This sounds like it might be interesting.... or not

[aron]

http://www.ecelab.com/circuit-clipper-inv.htm

[Processaurus]

That works well for very soft clipping.  You might need more than a 9v supply, to get the most out of it.

[dschwartz]

yup, zener clipping..tech 21 "character" pedals use that for clipping (although they are 3.7V zeners)

[aron]

Interesting, maybe as part of your clipping for your multiple op amp pedal.

[dschwartz]

indeed aaron, maybe zeners could give more dynamic range

[DDD]

As far as I remember, the same circuitry (Op.amp + zener feedback) has been described by Titze & Schenk as a building block for the sine-wave oscillator.

[amptramp]

You may want to unbalance the circuit a bit.  Symmetrical clipping to the same level on the positive and negative side will tend to give odd harmonics only.  If the clipping is at a different level on positive and negative, you will get some even harmonics which are more musical.  This is why you often see someone modify a tube screamer with a silicon diode in one direction and a LED or germanium diode the other way.  Adjustability is always worthwhile.  The clipper as shown will give relatively harsh clipping.  There should be a feedback resistor and a small capacitor as in the tube screamer to permit linear operation at low signal levels and reduce the gain for the harmonics.

[rodriki1]

This idea was used long time ago at VOX ac30 simulation from stephan moeller..
to me sounds amazing for tube like distortion.
tube screamer is too much soft...
tube is not really so soft clipping..
simply the best aproach to get good distortion.
THE BEST COST X BENEFIT CIRCUIT.
BUT USE PRE AND POST EQUALIZATION EVER....

[JDoyle]

One minor error in the link: with 5V zeners the signal will clip at +/- 5.6V because the diode that isn't 'zener-ing' will act like a normal silicon diode.