Boss MT-2 Clone build report ;D

[manis404]

Hi all. A few months ago, I was looking for an pedal that could produce a good heavy metal sound with nicely distorted palm mutes and all. All my research concluded to either the Metal Muff or the Boss MT-2 (Metal Zone). Schematics of the metal muff were scarce and I thus decided to go the Metal Zone way. I was also very impressed by the sound samples on YouTube - the MT-2 produced the sound I was looking for.

I used the PCB layout available therehttp://web.tiscali.it/boxsmt2clone2005home/index.htm. The guy did a fairly good job in producing the layout. But beware though as it contains some errors(which can be easily rectified, once spotted)

This was my first attempt at pedals. I must say that it was a real b*tch to build this one because at first I was not aware of the errors. When I completed the build and found it did not work, I had to recheck each PCB trace with the original schematics. 

Anyways, it has now been completed and I am very satisfied with it, except for some noise which require some taming. Here are a few pictures and sound samples. (sound samples coming soon) 

My blog has a more in depth post about it. http://theiopage.blogspot.com/2009/06/build-report-boss-mt-2-metal-zone.html


Also, I am aware that I need to find a more suitable enclosure. 

Blank pcb


Without the chips


*Functional* build


(I am having some problems uploading right now. more pictures to come.)

(For ICs, I used a mixture of NE5532s and RC4558s)

I hope this post might be a form of encouragement for those considering to (hand)build the MT-2.

mAnis404,
n00b pedal builder. 

[Paul Marossy]

Nice job for your first build. 

You picked one that I don't even want to build after many years of building stuff. Well, that and I already have a Boss Metal Zone which I acquired before I even started anything DIY. 

[oldrocker]

Yes you tackled a monster on the first try.   Good job.   I'm going to perf build this when I get a chance.  Let us know how it sounds.

[EARNEST]

Nice...but damn, that PCB is freaking huge

[gormangox]

Which pot do you use for the "MID-FREQ" pot?
In this schematic: http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/s/boss-mt2-metal-zone.php I see 2 pots on the "MID-FREQ" regulation.
But in the pics I see in the blog it seems to be a normal single pot, can you explain this to me?I can't understand....which pot I need?

Thank you!!

[deadastronaut]

Which pot do you use for the "MID-FREQ" pot?
In this schematic: http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/s/boss-mt2-metal-zone.php I see 2 pots on the "MID-FREQ" regulation.
But in the pics I see in the blog it seems to be a normal single pot, can you explain this to me?I can't understand....which pot I need?

Thank you!!

very old thread dude!....but it looks like a dual pot 50k...going by the pedal pic too...

[Keppy]

I'm thinking of trying the MT-2 build. Can you detail the errors that you found in the pcb layout? I haven't managed to locate a layout except for the one you used.

[Humboldts Finest]

Keppy, this is an old thread. Try the search feature 

[manis404]

Sorry people, I have been away for a while.

I was inaccurate while saying that 'the PCB is wrong'. I want to point out that the PCB layout is essentially correct.

The (minor) error lies in the component placement diagram made by the guy who drew the PCB layout.

If I remember correctly, it concerns the orientation of the JFETS or the transistors. (Also, pay extra attention when using substitutes. Refer to the manufacturer's data sheets about pinouts)

Refer to the original Boss MT-2 schematics(from boss) before soldering and you will be fine. The schems are widely available across the internets.


Good luck to all the courageous folks who want to attempt this build. 

[Keppy]

Thanks, Manis404! It's gonna be awhile before I build this one, but I'll be sure to get my ECBs right!

[Keppy]

or, I guess, my GDSs 

[ashcat_lt]

Can somebody explain what the transistors are doing int the feedback loops?  I noticed this in the DOD Death Metal as well.  Are these providing clipping, or is this a filter arrangement that I don't recognize???

Thanks

[manis404]

The transistors are most probably used as gyrators as some kind of filtering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyrator