Recommended builds or kits for Compressor?

Started by matopotato, June 07, 2022, 03:17:00 PM

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matopotato

Hi,
I have been trying to get a Thumb Sucker build kit to work. It uses OTA as compressor technique.
I have previously managed to build a Zirconia, a clone of Diamond Optical compressor which is very nice. Probably a different sound and feel to other techniques.
I understand there are two more techniques: JFET and VCA

What would be a recommendation for a kit or "schematic diy stripboard" to try out for
OTA (alternative to Thumb Sucker)?
JFET?
VCA?

I was looking for Keeley Comp Plus when I decided to build the Thumb Sucker. Many controls and a bright switch were appealing.
And I have been interested in Cali76 Compact dlx which I think is JFET based (?), but not sure if there are any kits that come close since this seems to be quite an advanced pedal and possibly what it ends up as due to the JFET/FET technique?

A compressor for me can be subtle in some settings, but I prefer to have options to push (quite) a bit as well.

Thanks in advance
"Should have breadboarded it first"

Kevin Mitchell

The Dynacomp is a popular OTA based compressor. There's a few different versions you can work with (tonepad, GGG, definitely some others).

Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:
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This hobby will be the deaf of me

matopotato

Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
The Dynacomp is a popular OTA based compressor. There's a few different versions you can work with (tonepad, GGG, definitely some others).

Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:
Thanks,
And don't worry I have a Fuzz and Chorus that refuse to play as well, so they'll be up next  ;)
"Should have breadboarded it first"

ElectricDruid

Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:

There's a threshold, right? And you've reached your limit? The ratio of comp threads to other threads is just too high for you?

Sorry, am I not helping?... ;)

matopotato

Quote from: ElectricDruid on June 07, 2022, 04:11:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:

There's a threshold, right? And you've reached your limit? The ratio of comp threads to other threads is just too high for you?

Sorry, am I not helping?... ;)
Just hope it was not perceived as an Attack...
"Should have breadboarded it first"

Fancy Lime

Quote from: matopotato on June 07, 2022, 04:13:58 PM
Quote from: ElectricDruid on June 07, 2022, 04:11:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:

There's a threshold, right? And you've reached your limit? The ratio of comp threads to other threads is just too high for you?

Sorry, am I not helping?... ;)
Just hope it was not perceived as an Attack...
This has developed it's own dynamic, hasn't it?
My dry, sweaty foot had become the source of one of the most disturbing cases of chemical-based crime within my home country.

A cider a day keeps the lobster away, bucko!

Kevin Mitchell

Quote from: matopotato on June 07, 2022, 04:13:58 PM
Quote from: ElectricDruid on June 07, 2022, 04:11:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:

There's a threshold, right? And you've reached your limit? The ratio of comp threads to other threads is just too high for you?

Sorry, am I not helping?... ;)
Just hope it was not perceived as an Attack...
I sustain my motion to let the subject decay!
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This hobby will be the deaf of me

Fancy Lime

Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 04:27:25 PM
Quote from: matopotato on June 07, 2022, 04:13:58 PM
Quote from: ElectricDruid on June 07, 2022, 04:11:22 PM
Quote from: Kevin Mitchell on June 07, 2022, 03:27:46 PM
Please no more comp threads  :icon_lol:

There's a threshold, right? And you've reached your limit? The ratio of comp threads to other threads is just too high for you?

Sorry, am I not helping?... ;)
Just hope it was not perceived as an Attack...
I sustain my motion to let the subject decay!
I second! We've milked that one dry. BTW: The DOD Milk Box is a VCA design, iirc

For a FET design, I like me this:
https://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=128094.0
I have developed it a bit further and ironed out some flaws in the meantime. I'll try to update the schematic and the post as soon as I can.

Andy
My dry, sweaty foot had become the source of one of the most disturbing cases of chemical-based crime within my home country.

A cider a day keeps the lobster away, bucko!

matopotato

Quote from: Fancy Lime on June 07, 2022, 04:33:51 PM
...
https://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=128094.0
I have developed it a bit further and ironed out some flaws in the meantime. I'll try to update the schematic and the post as soon as I can.

