presents the latest generation in high performance Noise Reduction technology, the DECIMATOR™ NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM.<br /><br />From the original inventors of the HUSH® noise reduction comes the latest, most advanced, patent pending, state of the art technology in real time noise reduction. The Decimator offers a revolutionary breakthrough in Noise Reduction processing with an unparalleled level of performance. The HUSH system, as well as all other noise reduction systems suffers from one major problem inherent in their design: The system cannot be immediately responsive to both very short-term staccato notes and long slowly decaying signals. The typical downward expander noise reduction system suffers from a dead zone in the release response characteristic, which causes a compromise in tracking both fast decaying notes and long sustained notes.<br /><br />The Decimator design offers a novel approach to tracking the envelope of the input signal called Time Vector Processing. Due to this novel approach in controlling the expander, the Decimator system will instantly respond to short staccato notes and, at the same time, will provide a very slow ripple free control of long sustained notes. This means that the Decimator noise reduction system is the most transparent and highest performance noise reduction system available. The Decimator Pro Rack uses both Dynamic filtering and low-level downward expansion. A Time Vector Processing circuit controls the release response of both the downward expander and dynamic filter."</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a demo video of the ISP Decimator from Tone Factor;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jw3AfypChdQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the Decimator white paper from the ISP website, there's some useful information in here;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4VTJEZHBkTHNnN28/preview" width="530"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks to some great work reversing an original on DIYStompboxes.com (original thread here; <a href="http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=88902.0" style="background-color: white;">http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=88902.0</a>) there's a<span style="background-color: white;"> schematic and a PCB layout available from Joao Galego;</span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2NRTEh3J54/T-8ppoN5mNI/AAAAAAAABm0/L-RQt6ykI84/s1600/ispscheme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2NRTEh3J54/T-8ppoN5mNI/AAAAAAAABm0/L-RQt6ykI84/s320/ispscheme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fouJhmvbhY/T-8pltK5g5I/AAAAAAAABmk/qKolZJl_X28/s1600/isplayout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fouJhmvbhY/T-8pltK5g5I/AAAAAAAABmk/qKolZJl_X28/s200/isplayout.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIGR9L-R6Hs/T-8pn96KoiI/AAAAAAAABms/wcmH-1RjTB0/s1600/isplayout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIGR9L-R6Hs/T-8pn96KoiI/AAAAAAAABms/wcmH-1RjTB0/s200/isplayout2.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3_5EK6wZ30/T-8psbwG4vI/AAAAAAAABm8/41zAOc3Tj4Y/s1600/isptraces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3_5EK6wZ30/T-8psbwG4vI/AAAAAAAABm8/41zAOc3Tj4Y/s200/isptraces.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
<br />
For those of you who like to work with vero here's a verified layout from Harald Sabro; <a href="http://www.sabrotone.com/?attachment_id=1380">http://www.sabrotone.com/?attachment_id=1380</a><br />
<br />
There's also the Decimator "G-String" (Interesting name!);<br />
<br />
<i>"The Decimator G String provides a totally independent channel of Decimator noise reduction that can be inserted into a series effects loop or after a preamp section with the advantage of having the Decimator level detectors track the guitar signal directly. With the G String pedal you can set the threshold and no matter what level of noise the Decimator will track perfectly without any side effects.<br /><br />The amazing thing is that you can switch from high gain to your clean channel and never have to switch the Decimator G String off due to the threshold being set too high. It’s simply transparent.<br /><br />As can be seen in the diagram, the G String noise reduction pedal has an input to connect a guitar directly and a buffered output signal to feed the front of a guitar rig directly while providing a separate audio channel of Decimator that can be inserted in the signal chain of any guitar rig. You can insert any other pedals between the output of the Decimator G String and the input of your guitar amplifier. This allows the Decimator G String pedal to remove any level of noise you may have even with overdrive pedals at the front end of the amp."</i><br /><br />Here's a work-a-like designed by Galego, notice the clever use of the buffer and FX loop to allow the G-String to do it's thing;<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIbm-Xv_iA/T_niVO0XcxI/AAAAAAAABuc/0hEt6sjJ5UU/s1600/decscheme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MIbm-Xv_iA/T_niVO0XcxI/AAAAAAAABuc/0hEt6sjJ5UU/s320/decscheme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
