On the muffin, should d1/d2 be d3/d4?

[jrhevron]

Quick question to those in the know...

So on a muff there are 2 clipping stages.

On the muffin, d1/d2 appear to be the second stage, while d3/d4 are the first stage. Is this correct? the numbering is throwing me off, but looking at the schematic, it looks like d1/d2 is actually the 2nd stage even though you'd think the higher number would be 2nd stage.

So, if I want a clipping switch on the 2nd stage, would I then put it on d1/d2?

 

[Robert]

Correct.

There was a time when the Muffin schematic numbering matched the various Kit Rae schematics (which are numbered from output to input).... somewhere along the lines a majority of the components got renumbered, the diodes didn't.

 

[jrhevron]

Correct.

There was a time when the Muffin schematic numbering matched the various Kit Rae schematics (which are numbered from output to input).... somewhere along the lines a majority of the components got renumbered, the diodes didn't.

This helps a lot. I have been trying to get my brain around why the clipping was so subtle and similar sounding. I have built muffs in the past and know the basic difference in the way that stage 1 and 2 clipping sound. I couldn't figure out what was going on here.

So, just to double check for myself and confirm @Robert , I should consider D1/D2 the 2nd stage clippers and that's where I'm going to get my biggest change in sound when different clipping options are engaged?

Also... thank you thank you thank you! This conundrum was breaking my brain.

 

[jrhevron]

Also, if I have wrecked the traces of D3 and D4 in futzing around with this, how would I hard wire D3 and D4 back into the circuit? wire to C5 and or C6?

 

[Feral Feline]

Also, if I have wrecked the traces of D3 and D4 in futzing around with this, how would I hard wire D3 and D4 back into the circuit? wire to C5 and or C6?

Yes, if you've fried all 4 pads of D3 and D4, you can connect the diodes between the negative side of C5 and to C6 — for C6 make sure you get the side that has continuity with the node that includes R7, R8 and base of Q2. Triple-check that with your DMM.