Byrdhouse/JangleBox Question

[genXslacker]

I debated whether to ask this in General Questions or here, because it's mostly functioning just fine.

I built this a while back. I'm not sure how much the guts pic will help, but I have a feeling there would be requests for it if I didn't include it.

I expect a little noise from any compressor, and I get a little from this one. Well and good.

However, I get noticeably more (still reasonable for a compressor) noise in "bright" mode than I do in the other two modes. Here's the question: Is that just the nature of the JangleBox circuit, or might it behoove me to look for a source of the increased noise in that mode?

 

[Guardians of the analog]

while I don't have an answer specific to this pedal as I haven't built it, most "bright" setting will have more noise as those are the settings with more noise content. That's why most brighter voiced analog delays have more noise on the repeats.

on a side note I would like to commend you on the clean build, it's refreshing to see someone take the time to have clean boards free of excessive flux, clean solder joints and attention to detail. Also, transistor sockets are wack, solder them in. sockets on transistors can also lead to noise issues when they aren't fully seated correctly...

 

[Bricksnbeatles]

It’s normal.

A drawback of compressors boost any noise that’s present. The bright mode lets more treble frequencies through, which is where most of the noise is.

 

[genXslacker]

[T]ransistor sockets are wack, solder them in. sockets on transistors can also lead to noise issues when they aren't fully seated correctly...

I did not know this, but it makes sense. I started habitually using sockets a long time ago when my soldering skills sucked, and have just always used them whenever I had the overhead clearance. I don't think I've ever burned a transistor up by overheating it, though, so I'll just start putting them right on the board.

Thanks for the kind words and advice. The noise is worth the EQ in that mode, so I'll accept it and be happy. I'll put the transistors right on the board when I get around to it and maybe run some shielded cable too.

 

[genXslacker]

It’s normal.

A drawback of compressors boost any noise that’s present. The bright mode lets more treble frequencies through, which is where most of the noise is.

Thank you. I thought something like that might be the case, but it's good to hear from folks with more knowledge.

 

[Guardians of the analog]

I did not know this, but it makes sense. I started habitually using sockets a long time ago when my soldering skills sucked, and have just always used them whenever I had the overhead clearance. I don't think I've ever burned a transistor up by overheating it, though, so I'll just start putting them right on the board.

Thanks for the kind words and advice. The noise is worth the EQ in that mode, so I'll accept it and be happy. I'll put the transistors right on the board when I get around to it and maybe run some shielded cable too.

Shielded cable is also not necessary in most circuits. Maybe in a really high gain circuit with a poor layout and routing it will help, but after hundreds of builds I don't see the point in it with a pedal. Now an amp is a different story.

 

[comradehoser]

I still use transistor sockets.

The annoyance of desoldering outweighs the potential need to reseat a transistor for me. And I've never really noticed any particular excessive noise.

Now if I was touring and throwing pedals around all day, that would be a different story.

 

[DDad]

Does putting an IC in the socket help? j/k

 

[genXslacker]

Does putting an IC in the socket help? j/k

If I socket the IC too soon I might skip my obligatory ritual of hooking up a new build without any semiconductors in it and wondering briefly why it only works in bypass.

 

[Feral Feline]

Toidy buildt, toight lyke a toitle.




SUGGESTION:
If you revisit this build to solder in the transistors, don't bother taking out the sockets, just solder one (or more) of each transistor's leg into the socket. One leg for each should suffice in keeping the transistors from falling out while you're on that world tour, and if some intermittent noise ensues from one-too-many-roadie-drops, you can solder in the other legs, too.

Since the sockets are already in place, you'll have less chance of doing damage to the PCB if you leave the sockets in.

 

[genXslacker]

Toidy buildt, toight lyke a toitle.




SUGGESTION:
If you revisit this build to solder in the transistors, don't bother taking out the sockets, just solder one (or more) of each transistor's leg into the socket. One leg for each should suffice in keeping the transistors from falling out while you're on that world tour, and if some intermittent noise ensues from one-too-many-roadie-drops, you can solder in the other legs, too.

Since the sockets are already in place, you'll have less chance of doing damage to the PCB if you leave the sockets in.

Many thanks! My world tour consists of my garage and my bedroom, but I occasionally like to throw my gear around for old times' sake.

Yeah, I lost a pad recently desoldering a DIP8 socket, and I was not pleased. I can see the merit in leaving the sockets.