Beginning DIY'er needs help from the Experienced Ones: FX Topic

[chu2]

Hi.

First of all, I'm new to this forum, like almost everyone else. Great idea, guys.

Second of all, here's my question.

I'm building the booster from this page: http://smallbox.zeonhost.com/projects/lpb1/index.html

I want this to be a somewhat powerful boost, and found a "higher-gain" (according to Small Bear) version of the same transistor that is supposed to be in the circuit, called the 2N5089. I was thinking about using this instead of the 2N5088.

Would this actually make my boost more powerful or just screw up the sound?

Any advice for a newb to the effects building world?

:confused:

Thanks.

[AMZ-FX]

Originally posted by chu2
Would this actually make my boost more powerful or just screw up the sound?
It will have almost no effect on the sound... any hi-gain transistor will sound essentially the same in the circuit.

regards, Jack

[chu2]

Originally posted by AMZ-FX

It will have almost no effect on the sound... any hi-gain transistor will sound essentially the same in the circuit.

regards, Jack

So it won't make it louder, then?

Sorry, newb.

[chu2]

bump

[Cosmic_Monkey]

What your wanting to do might be possible to achieve, just not like that.

I'd try asking - How can I increase the amount of available boost in this circuit? I think this would involve changing some of the resistor values.

[AMZ-FX]

Originally posted by chu2


So it won't make it louder, then?

No, the gain is approx. equal to the 10k collector resistor divided by the emitter resistor plus the internal re of the transistor (about 56 in this circuit). While re may vary with different transistors, it will only be a few ohms change and a very small part of the equation... so gain is essentially Rc/(Re+re), 10k/446 = 22.4 (27db).... at room temperature :)

Note that the beta of the transistor really does not play a part in this equation, so substituting a "hot" transistor does not make a difference.

regards, Jack

[DIYethic]

you need more gain than a maxed out LPB?? those things are LOUD. and dirty.

[Bruce Bennett]

the 2N5089 is really just a lower noise version of the 2N5088.


you won't get any more gain, but the signal to noise ratio IS a tad better.

but don't worry.

I build this one all the time, it will sound awesome. and if you build two of them and dump the output of one into the next... it will sound incredible...

I offer 3 of this same circuit as a pedal and .... well, it's sales speaks for itself..

http://www.bennettmusiclabs.com/insanegain.jpg

more gain than a Mesa Boogie.:D

in fact, If anyone wishes.

I have a super small layout for this circuit thats is about as easy to build as sleeping in you fav. easy chair..
I can provide kits to anyone that wants them for 15.00 shipped.

[killthehippies45]

what's in the kit? i'm semi-interested.

[chu2]

Originally posted by killthehippies45
what's in the kit? i'm semi-interested.

Yeah, man.

I'm all ears.

[Bruce Bennett]

the componants of the kit would be,

the wire, 4 resistors and the 2 caps, the tranny ( tested of course), PCB. and the 25K pot and the pictorial instruction sheet that shows how to build it.

you supply the enclosure and the footwitch and in and out jacks. LED and or any other optional things you may want.

[Bruce Bennett]

Ya know, I COULD supply everything you need to build a full pedal...
but then the price goes up.
and it becomes less of a DIY project..

How much do you want to do yourself?

what do folks want in a kit for a LPB1?

[SARUM]

[QUOTE=Bruce Bennett;16356423]the 2N5089 is really just a lower noise version of the 2N5088.


you won't get any more gain, but the signal to noise ratio IS a tad better.

but don't worry.

I build this one all the time, it will sound awesome. and if you build two of them and dump the output of one into the next... it will sound incredible

Hi from New Zealand,

I too wish to build this booster as my first effort in this field but try as I might I can not locate the 2n5088 or 2n5089 transistor in this part of the world. After many hours I have come up with the 2n5068 in my local surplus electronics shop.
Is this transistor suitable for use in the linear power booster ????? I sure hope so, can anyone help ???
I have also been offered a transistor called a NTE123AP as a substitute for the 2n5088/89 from RS Components. Only problem is minimum order quantity of 5 units from the USA (7-10 days) which would cost $11.50. I have the spec sheet for this part if wanted.
Also I would like to install an LED to tell me when the booster is on . From what I have been told I need to install an LED and a suitable resistor in parallel with the circuit . If this is correct what value resistor would be suitable and where best in the circuit should I connect the extra components ?

Finally I am really after a natural clean boost without overdriving the front end of my amp. It would appear that this unit can do this but what do you think - any opinions and information would be much appreciated.

Cheers Norm