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Original effects with schematics, layouts and instructions, freely contributed by members or found in publications. Cannot be used for commercial purposes without the consent of the owners of the copyright.

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Printed/Published Online Designs
Stompboxes circuits published in magazines, books or on DIY electronics websites.
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Last post Re: Adding bass & treble cont…
J4mes
11 jul 2024, 16:55
Original Tracer Layouts
A collection of original layouts for vintage guitar effects. If you want to build real replica's of vintage pedals, this is the forum you want to look at.
Topics: 20

20 Topics

111 Posts

Last post Re: MXR Dyna Comp - original …
mozz
09 nov 2023, 19:55

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Projects Index by type of effect

Last post by modman « 21 Jan 2008, 05:37

by modman » 21 Jan 2008, 05:37

Rating: 0.2%

About the projects index

This page tries to keep the available projects indexed.
If you want to share files to build a effect that's not yet (widely) available, it would be a pleasure for us to host it here.
The projects should be verified , though, and at least contain a schematic , some layout file (transfer, vero, perf) and a component layout file .
Incomplete or unverified projects will be moved to the Projects in Progress folder: if you fall upon such a project, please report the...

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View the latest post Projects Index by type of ef …
Last post modman
21 Jan 2008, 05:37

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THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... At last, a better compressor! [documentation]

Last post by jhergonz « 20 May 2018, 18:09
Replies: 101
by merlinb » 21 Apr 2012, 14:23
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Rating: 14.3%

For a long time I've felt guilty that my pedal board didn't include a compressor. Finally, after about a year of breadboarding, I have produced a circuit that can take on a Dynacomp and win , boasting:

Up to five times more headroom than a Dynacomp
Less noise than a Dynacomp
Same available sustain as a Dynacomp
Fewer parts than a Dynacomp
Cheaper than a Dynacomp
Feedforward side chain
Possibility for all five controls
Fits in 1590B
Millennium bypass

Despite its final simplicity, I went though...
101 Replies

216781 Views

View the latest post Re: THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... …
Last post jhergonz
20 May 2018, 18:09
BAJA AFD MkII OVERDRIVE PEDAL 2018

Last post by AliThePartyAnimal « Today, 12:15
Replies: 29
by bajaman » 02 Feb 2018, 05:28
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Rating: 5.2%

Hi folks
I revisited the design of this pedal and got the frequency response characteristic a lot closer with the extra gain stages and filtering compared to my earlier BAJA AFD OVERDRIVE project, so i have called this the MkII :wink:
IMG_3503.JPG

Baja AFD MkII overdrive pedal 9v 010218.GIF
cheers
bajaman
29 Replies

8038 Views

View the latest post Re: BAJA AFD MkII OVERDRIVE …
Last post AliThePartyAnimal
Today, 12:15
Simple noise gate [documentation]

Last post by toxonic « Yesterday, 12:07
Replies: 49
by Matthes » 13 Sep 2022, 15:09
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Rating: 6.7%

Hi there!
I am new here and I would like to share a noise gate circuit that I have been working on.
One or two years ago I was playing around with the MXR noise gate circuit and I did a lot of trial and error modifications to it.
Then I forgot about it, until a few weeks ago I rediscovered this project and finially finished it.
It is using only cheap and standard components (and not many of them) and it could easily be added to overdrive circuits or similar.

I am really sorry, if there already...
49 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Simple noise gate
Last post toxonic
Yesterday, 12:07
BAJA REACTOR 010119 [documentation]

Last post by tuck « Yesterday, 09:50
Replies: 68
by bajaman » 01 Jan 2019, 06:47
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Rating: 21.8%

Happy New Year to all the good folks here at freestompboxes.org.
Here is a new design that I have been working on over the last few years - a pedal designed to mimic the performance of a typical negative feedback tube amp power stage driving a Celestion quad box or similar.

The pedal has the negative feedback presence and depth (resonance) controls typical of Soldano, Marshall, Fender, Peavey etc.

Tube power amplifiers have a high output impedance compared to solid state class AB and digital...
68 Replies

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View the latest post Re: BAJA REACTOR 010119
Last post tuck
Yesterday, 09:50
Why is my switch popping? [documentation]

Last post by Homespun « 10 Sep 2024, 20:22
Replies: 8
by Homespun » 01 Sep 2024, 03:38

Rating: 0.9%

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong with this switching board. How can I silence the popping?
bypass.png
It's a board that powers the pedal, switches the LED and switches the effect circuit. When it is off the in tip shorts to the out tip and the effect input is grounded.

I've got a 1M Input impedance/bleed resistor on the input after the IO/IN at the beginning of the circuit. I'm thinking that I should go buffered bypass anyway but in the meanwhile I'd like to figure what is causing this...

