Project Effects: introduction
So. It’s been years since I did any electronics or system level programming. I hate not knowing how some of the little bits of electronics and even computers work. I know what logics gates are and what they do but I can’t build one. Not tonight anyway. I could when I was 14. Bothers me. So–
Project Effects
I’m starting this project with a few goals.
- Relearn basic electronics—how to read a schematic, why things, work—and how to put it all together—building from single parts.
- Build anything that works as a guitar effects processor.
- Ultimately, build an emulation of a Tychobrahe Octavia guitar effects unit or something just as nice which I’ll actually use to make music.
- Refine and redo the box in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
- Relay the information and journey from start to finish here; maybe make it tutorial oriented if I have time to get that detailed.
I found a terrific Korean site for homebuilt custom electronics via Boing Boing. A little poking around found some of the complete items, including this gem.
A headphone amp complete with a vacuum tube built into an Altoids tin. Wow.
I have a nice Radio Shack Electronics kit. I plink with it a bit but haven’t sat down to really learn how impedances add and such. I never really have a reason.
I also discovered some really fantastic guitar effects schematics out there. Plenty of basic ones which I think I could wire without learning much at all. Then I found a wav file of the Tychobrahe Octavia in action and I was sold. If I can manage to build it, I’ll absolutely use it in recording. It sounds lovely: proto-grunge. Grunge before grunge got cynical and was still just sincere and angry.
Tune in next time for … uh, I’m not sure. Shopping for parts?
Re: Project Effects: introduction
Let me know if you need directions to other resources online or if you have ye old basic electronics question. You've stumbled onto one of my hobbies here.
Also... How's it going? I'm in Portland now.
By martin m. on 21 July 2006, 19:38 PDT · [reply]
Re^2: Project Effects: introduction
Yay. I'm glad to hear from you and I like Portland. Lived there a long, long time ago.
I'm excited about building something. I'm a good cook (reading recipes) so I think I can follow schematics but we'll see. I was bent over a box of resistors last night counting color bands and taping them to a printout of the Tychobrahe Octavia. There are several parts I have to order still but it's fun already.
I'm going to play around with the solderless breadboard on my Radio Shack kit until I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doing before I start wasting solder and burning my fingers on the tiny circuit board I just bought.
If I can do anything nice I am thinking of making them quirky/cool like the Korean fella's and then plying them on eBay or something. Yeah, sure.
By Ashley on 21 July 2006, 19:48 PDT · [reply]
Re^3: Project Effects: introduction
You've picked a hell of a circuit to start with... Most people start with a super simple little distortion or overdrive circuit.
Not that the Octavia is anything like building a phaser or delay or whatever.
Man, sometime you'll have to come down here and visit me and record something in my little studio with me. I've got assloads of effects. You'd have fun. (Actually I have a bunch of effects for sale on ebay right now. Thinning the herd and in need of cash, etc.)
By martin m. on 21 July 2006, 22:24 PDT · [reply]
Re^4: Project Effects: introduction
I am thinking about backing up to a simple overdrive. If I get stuck, I'll certainly call on you, for links to edify myself at least.
I've got a pretty nice studio setup here too. I don't do much with it but I am trying to force myself to at least try; part of why I started this site.
Ah, I need to remember to put your site in the "friend" links list here. I'll go do that right now before it becomes #449 in my inbox.
By Ashley on 21 July 2006, 22:36 PDT · [reply]