Circuit Analysis

The research folders: please contribute whatever little piece of information you might have on stompbox circuits new or old. Discussion should be civil and to the point.

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Vintage Stompbox Corner ( ... - 1975)
Discussion regarding early stompbox technology: 1960-1975 Please keep discussion focused and contribute what info you have...
Topics: 658

658 Topics

15001 Posts

Last post Re: Mirano - EF-1 - Exciting …
edkoppel
02 jul 2023, 23:18
Modern Stompbox Effects (1975 - ...)
All about modern commercial stompbox circuits from Electro Harmonix over MXR, Boss and Ibanez into the nineties.
Topics: 1618

1618 Topics

23991 Posts

Last post Re: Rocktek ODR-1 Overdrive
LeftPerspective2673
yesterday, 22:23
Boutique Stompboxes dissected...
General documentation, gut shot, schematic links, ongoing circuit tracing, deep thoughts ... all about boutique stompboxes.
Topics: 1821

1821 Topics

58129 Posts

Last post Re: Death by Audio - Echo Mas…
Visualdistortion
14 jul 2023, 00:23
DIY Projects
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.
Subforums: Printed/Published Online Designs, Original Tracer Layouts
Topics: 1544

1544 Topics

28058 Posts

Last post Re: Introducing the Alternate…
mauman
today, 13:40
Electric Guitar/Bass Wiring
Pickups, wiring schemes, switch techniques and onboard active electronics for guitars and basses
Topics: 279

279 Topics

2475 Posts

Last post Re: Alembic filter preamp PF-6
Jarno
31 may 2023, 11:11
Analysis Requests Folder
Before you launch a request, please a) search the forum; b) search the web and c) share whatever you did find and where you searched.
Topics: 1189

1189 Topics

4349 Posts

Last post Lani
30 jun 2023, 07:26

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Last post

Original tracer layouts for classic pedals

Last post by andregarcia57 « 30 May 2023, 14:03
Replies: 61
by peps1 » 26 Apr 2010, 18:16
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Rating: 2.2%

(Hope this is in the right place, as it n0ot really a technical question and didn't want to post a request in the vintage section)

Hi Guys,

Trying to gather a collection of Original tracer layouts for classic pedals like the Tycobrahe Octavia, Dallas Rangemaster, ToneBender, Muffs & so on.

Got a couple so far....but would love more!
61 Replies

39883 Views

View the latest post Re: Original tracer layouts …
Last post andregarcia57
30 May 2023, 14:03
The BOSS Book (pdf & mp3's)

Last post by The G « 15 Dec 2020, 15:28
Replies: 3
by The G » 15 Dec 2020, 15:02

Rating: 3.9%

Discussion is here

--------
Did a compressed version. Didn't noticed visual differences compared to the original.

The Boss Book.pdf

And the audio files:

01-AudioTrack 01.mp3
02-AudioTrack 02.mp3
03-AudioTrack 03.mp3
04-AudioTrack 04.mp3
05-AudioTrack 05.mp3
06-AudioTrack 06.mp3
07-AudioTrack 07.mp3
08-AudioTrack 08.mp3
09-AudioTrack 09.mp3
10-AudioTrack 10.mp3
11-AudioTrack 11.mp3
12-AudioTrack 12.mp3
13-AudioTrack 13.mp3
14-AudioTrack 14.mp3
15-AudioTrack...

3 Replies

12983 Views

View the latest post Re: The BOSS Book
Last post The G
15 Dec 2020, 15:28
Tim Escobedo's "Folkurban" circuits. Zipped.

Last post by modman « 26 Jan 2020, 03:10
Replies: 24
by culturejam » 17 Mar 2012, 15:41
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Rating: 11.2%

I've recently noticed that Tim's great site at is coming up as a virus, trojan horse, or other bad things in my browser. So I thought I'd grab all the circuit images and zip them up for safe keeping. I have emailed him in the recent past, but there has been no reply. :hmmm:

Attached is a zip file of ALL of the effects circuits from his site.

Rock on, and may the creative spirit of the Great Escobedo be with you always. :thumbsup
24 Replies

25394 Views

View the latest post Re: Tim Escobedo's "Fol …
Last post modman
26 Jan 2020, 03:10
THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... At last, a better compressor!

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

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

47274 Views

View the latest post Re: THE ENGINEER'S THUMB... …
Last post jhergonz
20 May 2018, 18:09
READ THIS before posting!!

