Virtuoso from Effects Layouts

[Joshhr]

I built the virtuoso fuzz from effects layouts.

The balance knob is working like a second volume knob. There is also a lot of clean signal coming through with the fuzz.

The fuzz seems to work. I checked the capacitors, resistor values. The balance pot seems to work when I test it. It seems like it would be a capacitor or resistor issue.

I attached pictures and the diagram. Any thoughts?

 

[PJS]

The balance control is a volume control, in fact it's 2. As the volume for the fuzz side goes up, the volume for the clean goes down. If yours is cutting volume completely then that suggests that only one side is working - either the fuzz side or the clean side. Working out which you are getting is the first task.

 

[Joshhr]

The balance control is a volume control, in fact it's 2. As the volume for the fuzz side goes up, the volume for the clean goes down. If yours is cutting volume completely then that suggests that only one side is working - either the fuzz side or the clean side. Working out which you are getting is the first task.

Are there points I should target with an audio probe?

 

[Joshhr]

So I probed some more. When the pot is completely one way, I get the same clean on legs 2 and 3 of the outside. I get the same distortion on legs 2& 3 on the inside ones. When I turn the other direction. Legs 3 still have sound on inside and outside legs. Legs 2 have no sound on either. Any thoughts on this? Can I resolder legs to get it the distortion backwards?

Update: screw it. I just cut the clean signal so I only have the dirt coming through.

 

[Kroars]

Just built a couple of these and had the same issue of the Balance knob acting as a 2nd volume knob, turning both fuzz and clean up going CW and down going CCW. Comparing the EL schematic with the GGG schematic, it looks like the EL balance knob is traced wrong. The GGG one is correct.

On the EL schematic both pin 1A and 1B of Balance pot go to ground. They should be opposite of each other, otherwise both clean and fuzz will turn up together and down together, instead of one fading out and the other fading in as you turn knob. Looks like cutting the pins 1A and 3A then swapping them (pin 1A going to the 220nf cap and 3A going to ground) should fix the issue.

I know it’s been a while, maybe this will help someone else.

Edit: Here’s an example. Easy solution.

 

[Nostradoomus]

Just built a couple of these and had the same issue of the Balance knob acting as a 2nd volume knob, turning both fuzz and clean up going CW and down going CCW. Comparing the EL schematic with the GGG schematic, it looks like the EL balance knob is traced wrong. The GGG one is correct.

On the EL schematic both pin 1A and 1B of Balance pot go to ground. They should be opposite of each other, otherwise both clean and fuzz will turn up together and down together, instead of one fading out and the other fading in as you turn knob. Looks like cutting the pins 1A and 3A then swapping them (pin 1A going to the 220nf cap and 3A going to ground) should fix the issue.

I know it’s been a while, maybe this will help someone else.

Good to know, that’s one in my queue coming up soon

 

[Kroars]

Good to know, that’s one in my queue coming up soon

Yeah, this is at least a few years old, but only found mention of it on this post. Surprised EL hasn’t caught it yet. I was going to do him a courtesy and send a message, but they don’t have any info outside of social media and the PedalPCB forums is about as social as I get online.

While we’re at it, change (or socket) the R19 from 470k to 180k -takes care of the volume drop between modes. Also, you can play around with R5 and R6 to adjust the overall output of the clean signal and fuzz signal, may want to socket those as well. Super fun circuit.

 

[Nostradoomus]

Yeah, this is at least a few years old, but only found mention of it on this post. Surprised EL hasn’t caught it yet. I was going to do him a courtesy and send a message, but they don’t have any info outside of social media and the PedalPCB forums is about as social as I get online.

While we’re at it, change (or socket) the R19 from 470k to 180k -takes care of the volume drop between modes. Also, you can play around with R5 and R6 to adjust the overall output of the clean signal and fuzz signal, may want to socket those as well. Super fun circuit.

There’s probably a post on his blog site for the circuit but same lol. Good info! Screenshotted your post for later