Alternative op-amps

[lostintheether]

I'm currently building the PedalPCB Scream Machine, which is a Tube Screamer-style overdrive, and I noticed that it uses the JRC4558 op-amp. I was wondering if anyone has tried alternative op-amps to tweak the sound. Are there any substitutions that enhance gain, clarity, or warmth?

I've seen recommendations for the TL072 and NE5532, but I'm not sure how they compare in terms of tone and response. Would love to hear your experiences or any other suggestions!

 

[Nostradoomus]

Stick the the opamp in a socket and try them out for yourself! I've personally never noticed a huge difference between good quality opamps (sourced from reputable dealers). You can only rely on hearsay for a little to point you in the right direction, your ears have to do the heavy lifting but that's the cool thing about it.

 

[lostintheether]

Stick the the opamp in a socket and try them out for yourself! I've personally never noticed a huge difference between good quality opamps (sourced from reputable dealers). You can only rely on hearsay for a little to point you in the right direction, your ears have to do the heavy lifting but that's the cool thing about it.

Ok, I'll try again, maybe I did something wrong.

 

[Nostradoomus]

There are many many mods you can do to a tubescreamer that will affect the sound more than changing the opamp. What's going on with your build?

 

[lostintheether]

There are many many mods you can do to a tubescreamer that will affect the sound more than changing the opamp. What's going on with your build?

As a newbie in this subject, I'm still trying to learn how to do this, so if I have any more questions, I'll ask everyone in this forum again. BTW, thank you.

 

[Feral Feline]

There are plenty of vids on the topic.


This is the one I like:

In an EQ or compressor pedal, op-amp choice may make more of a difference than in a TOoB sCreAmEr.

 

[darwin999]

I'm currently building the PedalPCB Scream Machine, which is a Tube Screamer-style overdrive, and I noticed that it uses the JRC4558 op-amp. I was wondering if anyone has tried alternative op-amps to tweak the sound. Are there any substitutions that enhance gain, clarity, or warmth?

Stick the the opamp in a socket and try them out for yourself

Just make sure that it's a DUAL opamp, and the pin designations (in, out, V+, etc) match that of the JRC4558 (which is the same as an RC4558).

Note added:
In that circuit, I don't think the opamp itself makes a huge difference, the distortion is primarily coming from the diodes in the feedback loop. On their own, most opamps have flat response over the audio frequency range.