Here's a PCB layout for the Decimator G-String by Slade; <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwMWxzd7lEJ4N3c5YUwzNTJ1Tms">https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwMWxzd7lEJ4N3c5YUwzNTJ1Tms</a></div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-66347686252630791732012-06-30T15:01:00.000+01:002012-07-08T17:53:32.556+01:00Diamond - Compressor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgyIfDNsUaU/T-4fadXr4MI/AAAAAAAABlY/6s5yXcbu6Oc/s1600/diamond-compressor-cpr-1-61-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgyIfDNsUaU/T-4fadXr4MI/AAAAAAAABlY/6s5yXcbu6Oc/s320/diamond-compressor-cpr-1-61-p.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
[This post contains information on the Diamond Compressor & Fred Briggs Diamante]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Diamond make some real high-end stuff; the Memory Lane Delay, Halo Chorus and J-Drive are all top level (expensive!) pedals. My overall choice from the Diamond pedal range is the Diamond Compressor though. It gives a nice compression effect, not the super transparent kind, you can feel the squish but it's not over powering and the "tilt" EQ is a nice addition too allowing you to gently shape your overall tone. Ok, so it's a great sounding compressor and has loads of great features, but my favourite bit; the LED that changes colour with the compression level! Ha.<br />
<br />
Here's a description from the Diamond website;<br />
<br />
<i>"Recording studios often use rackmount 'vocal channels' - a mic preamp, compressor, and EQ all in one unit as a front end for vocal recording. </i><br />
<i>The Diamond Compressor is our take on a 'guitar channel' - a dynamics and tone shaping tool for live and studio use - with low-noise, ultra-linear signal buffering, smooth opto-based compression, and a versatile 'tilt' EQ that musically shifts overall frequency balance. All in a user-friendly 3-control package - just Comp, EQ and Volume.<br /><br />Features:<br /><br />- Vactrol opto-isolator variable resistance path as used in high-end studio compressors for smooth attack and decay characteristics while preserving initial signal transients.</i><br />
<i><br />- Premium audio components, including 2% polypropylene capacitors,1% metal film resistors and a pro audio grade opamp (our signal path opamp alone costs 8 to 10 times <br />what the industry norm uses).</i><br />
<i>- Post-compressor 'tilt' EQ provides a very musical tailoring of frequency response - seamlessly transition from a darker jazz voicing to a brighter jangle, with flat frequency response at the center detent position.</i><br />
<i> - Double filtering stage in side chain to eliminate low frequency modulation while preserving fast compression response.</i><br />
<i>- Dual AC capacitive coupling paths for improved transient response.</i><br />
<i><br />- Bi-color LED provides visual indication of depth of compression.</i><br />
<i><br />- True bypass signal path.</i><br />
<i><br />- Battery or standard negative tip 9V DC adapter operation, can be powered from 9 to 24 V negative tip."</i><br />
<br />
Here's the ProGuitarShop video;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pBOR3isdIOg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Now here's a gutshot (also from the Diamond website);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4eCw2TJ-kU/T-4hnPnm_2I/AAAAAAAABlg/VL-ZyNnNT50/s1600/internal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4eCw2TJ-kU/T-4hnPnm_2I/AAAAAAAABlg/VL-ZyNnNT50/s320/internal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, thanks to some incredible work by WhiteKeyHole, a schematic;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9KCe19AewQ/T-4lWHPwgrI/AAAAAAAABls/MSzXsFXuSsU/s1600/DIACMP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E9KCe19AewQ/T-4lWHPwgrI/AAAAAAAABls/MSzXsFXuSsU/s320/DIACMP.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, interesting parts of the design - the Tilt EQ is taken from an early 70s stereo preamp designed by Quad Ltd, it gently tilts the eq around 900Hz simultaneously boosting treble and cutting bass and vice versa (mid position is a flat response). It's a great tool for smoothing out EQ ranges and matching various pedals up to one another without sounding too drastic and overpowering other pedal's tonal characteristics. Another addition not normally seen in stompbox design is the current source that has been added to the emitter follower buffer stages. The addition of the current source to these stages reduces the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) from 0.01% to 0.001% - not something you're really going to hear in a guitar orientated world! Those paralleled capacitors too - not really necessary!<br />
<br />