8 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Why is my switch popping
Last post Homespun
10 Sep 2024, 20:22
Silent Switching 40106 4066

Last post by twotees « 06 Sep 2024, 14:11
Replies: 10
by J4mes » 02 Aug 2024, 12:56

Rating: 1.1%

Hey, peeps.

I know this isn't the hottest topic for switching, but I haven't seen too much info, or even a schematic for this, so I decided to draw one along with a smaller board. The original board was found here, so would be useful to have it as a complete project file rather than segments posted over the internet.

I appreciate the schematic will probably need some attention to clarify pins etc.

(original board layout by andregarcia)

J

10 Replies

1377 Views

View the latest post Re: Silent Switching 40106 4 …
Last post twotees
06 Sep 2024, 14:11
Baja Presence and Resonance 091118 [documentation]

Last post by J4mes « 05 Sep 2024, 10:06
Replies: 52
by bajaman » 09 Nov 2018, 08:23
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Rating: 14.7%

Here is a little circuit I just designed to emulate the presence and resonance controls in a typical tube amplifier driving a speaker cabinet.
A typical tube amplifier reacts with the loudspeaker load quite differently to a solid state amplifier - it puts extra power into the speaker at resonance and due to rising voice coil inductance at higher frequencies it puts out a progressively louder response as the frequency rises, solid state amplifiers do not do this and consequently lack the bottom...
52 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Baja Presence and Resona …
Last post J4mes
05 Sep 2024, 10:06
Germanium and Silicon diodes comparison [documentation]

Last post by thomasbe86 « 26 Aug 2024, 12:44
Replies: 36
by thomasbe861 » 13 Oct 2023, 10:01
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Rating: 8.4%

Long story short, I ended up testing and measuring a good part of all odd diodes I have had accumulated over the decades of tinkering.
Some are modern, widely available, some are more rare and not produced anymore, germanium, silicon, including Schottky, silicon carbide, Zener, LEDs, IR, etc.
Here are the graphs, showing the forward voltage drop for a given current (I-V curve) for different types of diodes. Hope this is helpful to anyone. All were measured using a Peak Atlas DCA75 Pro.

The...
36 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Germanium and Silicon di …
Last post thomasbe86
26 Aug 2024, 12:44
Chewborg Envelope Filter [documentation]

Last post by modman « 23 Aug 2024, 11:07
Replies: 31
by dylan159 » 07 Aug 2023, 10:17
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Rating: 6.9%

Introduction
On my quest through re-imagining effects pedals, I felt like envelope-controlled filters deserved some attention. As it is usual, my motivation comes from the unsatisfaction with existing circuits: from the widespread use of OTAs, with their drawbacks in terms of distortion and noise, and limited availability in some cases; to one-trick pony circuits; to circuits that require matching; circuits whose complexity isn't reflected in the features offered. Ripple is another common...
31 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Chewborg Envelope Filter
Last post modman
23 Aug 2024, 11:07
Dark Terror Mini Preamp Pedal Blown Transformer

Last post by Lani « 21 Aug 2024, 23:32
Replies: 2
by Numbskull » 21 Aug 2024, 18:46

Hi Guys,
I am trying to help a friend with a pedal problem. It combines a mini Orange Terror with a Bassman type preamp. It takes 18 volts and steps it up to 220 volts (?). Anyway, the impulse controller keeps blowing. He purchased this pedal and does not have the schematic (or can get it). Another pedal builder thinks it there is a problem in the impulse converter but can’t find the problem.
I know it’s a long shot but I thought one (or more) of you experts might have an idea of what might be...

2 Replies

435 Views

View the latest post Re: Dark Terror Mini Preamp …
Last post Lani
21 Aug 2024, 23:32
untitled Chorus/Vibrato pedal

Last post by asbestosaurus « 18 Aug 2024, 01:22
Replies: 8
by asbestosaurus » 13 Jan 2022, 08:58

Rating: 3.9%

here's a little design i threw together based on a neat little digital delay chip i found on AliExpress while looking to build a vibrato with a better frequency range than analog can provide.

its a fairly standard chorus/vibrato-with-blend type of deal, nothing super novel or innovative, more a proof of concept than anything. i've just borrowed the LFO from the VB-2 since i wanted a sine wave. and since it also had its own precision Vref supply, which i like, so i could keep it isolated from...

8 Replies

2815 Views

View the latest post Re: untitled Chorus/Vibrato …
Last post asbestosaurus
18 Aug 2024, 01:22
Super Transformer: an active DI

Last post by audiofab « 17 Aug 2024, 11:40
Replies: 5
by audiofab » 12 Aug 2024, 20:04

Rating: 0.9%

We've published the design of our Super Transformer active DI / pedal board isolator in the August issue of audioXpress magazine:

The design provides true galvanic isolation and employs a mixed-feedback drive technique to provide low distortion and extended frequency response with a low cost transformer.

