odd headphone question

speekergeek · 14th February 2004, 03:38 AM

I have a kind of strange headphone modification question, this is the only audio forum i frequent and i trust you peoples. so here goes, I got a metal detector for xmas... i like it so much (the hobby that is) that i am getting a better one for my birthday. I use headphones and my question is..... is there a very simple circuit i can build to attenuate the loud responses while keeping the quiet ones audible? by that i mean, when my tector gets a strong hit, i don't want to blow my eardrum out, but i want to be able to hear the quiet threshold at a reasonable level. basically I just want every thing over a certain audio level attenuated just enough, maybe even make it adjustable. i have headphones just waiting to be modded

thanks for your help guys.

mike from santa rosa

Bill Fitzpatrick · 14th February 2004, 04:15 AM

What you need is a compressor circuit. Do a google search:

"audio compressor" circuit

Failing that, maybe someone can point you to one.

sreten · 14th February 2004, 09:58 AM

given that you are not listening to music, a simple diode limiting
circuit will probably do the job, and can be placed in-line with
the headphones.

simply add a series resistor the impedance of your phones and
then two diodes in opposite directions in parallel with the phones.
For a higher threshold use two pairs in series. a small resistor
can be added in series with the diodes for less harsh clipping.

Instead of the level changing drastically, the sound of
the tone will distort more depending on the output level.

Alternatively a chip specfically made for DX'ing in amateur radio
is your best bet. (Large input range, low output range)

sreten.

14th February 2004, 03:38 AM	#1
speekergeek diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: santa rosa	odd headphone question I have a kind of strange headphone modification question, this is the only audio forum i frequent and i trust you peoples. so here goes, I got a metal detector for xmas... i like it so much (the hobby that is) that i am getting a better one for my birthday. I use headphones and my question is..... is there a very simple circuit i can build to attenuate the loud responses while keeping the quiet ones audible? by that i mean, when my tector gets a strong hit, i don't want to blow my eardrum out, but i want to be able to hear the quiet threshold at a reasonable level. basically I just want every thing over a certain audio level attenuated just enough, maybe even make it adjustable. i have headphones just waiting to be modded thanks for your help guys. mike from santa rosa

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14th February 2004, 04:15 AM	#2
Bill Fitzpatrick diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Eugene, OR	What you need is a compressor circuit. Do a google search: "audio compressor" circuit Failing that, maybe someone can point you to one.

14th February 2004, 09:58 AM	#3
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	given that you are not listening to music, a simple diode limiting circuit will probably do the job, and can be placed in-line with the headphones. simply add a series resistor the impedance of your phones and then two diodes in opposite directions in parallel with the phones. For a higher threshold use two pairs in series. a small resistor can be added in series with the diodes for less harsh clipping. Instead of the level changing drastically, the sound of the tone will distort more depending on the output level. Alternatively a chip specfically made for DX'ing in amateur radio is your best bet. (Large input range, low output range) sreten.