SSM2166 Compressor (with mods)

[Cybercow]

Messed about with an SSM2166 and came up with this configuration. Just using two pots, but added two more stomps. The pots are Sustain (compression) and Boost (volume). The Sustain and Boost stomps are wired in such fashion as to jumper the 2nd lug on each of the pots to jump immediately to max level.

The Sustain and Boost controls both add a fair amount of volume and provide unity gain when both set at minimum and the respective stomps are OFF. When the Boost is maxed the signal tends to go into an overdrive or distortion. I like these mods.

 

[Feral Feline]

Looks great!
Love how the LEDs and bezels are a mirror of the footswitches and their ano-blue bits.


SSM2166... I'm only familiar with that chip in AMZ's Q&D. Is this a variant of that Orman comp?

 

[Cybercow]

Looks great!
Love how the LEDs and bezels are a mirror of the footswitches and their ano-blue bits.


SSM2166... I'm only familiar with that chip in AMZ's Q&D. Is this a variant of that Orman comp?

Thanks!

Yeah, it is a variant with a lot of matching values. Crazy how this one really pushes the Boost (originally 'Gain' using a 2K pot in Orman's) towards OD/distortion with the 5K pot.

 

[Feral Feline]

I've got two of the chips, going to order the boards from Orman and at least one is going to have the 5k pot — thanks for that nugget!

 

[Gordo]

I have this kicking around somewhere. Need to dig it up and revisit.

 

[almondcity]

Are you using the noise gate built in to this one?

 

[Cybercow]

Are you using the noise gate built in to this one?

Sort of. Instead of using a 500K pot on pin #9 of the SSM2166, there is just a 100K resistor going to the +5V supply line. So it can easily be modified by replacing that resistor with 500K pot in rheostat fashion.