There was a minor error in the schematic that appeared in the magazine (a capacitor with reversed polarity). Here's the updated schematic.

Super-Transformer-schematic-corrected.jpg...

5 Replies

902 Views

View the latest post Re: Super Transformer: an ac …
Last post audiofab
17 Aug 2024, 11:40
Custom eq

Last post by plush « 17 Aug 2024, 11:23
Replies: 3
by Tadejv » 16 Aug 2024, 07:07

Is there anybody who can design me guitar pickup active preamp with custom eq settings?

3 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Custom eq
Last post plush
17 Aug 2024, 11:23
A Switching Scheme [documentation]

Last post by audiofab « 16 Aug 2024, 21:29
Replies: 270
by mictester » 30 May 2011, 20:05
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You'll all know my hatred of the crappy TPDT and similar footswitches.

I still have customers who insist on true bypass and a solid copper path bypass . Buffered bypass is almost always better, but just to satisfy these (very wealthy / influential) musicians, I frequently use bistable relays. Many players are deeply distrustful of mains powered effects, and (perversely) demand batteries that last for many hours. I also have a large supply of really sturdy SPDT footswitches (like the old...
270 Replies

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View the latest post Re: A Switching Scheme
Last post audiofab
16 Aug 2024, 21:29
Dumble ODS in a box

Last post by Manfred « 16 Aug 2024, 09:39
Replies: 5
by J4mes » 04 May 2024, 00:51

Rating: 2.4%

alt= FJnyOWs
alt= Layout-Template-Save-2

As promised. Still need to finish it up, but have a working unit!

Built this into an old reverb tank. Doesn't do anything it shouldn't and no oscillations.
Built with a cheap power supply from Aliex and some parts I had lying around.

alt= Dumble-ODS-Pre

I promise to finish the drawing at some point this week or next as it's good for my brain :slap:

Hope this helps so far. I read a guy enquiring about removing the bass and bright switches...

5 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Dumble ODS in a box
Last post Manfred
16 Aug 2024, 09:39
Another view of the Fetzer Valve (moded) [schematics]

Last post by mrpointz « 15 Aug 2024, 16:00
Replies: 1
by Lukasen » 04 Nov 2023, 13:37

Rating: 1.9%

At one time I was quite involved into J-FETs. I was originally drawn to them by (dare I say) the legendary A Discrete FET Guitar Preamp schematic by J. Donald Tillman. After a brief acquaintance with the functionality, I left the J-FETs and went my own way of buffers with bipolar transistors. Later I was looking for a schematic that would emulate valves and not be complicated, so I found the Fetzer Valve and I was back again.

I really liked the strict approach of the authors of runoffgroove to...

1 Replies

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View the latest post Re: Another view of the Fetz …
Last post mrpointz
15 Aug 2024, 16:00
PUP: a host of Perfectly Usable Phasers [documentation]

Last post by POTL « 11 Aug 2024, 21:54
Replies: 61
by dylan159 » 22 Oct 2022, 09:52
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I’ve always liked phasers, in fact one of my first pedals I’ve ever built was a Phase 45 clone. Not only I liked how it sounded, another main reason for choosing it (other than the complexity) was that I only needed two matched JFETs instead of, for example, four for a four-stage phaser.
I’ve been sitting there, content with my box, for some years, until recently I’ve heard of the Project 447 phaser on an old ETI magazine. It wasn’t perfect by most accounts (the long string of 741 op-amps in...
61 Replies

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View the latest post Re: PUP: a host of Perfectly …
Last post POTL
11 Aug 2024, 21:54
EHX Electric Mistress - 9v mn3007/mn3207 layout [documentation]

Last post by KaptinKangaru « 09 Aug 2024, 19:52
Replies: 9
by numaxim » 07 Mar 2018, 12:48

Rating: 1.1%

hi everyone!
this is my first post on this forum.
i wanted to share with you this layout that I had in the drawer for a long time and completed a few days ago. the scheme that I followed is the one taken from madbean current lover (except some changes) . it can mount both the mn3007 and the mn3207 by positioning the bridges under the pcb. I did not have time to make it happen ... but I will do it soon.

who wants can download the project file here ...

hope it works :lol:

I'm sorry for my...

9 Replies

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View the latest post Re: EHX Electric Mistress - …
Last post KaptinKangaru
09 Aug 2024, 19:52
Muddy sound eliminator(Not require power supply).