Here's a closer look at the Tilt control schematic;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmKZN4monf8/T-7VM0xCD9I/AAAAAAAABl4/chgL51t3XXI/s1600/eq_tilt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MmKZN4monf8/T-7VM0xCD9I/AAAAAAAABl4/chgL51t3XXI/s320/eq_tilt.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And a graph of the EQ response curve (note the phase inversion of the signal at extreme settings of the control);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKFnBum9KI4/T-7VcP9O3nI/AAAAAAAABmA/nraxxedoEpY/s1600/eq_tilt_curve.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKFnBum9KI4/T-7VcP9O3nI/AAAAAAAABmA/nraxxedoEpY/s320/eq_tilt_curve.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After looking at the Tilt EQ schematic you'll notice that the bypass resistors R13 & R14 have been left in the Diamond design even though they are not needed, you could in fact remove them and not notice a difference.<br />
<br />
Parts List;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Capacitors </i><br />
<div>
<i>NOTE - C33 on the schematic is C32 on this parts list.<br />Caps 2u2 and higher are electrolytic. C22/23/30/31/32 are ceramic, all other film <br />C1 47u<br />C2 47u<br />C3 47u<br />C4 5n6<br />C5 5n6<br />C6 330n<br />C7 100n<br />C8 100n<br />C9 100p<br />C10 820p<br />C11 100p<br />C12 820p<br />C13 1u<br />C14 100p<br />C15 330n<br />C16 820p<br />C17 820p<br />C18 100n<br />C19 10n<br />C20 10n<br />C21 2u2<br />C22 100n<br />C23 100n<br />C24 820p<br />C25 3n3<br />C26 15n<br />C27 10n<br />C28 4u7<br />C29 3n3<br />C30 100n<br />C31 100n<br />C32 100n<br /><br />Resistors <br />All metal film 1% except R1 which is carbon film 5% <br />R1 100R<br />R2 10K<br />R3 10K<br />R4 100R<br />R5 15K<br />R6 3.32K<br />R7 22.1K<br />R9 15K<br />R10 47.5K<br />R11 47.5K<br />R12 47.5K<br />R13 47.5K<br />R15 1M<br />R16 475R<br />R17 475K<br />R18 475K<br />R19 3.32K<br />R20 6.41K<br />R22 100R<br />R23 475K<br />R24 22.1K<br />R25 100K<br />R26 1K<br />R27 3.32K<br />R28 475R<br />R29 221K<br />R30 475K<br />R31 100K<br />R32 221K<br />R33 100K<br />R34 475K<br />R35 221K<br />R36 10K<br />R37 1.5K<br />R38 10K<br />R39 Jumper<br />R40 10K</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Transistors are standard NPN/PNP medium gain</i><br />
<i>LED is a Tri-colour type.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i><br />
For those after a layout to build this thing check out Harald Sabro's great layout here; <a href="http://www.sabrotone.com/?attachment_id=2157" style="background-color: white;">http://www.sabrotone.com/?attachment_id=2157</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the freestompboxes.org forum topic; <a href="http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=850">http://freestompboxes.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=850</a><br />
<br />
Now, I previously mentioned that the Diamond has many superfluous parts and circuit structures so I decided to simplify it right down. Here's what I came up with;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KtnVqvhuo4/T-8FiE-9gMI/AAAAAAAABmM/CxTjewEYuRM/s1600/briggs_diamante.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KtnVqvhuo4/T-8FiE-9gMI/AAAAAAAABmM/CxTjewEYuRM/s320/briggs_diamante.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically it's the same circuit as the Diamond just as simple as it can be; the buffers have been removed or simplified and the EQ section has been removed completely leaving controls only for "Compression" and "Volume".</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-81120446782859085472012-06-28T09:30:00.000+01:002012-07-08T18:18:18.819+01:00Devi Ever - Console Kickstarter!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deviever/console-ii-cartridge-based-multi-fx-guitar-pedal"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/023/244/dd3b05ddd5dbae3e22c6a695436b4f1a_large.png?1339292413" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember your old Nintendos and SEGAs? Well this is a rebirth of the old "cartridge" based systems but this time it won't be Super Mario you'll be booting up - it'll be some killer fuzz tones. Devi's been working on this one for some time so if you're intrested get over to the kickstarter page and get involved; <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deviever/console-ii-cartridge-based-multi-fx-guitar-pedal" style="background-color: white;">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deviever/console-ii-cartridge-based-multi-fx-guitar-pedal</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-44636466030907761942012-06-26T00:28:00.002+01:002012-07-08T17:53:32.507+01:00Rothwell - Love Squeeze Compressor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF0PI57RGgk/T-jvZNMdmVI/AAAAAAAABlM/n8x0zDA-9zg/s1600/Love_Squeeze2s1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF0PI57RGgk/T-jvZNMdmVI/AAAAAAAABlM/n8x0zDA-9zg/s320/Love_Squeeze2s1.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>"Designed and Built in Britain"</i>; the mark of quality and the Rothwell Love Squeeze doesn't disappoint - it's a great hand built compressor pedal with an interesting design.<br />
<br />
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/love_squeeze.html">Rothwell</a> website;<br />
<br />
<i>"The Love Squeeze is a compressor designed simply to sound right with guitars, without any bizarre “pumping” effects and without any noise.<br /><br />This has been achieved by designing a circuit from scratch instead of adopting the more common approach of using an operational transconductance amplifier (for tech heads, it’s usually the CA3080 chip) or simply copying an existing design (like some American boutique makers have done) and gives the Love Squeeze a sound of its own. Low level signals can be raised by as much as 20dB without boosting high level signals, so when used in front of distortion - either in a pedal or an amp - leads lines can be fattened up without chords sending the distortion into mush. <br /><br />When used with a clean sound the Love Squeeze can be set to just take off the ice-pick attack of single coil pickups for a tone a little easier on the ear. Like reverb (when used sensibly), this is a subtle effect which can go almost unnoticed until it is switched off - then you wonder how you could live without it."</i><div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
Here's the ProGuitarShop demo of the Rothwell Love Squeeze in action;</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UgI9jrDd3E4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
And another (with the Rothwell and Keeley Compressor);</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hcWHOjfZcSM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
Now, check out some gut shots - notice the high quality PCBs, neat wiring and general high standard of construction throughout :-) An all round decent piece of work!</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OIjzgBiqZs/T-jvQTVvqQI/AAAAAAAABk4/c6BLLLRbvso/s1600/loves1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OIjzgBiqZs/T-jvQTVvqQI/AAAAAAAABk4/c6BLLLRbvso/s320/loves1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZfZ4_u9YQ4/T-jvRB9ZRqI/AAAAAAAABlA/jLTHavJxr24/s1600/loves2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZfZ4_u9YQ4/T-jvRB9ZRqI/AAAAAAAABlA/jLTHavJxr24/s320/loves2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a schematic drawn up by ever productive WhiteKeyHole;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBz_XMAZSd8/T-jvPvJdWTI/AAAAAAAABk0/pF9SOGcl8PI/s1600/ROTH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBz_XMAZSd8/T-jvPvJdWTI/AAAAAAAABk0/pF9SOGcl8PI/s320/ROTH.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's an interesting concept and a nice simple design. The use of a FET as a voltage controlled resistor makes the attack nice and quick and cuts out the cost of an expensive LDR. If I were to compare the tone of this thing to anything else out there it would be the old traditional Orange Squeezer - it's subtle and transparent compression, it doesn't pump and breath a'la OTA designs or higher ratio optical compressors. Overall I'd say it's a very nice little "tone tidier" compressor.<br />
<br />
For those who want to build this thing here's a vero layout from the fantastic Harald Sabro; <a href="http://www.sabrotone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/LoveSqueeze.gif" style="background-color: white;">http://www.sabrotone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/LoveSqueeze.gif</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-46341056147038843502012-06-24T22:30:00.001+01:002012-07-08T17:53:32.524+01:00TC Electronics - Sustain + Parametric Equalizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6BhLAPVwxM/T-d7NvQiuYI/AAAAAAAABj8/fziV8WpG4EY/s1600/t.c.sustain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6BhLAPVwxM/T-d7NvQiuYI/AAAAAAAABj8/fziV8WpG4EY/s320/t.c.sustain2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a strange one, a super rare beast, but I had the opportunity to play with one the other day. The controls are a little tweaky and it's also sensitive to the position it's placed in the signal chain but when you get it right! Wooo, there's some great tones here; super long sustain and really punchy rhythm tones and with the parametric EQ you can really pick out certain frequencies that you want to accentuate or remove.<br /><br /> Personally the compression/sustain/noise gate part of this pedal is the one that I like, the parametric eq can be covered by other pedals but the sustain/noise gate section really is something unique. Flicking the distortion switch on gives you some nice clipped tones that add a nice smoothness to your tone.<br /><br />There is very little info around the internet for these things and even TC Electronics struggle to provide info. I did discover that David Gilmour used a couple in his rig in the late 1980s though; <a href="http://www.gilmourish.com/?page_id=2111">http://www.gilmourish.com/?page_id=2111</a><br />
<br />
Ok, so here's the description from the <a href="http://www.tcelectronic.com/ClassicSustain-ParametricEQ.asp">TC Electronics</a> website (This description was in place for the reissue version that is also now discontinued!);<br />
<br />
