tube distortion effect.

jim · 27th February 2005, 03:46 PM

Hi,

I'd like to build something like this :
An all tube distortion unit : Culture Vulture and another article with more info on the tubes used : Culture Review .

Any ideas from you guys ???

Thanks,
Jim

gingertube · 28th February 2005, 01:58 AM

Why not try a simple line stage to add that bit of valve warmth.

As an alternative to all the usual line stage arrangements you might also like to try a cathode follower output BUT using a 6ES8 variable mu tube. Set at the right bias current this introduces SMALL amounts (because of the 100% feedback in a cathode follower) of compression on the negative going half of the signal, as current drops and mu drops with it. This introduces asymetrical distortion - almost pure 2nd Harmonic. The effect is very subtle but quite lovely. Too much distortion for you? - simply pull the 6ES8 and substitute a 6DJ8.

Cheers,
Ian

leadbelly · 1st March 2005, 03:44 AM

Well, none of the tube gurus are answering, so I'll say what I would do if I were you, assuming that I understand correctly that you are looking for an actual working schematic and not design ideas.

Go to one of the many guitar amp schematic sites and find a tube amp with a 3 stage front end (ignore the power tubes) with at least one pentode and that suits your fancy (I would be looking at Marshall myself). Here is your basic schematic, and you can add a switch to strap/unstrap the pentode(s) to triode. Then you have your triode/pentode distortion modes.

Positron · 1st March 2005, 03:59 AM

Depends on which 6dj8 tube one is talking about. One or two are quite good.

jim · 1st March 2005, 06:18 AM

Hi,

The guitar-amp idea also came to my mind.
But some more ideas/opinions about tube types
that have typical distortion or circuits tips are welcome.

thx,
Jim

Enzo · 2nd March 2005, 12:55 AM

You will also find many knowledgable people over at www.ampage.org there are builders there at all levels with experience to draw from.

DigitalJunkie · 2nd March 2005, 02:09 AM

Here's a neat little tube FX box..
http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/mctube.htm

t'audio · 5th March 2005, 07:57 AM

You should also check out the "London Power" preamp.

You can get the schemetic here http://www.harmonicappliances.com/to...1descript.html

More info at http://www.londonpower.com/ (where you can also get a kit).

I've built two of these and they sound good ...

27th February 2005, 03:46 PM	#1
jim diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Leopoldsburg - Belgium	tube distortion effect. Hi, I'd like to build something like this : An all tube distortion unit : Culture Vulture and another article with more info on the tubes used : Culture Review . Any ideas from you guys ??? Thanks, Jim

28th February 2005, 01:58 AM	#2
gingertube diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide South Oz	Jim Why not try a simple line stage to add that bit of valve warmth. As an alternative to all the usual line stage arrangements you might also like to try a cathode follower output BUT using a 6ES8 variable mu tube. Set at the right bias current this introduces SMALL amounts (because of the 100% feedback in a cathode follower) of compression on the negative going half of the signal, as current drops and mu drops with it. This introduces asymetrical distortion - almost pure 2nd Harmonic. The effect is very subtle but quite lovely. Too much distortion for you? - simply pull the 6ES8 and substitute a 6DJ8. Cheers, Ian

1st March 2005, 03:44 AM	#3
leadbelly diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta	Well, none of the tube gurus are answering, so I'll say what I would do if I were you, assuming that I understand correctly that you are looking for an actual working schematic and not design ideas. Go to one of the many guitar amp schematic sites and find a tube amp with a 3 stage front end (ignore the power tubes) with at least one pentode and that suits your fancy (I would be looking at Marshall myself). Here is your basic schematic, and you can add a switch to strap/unstrap the pentode(s) to triode. Then you have your triode/pentode distortion modes. __________________ Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines. Enzo Ferrari

1st March 2005, 03:59 AM	#4
Positron diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Morton, Illinois	depends Depends on which 6dj8 tube one is talking about. One or two are quite good.

5th March 2005, 07:57 AM	#8
t'audio diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ontario	London Power Guitar Preamp You should also check out the "London Power" preamp. You can get the schemetic here http://www.harmonicappliances.com/to...1descript.html More info at http://www.londonpower.com/ (where you can also get a kit). I've built two of these and they sound good ...

1st March 2005, 06:18 AM	#5
jim diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Leopoldsburg - Belgium	Hi, The guitar-amp idea also came to my mind. But some more ideas/opinions about tube types that have typical distortion or circuits tips are welcome. thx, Jim

2nd March 2005, 12:55 AM	#6
Enzo diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lansing, Michigan	You will also find many knowledgable people over at www.ampage.org there are builders there at all levels with experience to draw from.

2nd March 2005, 02:09 AM	#7
DigitalJunkie diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Portland,Oregon Blog Entries: 4	Here's a neat little tube FX box.. http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/mctube.htm

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