Another damn nice trace that's up on FSB, by Joe from Grey Bench Electronics. This one seems to be a very limited run distortion from Barber, built around the time of the millennium madness.
Showing posts with label Barber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barber. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 November 2022
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Barber Compact Direct Drive
Request. Another great sounding, extremely well made and very fairly priced effect from Dave Barber. As usual with Barber I'd always say buy this or one of his other pedals to support one of the good builders.
Measuring only 2.3” wide, the NEW Compact Direct Drive brings a colossal catalog of vintage British voice to your pedal-board. We packed the most desirable sounds of the Direct Drive, Direct Drive Low Gain (LG) and Super Sport into one clean and compact pedal. If you like the sound of the early UK combos with kt66 tubes, it's in there. If you bleed for the sound of a 4 input head with a wall of 4x12 cabs, it's in there. If you live for the sound of a carefully modified master volume gem from the early 80's, it's in there too. The Compact Direct Drive uses a simple layout of three knobs, a gain toggle and a harmonics toggle to delivery it's wide array from elastic-bells of GZ34-sag, to the hells-bells of a tight EL34-crush. Throw away the clock, tell the family you're taking a solo holiday, there is a Compact Direct Drive on the way.
Modded version with Mids control
Measuring only 2.3” wide, the NEW Compact Direct Drive brings a colossal catalog of vintage British voice to your pedal-board. We packed the most desirable sounds of the Direct Drive, Direct Drive Low Gain (LG) and Super Sport into one clean and compact pedal. If you like the sound of the early UK combos with kt66 tubes, it's in there. If you bleed for the sound of a 4 input head with a wall of 4x12 cabs, it's in there. If you live for the sound of a carefully modified master volume gem from the early 80's, it's in there too. The Compact Direct Drive uses a simple layout of three knobs, a gain toggle and a harmonics toggle to delivery it's wide array from elastic-bells of GZ34-sag, to the hells-bells of a tight EL34-crush. Throw away the clock, tell the family you're taking a solo holiday, there is a Compact Direct Drive on the way.
Modded version with Mids control
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Barber Gain Changer
Another versatile overdrive here from Dave Barber, and as usual at a very fair price. If you want to fine tune the mids and bass content to suit your own style or gear, consider socketing the 7K5 resistor on the right for mids, and the 22K resistor at the top for bass.
Info about the original:
Measuring only 2.3” wide, the NEW Barber Gain-Changer harnesses a vast spectrum of EQ and gain. Flick the toggle one way and you have sweet very low-gain overdrive, flick it the other way and you get wildly charged harmonic content of our much praised unLimiTeD distortion. Pop over to the other toggle-switch and you can volley between the flat sweet-EQ of the LTD SR , the vintage snarling-fat-EQ of our classic LTD v2 or a new voice that combines flat EQ with a little added fatness. Combine all these different options together and you have a super-versatile harmonic beast. Our goal was to shrink the size of our pedals and retain all the ultra-high quality electronics and build quality that we are world famous for. In the end, it’s almost impossible to miss the target if you are shopping for a new overdrive for your rig, “it’s like shooting fish in a barrel Jethro.”
The Gain-Changer has real honest solder lugs for jacks, True-bypass footswitch, toggles and pots. There are no worries about PCB mounted thru-panel parts that can’t be serviced on the road, or that lead to high cost repairs. Nothing but the best tried and true hand-built methods adorn the interior of the Barber Electronics Gain-Changer. The Gain-Changer has a generous 2 1/2” of clearance between the front edge of the footswitch and the back edge of the knobs, no more worries about changing your settings with each click of your footswitch. Buy a hand-built Barber Gain-Changer, and enter a world of immense overdrive possibilities.