<i>"One of the true grails of vintage effects pedals. This one really enhances your tone. Go from subtle compression to extreme sustaining effects at the tweak of a knob. This sustainer will prolong life of even your weakest tone otherwise destined for premature death. <br /><br />The Classic Sustainer + Parametric EQ gives you studio quality compression in a pedal. Crank it to the extreme and it’ll give your sound that percussive “thud” brilliant for funk or country. And with its parametric EQ you’re in full control of which frequencies to target."</i><span style="font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQCJhx-PnU/T-d8TqiV-DI/AAAAAAAABkE/p6BfcxDrM5I/s1600/tc-electronics-Sustain-Parametric-Equalizer-1985-Black-big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KQCJhx-PnU/T-d8TqiV-DI/AAAAAAAABkE/p6BfcxDrM5I/s320/tc-electronics-Sustain-Parametric-Equalizer-1985-Black-big.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After even more searching I uncovered some gutshots of the pedal, check out the goofy 1980s PCB design;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXu7lpJhn3U/T-d9Qh2C67I/AAAAAAAABkM/cVmScjkJAv8/s1600/Img_8183s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXu7lpJhn3U/T-d9Qh2C67I/AAAAAAAABkM/cVmScjkJAv8/s200/Img_8183s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hdELSFqPmg/T-d9RoVIg0I/AAAAAAAABkU/dU6x_Gmes6Q/s1600/tce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hdELSFqPmg/T-d9RoVIg0I/AAAAAAAABkU/dU6x_Gmes6Q/s200/tce.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
After some more exhaustive searching and a trip to the <a href="http://archive.org/web/web.php">WayBackMachine</a> I discovered this;<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4SXZhNW42ckd1Z0k/preview" width="530"></iframe><br />
<br />
Yes! A schematic file for the pedal. I'm going to have to study this one for a while until I really understand what is actually going on fully in the noise gate/compression section of the pedal but it's a pretty interesting design incorporating both OTAs *and* op amps in various feedback loop configurations. I'm probably going to have a play around with this design and see if I can distil the compression section into a little project for people to build up.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-46846670056962059252012-06-22T23:30:00.001+01:002012-07-08T17:35:18.057+01:00Fender Tweed "Deluxe" - Model 5E3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcGbHX4Arbo/T-ThUUaE5-I/AAAAAAAABjU/XxAxaGHKKmg/s1600/1960-fender-deluxe-amp-tweed+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcGbHX4Arbo/T-ThUUaE5-I/AAAAAAAABjU/XxAxaGHKKmg/s320/1960-fender-deluxe-amp-tweed+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Fender Tweed Deluxe has been with us for over 60 years now and it's popularity is still growing. First produced in 1948 as the Model 5B3 it is the mid 50s 5E3 circuit that guitar player claim is the greatest revision of the classic Tweed formula. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Originally viewed as an "entry level" model the Tweed Deluxe has become one of the most recorded and iconic guitar amps of all time. It's sweet breakup and touch sensitive nature really allow the guitarist to feel like they are truly in control of the circuitry with every tone required available from slight alterations in pick attack or the guitar volume control.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If, somehow, you've never heard a Fender Tweed in action here's a demo video;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-PPHkKjdHs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And another of a clone in action;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XaggJT-2kwY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, let's have a look at the schematic;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XXcESnLLB0/T-Tj_kUUb5I/AAAAAAAABjo/RtSMqFyTDBU/s1600/deluxe_5e3_schem+(1).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XXcESnLLB0/T-Tj_kUUb5I/AAAAAAAABjo/RtSMqFyTDBU/s320/deluxe_5e3_schem+(1).gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Super simple for a push-pull amp. All there is is two cascaded preamp stages a super simple "Cathodyne" phase inverter and a cathode biased push-pull power stage. The power supply is pretty poorly regulated and combined with the valve rectification isn't exactly what amp designers would call "Stiff". It's this simplicity combined with an errant luck of design that make the 5E3 the legendary amp it is. Below is the original layout as used in the actual amps themselves;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVKmip9a9zw/T-TkKZ-1ZMI/AAAAAAAABjw/vPrTzxwJqb4/s1600/deluxe_5e3_layout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVKmip9a9zw/T-TkKZ-1ZMI/AAAAAAAABjw/vPrTzxwJqb4/s320/deluxe_5e3_layout.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And here's the Ceriatone layout (based on the original layout but a bit easier to read;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1XpM-ob8Y0/T-Tj3aPfiZI/AAAAAAAABjg/RfqrC1trzxA/s1600/5E3Ceriatone_080508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1XpM-ob8Y0/T-Tj3aPfiZI/AAAAAAAABjg/RfqrC1trzxA/s320/5E3Ceriatone_080508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For a full project pdf file with schematics and layout files (and a few mods!) check this out;<br />
<br />
<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwMWxzd7lEJ4Y1lYaEp2LXJwVU0/preview" width="530"></iframe><br />
<br />
