fuzzface: low output volume

[brujo]

Hi there! mostly of the fuzzfaces I've tried to build comes with a low volume outputs, needs almost full volume on pot to have as volume as clean,what am i doing wrong?
500k or 250k voloume does not change much the issue.

thank you folks

[JerS]

In my experience, this is normal behaviour for a fuzzface. Volume at 10 just to be useable. If you want to increase the volume, try swapping the 470R resistor to 1K. It does change the way the pedal behaves a little, however it produces a much more useable volume.

[danfrank]

I haven't looked at the schematic in a long time but like the above poster said, this is normal. Look at Madbeans or Aions website, they have PCBs for the FF. IIRC, Aion's added a "contour" control to their circuit, this will raise the output quite a bit to where you can get unity or more when the FF is engaged.
I think, this is what above poster was referring to when switching the 470 and 1k resistor.

[antonis]

500k or 250k voloume does not change much the issue.

Of course, 'cause it acts as voltage divider (resistance ratio)..

[iainpunk]

this boosts volume quite a bit, also makes it a bit harsher in tone. small capacitor can remedie that

cheers

[antonis]

this boosts volume quite a bit, also makes it a bit harsher in tone. small capacitor can remedie that

cheers

You save one item by shorting 470R resistor, also..
(no need for a 5% added on 8k2 one..)

[abc1234]

this boosts volume quite a bit, also makes it a bit harsher in tone. small capacitor can remedie that

cheers

That's how I wire my Fuzz Faces (and FF-derivatives) and they're well over unity before volume is at max.

For the sake of clarity and helping OP, by "small capacitor", I assume you're referring to a 47-150pf between the collector and base of a transistor...?

[Ben N]

Or just add a stage, which could be as basic as a 1-transistor booster or as elaborate--and tone-shaping--as an opamp overdrive, as in Small Bear's Bear Face or the Lovepedal Dover Drive.

[iainpunk]

this boosts volume quite a bit, also makes it a bit harsher in tone. small capacitor can remedie that

cheers

That's how I wire my Fuzz Faces (and FF-derivatives) and they're well over unity before volume is at max.

For the sake of clarity and helping OP, by "small capacitor", I assume you're referring to a 47-150pf between the collector and base of a transistor...?

yes, i meant a miller capacitor indeed, how stupid of me to not have included that

thanks and cheers

[pinkjimiphoton]

this boosts volume quite a bit, also makes it a bit harsher in tone. small capacitor can remedie that

cheers

hey now, no fair, that's my trick!! lol

you can also reverse the position of the 470 and 8.2k to keep the bias the same and the tone about the same, and get a decent volume boost. that's jackie orman's trick, tho, not mine.

then ya don't need the snubber cap usually.

also a smallish resistor, say maybe 300r-470r (up to 1k, really) between fuzzpot pin 1 and ground will make it drive a bit harder too if you need that.