Maestro ring modulator RM-1A???

[lonewolf]

I was considering building this from the GGG site....
is there a replacement for the obsolete  mc1495 IC?
will it function with 9-10 volts...
is it  worth the hassle it takes to make it work??
wanted to use the max 1044 IC if possible
anyone out there has any answers or suggestions??
thanks...

[Strategy]

this is a challenging project and the power supply is significant, the circuit wants bipolar 15V and 12V at different points if i recall correctly I made a psu on perf that puts out both...mine has mains power + a transformer, there must be other ways to do it but I don't know!

Honestly you can still find the 1495s for around $10, unless the price has gone up its worth it. The 1496 is different, there are ring mods that use it but they are not pin for pin equivalents, and I have heard they sound different.

This was my first build and incredibly difficult, had to have help from an experience DIY'er finishing it, but I use it all the time, it was extremely rewarding and has made other builds seem much easier by comparison!

Strategy

[Strategy]

PS, Ring Modulators are basically synth circuits so most will require bipolar 15V.

But search for "thing modulator" or "logan 5", in this forum, this is Tim Escobedo's "pseudo ring modulator" using commonly available parts, I am hoping to build one soon, fun quick easy and 9V.

Strategy

[Jordan A.]

If you don't mind the bi-polar power supply I would think about using the analog Devices AD633, searching for "AD633 ring modulator" should bring up a bunch of schematics.  They are a bit pricey, but can be had, bridechamber has them for $12.  The AD633's high cost is kind of offset because you don't need a million trimmers like the MC1495 or transformer + diode ring designs.

I think a ring mod is definitely a worth while project, lots of cool sounds from clangy robot noise to beautiful swirly tremolo to ultra evil distortion.

Strategy's suggestion of a pseudo ring mod are also good, and probably an easier way to get into it, a real 4 quadrant circuit will be much more versatile, but also more work.

cheers and keep us posted,

jordan

[lonewolf]

thanks for the advice....
I have an octavia,and have built the ampeg scrambler and the green ringer...was wondering if this box is more versatile..dont know how many ring modulators I need...maybe the fender blender would be a good substitute for the maestro...I liked the filter/sample and hold box clone...

[Strategy]

well the frequency doubling octave effects aren't exactly ring modulation, search Tim Escobedo's Thing Modulator (there's a reliable layout called Logan 5, same project)- great start that will be diff flavor from Scrambler.

I also remembered, this, which I built: you'd have to add the foot switch circuitry but it would make a fine pedal. It's a passive, transformer based ring mod with a 9V oscillator, based on the classic 555 timer osc circuit. Kit or pcb here:

http://www.delptronics.com/ringmodulator.php

Strategy