Info about the original:
Measuring only 2.3” wide, the NEW Barber Gain-Changer harnesses a vast spectrum of EQ and gain. Flick the toggle one way and you have sweet very low-gain overdrive, flick it the other way and you get wildly charged harmonic content of our much praised unLimiTeD distortion. Pop over to the other toggle-switch and you can volley between the flat sweet-EQ of the LTD SR , the vintage snarling-fat-EQ of our classic LTD v2 or a new voice that combines flat EQ with a little added fatness. Combine all these different options together and you have a super-versatile harmonic beast. Our goal was to shrink the size of our pedals and retain all the ultra-high quality electronics and build quality that we are world famous for. In the end, it’s almost impossible to miss the target if you are shopping for a new overdrive for your rig, “it’s like shooting fish in a barrel Jethro.”
The Gain-Changer has real honest solder lugs for jacks, True-bypass footswitch, toggles and pots. There are no worries about PCB mounted thru-panel parts that can’t be serviced on the road, or that lead to high cost repairs. Nothing but the best tried and true hand-built methods adorn the interior of the Barber Electronics Gain-Changer. The Gain-Changer has a generous 2 1/2” of clearance between the front edge of the footswitch and the back edge of the knobs, no more worries about changing your settings with each click of your footswitch. Buy a hand-built Barber Gain-Changer, and enter a world of immense overdrive possibilities.
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Barber Tone Pump
This is a layout for the original Tone Pump but I've changed it slightly so all 6 knobs are external instead of the Presence, Bass and Mids being internal trimmers which would be nice for quick control rather than having to open the box to tweak settings every time.
Info from Dave about his the newer 2 channel version which does have an altered EQ but still covers most bases about the original:
The Tone Pump EQ has a beautiful transparent presentation by which it takes on the characteristics of your guitar and amp without changing their tonal balance. The Tone Pump's gain structure allows flexibility by using two foot switches and separate volume and sustain (pump) controls for each channel.
Precision matched components-using proprietary specifications to ensure symmetrical clipping and reduced intermodulation distortion. Complex chords are heard with total definition and clarity at any level of overdrive.
True bypass switching with led indicator- this is achieved by using a high grade switch, and solid 20 gauge copper hookup wire is used between the jacks and switching to create a transparent bypass.
Two levels of overdrive- for distorted rhythm and a second mode for sustaining and thickening lead work.
Tonal balanced-The most important thing about the Tone Pump EQ is, your tonal balance of your guitar and amp are maintained. There is no funny midrange hump or loss of bottom end to SPOIL the sound of your guitar and amp that you have so carefully chosen.
New EQ controls- This great new set of features allows the user to use the new "deep clear" external bass control to properly match the bass response of the Tone Pump EQ to their guitar and amp, this eliminates any low end loss. With the addition of the new presence and midrange controls virtually any tonal response can be achieved, including mids that are reduced, flat or forward, you make the call!...a tweakers dream.
Volume knob response circuitry-numerous shades and textures at your fingertips just by adjusting your volume knob.
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of Barber's op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
It should be quite easy to make a 2 channel version if you want, using a second stomp to switch between two separate Drive and Volume controls if someone wants an 8 knobber.
Info from Dave about his the newer 2 channel version which does have an altered EQ but still covers most bases about the original:
The Tone Pump EQ has a beautiful transparent presentation by which it takes on the characteristics of your guitar and amp without changing their tonal balance. The Tone Pump's gain structure allows flexibility by using two foot switches and separate volume and sustain (pump) controls for each channel.
Precision matched components-using proprietary specifications to ensure symmetrical clipping and reduced intermodulation distortion. Complex chords are heard with total definition and clarity at any level of overdrive.
True bypass switching with led indicator- this is achieved by using a high grade switch, and solid 20 gauge copper hookup wire is used between the jacks and switching to create a transparent bypass.
Two levels of overdrive- for distorted rhythm and a second mode for sustaining and thickening lead work.
Tonal balanced-The most important thing about the Tone Pump EQ is, your tonal balance of your guitar and amp are maintained. There is no funny midrange hump or loss of bottom end to SPOIL the sound of your guitar and amp that you have so carefully chosen.
