Univox Uni-Comp

Not much info on this one, but basically it was a compressor made by Univox in the 70's as part of their "foot" series. Seems to be loved by many and was recently requested. In addition to the schematic posted in the request section I found another schematic posted over at FSB, so I made 2 different layouts.

One thing to note is that the original didn't use an LED & LDR, but used a Vactrol labeled MCD527. I'm not quite sure what color LED and LDR range you should use. I would start with try a red LED and socket the LDR and try different ones to get a good range. If you were to try a vactrol maybe a NSL32 or VTL5C3 which have bee used on many different optical compressors.

Don't forget if you're using an LED & LDR to cover them in shrink wrap to block out any light and increase their efficiency and effect.

Layout 1: Based on the Schematic in the Request Section

Layout 2: Based on the Trace ad FSB of a Uni-Comp Model CO-105

Univox Micro Fazer

I can't find any information on this one in terms of marketing spiel, but it should be obvious what it's based on :o)

Unicord/Univox Super-Fuzz

A friend of mine was wondering about Malekko mini boxed fuzz and forums told us that the unit was apparently just Univox Super-Fuzz clone in A-box. With our favourite methods, there is not a snowball's chance in hell to fit this in A. There's already Mark's original layout in the library, but i redrew this so it can be fitted in 1590B box instead of BB.

This layout is per the factory schematic found on Univox.org. I swapped the transistor pinouts for modern ones so that 2N5088, 2N5089, MPSA18 and similar can be used. There's added anti-popping pull-down resistor at the input and a polarity protection for your convenience.

Layout is now fixed and verified. Happy building everyone!

Gearmandude's old demo vid:

Univox SQ-150 Square Wave

And a little clip with a small cap to tame the squeels and a LPB-1 with a trimmer at the output to fix the level issue.

Univox Super Fuzz

Note the pin layout required for the transistors.  This will accommodate many modern NPN silicon transistors, but you will need to either alter the layout or twist over pins if using transistors with a different pin layout like the 2SC828s used in the original.  One for a 1590BB, but I'll do a 1590B friendly version at some point.