MXR Distortion III

Being so similar to Wylde Signature and GT-OD, i can understand why this one was still missing from the library. Well. Up the 100n to 220n-1µ from inverting input of the driver amp to VRef and swap the clippers for LEDs. Should be worth your while...

MXR Phase 90 - 4 / 8 Stage

I was going to just add this to the bottom of the Phase 90 post, but on reflection thought it better to start a new one to keep discussion about this build in one place.

A few people have requested a layout for the Phase 100 and I thought this could be a happy medium until I start on the circuits that are currently a low priority due to my preference for PCBs when it comes to larger circuits to keep the box dimensions down.

I was happy with the size of the Phase 90 layout and so I thought it would make sense to make this modular rather than using a large single board as it will then allow you to add more daughterboards if you want to, maybe two to make a 12 stage phaser if you like, or three for 16 stages.

The standard Phase 90 layout was used as an example in this layout, but you could do exactly the same thing with the modded version with the depth pot if you prefer.  This inserts the new stages in between stages 2 and 3 of the main Phase 90 board which means that all other components of the Phase 90 can remain exactly the same, making it easy to add this to an existing build if you want to.  All you need to do is add a cut and make the switch connections shown at the top of the Phase 90 layout and the daughterboard, daisy chain the supply and ground and link the sources and gates as shown.  Voila, you have a Phase 90 with 4 or 8 stages selected by the Stage Switch.

I haven't done this from a verified schematic and so it's all just theory at this stage, so it's definitely one for the experimenters out there.  And of course the people who don't mind matching at least 8 JFETs :o)

MXR Phase 90 with Script Switch

A few people have requested this so I thought I'd better do it.  This one includes the Script mod on a switch so you can choose either mode.  Don't forget that you really need to match the JFETs for this.  You may get lucky with an unmatched set but the better the match the better the effect, so it's worth a bit of effort.  Use something like a Peak DCA75 if you have one, or this simple build will also allow you to choose the 4 best matches.

Info about the original:
This device has found its way into many of Eddie Van Halen's recordings, adding a shimmery velocity to lead passages or a more dramatic swoosh to muted strumming. Not just for guitars; it works well with bass, keyboards and even vocals. Vary the speed from a subtle, long cycle to a fast, watery warble...and myriad vintage vibrations in between.

[Updated 21st May 2014 - re-jigged to make better use of space but all connections as per the original verified layout]

Modified version with added depth control.  The Depth 1 wire needs to connect in the hole under the link, so it's probably advisable to raise that link slightly to give you room.

MXR MC-401 CAE Booster/Line Driver

With an added Booster/Buffer switch.  Info from the manufacturer about the original:

The MC401 is simple in design but superbly effective in solving a variety of mismatched line level and signal conditioning problems that can occur when combining effects. The MC401's circuit design has been used for years by CAE in the world's best guitarist's rigs to remedy these problems and rejuvenate the sparkle, punch and brilliance that can be lost. It can also be used as an ultra-clean boost (up to +20dB) for solos or to drive effects for more dynamics and sensitivity.

Power: Single 9 volt battery, ECB003 AC Adapter or ECB004 AC Adapter for 18 volt operation (for increased headroom)

And for those of you who like the idea of the extra headroom, here's a version with a charge pump and a 9V/18V switch.

MXR Custom Badass Modified O.D.

Next up in the MXR Custom Badass line is the Modified Overdrive—a classic overdrive circuit with modern modifications for improved performance and versatility.

For added flexibility, we’ve added a 100HZ cut and boost control that allows for a more focused EQ when cut, or a beefier tone when boosted. The Bump switch engages an alternate EQ voicing that boosts the lows and mids. Put it in front of the '78 Custom Badass Distortion for a slew of amp-like gain structures that won't mask your tone.

Experience overdrive nirvana courtesy of the MXR Custom Badass team.

“My tone has never been better, and I ain't just sayin that. That Badass Overdrive is THE BEST distortion tone I’ve ever had. Its amazing!” - Nashville session ace Chuck Ward.

Couple of the values may seem a bit off, so use the closest ones you have, like 27n for stated 28n and so on.

MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion

The first in a line from the MXR Custom Badass design team, the MXR Custom Badass ’78 Distortion is a factory-modded pedal that roars with huge amp stack tones and old school tube amp-like distortion.
We took a classic distortion circuit and hot-rodded it to the next level for over-the-top soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms. With only three knobs, dialing in Badass tone is a cinch. The CRUNCH button allows you to choose between two different modes of diode and LED clipping, boosting the harmonic content of the distortion.

The '78 Distortion's wide open amp-like sound sounds great whether it's in front of a clean amp, a slightly dirty amp, or a full on overdriven amp. Under the hood, this high performance machine features top notch circuitry and hardware meant for a lifetime of use.

Some of the cap values may seem a bit off. These are the measured values of the SMD components on the actual board. So i suggest you try on the values that are closest to the ones measured. Same thing with semiconductors.

Now this layout is also verified, thanks to Csaba and John for their footwork.

MXR Blue Box

So. It's April already. This one is the last post from me for today. I do believe there lots of you who have been waiting to get your hands on a doable octave down circuit. Here it is. You should probably try this with a fuzz in front of it :)

Edit! Here's a link to John K's modded layout, which will sound cleaner and has 1/2 octaves on a switch:
http://johnkvintageguitars.homestead.com/Effects/Fuzz-ODs/BlueBox/MXR_BlueBox-Final-Verified.png
Huge thank you John!

MXR Distortion+ w/ Wampler mods

Another request. Wampler's mods for MXR Distrotion +, as seen at Premier Guitar magazine's website.

MXR Commande Overdrive

This makes it 98. Been one hell of a month in so many ways. Before i figure out what to draw as number 100 (yeah, you're right - we'll need two more after that, since there's two notification posts this month), i thought i draw up something that apparently is the worst overdrive pedal in the whole stompbox history. MXR has made one set of plastic boxes, that doesn't get any praise anywhere. Or i haven't just found any.. This is the overdrive from that set. Schematic suggests that it's pretty basic overdrive design with some out-of-the-box thinking. Someone with open mind should build it and tell us if it is really that bad... :)

MXR Noise Gate

Geiri has worked his way through with this and he offers couple pointers to enhance it, or to get it working better. So with these mods this one should get this running like intended. (I'll be fixing the layouts tonight..)

1. Important - the 2n3904 (I used 2N5088) must be matched. I made them exactly the same hFE.
2. Change 680R to 4.7K (gets rid of the oscillation problem)
3. The 1M that's going from JFET Gate (the one that goes down to the second last row, change it to 1.8K

I don't think the hFE matters, as long as it's matched. I haven't tried lower hFE. Mine are medium/high.. can't remember

Changing the 1M to 1.8K gets the level back to normal

 

First, the stock version with only the sensitivity/threshold control (it is called sensitivity in the Tonepad project files):

Then the highly modded one. With added controls for Attack, Release and Attenuation levels. Also, added momentary single pole stomp switch - This one acts as a momentary kill switch for gate.

MXR Headphone Amp

Not a lot of info around, but this one is apparently simple little box that allows you to play at nighttime - without disturbing the missus. Seemed like a quick and painless schematic, but took me a few hours to finish...

Sort-of-requested by PaulR. :) I think i won't be posting anything more today. :D

MXR M-173 Classic 108 Fuzz

Only ever heard good things about this one, so it had to be added to the collection.  Not very good timing though as Vince has just bought one! :o)  I have done the main fuzz and buffer circuit separately so those who just want to build the fuzz can do so.  If you do want to include the buffer put it in a true bypass loop with a toggle before the fuzz circuit so you can bypass the buffer if you want to.

Guitarists of all styles will dig the familiar late-Sixties/ early-Seventies crunch delivered by the new MXR Classic 108 Fuzz. We've taken the guts of our BC-108 loaded Fuzz Face, placed them in a more pedal-board friendly shape, and added the modern conveniences of a battery door, optional AC operation, and true bypass with LED. The Buffer switch eliminates the audible oscillation caused when some wah-wahs are placed in front of a Fuzz Face. The Classic 108 Fuzz comes in a heavy-duty Phase 100-sized box with a sweet hammertone turquoise finish.