New EQ controls- This great new set of features allows the user to use the new "deep clear" external bass control to properly match the bass response of the Tone Pump EQ to their guitar and amp, this eliminates any low end loss. With the addition of the new presence and midrange controls virtually any tonal response can be achieved, including mids that are reduced, flat or forward, you make the call!...a tweakers dream.
Volume knob response circuitry-numerous shades and textures at your fingertips just by adjusting your volume knob.
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of Barber's op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
It should be quite easy to make a 2 channel version if you want, using a second stomp to switch between two separate Drive and Volume controls if someone wants an 8 knobber.
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Barber Small Fry
With 4 internal trimmers this was a pain to keep 1590B friendly. As it sits it's 22 columns wide and so will just fit in if you file the sides down a bit (and insulate the side of the box next to the board with electrician tape or similar to avoid shorts). It will however fit in vertically with the components facing down without too many problems. The original was in a 1590BB size box with 4 external pots and a switch and so people may want to keep it in that size box anyway, but the option is there for 1590B if you want to cram things in.
The diode switching in this is unusual. It has 7 diodes in the feedback loop plus a germanium to ground after the output of the first opamp stage which are controlled via the switch. In one position you have 2 + 2 anti-parallel silicon diodes in the loop to give you a common symmetrical clipping that you have seen before. In the centre off position you get 4 + 3 anti-parallel silicon diodes in the feedback loop which gives you asymmetrical clipping, and in the other position you get the 4 + 3 again, plus a germanium diode to ground after the first stage.
On top of that you also have the Dynamics pot which can bring 2 more germanium diodes, 1 + 1 anti-parallel, gradually through the sweep of the pot.
Lots of clipping options there!
Burn is the drive control, the Tone control is a simple low pass filter before the second stage and you then have further Bass and Mids trimmer controls on the board. The other trimmers are for Presence and Note Shape.
Anyway, here's the interesting bits that Mr Barber writes about his original:
Three way toggle- This new control allows three distinct styles of symmetry to allow a perfect mate to your amps character.
8 knob control for tonal versatility-The Small Fry uses eight (including internal trim pots) control knobs as follows, Volume, Tone, Dynamics and Burn. Internal controls for Note shape, Bass, Midrange and presence. These controls allow the Small Fry to produce sounds ranging from sweet subtle sustain to smooth singing California amp style tones!
Unique controls- The note shape allows you to adjust your sound from tight and focused to a big round vintage tone, The dynamics control has earned a great reputation over the years for setting the transfer to smooth singing overdrive or raspy growling deep dynamics, continuously!
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of our op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
The diode switching in this is unusual. It has 7 diodes in the feedback loop plus a germanium to ground after the output of the first opamp stage which are controlled via the switch. In one position you have 2 + 2 anti-parallel silicon diodes in the loop to give you a common symmetrical clipping that you have seen before. In the centre off position you get 4 + 3 anti-parallel silicon diodes in the feedback loop which gives you asymmetrical clipping, and in the other position you get the 4 + 3 again, plus a germanium diode to ground after the first stage.
On top of that you also have the Dynamics pot which can bring 2 more germanium diodes, 1 + 1 anti-parallel, gradually through the sweep of the pot.
Lots of clipping options there!
Burn is the drive control, the Tone control is a simple low pass filter before the second stage and you then have further Bass and Mids trimmer controls on the board. The other trimmers are for Presence and Note Shape.
Anyway, here's the interesting bits that Mr Barber writes about his original:
Three way toggle- This new control allows three distinct styles of symmetry to allow a perfect mate to your amps character.
8 knob control for tonal versatility-The Small Fry uses eight (including internal trim pots) control knobs as follows, Volume, Tone, Dynamics and Burn. Internal controls for Note shape, Bass, Midrange and presence. These controls allow the Small Fry to produce sounds ranging from sweet subtle sustain to smooth singing California amp style tones!
Unique controls- The note shape allows you to adjust your sound from tight and focused to a big round vintage tone, The dynamics control has earned a great reputation over the years for setting the transfer to smooth singing overdrive or raspy growling deep dynamics, continuously!
