comradehoser
Well-known member
Can I sub in an 1SS133 for the BA482?
It has a 1.2 Vf and is a switching diode...... (not band switching, apparently).
It has a 1.2 Vf and is a switching diode...... (not band switching, apparently).
Quick Mojito BA482 question
- Thread starter comradehoser
- Start date
thomasbe86
Active member
I think you can fairly say that you can sub a 1SS133 for an 1N4148, you can play around with that graph here and see, double click on 1SS33 to isolate it. I will add the BA482 soon,
thomasbe86
Active member
Oh I read it the other way around... I will get back to you when I added it to the graph.
you can compare to the curve in the datasheet of the BA482 in the meantime (just the first line of curve 2, 0 to 10mA):
you can compare to the curve in the datasheet of the BA482 in the meantime (just the first line of curve 2, 0 to 10mA):
comradehoser
Well-known member
OK, so I see the curves are pretty much grouped similarly.
Please entertain my spectacular ignorance.
What does the variation or difference in the curves represent in terms of noticeable differences in clipping qualities between different diodes, particularly in this circuit?
Is this the significant factor of difference between diodes in a clipping configuration?
Please entertain my spectacular ignorance.
What does the variation or difference in the curves represent in terms of noticeable differences in clipping qualities between different diodes, particularly in this circuit?
Is this the significant factor of difference between diodes in a clipping configuration?
thomasbe86
Active member
What I can tell you is that a diode allows some of the signal (here in V) to pass though (to ground for example in some design like the DS1) depending on the current (here in mA). Meaning the lower the threshold, the more signal goes to ground, this creates this saturation/compression. There is no "quality" diode, they all sound different (although besides a volume drop, it is not easy to hear a difference in "tone"). So, the lower the Vf, the more compressed your signal is, the lower the volume.
Best is to try and see for yourself, try with a simple circuit and add a switch to try different configurations.
My 2 cts advice, do not spend a fortune on vintage, mojo, hyped, NOS, "same-as-in-the-original", diodes. There is a cheap (like 1$ for 100 pcs) alternative to each of these.
thomasbe86
Active member
Sorry for the essay, I'll make it smaller:
- Clipping quality is subjective, I may like what you don't, in the end we are trying to reduce the quality of the signal by adding distortion.
- Curve shows a specific threshold at a specific current - the signal current, the small current associated with the actual audio signal varies with the signal level. But this variation is usually measured in microamps (µA) rather than milliamps (mA) and is quite minimal in most guitar pedal circuits - the shape of the curve is not relevant here.
I personally tried hundreds of different diode types in a lot of different circuits and all I hear is "sometimes", a subtle volume drop or increase.
- Clipping quality is subjective, I may like what you don't, in the end we are trying to reduce the quality of the signal by adding distortion.
- Curve shows a specific threshold at a specific current - the signal current, the small current associated with the actual audio signal varies with the signal level. But this variation is usually measured in microamps (µA) rather than milliamps (mA) and is quite minimal in most guitar pedal circuits - the shape of the curve is not relevant here.
I personally tried hundreds of different diode types in a lot of different circuits and all I hear is "sometimes", a subtle volume drop or increase.
MichaelW
Well-known member
DM me, I can send you some BA482's
comradehoser
Well-known member
So, aside from prior experience with particular diodes in a particular circuit, how would I know per se if I can use 1SS133 or 1n4148 for the BA482? I can get the former readily with my big order, but BA482 is proving to be a very expensive special order from unknown suppliers.
comradehoser
Well-known member
You are a scholar and a gentleman, sir.
thomasbe86
Active member
You can without a doubt, whether you'd like the slight difference in sound (if any) is a matter of taste, could sound better, could sound worse. If you can get your hands on some, please let me know what you think of both !
I'll keep you posted on when I'll measure mine and put them in the graph.
You're an angel! Frenzel lovers are all good people
Chuck D. Bones (the mind behind the Mojito Deluxe) has explained here why he chose to use the BA482:
MichaelW
Well-known member
Can I schedule a call for you with my wife and maybe you can convince her of this?
thomasbe86
Active member
comradehoser
Well-known member
You bet I will. Thanks!
