Paragon Mini - low volume on both channels

[vinealmeida]

I've recently built the Paragon Mini and the pedal sounds great. The only issue I'm having is that on both channels the volume is kinda low. I need to have the volume at max to have unity, and that happens on both sides.

Both sides sounds exactly the same when using the same settings. So far I confirmed all resistors values against the build docs and all is correct.
I'm using a charge pump and confirmed both ICs are getting the proper voltages.

For this build I'm using a LF353P (I also tested a couple other ICs andI'm having the same issue). The diodes are 1S1588s and 1N914s.

Any ideas on how to increase the output volume or any errors I might have done during the build?

 

[swelchy]

your soldering looks pretty good.. nice and clean.. let's talk about where you sourced your IC's and why you chose LF353?

 

[mybud]

From the build doc it seems there are low and high gain options by changing R3 and R20 from 1k to 100k. Looks like 1k was your choice. Try substituting 100k for each and see if it makes a difference.

 

[vinealmeida]

your soldering looks pretty good.. nice and clean.. let's talk about where you sourced your IC's and why you chose LF353?

Thanks. I've been working on DIY pedals for at least 20 years now, so I've learned a thing or two in these years lol. But just to be safe I also tested and inspected all solder points.

All ICs are from Tayda. I tested with a NJM4558D, NE5532 and LF353 all with the same results.
I ended up choosing the LF353 because it sounded best for me out of the 3 options I had in hand

 

[vinealmeida]

From the build doc it seems there are low and high gain options by changing R3 and R20 from 1k to 100k. Looks like 1k was your choice. Try substituting 100k for each and see if it makes a difference.

Yes, I saw that. That was going to be my next option if I don't find a fix for the volume issue on the low gain option.

 

[vinealmeida]

I did some more troubleshooting this morning, had some progress but the issue is still here.

I noticed some fluctuations on the voltage coming from the charge pump. I removed the charge pump and tested with a 18v PSU. The output volume is a little higher, but the volume pot still have to be close to max for unity volume.

 

[Robert]

I don't have one assembled at the moment, but this is basically a Bluesbreaker ... aren't they known for lacking volume?

 

[vinealmeida]

I don't have one assembled at the moment, but this is basically a Bluesbreaker ... aren't they known for lacking volume?

Since you're here, I was comparing the Paragon Mini and the full size paragon and noticed an extra resistor after the first stage of the IC on the mini. Do you remember if that is due to a KOT revision? Any reason for the extra resistor?

Regarding the lack of volume, I need to have the volume dimmed to be close to unity volume. From what I've seen, "regular" bluesbreaker pedals are a little better.