bridge diode as clippers

euronymous0001 · Post by **euronymous0001** » 01 Jan 2011, 03:01

1) would this be asymmetrical since it uses 5 diodes or do i have to mix different diodes?
2) anybody already tried this and compare it to back-to-back clippers?

i would like to try this configuration on my future builds.
thanks and happy new year

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4599&hilit=+bridge+rectifier

mysticwhiskey · Post by **mysticwhiskey** » 01 Jan 2011, 04:59

Looks symmetrical to me, since both the positive and negative swing of an AC signal each go through 3 diodes to ground.

You might find some more information here: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7023

Hides-His-Eyes · Post by **Hides-His-Eyes** » 01 Jan 2011, 11:54

There's something quite elegant about having 3 each way with 5 diodes... Could you use that without any tonal difference to just running 3 each way?

DrNomis · Post by **DrNomis** » 13 Jan 2011, 23:50

Hides-His-Eyes wrote:There's something quite elegant about having 3 each way with 5 diodes... Could you use that without any tonal difference to just running 3 each way?

Marshall use that circuit in their JCM800 and JCM900 Amplifiers,so I guess there shouldn't be that much tonal difference,what will make a difference is the type of diodes used,Germanium diodes will produce soft clipping,Leds will clip a little harder,and Silicon diodes will clip hardest,you could arrange to have a switching system to select between bridge rectifiers made from the three different types of diodes....