Last post by modman « 11 Sep 2011, 13:52

by modman » 11 Sep 2011, 13:52

Rating: 1.7%

This section is devoted to circuit analysis . This means...

requests for schematics or layouts will be moved the the Request section
messages about your sick puppy or your new Android powered phone should go into the FSB Café
debugging questions will be moved to the Workbench
useless post (containing no extra information) may get deleted to preserve the readability of the thread.
you should check whether a thread exists about the unit in question, and add your info in that thread.
you...

0 Replies

50959 Views

View the latest post READ THIS before posting!!
Last post modman
11 Sep 2011, 13:52
DO NOT post requests in this forum. Pretty please.

Last post by modman « 19 Mar 2010, 09:41
Replies: 2
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

2 Replies

50986 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post modman
19 Mar 2010, 09:41
DO NOT post requests in this forum. Pretty please.

Last post by lolbou « 22 Nov 2009, 21:23
Replies: 1
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

1 Replies

47950 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post lolbou
22 Nov 2009, 21:23
DO NOT post requests or debugging in this forum. Please.

Last post by lolbou « 22 Nov 2009, 21:23
Replies: 1
by culturejam » 22 Nov 2009, 21:18

Pretty please, with sugar on top.

Don't post in this forum asking is there is a schematic or layout or info on XXX pedal.

There is a subforum setup for requests already. It is located here:
REQUESTS FORUM

Any requests posted here will be moved to proper sub forum, and I'll also make nasty remarks about your mother. :mrgreen:

also, if you have a problem with your build, post it in the WORKBENCH. these threads are for circuit analysis only. by all means, if you discover something we should...

1 Replies

58655 Views

View the latest post Re: DO NOT post requests in …
Last post lolbou
22 Nov 2009, 21:23
The Goose, the Middleman, the Idolmaker and Gomer Pyle

Last post by noelgrassy « 01 Feb 2008, 19:42
Replies: 91
by CS Jones » 07 Dec 2007, 21:41
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Clay, I would really love to hear the full story on this one. It seems like you have lots to tell!

Thanks LPD. How much do you want to hear? The Reader's Digest version or the pull up a chair, get comfortable because it'll be a while version ?

I'll try to finish something up this weekend. Long and short versions, if you're still interested. :)
91 Replies

205407 Views

View the latest post
Last post noelgrassy
01 Feb 2008, 19:42
Introducing the Alternate Dimension: Flexible Dimension/Dual Chorus

Last post by mauman « Today, 13:40
Replies: 14
by Ripthorn » 02 Mar 2022, 03:12

Rating: 3%

I like to try to find effects where there aren't many DIY offerings and come up with something. Dimension chorus is like that. There's the DC-2 clones and the Dimension P and that's about it. I repaired a Boss CE-5 a little while ago, which introduced me to the ES56028S chip that Boss now uses in all their modern chorus pedals. I use two of these instead of BBD's and ditched the companders of the DC-2, while using it's basic LFO architecture. Features include:

- Independent mix controls for...

14 Replies

1666 Views

View the latest post Re: Introducing the Alternat …
Last post mauman
Today, 13:40
Clown Centurion (reworked Klon)

Last post by dylan159 « Today, 07:52
Replies: 34
by dylan159 » 18 Mar 2021, 12:55
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Rating: 10.4%

This is my last one, I have some of these in store, which I will sure to share if you like.

I like to take circuits I find interesting and rework them according to my taste following some guidelines, which can be summed up as:

-reducing the number of components as much as possible. I think there's beauty and elegance in simple things, and if I can get away with it or have a good reason to, I like to use less components
-standard values. I like to stick to E6 values for the same reasons, and...
34 Replies

7890 Views

View the latest post Re: Clown Centurion (reworke …
Last post dylan159
Today, 07:52
Rocktek ODR-1 Overdrive

Last post by LeftPerspective2673 « Yesterday, 22:23
Replies: 7
by blackboarcult » 31 Jul 2022, 19:00

Rating: 0.9%

Hadn't gotten around to post this one yet.
Another cheapo, yet not awful-sounding one.
The circuit does not seem to stray too far from your standard OD. It has a fairly flat freq response but a limited drive range.
I'll get around to modding it at some point, but the bastard crapped on me shortly after reassembling it and I couldn't be bothered to reopen it.

Trace double-but-not-triple-checked. Pinch of salt, etc.

Have a nice one!

