Mach 1 Overdrive More Gain Mods

[Tony_Pizza]

So this post was in another forum about modding the same pedal. I was told it may be best to start my own forum rather than taking over an existing one. I am new here so pls don't kill me...

Furthermore, someone informed me that another user tried modding the Mach 1 and got some help from Chuck the Wise. I read through that forum and it still did not get me where I want to be with the design.

My ultimate goal here is to increase gain without hindering the "transparent" nature of the pedal. I would also like to implement a switch in order to remove a diode (D2) from the clipping path thus having sym and asym clipping available. As well as a switch to go from low gain (stock) to high gain like the Tommy. Any help and guidance to learn more about this project or electronics and small signal circuit design would be great!

 

[hamerfan]

Folks here created PCBs with Chuck's mod
R11 - 1.5K
R12 - 5.6K
C5 - 1uF
C6 - 220nF
I made szukalkis speedysheep with that switchable mod. The C6 really changed the mids and fattened it. So you better should stay with the 100nF.
Best bet would be to breadboard it and check out for yourself.

 

[Feral Feline]

We get what you're saying, but nonetheless, a clarification of nomenclature.

• Forums, such as https://forum.pedalpcb.com, contain ...
• Sub-Forums, such as https://forum.pedalpcb.com/forums/modifications/ , which comprise
• Threads, such as this one: https://forum.pedalpcb.com/threads/mach-1-overdrive-more-gain-mods.25626/

Splitting hairs aside...



Here's one way to get the clipping you desire:

If you make it an ON-OFF-ON, then the above diagram's switch would offer NO-CLIPPING in the centre position of the toggle.


OR

You can add some LEDs across lugs 2 & 5 to have 3 different clipping options:

Or any combination could go in the middle so long as it has higher forward voltage than the two outliers.

Using all the same type of diodes...
Symmetrical (position 1 or 2)



Symmetrical with Higher Forward voltage (position 1 or 2, whichever isn't already occupied):



Asymmetrical (position 1 or 2):

..

Symmetrical with extra-high forward voltage to go above the Asymetrical-combo's fV (CENTRE-position):





So you can mix and match — just know that with the lowest forward voltage, ie the CENTRE position, it will always be LOUDER than the outside positions.





[GREAT Avatar, by the way! ]