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of our op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Barber Dirty Bomb
This is a great sounding effect by Dave Barber, modified to put the Sub Bass pot external. Dave sells effects at great prices and their build quality is second to none, so this is one of those builders that everyone should support where possible. So if you get an opportunity to buy any of his other effects at any time then do it, you won't be disappointed.
Info about the original:
Extremely versatile, high gain distortion, provides wider range of stellar tones.
From ultra chunky, to scooped and back to thick again.
Toggle switch selects mid range character for three distinct modes.
Sweet and powerful Vintage two band E.Q.
Internal adjustable Bass Boost for powerful sub frequencies.
True bypass footswitch delivers clarity when bypassed.
All hand wired in the USA, traditional award winning Barber layout and wiring. Cascading FET circuit, with MOSFET distortion for incredibly realistic tube quality sounds.
BOM:
Info about the original:
Extremely versatile, high gain distortion, provides wider range of stellar tones.
From ultra chunky, to scooped and back to thick again.
Toggle switch selects mid range character for three distinct modes.
Sweet and powerful Vintage two band E.Q.
Internal adjustable Bass Boost for powerful sub frequencies.
True bypass footswitch delivers clarity when bypassed.
All hand wired in the USA, traditional award winning Barber layout and wiring. Cascading FET circuit, with MOSFET distortion for incredibly realistic tube quality sounds.
BOM:
| Group | Name |
Quantity
|
| Resistors | 91R |
1
|
| Resistors | 1K |
2
|
| Resistors | 2K2 |
1
|
| Resistors | 3K |
1
|
| Resistors | 10K |
6
|
| Resistors | 13K3 |
1
|
| Resistors | 91K |
1
|
| Resistors | 100K |
3
|
| Resistors | 220K |
1
|
| Resistors | 470K |
1
|
| Resistors | 820K |
1
|
| Resistors | 1M |
2
|
| Resistors | 2M2 |
1
|
| Capacitors | 100p |
1
|
| Capacitors | 120p |
1
|
| Capacitors | 1n |
3
|
| Capacitors | 3n3 |
1
|
| Capacitors | 3n9 |
2
|
| Capacitors | 10n |
2
|
| Capacitors | 56n |
2
|
| Capacitors | 100n |
1
|
| Capacitors | 220n |
1
|
| Capacitors | 330n |
1
|
| Capacitors | 2u2 |
1
|
| Capacitors | 47u |
1
|
| Capacitors | 100u |
3
|
| Diodes | 1N4148 |
2
|
| Transistors | 2N7000 |
2
|
| IC | TL072 |
2
|
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Barber Direct Drive
Another great sounding pedal from Dave Barber, very well made and reasonably priced if you want the original. I have put all internal controls external with this for more flexible tweaking, and remember if you want to run this at 18V you need to select your caps appropriately. I've also seen a schematic for this with the 10u and 4u7 caps both being shown as 1u, so if the circuit seems bass heavy consider swapping those to taste.
Info from the manufacturer about the original:
The Direct Drive provides guitar players with classic amp tones!
True to life overdrive with greatly reduced compression artifacts, this unit has it all, clarity, great guitar volume knob control, solid punchy articulate bass, gain range from a little juice to fat harmonic overdrive. Give your guitar playing a vintage voice with this stellar performer!
Internal bass control- The Direct Drive can dial in a stronger deeper bass response to perfectly match amplifiers.
Adjustable presence circuit- The internal presence circuit allows the Direct Drive excellent clarity while limiting fizzy artifacts.
Volume knob response circuitry-more shades and textures at your fingertips just by adjusting your volume knob.
Low compression artifacts!-By carefully tuning the Direct Drive compression has been reduced to the most amp like response to date!!
Three knob control for tonal versatility-The Direct drive uses a simple three knob control layout with a push/pull tone knob for a second Fat Harmonics voice. With the Tone control pushed in the Direct Drive brings the classic tones of the past to veteran players then simply pull the tone knob for modern fat harmonic tones...KILLER! High quality components- Players have requested the use of carbon resistors, metalized polyester caps Elna silk particulate audio caps. These components were thought to be only available on the highest priced pedals. Players asked, and we deliver...no problem, no exaggerated "boutique builder" pricing.
