guitar pedal dc impact to amp

[cbatman]

Hi everyone,

I bread boarded a high gain, multi-stage distortion/fuzz and had the 10uf electrolytic cap on the output of the opamp.  However, in learning more about the need for DC coupling, I'm wondering if I have missed a step and potential harm.  I added a clipping diode section after the opamp and then straight out or into a B100k pot.  Is a dc blocking cap needed after the clipping diodes as well?  Second question, what harm could occur to my amps if the cap was needed after the diodes?  I tested on a little solid state and pre-build run into a Marshall Class 5 for 30 min.  Things seem ok, but I have the usual "do the amps sound" right due to concern.  I've searched the forum and Internet, but don't seem to find something I can understand fully or piece together for an accurate answer.  Any help is appreciated. 

cbatman

[pappasmurfsharem]

Hi everyone,

I bread boarded a high gain, multi-stage distortion/fuzz and had the 10uf electrolytic cap on the output of the opamp.  However, in learning more about the need for DC coupling, I'm wondering if I have missed a step and potential harm.  I added a clipping diode section after the opamp and then straight out or into a B100k pot.  Is a dc blocking cap needed after the clipping diodes as well?  Second question, what harm could occur to my amps if the cap was needed after the diodes?  I tested on a little solid state and pre-build run into a Marshall Class 5 for 30 min.  Things seem ok, but I have the usual "do the amps sound" right due to concern.  I've searched the forum and Internet, but don't seem to find something I can understand fully or piece together for an accurate answer.  Any help is appreciated. 

cbatman

Unless you have a trace or wire from the power source after the 10uF in your description then no. You've already blocked DC at that point.

[GibsonGM]

One thing you can do, just to be safe or to 'prove a point' to yourself, is to set up your pedal to play, and use your DMM to measure for DC across your output cable.   You should read negligible DC if your output cap is good.  That will make you feel better   )

That said, most any amp can handle 9V DC being input.  It won't like it, it might sound like crap if across a pot or something, but it shouldn't harm anything.

[cbatman]

Thank you pappasmurfsharem and GibsonGM.  This information was very helpful.  I feel much better and will do the DMM test.