Oberheim - VCF-200 pedal (sample & hold - filter)

Discussion regarding early stompbox technology: 1960-1975 Please keep discussion focused and contribute what info you have...
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squatch
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Post by squatch »

One of my favourite pedals..mine died in the 70's and I couldn't find a tech in Sydney that could fix it
None of the digital simulations quite have the same analog 'thwack' as the originals
(listen to Zappa's solo on 'Ship Ahoy' for a good demonstration)
Anyway..I couldn't find one on the forum which I thought was a glaring omission
If someone has copied this, I'd like to know about it

Image

Link to Matrixsynth info page
http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2011/05 ... er-sh.html

Cheers, squatch

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pdhoed
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Post by pdhoed »

squatch, I'm working on a clone, I design my own PCB for it, and it is in the prototype fase at the moment.
It is working just the way it should ( I had an original Oberheim my self, sold it last year). the sound of the thing is very dependable on the transistor used for noise generation, so you have to sort a lot of them.

Here a picture how it looks now:

Image

Maybe I will sell these in the near future, I fist have to find good sourcing for all parts and a nice design for the housing.
Cheers Peter

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Zokk
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Post by Zokk »

squatch wrote: If someone has copied this, I'd like to know about it
What are the differences between this one and the FSH1 from Maestro (which was built by Oberheim anyway)?

Is it based on a CA3080 too?

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pdhoed
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Post by pdhoed »

Zokk wrote:
squatch wrote: If someone has copied this, I'd like to know about it
What are the differences between this one and the FSH1 from Maestro (which was built by Oberheim anyway)?

Is it based on a CA3080 too?
The only difference is the housing, both uses the same board. And yes they are based on the 3080.

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Zokk
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Post by Zokk »

Thanks for confirmation pdhoed.

So squatch, you should have a look at the tonepad page... their clone uses the LM13600/LM13700... and I think it's even possible to use a NE5517 as it's compatible pin to pin...easy to source and a lot cheaper than the 3080!

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squatch
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Post by squatch »

Hey thanks Peter & Zokk!
BTW I'm just a guitar tech that can solder so I wouldn't attempt a build
But my synth tech could build one (if I don't get one from Pete...heh)
Thanks again guys

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Whoismarykelly
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Post by Whoismarykelly »

The noise source is absolutely key in determining the frequency range and "randomness" of the filter. A really noisy 2n2222 for example tends to get locked on certain frequencies which gives the pedal a really unique electronica sound. Something more even gives the classic pulse. Buffering the front end is an easy way to kill off any tick.

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Post by grrrunge »

squatch wrote:If someone has copied this, I'd like to know about it
Tonepad has made an exellent board available for us DIY'ers :) see my comments on the project here: https://www.freestompboxes.org/viewtopic ... 19&t=16673 :thumbsup
A true believer in the magic of Sherwood Forest Pedal Pirates
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New base of operations: http://www.knucklehead.dk

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