Ready for 18 volt operation-The Direct Drive operates from 9 volts to 18 volts, this allows use of higher voltage converters and supplies, for players who want to try higher voltage tweaks.
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of our op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
Info from the manufacturer about the original:
The Direct Drive provides guitar players with classic amp tones!
True to life overdrive with greatly reduced compression artifacts, this unit has it all, clarity, great guitar volume knob control, solid punchy articulate bass, gain range from a little juice to fat harmonic overdrive. Give your guitar playing a vintage voice with this stellar performer!
Internal bass control- The Direct Drive can dial in a stronger deeper bass response to perfectly match amplifiers.
Adjustable presence circuit- The internal presence circuit allows the Direct Drive excellent clarity while limiting fizzy artifacts.
Volume knob response circuitry-more shades and textures at your fingertips just by adjusting your volume knob.
Low compression artifacts!-By carefully tuning the Direct Drive compression has been reduced to the most amp like response to date!!
Three knob control for tonal versatility-The Direct drive uses a simple three knob control layout with a push/pull tone knob for a second Fat Harmonics voice. With the Tone control pushed in the Direct Drive brings the classic tones of the past to veteran players then simply pull the tone knob for modern fat harmonic tones...KILLER! High quality components- Players have requested the use of carbon resistors, metalized polyester caps Elna silk particulate audio caps. These components were thought to be only available on the highest priced pedals. Players asked, and we deliver...no problem, no exaggerated "boutique builder" pricing.
Ready for 18 volt operation-The Direct Drive operates from 9 volts to 18 volts, this allows use of higher voltage converters and supplies, for players who want to try higher voltage tweaks.
Barber adjustable phono style recovery stage- Most of our op-amp based overdrive pedals use a cool old style phonograph circuit to recover the frequencies lost in the overdrive stage, this worked great for vinyl and now works great for guitar overdrive!
Monday, 14 May 2012
Barber LTD Silver
Dave Barber makes some very nice effects, with high quality workanship and at reasonable prices, so as usual with this kind of builder show your support and buy something from him if and when you can. For those who want a taster here's the LTD silver with all 6 external controls.
Info from Dave about the original:
Update: I've just seen a gutshot which showed a JRC4040G opamp, which I've never even heard of. I think most people building these effects will have their own favourite ICs that they like to use, so just try any dual opamp to get the best sound to your ears. TL072 and NE5532 always sound good to me in almost everything I try them in.
Info from Dave about the original:
Silver L.T.D.
The Silver LTD low gain overdrive is now available in a custom silver hammertone paint. The Silver LTD carries the sweet clear overdrive character of the Classic LTD, but with a flatter eq response. The Silver LTD continues the tradition of stellar chord clarity, with copious sweetness and harmonics.
Sweet Spot tone control, very subtle tone shift that is usable throughout the entire rotational range.
* Precision matched components-using proprietary specifications to ensure symmetrical clipping and reduced intermodulation distortion.
* True bypass switching with led indicator- this is achieved by using an extremely high grade switch, in addendum Solid 20 gauge copper hookup wire is used between the jacks and switching.
* Full size pots- for durability and for easy serviceability if needed.
* Hand made-we make the LTD one at a time and each one is signed and dated by the craftsman.
* Volume knob response circuitry-more shades shades and textures at your fingertips than ever before,just by adjusting your volume knob.
* Cast aluminum enclosure-our incredibly durable enclosure will last decades if not centuries!
* Double sided pc board with plate through holes-This is the way the military does it when they want electronics to work FOREVER! all pedals should be made this way , few are....once again Barber electronics draws the line in the sand!
* Three knob control +2 internal adjustments -The LTD uses a simple three knob control layout to keep things easy on the performer. There are two more trim adjusts inside of the LTD so the most demanding player can match bass and presence to his/her needs.