Last post by box « 09 Aug 2024, 06:41
Replies: 6
by box » 08 Aug 2024, 16:23

Rating: 0.2%

Hi All,
I would like to present a simple implementation of a muddy sound eliminator system for any electric guitar,
Enjoy!
Best regards,
box

6 Replies

668 Views

View the latest post Re: Passive Booster(Not requ …
Last post box
09 Aug 2024, 06:41
Fet version of the JCM800

Last post by Cub « 08 Aug 2024, 06:21
Replies: 61
by KMG » 18 Feb 2010, 15:25
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Schematics (pdf)

Stage by stage frequency response in comparison with the original tube version (stage2 with different gain positions)

Ready to transfer PCB (pdf)

Upper side assembly (pdf)

Bottom side assembly (pdf)

Assembled board

Controls and input jacks (pdf)

KiCad files

Samples
Line recording with external speaker simulator Behringer Ultra-G
Settings: Bass=7, Mid=6, Treble=6, Gain=7, Vol=8
Guitar directly

Checking boost by Marshall Guv'nor Plus
Guitar...
61 Replies

30928 Views

View the latest post Re: Fet version of the JCM80
Last post Cub
08 Aug 2024, 06:21
BAJA AC30TB overdrive pedal project 110218 [documentation]

Last post by tuck « 05 Aug 2024, 14:50
Replies: 72
by bajaman » 11 Feb 2018, 01:43
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You asked for it and here it is :wink:
The Vox AC30 Top Boost amplifier including driver and output stage in a convenient 9v dc overdrive pedal format :lol:
There are three places in the AC30 where clipping occurs at different signal levels - with input gain and tone controls on maximum reasonably symmetrical occurs first on the output stage at approximately 1.3mV 1kHz sine wave signal input level. At 2.8mV signal input the driver stage goes into asymmetrical clip at first and eventually...
72 Replies

27626 Views

View the latest post Re: BAJA AC30TB overdrive pe …
Last post tuck
05 Aug 2024, 14:50
Analogguru - SDD-preamp [documentation]

Last post by mauman « 05 Aug 2024, 01:01
Replies: 83
by analogguru » 27 Jul 2008, 20:46
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So folks,
too often I heard the rumours about the fabulous Korg SDD-3000 preamp which a guitarist used one time.

So I took the SDD-3000 schematic and drew out the relevant part, which can be found here:
Korg SDD-3000 preamplifier schematic

I added a footswitch. This circuit is supplied with +/- 15V in the SDD-3000.

Since this is a horror for battery-junkies, I adapted this circuit for use with a battery. The schematic can be found here:
Analogguru SDD-preamp schematic

There shouldn´t be...
83 Replies

33650 Views

View the latest post Re: Analogguru - SDD-preamp
Last post mauman
05 Aug 2024, 01:01
Germanium Fuzz Machine - SFT322 FUZZ

Last post by BLD « 01 Aug 2024, 18:14

by BLD » 01 Aug 2024, 18:14

Rating: 0.4%

Germanium Fuzz Machine

The designed effect is modeled on the classic Fuzz Face. I used SFT322 germanium transistors (NOS). They have lower gain than AC128/2N404, which gives us a much lower level of distortion. Perfect for rock 'n' roll songs.

The Fuzz has a 125B style housing, crocodile skin paint coating, anodized aluminum faceplate, and laser engraved inscriptions.

Instead of the standard linear FUZZ adjustment potentiometer, I used the Rev-Log potentiometer. We can adjust the gain more...

0 Replies

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View the latest post Germanium Fuzz Machine - SFT …
Last post BLD
01 Aug 2024, 18:14
EMG Active Pickup Circuit?

Last post by snakepit86 « 29 Jul 2024, 12:25
Replies: 214
by soulsonic » 03 Nov 2007, 19:19
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I was wondering, does anyone have a schematic for the basic circuit EMG uses in their active pickups? It looks like it would be a hard trace since it's totally encapsulated in epoxy, but maybe someone has a factory scheme?

I've been looking at their website, and it seems like they give enough basic info to be able to reverse engineer a workalike. I'm gonna start messing with it this weekend. I have this idea for a project I want to do about DIY EMG-ing a passive pickup to work like an EMG. I...
214 Replies

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View the latest post Re: EMG Active Pickup Circui …
Last post snakepit86
29 Jul 2024, 12:25
The Nurse Quacktitioner: Nurse Quacky advances her career

Last post by lykwydchykyn « 27 Jul 2024, 04:39
Replies: 1
by lykwydchykyn » 27 Jul 2024, 02:17

Rating: 0.6%

The Nurse Quacky is a classic, fun-to-build envelope filter that requires no special parts and sounds great. There are a few mods out there like release time switching and whatnot, but I had a few additions I wanted to figure out:

- Filter Drive: Wanted to see if dirtying up this filter was an option.
- Q control: Nurse quacky gets a bit too sharp when used with fuzzed or waveshaped sounds, so I wanted a control to tame that.
- Inverted envelope: This was a stretch goal, but I'd used the NQ...

1 Replies

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View the latest post Re: The Nurse Quacktitioner: …
Last post lykwydchykyn
27 Jul 2024, 04:39

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