I am pretty happy with the sound of my much mucked about (actually it's pretty much back to normal apart from an NE5532 amp and asycn clipping at D10 and D11) OD-3 at the moment except that I still find the sound a little hard and I remember on that chart of overdrive pedals that the SD-1 is described as softer. Looking at the OD-1 and SD-1 schematics that seem to knock around it looks like they use (or used at some time) 1S1588 and 1S2473 diodes respectively. Can anyone tell me if putting these in at D10 and D11 on the OD-3 in place of the 1N914s (I am running three in async mode) there is likely to soften the sound at all or would they be just the same?
1S1588 is a fast switching low capacitance diode. They are more likely to give you a sharper sounding flavour. If you want smoothness try the 1N400x series. They have higher capacitance and will sound smoother.
I couldn't find any info on 1S2473 during a quick search.
You could always add a capacitor (in pF range) in parallel with the diodes to smooth things further.
Well I have been playing around with a few combinations today and I think what seems to be coming out on top for me at the moment is a pair of LEDs in sync mode. The 4001s were definitely smoother and also a little darker than the 4148s which is nice but I think the LEDs sound a little more natural. I did try the germaniums with the LEDs but they are a little too soft more me and seem to lose attack definition. No doubt the process of trying the many possible variations will go on for a bit!
just for fun , i would also try a 1n34a germ. + an LED in series this is a warmer / softer sounding clipper mix , maybe what your after.
Thanks Hot Tubes
With the combination that you are suggesting which component would come first (if one thinks about the diode arrow indication as the direction as it were), the germanium or the LED? Does it make a difference?
Also are you suggesting have this combination in both directions?
quote:Originally posted by archimedes which component would come first (if one thinks about the diode arrow indication as the direction as it were), the germanium or the LED? Does it make a difference?
I am very happy with the sound of the 1N34a + LED combination at D10 and D11 in the OD-3 so thanks for all your help guys.
To my ears it's a thicker, smoother and more natural sound than the 1N914s and 1N4001s. It also seems to have affected the tone a little too, making it a touch fatter and darker with less edgy highs which is all good stuff in my book.
I think it is now time to stop being mean to my OD-3 and get on with some playing!
OD-3 Diode Question
Posted - 11/17/2009 : 23:31:58