Here's a great site with loads of discussion on Tweed builds/mods and tones. There's some great demos too; <a href="http://www.recproaudio.com/diy_pro_audio/tweed_deluxe.htm">http://www.recproaudio.com/diy_pro_audio/tweed_deluxe.htm</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-88752136651533291782012-06-20T22:24:00.002+01:002012-07-08T17:59:51.083+01:00Voltage Scaling in Amplifiers - Power Scaling / VVR<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv6H5ZBTFC8/T-IapgZc7ZI/AAAAAAAABis/aXV_DC2nTiQ/s1600/DSCN2132a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv6H5ZBTFC8/T-IapgZc7ZI/AAAAAAAABis/aXV_DC2nTiQ/s320/DSCN2132a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana Hall's VVR3 PCB kit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Power Scaling (a <a href="http://www.londonpower.com/">London Power</a> trademark) and VVR, which stands for Variable Voltage Regulator, (Dana Hall of <a href="http://www.hallamplification.com/">Hall Amplification's</a> version of Power Scaling) are currently two of the hottest topic's in the Guitar Amp world. Both are methods which allow you to scale back the voltages within your amplifier to attenuate the overall volume without having to use a cumbersome purpose built attenuator between the amplifier's output transformer and speaker or rely on a simple "Master Volume" control which dials out the all important power tube clipping.<br />
<br />
Voltage scaling is said to allow you to maintain "that" tone you get from running a tube amp flat out with all the volume controls turned up to the max but also allow you to maintain your relationships with neighbours/children and/or spouses without having to resort to playing your guitar in an underground bunker.<br />
<br />
Best of all this technology is compatible with 99% of amps below 50W!<br />
<br />
Firstly; SAFETY! If you're not confident working with the voltages associated with tube amplifiers don't even bother with this, you WILL end up toast.<br />
<br />
Secondly; what is "Power Scaling" e.t.c, why use it and how does it work? Well, take these explanations from the <a href="http://www.londonpower.com/pscaling.htm">London Power</a> website;<br />
<br />
<i>"[Power Scaling's] goal is to achieve the same tone as our loud sound but at a much lower volume."</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
And;<br /><br />"Power Scaling, when implemented correctly, will reduce amplifier loudness by reducing the power generated. This has the added benefit of extending tube life while retaining "cranked" amp tone at any loudness level. Power Scaling can be applied to any tube amplifier, regardless of bias method or push-pull versus single-ended."<br />
You may just wonder why not use an attenuator? Well, London Power has this to say regarding attenuators (and remember there *may* be a slight bias in their explanations!);<br />
<br />
<i>"Not at all! "Speaker load boxes", "speaker emulators," and "speaker attenuators" are all forms of attenuation that are interposed between the output of a power amp and the speaker. They work for some people but are notorious for sounding "buzzy" at high attenuations. </i><br />
<i>A speaker attenuator forces your amp to be run flat out, producing its full power all the time. The power that is not needed is thrown away as heat, with the required power going to the speaker. It is quieter than full-tilt, but now the speaker is isolated from the amp and cannot interact with it, so some tone is lost."</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
What about a standard Master Volume control?;</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>" If you only play clean or you only use preamp overdrive or distortion tones, then a 'master volume' will satisfy you. </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Power Scaling is the best solution for those players who incorporate some amount of output stage "effect" in their sound. This effect can be some clipping, heavy clipping, or just that cusp of compression you get in a tube power amp approaching clipping. Power Scaling allows you to live at that cusp or beyond, but at ANY loudness you need."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So how does it work? Here's some info from Dana Hall;</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>"It makes the B+ on your amp variable like using an external variac only unlike the variac it doesn't affect your heater voltage. As you turn down the voltage on your tubes you drop the power but keep a lot of the characteristic distortion and sustain only at a lower volume.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br />It reduces the output of the preamp IF you regulate the whole amp VS just the power tube(S). Since the power tubes are also operating at reduced voltage, they are actually easier to saturate. If you regulate just the power section and keep the voltages normal on your preamp tubes then you will need a MV to keep the preamp from over driving your power tubes. If you regulate the whole amp the preamps voltage is also reduced and the gain structure between the preamp and power amp is maintained."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
