Increase volume/output level on pedal

[pereubu]

Hi all. I have a fx pedal (a clone of Death by Audio 'Soundwave Breakdown") but the output volume seems very low. Is there a simple way of boosting the output level. When I use it with other fx, and when I switch it on the volume actually decreases, even when the volume on the pedal is up full!
Thanks all.

[GibsonGM]

Sounds like an error in the pedal, actually, perebu!  Maybe.  Or maybe not playing nice with others.  Can you post the schematic for it?

I don't think too many pedals output less than unity gain as a final result! 

If there isn't an error, and that's just 'how it is'...one solution....you can put a booster after it, so you don't even have to open the thing up.

But, having the schematic is worth its weight in "Maybe you can..."...      

[PRR]

That circuit's output should be HUGE.

Wiring error or something.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=29816.0

Include pointer to the exact plan you followed.

[pereubu]

Thanks. I actually bought the pedal already made, and since then I've gotten into building some on my own.
The 2 fuzz pedals I built so far have HUGE output, so this is a little disappointing. Would the chain of pedals affect it? I am going to try a few more things.
Then I'll post the inside of the unit if that might help. Maybe I can wire in a simple boost into the unit, or something? Will post later on with results.

[GibsonGM]

Could there be some kind of error when it was manufactured, or shipped?  Most (all?) distortions have a LOT of output, as PRR said.

Offhand, I would say the pedal chain could affect the SOUND of the unit, but not its basic output.   You have tried it just guitar > pedal > amp, right? That will tell you all you need to know.   

You should not have to wire a boost into it.  That would just be my "I can't use it unless I do this!" solution, by placing a boost after it. Better to look inside and see if something is miswired, IMO....

[pereubu]

Thanks. It seems ok. I dont have a guitar at the mo, so just trying it with a drone oscillator, which actually has a very low output also! The 2 work fine, theres a good increase in volume/gain when the pedal is on, but if I add another fuzz ( a very hot one!) it just really messes with the output then. Since then I tried it in another config and it seems alright. I think I need to try it with other instruments, so need to get my hand on those!

[GibsonGM]

If the pedal is a distortion and you follow it with a fuzz - yeah, that can sound like crap, ha ha...

Another possibility is that the output impedance of the pedal is interacting with the fuzz's input impedance.  Check it with guitar, see how they interact both in front of and behind each other.  Not all effects sound good with each other...

[ubersam]

Found this:

[Fast Pistoleros]

Found this:

would that be a common emitter amplifier ? and by adjusting the bypass cap, looks like a 47u, you can adjust the gain of the output level?