Guardians of the analog
Papi Fuego
- Build Rating
Man, it's been a while since I built a pedal that was truly worthy. This isn't my first rodeo with this circuit, it's actually my 5th time building a DMM. This particular build I found myself thinking outside the box and doing some real DIY. I've actually been sitting on this board since 2023 and finally decided to put it together.
As with the tour bus I built some years ago, this was a pretty simple build as @bean has an amazing build doc and really gives you the white glove treatment throughout. Ironically I had everything on hand for this so it went together pretty fast. I did however deviate from the build doc and took the path less traveled, which presented a few challenges and an opportunity to problem solve.
I like to use relay bypass simply because I find it generally has a nicer feel, is quieter and I will likely not have to replace the footswitch. Now, the skoolie is really designed to be an always active preamp like the original DMM, so it cuts the he delay path and leaves you with an active level control. I've never been a fan of this, but luckily Brian gives the option of true bypass on his boards. The issue came up where I knew that going in to this that a spst momentary footswitch was not going to fit the cutout in the board. I was not going to let this defeat me. A couple weeks ago I posted this workaround I did with a mini 3pdt and a boss reed switch. Works perfectly.
I also had to mount the relay bypass board from @szukalski on the back side of the audio board. I then figured out how I was going to connect the LED on the main board to also be controlled by the relay. Wasn't too bad. Here's before I clean the board and wired it together.
So with that squared away it was time for calibration. Brian's build docs give both by ear and with scope directions. Using my scope it was really simple. The added clock trimmer is really helpful and allows for lots of customization. I ended up with a stock 10Khz for a max delay time of 550-600ms. I could get more but at the cost of fidelity. I also decided to go with the stock mod switch this time for a pretty much stock DMM experience.
How's it sound? Perfect! Lush, warm repeats that are clear with modulation that is the best on any analog delay. This circuit really is the king of analog delay and is in a class all its own. Sure there are other great analog delays but nothing like this. It's good to be back home with a memory man on my board.
As for the enclosure, another anti-tarrif trash can build. No film on raw enclosure with classic ehx graphics. Classy aluminum knobs on this one. I would highly recommend this for anyone who has been wanting a DMM. Truly 10lbs of shit in a 5lb bag on this one, but it was worth it.
As with the tour bus I built some years ago, this was a pretty simple build as @bean has an amazing build doc and really gives you the white glove treatment throughout. Ironically I had everything on hand for this so it went together pretty fast. I did however deviate from the build doc and took the path less traveled, which presented a few challenges and an opportunity to problem solve.
I like to use relay bypass simply because I find it generally has a nicer feel, is quieter and I will likely not have to replace the footswitch. Now, the skoolie is really designed to be an always active preamp like the original DMM, so it cuts the he delay path and leaves you with an active level control. I've never been a fan of this, but luckily Brian gives the option of true bypass on his boards. The issue came up where I knew that going in to this that a spst momentary footswitch was not going to fit the cutout in the board. I was not going to let this defeat me. A couple weeks ago I posted this workaround I did with a mini 3pdt and a boss reed switch. Works perfectly.
I also had to mount the relay bypass board from @szukalski on the back side of the audio board. I then figured out how I was going to connect the LED on the main board to also be controlled by the relay. Wasn't too bad. Here's before I clean the board and wired it together.
So with that squared away it was time for calibration. Brian's build docs give both by ear and with scope directions. Using my scope it was really simple. The added clock trimmer is really helpful and allows for lots of customization. I ended up with a stock 10Khz for a max delay time of 550-600ms. I could get more but at the cost of fidelity. I also decided to go with the stock mod switch this time for a pretty much stock DMM experience.
How's it sound? Perfect! Lush, warm repeats that are clear with modulation that is the best on any analog delay. This circuit really is the king of analog delay and is in a class all its own. Sure there are other great analog delays but nothing like this. It's good to be back home with a memory man on my board.
As for the enclosure, another anti-tarrif trash can build. No film on raw enclosure with classic ehx graphics. Classy aluminum knobs on this one. I would highly recommend this for anyone who has been wanting a DMM. Truly 10lbs of shit in a 5lb bag on this one, but it was worth it.
