general diode question

[Harry Bissell]

Cannot say. Important points are...

Is it in the power supply... if so... what voltages and currents are
involved. The diode should be rated for at least 2X the voltage it will
be used for. For 120 VAC i'd use a 400V diode minimum. They usually are
the same price...

Is it in the audio chain... like clipping for a fuzz circuit ??? Usually
any diode will work here.

Some diodes have special characteristics, like Germanium (1N34A etc)
which have a very low forward drop (.3V). Some Shottkey diodes are like
this also. Some diodes are very fast in response, some are very low
leakage (good for battery back up memory circuits... Some are matched and
good for VCF, VCA and Ring Mod circuits.

You need to know WHAT the diode is there for. In most cases you can
always use the old standby 1N4148 for signals and 1N4004 for rectifiers
(under 1A).

:^) Harry

mark scetta wrote:

> when a typical audio schematic calls for a diode but does not specify
> quality or size, what should be used?
>
> thanks again all
> mark