Odp: [sdiy] diode war

[mark verbos]

One idea I have had is to make certain "theme synths" where the voltage 
control element is the same in every module. The idea came up first for 
Vactrols. Then you quickly realize that a Vactrol VCO will not track 
very linearly. However, the all diode synth is still something I think 
about form time to time. You could make VCAs and VCFs with diode rings, 
why not VCOs and Envelope Generators with the same rings? Just a thought.

all diode source of uncertainty......

mark

Roman wrote:

>Hi Dave,
>I have an affection for zener diodes. I use them everywhere.
>Small voltage diodes, those below 5V trip point, have rather
>smooth transition comparing to the 'bigger' ones.
>My tri-to-sine converter is made from 2 2V7 diodes.
>I used 4V3 (?) zeners in integrator feedback to prevent my
>filters from going crazy when opamp clips.
>
>BTW, using diodes and other stuff in feedback loop is
>is 'goal of life' for my friend, Maciej Bartkowiak, who's
>also on this list, I think. He's preparing to make some
>killer synth using variable distortion.
>
>Roman
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Dave Krooshof <synthos at xs4all.nl>
>To: <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
>Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 10:22 PM
>Subject: [sdiy] diode war
>
>
>>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
>>--
>>
>>--
>>
>>
>http://pages.vpro.nl/3voor12/journalism/index.shtml?2534202+2584688+2584508+7333
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