Andy
Thanks. Very interesting. Didn't read all yet. Putting it on notify.
"Should have breadboarded it first"

bluebunny

That went south quickly!  ;D

I quite like Jon Patton's Bear Hug.  (Some of the linked content seems to have disappeared from the thread, but you should find everything you need at 1776.)
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Ohm's Law - much like Coles Law, but with less cabbage...

DIY Bass

To get back on topic (briefly I suspect :-) )

Pupernickel compressor is a VCA design that I have made.  Very nice comp.  From memory it uses an obsolete chip, but can still be had as a kit from musikding

matopotato

Quote from: DIY Bass on June 08, 2022, 05:28:05 AM
To get back on topic (briefly I suspect :-) )

Pupernickel compressor is a VCA design that I have made.  Very nice comp.  From memory it uses an obsolete chip, but can still be had as a kit from musikding
Yes, I looked at that. Currently unavailable and made for bass. But reading up a little got me interested. Will check with Musikding when they are back next week after vacation. Perhaps they can put a kit together.
"Should have breadboarded it first"

duck_arse

awwww, have you guys squeezed all the jokes out of this already?
You hold the small basket while I strain the gnat.

EBK

Quote from: duck_arse on June 08, 2022, 12:09:37 PM
awwww, have you guys squeezed all the jokes out of this already?
I think so.  The loud voices appear to be quieter.
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Technical difficulties.  Please stand by.

puretube

Quote from: EBK on June 08, 2022, 12:23:56 PM
Quote from: duck_arse on June 08, 2022, 12:09:37 PM
awwww, have you guys squeezed all the jokes out of this already?
I think so.  The loud voices appear to be quieter.
need to make up some gain? :icon_lol:

Nasse

Uraltone has new 80b compressor kit I have original vintage release model 80b and it is so subtle I thought it was broken for few years. My ears are not good anymore
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matopotato

Quote from: puretube on June 08, 2022, 12:47:29 PM
Quote from: EBK on June 08, 2022, 12:23:56 PM
Quote from: duck_arse on June 08, 2022, 12:09:37 PM
awwww, have you guys squeezed all the jokes out of this already?
I think so.  The loud voices appear to be quieter.
need to make up some gain? :icon_lol:
Probably should release the tilt now
"Should have breadboarded it first"

Fancy Lime

#17
Quote from: matopotato on June 08, 2022, 04:04:06 PM
Quote from: puretube on June 08, 2022, 12:47:29 PM
Quote from: EBK on June 08, 2022, 12:23:56 PM
Quote from: duck_arse on June 08, 2022, 12:09:37 PM
awwww, have you guys squeezed all the jokes out of this already?
I think so.  The loud voices appear to be quieter.
need to make up some gain? :icon_lol:
Probably should release the tilt now
Ughh, here we go a gain. Please, I can't take the pressure any more. Is there no release?

@Nasse: how am I only now finding out that Uraltone has a website?

Also: the Rothwell Love Squeeze is a nice albeit subtle JFET compressor and very easy to build. Pretty much the opamp brother to Jon Patton's Bear Hug.

The DOD 280 is a great optical compressor if you have decent opto couplers or LDRs. NSL32 work great.

Mind you, most "compressors" are actually limiters and whether or not that is a good thing is a matter of taste. I prefer limiting. Details:
https://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=128654.0

Andy
My dry, sweaty foot had become the source of one of the most disturbing cases of chemical-based crime within my home country.

A cider a day keeps the lobster away, bucko!

Phend

QuotePlease no more comp threads  :icon_lol:
Ok, Expander then




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When the DIY gets Weird, the Weird turn Pro.

matopotato

Quote from: DIY Bass on June 08, 2022, 05:28:05 AM
To get back on topic (briefly I suspect :-) )

Pupernickel compressor is a VCA design that I have made.  Very nice comp.  From memory it uses an obsolete chip, but can still be had as a kit from musikding
Do you have to breadboard it first? Or is that sort of automatically included?
"Should have breadboarded it first"