CD4049UB - What is it?

steviejr92

steviejr92

Authorized Vendor
So im about to build the deflector reverb. The build asks for a CD4049. Looking at the datasheet it states that this is a hex inverting buffer and converter. What is exactly is that? As im building more and more unique circuits im finding interesting components. Im not going to lie there have been a number of times where i didnt know what the component was and just installed it cause thats what the board calls for. I want to start learning more of what these components are doing!

Thank you for your responses!
 
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steviejr92 said:
So im about to build the deflector reverb. The build asks for a CD4049. Looking at the datasheet it states that this is a hex inverting buffer and converter. What is exactly is that? As im building more and more unique circuits im finding interesting components. Im not going to lie there have been a umber of times where i didnt know what the component was and just installed it cause thats what the board calls for. I want to start learning more of what these components are doing!

Thank you for your responses!
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It's for the in-built FV-1 clock module. Allows you to over and underclock the FV1. Not entirely sure what effect that has on the Deflector Algo, but I can bet it's fun
 
DGWVI said:
It's for the in-built FV-1 clock module. Allows you to over and underclock the FV1. Not entirely sure what effect that has on the Deflector Algo, but I can bet it's fun
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So let’s put this in a different context. Can you use the CD4049 as an op amp to be overdriven? Or is that not its purpose?
 
steviejr92 said:
So let’s put this in a different context. Can you use the CD4049 as an op amp to be overdriven? Or is that not its purpose?
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In the deflector reverb, that's not the purpose as it's been answered, but you can use them as amplifiers and they can sound pretty sweet when overdriven!
Lots of different good sounding circuits revolve around that idea, as a matter of fact!

Each of the inverters stage is composed of a pair of P and N-channel mosfets that can be used as amplifiers.
Chuck's CMOS drive (link here) uses a CD4007 inverter, the Red Llama uses a CD4049UB, and the Sunn Beta uses a CD4069UB, for example, but there are loads more.
 
steviejr92 said:
So let’s put this in a different context. Can you use the CD4049 as an op amp to be overdriven? Or is that not its purpose?
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You can use the 4049 in an Overdrive. That's essentially what the Red Llama is. In that circuit, it gives an awesome tweedy fuzz. Only two stages are used in that circuit, but there are others that use all six (I think the recent UwotM8 is one)
It can be further abused in circuits like the Dwarfcraft Great Destroyer.
It's also used as an easy way to get a squarewave shaping fuzz to drive other CMOS chips in a lot of synthy flavored designs (Parasit, Dwarfcraft, etc)

steviejr92 said:
Awesome! So underclocking/overclocking depending on the algorithm does different things.
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Yep! Like delays and 'verbs it will stretch or shorten the delay time. In my experience, it can also add some aliasing at it's extremes.
Pitch shifting, it adds more of a pre-delay which allows for more Organ-like timbres (Organizer). For the ring Mod Algo in the shop, it allows for even lower frequencies for the carrier wave. The LoFi Machine (bit crusher w/ detune- amazing code, and you should build one) it gives even more crushing and a sorta drunker sounding wobble to the detune

Haven't played around enough with the other algorithms to really remember what effects it has there
 
This is all great info! So it seems this chip is pretty powerful in its capabilities! I'm now much more interested in the Red Llama. I've always seen it pop up as one of the greatest drives...I think I might take what I've learned so far and try to make a Red Llama style circuit!
 
lrgaraujo said:
Oh yes, just a side note. With those ICs, some are noisier than others, so it's a good policy to socket and try some
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Great to know! My normal practice is to socket ICs anyways! I have a few on hand that I bought so ill definitely swap a few out if i hear noise in the deflector circuit!
 
steviejr92 said:
Great to know! My normal practice is to socket ICs anyways! I have a few on hand that I bought so ill definitely swap a few out if i hear noise in the deflector circuit!
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I have yet to audition different ones in my red llama, but it sounds very good, even though it's a bit noisy
 
steviejr92 said:
Do you think the "CD4050B" version would make a difference looking at the schematic they look a little different?

Datasheet
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I won't be able to provide a good explanation why, but they don't work for this type of application. I think (there was a discussion here a while ago, i guess) they would be fine in clock applications (like the Deflector).
For drives, boosts, fuzzes, etc, you have to look for the UB versions (i have seen UBE, UBT, UBN and all are fine)
 
lrgaraujo said:
I won't be able to provide a good explanation why, but they don't work for this type of application. I think (there was a discussion here a while ago, i guess) they would be fine in clock applications (like the Deflector).
For drives, boosts, fuzzes, etc, you have to look for the UB versions (i have seen UBE, UBT, UBN and all are fine)
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Gotcha! Good to know!
 
Funny all this talk about the CD4049UB and i ended up buying the CD4049UBE version instead. I think its the 14 pin version cause it doesnt fit the normal footprint of the regular CD4049UB. :p Looks like my build is put on hold!
 
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