And here is the buffer for people who want to build the whole thing.

MXR Phase 45 modded

Now Miro has verified the original, here's a modded version of the Phase 45 and offering a few useful addition such as external Bias and a Mix control, Phase 45 / Univibe 10:1 Ratio switch and a Rate LED.  The switch is 2 position 4PDT but you could also split it and use 2 x 2 position DPDT which will then allow you to select the caps individually offering a little bit more versatility.

I actually managed to get this 2 columns smaller because of the removal of some components and others going on the switch instead of the board, so it will easily fit in a 1590B.

MXR GT-OD

Some of you may be thinking this layout looks pretty familiar, and yes, it is extremely close to the ZW-44 Zakk Wylde overdrive.  So close in fact that I've included a switch that will select either the GT-OD or ZW-44 on the fly.  I've got an original ZW-44 and really like it, but watching some of the clips I think I like the sound of the GT-OD more so I'll certainly be adding this to the collection.

Info from MXR about their original:

Built from the ground up with the best available components, the MXR GT-OD Overdrive pedal creates smooth, warm, and classic overdrive without excess noise or tone coloring. The simple controls make it easy to dial in a great tone quickly-from crunchy rhythm tone with chord clarity-to sparkly and harmonic-rich lead tones with tons of sustain. You won't find an overdrive that is more organic, responsive or open sounding.

    A traditional overdrive that provides powerful, cutting, transparent overdrive tone with great definition
    Adds sustain and gain without adding excess noise
    Place in front of an overdriven amp for screaming lead tones
    Indestructible die-cast housing

MXR Phase 45

I thought a small and simple phaser would be another good addition and so the Phase 45 is the automatic choice to remain 1590B friendly.  For the best results the JFETs need to be matched so you can either swap and change to select the pair that give the best sound, or measure them using a method like this one so you know they are a close match. 

Info from MXR about their currently available 75 Vintage Phase 45:

The '75 Vintage Phase 45 reissue from the MXR Custom Shop reproduces the rare little brother of the Phase 90 to exacting specifications. With two stages of phasing, the Phase 45 offers up its subtle and musical voice via hand-matched FETs and hand-wired circuit board. Authentic tried and true components and hardware such as a Carling switch, CTS pot and Switchcraft jacks. Texture your tone without over powering your sound with the limited-edition '75 Vintage Phase 45.

Geiri's video of his build:

MXR Dyna Comp

No effects layout site would be complete without this one, and even if this isn't the most sought after compressor there are quite a few more fashionable ones which are based on this, and so I thought it would give a good basis for mods and tweaks, and adapting to the Dyna Comp-esque variants.  The layout is easily 1590B friendly, even with a few extra columns and rows for mods.

Info from the manufacturer about the original:

MXR Dyna Comp Compressor Guitar Pedal - One of the most popular compressors of all time, the MXR Dyna Comp is the secret weapon on many stars' pedalboards. This box will produce that percussive, clicky sound on a clean guitar that you've heard on so many pop hits. It also adds smooth sustain to lead lines.

MXR Micro Amp with tone control

Request. 

MXR ZW44 Zakk Wylde

OK you may not like the guy but this is a great sounding overdrive/distortion pedal.  A modded and souped up Boss SD1 with no output buffer.  I've added a clipping switch that will allow you to switch between the stock 3 diode asymmetrical arrangement, and a second arrangement of your choice.  I've included 4 diodes to give a more compressed symmetrical clipping but put in there whatever you like, germaniums, schottky, LEDs, MOSFETS etc.  I really like this pedal and have an original but will probably still build this up at some point anyway for the extra clipping options and because I hate the fact that the crappy bypass on the original meant that your signal chain was permanently connected to the effect input.  Tsk!

MXR Microamp - compact layout

 

MXR Micro Amp

This one was done specifically for some components I wanted to use and it's sized appropriately, so if you're using smaller components you may be able to shift things round a bit to save some space.