Tube Screamer - more volume, less gain?

[d95err]

(If this is in the FAQ then please kill me quickly...)

I've seen countless discussions about adding more gain to a tubescreamer, but I'd like to do the opposite. I've built my own TS clone, to 808-specs, but I find it's a bit low on output volume. Even with the volume knob maxed, it's just a little louder than the bypassed sound and not at all loud enough to use as a solo boost.

I rarely use the drive knob at more than "12 o'clock", so I'm trying to figure out if there is some simple way to adding more volume, perhaps by sacrificing some gain.

I suppose changing diodes (e.g to LEDs) could help a bit, but that would also change the sound.

I'm thinking that there is probably some resistor change that could help a bit, but I'm not good enough to figure it out by myself.

Any hints would be appreciated

[Oliver]

Hello,

its quite easy!

try some 1N4004 Diodes for Clipping (each side two in series!) instead
of the 1N4148 or 1N914.
That produces a more open Sound with more transparency.

To get more Output swap the 1K resistor between the ICPins 6 and 7 to a 2K7 till 10K (bigger resistor = more Output).
That may cause some oscillation at higher Gain and Tonesettings - You can tune that by rising the 50p cap in the clipping stage to 100p or 200p (just try out).
The Tonecontrol will act a bit strange with the more output Mod :-)
The hights will come on the last Step of the Tonerange.
That could be tuned with a 180K resistor at Lug 2 and 3 of the Tonecontrol.....

bye and have fun with it!

Oliver

P.S.: for my Taste the resistor at IC Pins 6 and 7 comes good at 5K6...

[d95err]

Thanks!

I was guessing that resistor would do it, but I figured it would mess with the tone circuit just as you pointed out. I'll try it and we'll see how it works out.

[dosmun]

Put in a switch to remove the clipping diodes.

[Ben N]

Put in a switch to remove the clipping diodes.

That will drastically increase the gain (not in the sense of distortion, just in the sense of, well, gain--amplification).  If it is too much, just use a dpdt to substitute a resistor (or trim pot) for the clippers

Ben

[AL]

Read the "Technology of the Tube Screamer" at GEO FX. The link is at the top of the page. It's loaded with information. The other "Technology of..." papers are excellent sources as well.

AL

[d95err]

The mod is now in the box, and the output volume is significantly increased. Thanks for all help!