So, to sum up VVR, Power or Voltage Scaling, whatever you want to call it, is just one way of getting those great amp tones at lower volumes. Using some simple circuitry to regulate, and lower upon demand, your amp's power supply it enables your amp to go full bore but at acceptable volumes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a demo of a Dr Z Route 66 with Hall Amplification's VVR3 installed;</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HZBaCF99jo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And another VVR equipped amp;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/0Mta_unZSCo/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Mta_unZSCo&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0Mta_unZSCo&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
Now, for a huge amount of information regarding VVR check out this pdf document written by Dana Hall. It includes *almost* everything you would need to know about voltage scaling amplifiers including how you select the right VVR circuit for your amp (be it cathode or fixed biased), what parts of your amp you should scale (preamp, phase inverter, power amp) and how to install VVR in your amp;</div>
<div>
<br />
<iframe height="500" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?authuser=0&srcid=0BwMWxzd7lEJ4Yk1kWl83VlVUdG8&pid=explorer&a=v&chrome=false&embedded=true" width="530"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br />
Now here's what a Valve Junior circuit looks like with a VVR circuit installed to regulate the whole amp;<br />
<br />
<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?authuser=0&srcid=0BwMWxzd7lEJ4am5jcWY0Wk5HUFk&pid=explorer&a=v&chrome=false&embedded=true" width="530"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Here's a schematic of the VVR schematic and PCB layout for cathode biased amps (for more info on amp bias types check out the VVR pdf above);<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NVucFSTFl4/T-I2QAOX9CI/AAAAAAAABi4/RMkF33olPzY/s1600/vvr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6NVucFSTFl4/T-I2QAOX9CI/AAAAAAAABi4/RMkF33olPzY/s320/vvr1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbTyTFmIeBU/T-I38G4Fn5I/AAAAAAAABjA/F4Iucfe5PC8/s1600/VVRooM13.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IbTyTFmIeBU/T-I38G4Fn5I/AAAAAAAABjA/F4Iucfe5PC8/s200/VVRooM13.gif" width="140" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTYhe2dIbxA/T-I38uvz88I/AAAAAAAABjE/uee9CcZEb6Y/s1600/VVRooM13PnP.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTYhe2dIbxA/T-I38uvz88I/AAAAAAAABjE/uee9CcZEb6Y/s200/VVRooM13PnP.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's a (fairly crazy) video explaining how to install a VVR unit in a cathode biased amp;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/xV0g3VW_Vfc/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xV0g3VW_Vfc&fs=1&source=uds" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xV0g3VW_Vfc&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So if you fancy a try at VVR here you go, build up the circuit and install it in your amp! I'll draw up some schematics for the Fixed Biased voltage scaling unit in time and present them here.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-46581300516510512022012-06-20T10:59:00.001+01:002012-07-07T16:16:26.652+01:00Fred Briggs - Pharmacy Fuzz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9mzN8mmZJ4/T-GaU9hisMI/AAAAAAAABig/TQ_VTp6KMgU/s1600/briggs_pharm_fuzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9mzN8mmZJ4/T-GaU9hisMI/AAAAAAAABig/TQ_VTp6KMgU/s320/briggs_pharm_fuzz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's something I've never seen before in a Fuzz Face type circuit; adjustable gain darlington pair transistors made up of individual germanium and silicon transistors. The first transistor of each pair is a germanium device of around 50hfe (low leakage!) and the second is a silicon device of around 250hfe. The adjustable nature of the transistors makes the Pharmacy Fuzz capable of a huge array of both vintage and modern fuzz tones - you can tweak and play with the circuit for hours and still find new possibilities.<br />
<br />
When I build this up I'll be using a 100k trim for the gain control on the first transistor set and a 100k pot for the control on the second transistor set as this secondary pair is where most of the clipping magic happens (or indeed just use a single low/medium gain transistor instead of the first pair for simplicity). Also note the "Aggression" and "Bass Cut" controls. The "Aggression" control works as a circuit wide "overall gain" control and allows the circuit to go from mellow to full on rock out. The "Bass Cut" is just an implementation of the now pretty standard Fuzz Face tone blend control and governs the amount of low end signal that the circuit will gobble up at it's front and and fuzz out at it's end.<br />
<br />
The 10k trim is there for bias - use this to set the voltage on the collector of the second transistor set to around half the supply voltage, or to wherever you think it sounds best!<br />
<br />