7 Replies

1072 Views

View the latest post Re: Rocktek ODR-1 Overdrive
Last post LeftPerspective2673
Yesterday, 22:23
EHX Electric Mistress - 9v mn3007/mn3207 layout

Last post by Ali7887 « 14 Jul 2023, 16:28
Replies: 8
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...

8 Replies

3897 Views

View the latest post Re: EHX Electric Mistress - …
Last post Ali7887
14 Jul 2023, 16:28
Baja B K Butler Tube Driver

Last post by carseomighty « 14 Jul 2023, 03:43
Replies: 311
by bajaman » 12 Dec 2007, 07:22
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Rating: 9.7%

This is NOT a beginner's project.
This was traced from a recent B K Butler pedal and has the bias pot modification which alters the voltage on the cathodes of the 12AX7 tube.
You will need a suitable 12vAC power pack for this pedal - the original has a small toroidal mains transformer fitted internally near the front of the case.
The input and output sockets are isolated from the chassis by plastic insulating spacers. The earth pin on the input socket is connected by a parallel connected 100...
311 Replies

111536 Views

View the latest post Re: Baja B K Butler Tube Dri …
Last post carseomighty
14 Jul 2023, 03:43
Death by Audio - Echo Master (gut shots)

Last post by Visualdistortion « 14 Jul 2023, 00:23
Replies: 21
by noise-satan » 14 Dec 2019, 16:29
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Rating: 3.5%

Hi guys,
I have bought this and I am really curious to better understand how it works.
just dismounted but I don't have the skills to track it down.

I am sure someone will have the knowledge!
Anyhow hopefully someone will just find the gut shots interesting :D

cheers
21 Replies

7749 Views

View the latest post Re: Death by Audio - Echo Ma …
Last post Visualdistortion
14 Jul 2023, 00:23
Boot-Leg Effectors - Jaw Breaker

Last post by Aeroblus « 13 Jul 2023, 12:54
Replies: 11
by soulsonic » 10 Apr 2009, 06:54

Rating: 1.3%

I just got this on my bench yesterday... already traced! :D
It's a very nice sounding distortion. Lots of gain and a very use-able.
The numbers on the chip are sanded off, but it has the pinout of a common quad opamp. My guess is that it's a TL074; it has the sound I hear from that series.
Jawbreaker.jpg
JB_inside1.jpg
JB_inside2.jpg
JB_boardtop.jpg
JB_boardtracks.jpg
This is a very good sounding distortion. I wish they were easier to get in the U.S.

11 Replies

5653 Views

View the latest post Re: Boot-Leg Effectors - Jaw …
Last post Aeroblus
13 Jul 2023, 12:54
Schumann PLL

Last post by brewedtaco « 13 Jul 2023, 12:32
Replies: 141
by digi2t » 07 Apr 2013, 05:03
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Rating: 28.7%

Hi everyone,

I have the great honor of being entrusted with a Schumann PLL for repair. I've also taken the time to trace it. Despite the goop, and rats nest wiring which prevented me from using my camera to trace, I present my hand drawn papers of this piece of vaporware.

Keep in mind that the board drawings are of the trace side, so the IC pin numbers have to be mirrored.

I didn't mention on the board 1 page that the 240R, 120R, 110R, the cut 10K, 1M, 200K, and 150K are metal film....
141 Replies

56305 Views

View the latest post Re: Schumann PLL
Last post brewedtaco
13 Jul 2023, 12:32
MXR M181 Blow Torch

Last post by stolen « 11 Jul 2023, 17:30
Replies: 1
by stolen » 11 Jul 2023, 15:43

Rating: 1.1%

Hello everyone!

We still need to clean up drawing and verify stuff and we don't have means to measure caps atm, but long story short the blow torch is an OPA boosted Si NPN fuzz face (q9/10) with some modded values running at 18V. Torch button sets pre boost gain and there's a weird looking double transistor buffer (q7/8) between OPA and FF that we don't quite understand yet, maybe we missed smth or got it wrong? There's also a 2nd order passive filter after the FF/before the active EQ which...

1 Replies

522 Views

View the latest post Re: MXR M181 Blow Torch
Last post stolen
11 Jul 2023, 17:30
Crowther Audio - Hot Cake Overdrive

Last post by freefrog « 10 Jul 2023, 09:14
Replies: 323
by markm » 03 Jul 2007, 04:18
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Rating: 5.4%

Wanted to show this to all here;

Anybody think this is the real deal?

