Aion Refractor (Klon) large volume difference On/Bypassed

[Rpschultz13]

I've built 3 Aion Refractors. First one worked great (amazing pedal). 2nd one didn't at all (troubleshot for weeks). 3rd one kinda works, but there is a large gain difference between ON and Bypassed. More noticeable in Buffered mode obviously, but still there in TB.

I have double checked polarity on diodes and electrolytic caps, and checked ALL the resistor color codes. To me this sounds like I put in the wrong gain resistors for the gain stages, but those are (seem) correct. Of note, I used a 1u MMLC for C16 instead of tantalum, shouldn't matter. And the "magic" diodes are socketed.

I've built dozens of pedals, not sure why I have trouble with this one.

Suggestions?

 

[Caedarn]

I’m no troubleshooting expert by any stretch. It’s probably just the lighting in the photo but I don’t see any solder on one leg of C8 or C13?

 

[jimilee]

Time to break out the audio probe and start at the end and work backwards.

 

[PJS]

Can you be a bit more specific? I am assuming that the low volume is when the pedal in engaged? Is that correct? Also, the gain knob. Does it work as intended or more like a volume knob?