You'll also note a few other little inclusions in the design - the 2 x Ferrite Bead inductors in series with the input of the circuit and the Suppression Choke in the power supply (whose overall resistance should be in the 50-100 ohm) region. These components together help to reduce noise and radio interference in the circuit. If you don't have them replace the suppression choke with a 100 ohm resistor and just omit the ferrite beads.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8126694935311992807.post-86592800345842235522012-06-19T22:38:00.000+01:002012-07-08T17:35:18.110+01:00Divided By Thirteen - CJ 11 Amplifier<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFUu2KiLbks/T-DXXbXbC8I/AAAAAAAABhk/IQSiQQBT2Cw/s1600/cj11+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFUu2KiLbks/T-DXXbXbC8I/AAAAAAAABhk/IQSiQQBT2Cw/s320/cj11+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divided By Thirteen CJ 11 in Cream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Divided By Thirteen are a relatively new company (with regards to amp manufacturing) based in California and spear headed by Fred Taccone. They make some great sounding and beautifully build amps, not to mention the way they look!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The CJ11 is one of Divided By Thirteen's smaller offerings and provides all the "overdriven Fender" goodness you could possibly need.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Here's the description from the <a href="http://www.dividedby13.com/cj11.html">Divided By Thirteen website</a>;<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"When asked, by Corky James, amongest others, "Can you take my favorite 1959 tweed amp from Fullerton and instead of the controls being Volume Volume Tone make it Volume Treble Bass, give it more clean headroom, a wider range of usable overdrive (throw in a little EL 34), make it a little louder with fuller, tighter low end, and put a master volume in it so i can play at all levels and dial in and hit the sweet spot of whatever speaker i am using at the time, mostly a G12M Celestion?"<br /><br />Sure.<br /><br />Powered by 2 6V6GTs it's hard to believe the performance of this stout, 11 watt, 1x12 combo that is just the latest in an ongoing tradition here at Divided by 13 of collaborating with and responding to what players, writters, and produceres ask us to do."</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Did I mention Divided By Thirteen make some beautiful amps? Check out the SJT 10/20 below, I'd love one of these;<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFl--YygCBM/T-DXnwzRUbI/AAAAAAAABhs/vLw-vFb_UFs/s1600/sjt1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFl--YygCBM/T-DXnwzRUbI/AAAAAAAABhs/vLw-vFb_UFs/s320/sjt1020.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divided By Thirteen SJT 10/20</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But back to the CJ 11 - we all want to know how it sounds, so here's the trusty ProGuitarShop video for you;<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CnnR4DtWeK0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Let's have a look at some gutshots of this beauty;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-PRMDoiOzM/T-DYhls7maI/AAAAAAAABh0/AwTM7xliRNM/s1600/cj11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-PRMDoiOzM/T-DYhls7maI/AAAAAAAABh0/AwTM7xliRNM/s200/cj11.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUiBeO0maSU/T-DYjI5nEyI/AAAAAAAABh8/9cWr010RymI/s1600/cj112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUiBeO0maSU/T-DYjI5nEyI/AAAAAAAABh8/9cWr010RymI/s200/cj112.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see the top notch worksmanship isn't just limited to the cabinets and finish it all continues on the inside. High quality parts throughout and clean concise wiring - the perfect way to make a great sounding tube amp.<br />
<br />
Here's the schematic that has been deduced from all the available photos;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4lAq4UjgEk/T-DZCkyjrYI/AAAAAAAABiE/WWtJcmSkSOY/s1600/CeeJayEleven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4lAq4UjgEk/T-DZCkyjrYI/AAAAAAAABiE/WWtJcmSkSOY/s320/CeeJayEleven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Below are the two schematics for the Fender Blackface Deluxe AB763 and the Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 circuit. You'll notice that the Divided By Thirteen CJ11 is basically a tweaked composite of these two classic Fender Deluxe designs - the AB763 preamp and the 5E3 Phase Inverter and Power Section;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqeJtTi69YA/T-DZ0ahQD8I/AAAAAAAABiM/HAVZ0sQOmLo/s1600/deluxe_ab763_schem.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqeJtTi69YA/T-DZ0ahQD8I/AAAAAAAABiM/HAVZ0sQOmLo/s200/deluxe_ab763_schem.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Ez5sdlKS0/T-DaeS9BnRI/AAAAAAAABiU/BYzDovHiJI0/s1600/deluxe_5e3_schem.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Ez5sdlKS0/T-DaeS9BnRI/AAAAAAAABiU/BYzDovHiJI0/s200/deluxe_5e3_schem.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The 3k3 cathode resistors bias the preamp stages quite "cold" meaning a slightly brighter and glassy tone is produced which really emphasises the CJ11's Fender roots.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172133688955122237noreply@blogger.com3