All the information contained in this thread has now been indexed and summarized in the Build Your Own Boutique Clone folder. For troubleshooting and direct links to schematics etc, please check this thread:

Crowther Hot Cake summary
323 Replies

158592 Views

View the latest post Re: Crowther Audio - Hot Cak …
Last post freefrog
10 Jul 2023, 09:14
Origin Effects Cali76?

Last post by CHEEZOR « 10 Jul 2023, 02:27
Replies: 6
by smear » 03 Mar 2023, 20:34

Rating: 2.2%

anyone have one of these they can open up?

the original 1176 is crazy expensive these days. i thought it'd be pretty elaborate, but looking at the original 1176 schematic, seems like a couple JFETs and a some BJTs. presumably the pedal removed the 5532 differential input. and the marketing doesn't mention any transformers so i guess they skipped that too. runs on +30V and -10V, nothing too crazy.

they're charging $359 for a pedal clone, and i bet most of that price is just based on the...

6 Replies

1321 Views

View the latest post Re: Origin Effects Cali76?
Last post CHEEZOR
10 Jul 2023, 02:27
BAJA MDR overdrive pedal 9v 060218

Last post by Domin « 09 Jul 2023, 06:56
Replies: 45
by bajaman » 06 Feb 2018, 06:23
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Rating: 8%

Here is the latest in the series - the Mesa Dual Rectifier high gain channel.
Not built yet but should work fine :wink:
have fun :thumbsup
cheers
bajaman
Baja MDR overdrive pedal 9v 060218.GIF
45 Replies

10770 Views

View the latest post Re: BAJA MDR overdrive pedal …
Last post Domin
09 Jul 2023, 06:56
Creepy Fingers Lonely Heart Fuzz

Last post by Frank_NH « 07 Jul 2023, 20:41
Replies: 12
by Nocentelli » 07 Jan 2023, 22:14

Rating: 4.8%

reputedly based on the vox UL730 and 7120 amps for revolver/sgt. pepper-era beatles fuzz and more.

I can only guess it's based on this bit, (which appears to be a bit like the fuzzface) with the treble and bass pots merged into a mids pot. It's run on 25v in the amp circuit:

sketch-1673127077340.png

the: sustain pot could be yer typical FF Q2 emitter pot, or maybe adjusting the 220k feedback resistor like the CBread katzenkonig..There also appears to be a gate trimpot on the picture of...

12 Replies

1775 Views

View the latest post Re: Creepy Fingers Lonely He …
Last post Frank_NH
07 Jul 2023, 20:41
Surfy Industry / Surfy Fuzz Mass Control

Last post by andare « 07 Jul 2023, 19:25
Replies: 1
by eltnet » 07 Jul 2023, 00:20

Rating: 0.4%

Hi, what is this mass control?
Is it simply a balance pot varying between 2 capacitor values at the input?
Thx.

1 Replies

252 Views

View the latest post Re: Surfy Industry / Surfy F …
Last post andare
07 Jul 2023, 19:25
Exar OD-02 OverDrive

Last post by Neurobasher « 07 Jul 2023, 18:09
Replies: 14
by VitaliiBobrov » 07 Nov 2022, 09:14

Rating: 7.8%

I traced my Exar OD-02 OverDrive from series 2. Initially, I hoped that it will have the same circuit as OD-1, because most of the Exar series 1 and 2 pedals share the same PCBs, but it wasn't the case.

PXL_20221107_084857113.jpg

PCB is single-sided and was easy to see all the tracks on a light. My unit seems to be produced in 1996 or later according to the date code on the gain potentiometer.

PXL_20221107_084950567.jpg

It appeared that it is definitely not a TS variation, but a...

14 Replies

2407 Views

View the latest post Re: Exar OD-02 OverDrive
Last post Neurobasher
07 Jul 2023, 18:09
DIY Tape Echo

Last post by bumblebee « 06 Jul 2023, 22:53
Replies: 3
by indiffengine » 07 Mar 2023, 15:40

Rating: 0.9%

Hi,

We just released an open source, DIY tape echo you can build.

It's built using 3D printing and a cheap walkman style cassette player. Everything needed is free online (goto our website or our github page to get the files). There's some detailed build instructions on our website.

Be interested to see peoples builds!

3 Replies

587 Views

View the latest post Re: DIY Tape Echo
Last post bumblebee
06 Jul 2023, 22:53

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