jdduffield
Active member
What ballpark should I aim for with the 2N2222A in the Dragon’s Breath. I have quite a range of options. Is lower or higher better (for that circuit)?
Dragon’s Breath hFE?
- Thread starter jdduffield
- Start date
Nostradoomus
Well-known member
I never measured or picked them and it always sounded good.
jdduffield
Active member
That’s weird. I thought hFE was a big deal. I guess it just depends on the circuit. Like for a Fuzz Face it is more noticeable I guess.
I had thought about putting a switch with 2 transistors on there, a high and a low, but don’t think I will.
I suppose I could always socket it and experiment, but I thought I might just skip all that for this particular build.
Nostradoomus
Well-known member
Could just be that all my 2n2222’s are from the same batch and are similar in spec.
jdduffield
Active member
As an experiment I used a 3pdt switch with a 2N2222A on one side and a BC108 on the other so I can switch between them.
I get a popping sound as I switch between the two transistors when the pedal is engaged. Wondering if there is a suggestion for silencing it but if not, that’s ok.
I get a popping sound as I switch between the two transistors when the pedal is engaged. Wondering if there is a suggestion for silencing it but if not, that’s ok.
BuddytheReow
Breadboard Baker
Pretty sure the pop is the turning on/off of each transistor as you engage the switch
jdduffield
Active member
Do you know if other pedals do that? I guess I’m asking if that’s normal. I know switching between transistors is pretty normal, just can’t remember if a pop noise is normal or not.
BuddytheReow
Breadboard Baker
If both transistors are powered/biased simultaneously, then the pop should be minimal since there is no "powering up" time. You may need to tweak the biasing. Switching between transistors IMO is for auditioning parts unless the resulting sounds are very different. That's the breadboarder in me talking.
Off the top of my head I think the Muffin Factory switches between transistors as a feature, but I wouldn't switch between them mid song for example. While the Muffin Factory is a cool concept as a pedal it tends to be option overload with all the dip switches. I pick a setting I like then forget it with the exception of the knobs.
Off the top of my head I think the Muffin Factory switches between transistors as a feature, but I wouldn't switch between them mid song for example. While the Muffin Factory is a cool concept as a pedal it tends to be option overload with all the dip switches. I pick a setting I like then forget it with the exception of the knobs.
Depending on the circuit, you can typically have both emitters always connected(only 2 poles needed).
That may reduce the pop some as it would keep the connection with C5 constant.
Another option could be some sort of make before break switching.
But it does seem like an unneeded option in such a simple circuit but that's just like, my opinion man.
That may reduce the pop some as it would keep the connection with C5 constant.
Another option could be some sort of make before break switching.
But it does seem like an unneeded option in such a simple circuit but that's just like, my opinion man.