* Ready for 18 volt operation-The LTD operates from 9 volts to 18 volts, this allows use of higher voltage converters and supplies, for players who want to try higher voltage tweaks.
* Vintage and modern style components- Players have requested the use of carbon comp resistors, metalized polyester and silver mica caps. These components were thought to be only available on the highest priced pedals. Players asked, and we delivered...no problem. In addition the Silver LTD has some modern components to get things dialed in perfectly.
* Center EQ tone control- This Barber tuned vintage style control is meant to sound balanced at the 12 o clock position, from there going up adds treble and cuts bass, turning it down adds bottom and cuts treble. The Silver LTD makes use of the entire range of the tone adjustment with a Sweet Spot tone control.
The Story
The Silver LTD was reborn from and early LTD prototype that some of our best known beta testers and friends had fallen in love with and refused to ever return (thieves!). We took this early flatter response prototype and tuned it in to the enth degree and now we are making it available to the guitar playing masses.
The Sound
With a perfectly tuned drive and new Sweet Spot subtle tone controls you will hear terms like; clean, purring, bloom, twang, sweet, balanced, smooth, clear, sustain, harmonics etc... flying through your head and hands!
The Silver LTD low gain overdrive is now available in a custom silver hammertone paint. The Silver LTD carries the sweet clear overdrive character of the Classic LTD, but with a flatter eq response. The Silver LTD continues the tradition of stellar chord clarity, with copious sweetness and harmonics.
Sweet Spot tone control, very subtle tone shift that is usable throughout the entire rotational range.
* Precision matched components-using proprietary specifications to ensure symmetrical clipping and reduced intermodulation distortion.
* True bypass switching with led indicator- this is achieved by using an extremely high grade switch, in addendum Solid 20 gauge copper hookup wire is used between the jacks and switching.
* Full size pots- for durability and for easy serviceability if needed.
* Hand made-we make the LTD one at a time and each one is signed and dated by the craftsman.
* Volume knob response circuitry-more shades shades and textures at your fingertips than ever before,just by adjusting your volume knob.
* Cast aluminum enclosure-our incredibly durable enclosure will last decades if not centuries!
* Double sided pc board with plate through holes-This is the way the military does it when they want electronics to work FOREVER! all pedals should be made this way , few are....once again Barber electronics draws the line in the sand!
* Three knob control +2 internal adjustments -The LTD uses a simple three knob control layout to keep things easy on the performer. There are two more trim adjusts inside of the LTD so the most demanding player can match bass and presence to his/her needs.
* Ready for 18 volt operation-The LTD operates from 9 volts to 18 volts, this allows use of higher voltage converters and supplies, for players who want to try higher voltage tweaks.
* Vintage and modern style components- Players have requested the use of carbon comp resistors, metalized polyester and silver mica caps. These components were thought to be only available on the highest priced pedals. Players asked, and we delivered...no problem. In addition the Silver LTD has some modern components to get things dialed in perfectly.
* Center EQ tone control- This Barber tuned vintage style control is meant to sound balanced at the 12 o clock position, from there going up adds treble and cuts bass, turning it down adds bottom and cuts treble. The Silver LTD makes use of the entire range of the tone adjustment with a Sweet Spot tone control.
The Story
The Silver LTD was reborn from and early LTD prototype that some of our best known beta testers and friends had fallen in love with and refused to ever return (thieves!). We took this early flatter response prototype and tuned it in to the enth degree and now we are making it available to the guitar playing masses.
The Sound
With a perfectly tuned drive and new Sweet Spot subtle tone controls you will hear terms like; clean, purring, bloom, twang, sweet, balanced, smooth, clear, sustain, harmonics etc... flying through your head and hands!
Update: I've just seen a gutshot which showed a JRC4040G opamp, which I've never even heard of. I think most people building these effects will have their own favourite ICs that they like to use, so just try any dual opamp to get the best sound to your ears. TL072 and NE5532 always sound good to me in almost everything I try them in.
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