Compact clipping diode packaging

[Primus]

I'm interested in making a circuit with soft knee tape saturation based on this circuit:

http://home3.netcarrier.com/~lxh2/tapesat2.gif

However, I want to conserve space and not use 10 diodes. Any ideas on how to make this compact? I would love to experiment with any anti-parallel clipping diode or multiple series diode packages if any such things exist. I've been searching with no luck.

[Jarno]

Those 1n34A's are Germanium diodes, right? I do know of schottky dual diode packages, but germanium? Is space that much at a premium? Those diodes aren't that big.

[aron]

Fold them in a zig zag pattern and they won't take as much space. (side to side)

[Top Top]

Just curious, what does that effect actually sound like? Is it sort of a colored compression?

[JKowalski]

You know, whenever I put in a pair of clipping diodes I always think the same thing - "wouldn't it be nice to have a antiparallel two lead diode package?"

And then I realize how totally pointless it is.

[Primus]

I haven't built it yet so I don't know the sound. I am willing to wire it up and experiment with different diode pairs (or other soft clipping approaches anyone can think of) and report back. Here is a thread on that:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=46035.0

This was actually suggested in this thread as a way to have endless repeats on an analog delay by putting in the regen path:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=25096.0

It makes a lot of sense, but for modding an existing pedal there are space limitations. It is obviously pointless to have a package for a single diode pair, but for a series of antiparallel diode pairs it could be useful.

Here's another example of a diode ladder used as as a limiter:

http://www.dogstar.dantimax.dk/tubestuf/dzart-6.htm