[sdiy] diode war

[Oren Leavitt]

Try a germanium diode bridge rectifier configuration with the 'AC' input 
across the signal (or in the feedback path) and a variable load across 
the 'DC' output part of the bridge rectifier.

Try the LEDs in a bridge rectifier cinfiguration...


Dave Krooshof wrote:

> Y'ellow Y'all,
>
> I am experimenting with clipping/distorion etc. In the basics
> it's just an opamp with two diodes anti-paralel in the feedback loop.
> Or, like in the big muff, three diodes in series in both directions.
> ->>>-
> -<<<-
> I like the simple design, as it is the clipping component that reveals
> its audio qualities this way. I tried several of the diodes I had
> about the house.
>
> [black] I first had two black ones (no type #, sorry): Familiar fuzz 
> sound.
> Then I tried 3 by 3 regular standard diodes (those orange glassy ones 
> that
> open @ 0.7 volt), like the big muff does. That's relatively sweet/warm,
> I imagine that this is due to the fact each diode opens up slightly
> different.
>
> [blue] I now have blue LEDs in them (open @ 1.5 volt), they sound 
> fairly clean.
> That is: this is just clipping, not a distortion. Cool as in not warm.
>
> [red] I'll make a switch to hook the semi-transperant light-red LEDs 
> in again,
> as those sound crazy in the midrange. Wow!
>
>             So the QUESTION is:
>             What's _your_ favourite clipping component?
>
> Any experience with the expensive LEDs like IR and bright-white
> for the purpose of clipping?
>
> Dave


-- 
Oren Leavitt
oleavitt at ix.netcom.com