Where is the best place to put tantalum caps ?

[fikri]

You've read the subject !

[R.G.]

I personally think they're best suited for being placed in a trash can.  

[nelson]

I personally think they're best suited for being placed in a trash can.  

:lol:

[Fret Wire]

I personally think they're best suited for being placed in a trash can.  

Positive or negative up?

[aron]

I thought they were good in Tube Screamers and possibly Rat pedals???
Mainly in the tone section.... I forget.

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

I have seen tantalum caps used in effects where space was an issue.

Apparently the Tube Screamer had them in the filter (0.22uF)

Also the Ross Compressor, and the Dan Armstrong effects used them.

I've also heard some people preffer tantalum as an alternative to electros in coupling situations.

I personally have never used a Tantalum cap in a build.

Fp

[soggybag]

I'm getting the impression that tantalum caps have some problems or are undesirable for some reason, what's the problem?

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

I don't know, I'm sure RG knows

[Doug_H]

I have used them for ps filter caps and emitter bypass caps and have been happy with them. Theoretically I should never have to change them.

Doug

[Bernardduur]

I used them in the Bartolini preamp I build for bass. There is a huge tonal difference between tantalum and electrolyte caps (due to their leakage current) and I prefer them in this circuit. I never used them in other circuits.

[Hal]

I have seen tantalum caps used in effects where space was an issue.

+1.   I just used a tant cap in the LFO of a trem I built (timer cap). I didn't have too much board space...

[Fret Wire]

I have seen tantalum caps used in effects where space was an issue.
Apparently the Tube Screamer had them in the filter (0.22uF)
Also the Ross Compressor, and the Dan Armstrong effects used them.
I've also heard some people preffer tantalum as an alternative to electros in coupling situations.
I personally have never used a Tantalum cap in a build.
Fp

Actually, MXR used them all the time to save space.

All joking aside, I use them alot. Not in place of film caps, but anywhere I can use them over electo's, I will. Depending where in the ckt it is, I think they sound much better than electro's. People like to quote articles about tant's "dirtier", "distorted" sound. I think they're talking about ceramics. Subbing tants inplace of electro's, I don't hear this so called "dirt". I'll never use a tant where I can use a film cap, however. I think that would be a step backward.

My personal preference is film caps, tants over electro's, electro's where I have to, and silver mica over ceramics where space permits, then ceramics. Just my personal preference. My ears are the most valuable opinion I listen to. If you shop around and order right, the price difference shrinks.

The "tone of this cap and that cap" debates will go on forever without a definate agreeable answer that fits all situations.

You can build 90% of the FX with the cheapest components you can get, and it will still work fine. A few fx demand low-noise components. It's your money and your preference. What ever fits your budget, and floats your boat is fine. The only opinion that matters is your ears.

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

You're right, I forgot to mention mxr.

I agree with you on the film over anything... I think I will be ordering some tantalums soon to experiment a bit and make my own opinion.

About the ceramics, yes, they are pretty bad as coupling, but for the lower pF values, I preffer them over silver mica. (Get the good quality ceramics, not just any cheap one, or they will be microphonic!)

Fp

[Doug_H]

The "tone of this cap and that cap" debates will go on forever without a definate agreeable answer that fits all situations.

Well, FWIW when using them for emitter bypass or op amp inv-to-gnd I recognized a noticeable improvement in the sound. They sounded smoother to me than the electros. I'll use them in place of electro's when I can afford them, if nothing else for lack of future maintenance. The tonal benefit in these circumstances was a nice bonus too.

Doug

[Joe Kramer]

Hi!

I second Doug H. that they are good for emitter bypass.  This is because their ESR is low and they tend to pass high frequencies more readily, much like ceramics.  Tantalums sound okay as interstage coupling caps (as opposed to input or ouput) only when there is a substantial DC bias on them, as in single-supply circuits.  They don't respond well to reverse-bias (distort) in a bipolar circuit  where the AC signal passes thru zero.  But with a big DC offset, the AC never passes thru zero, avoiding nonlinearity.  FWIW, lots of classic pedals use them all over the signal path, as do some of the most coveted NEVE mic preamps.  

Subjectively, I think they have a sort of  hard sound that could be used as just another color in your sound pallete if you choose.  Try it and listen!

Joe

[Fret Wire]

Well, FWIW when using them for emitter bypass or op amp inv-to-gnd I recognized a noticeable improvement in the sound. They sounded smoother to me than the electros. I'll use them in place of electro's when I can afford them, if nothing else for lack of future maintenance. The tonal benefit in these circumstances was a nice bonus too.
Doug

You're preaching to the choir with me on that one.  Forgot to mention future maintainance, that's a great point. When I build something without electro's, I get that satisfaction thinking it will still be working when I'm long dead.

One of my favorites places to use tants is in the Fuzz Face. I like using a 2.2uf metal film and a 22uf tant. Seems much smoother and much less muddy. I found some 2.2uf metal films that were smaller than a dime, size wise.

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

It's nice to see this thread turned into a useful one!

I also don't like an electro for the input of the fuzz face, but I use 1uF film instead. I like it a LOT better.

Fp

[Fret Wire]

The "tone of this cap and that cap" debates will go on forever without a definate agreeable answer that fits all situations.

Alot of people seem to hate these threads. The downright arguments over caps and resistors bore me to death. But I do like hearing what other people's personal preferences are......it's interesting, and you always learn something of value.

So, as long as you observe voltage values, polarity, and some basic laws, your ears and wallet are your guides.

Btw, I haven't tried 100uf tants yet. From 16v on up, the 100uf's get pretty big, and actually heavy. I use 47uf tants alot. I usually manage to find 47uf tants at a good price, and the 47uf @25v tants aren't really big.

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

Alot of people seem to hate these threads. The downright arguments over caps and resistors bore me to death.

My feelings exactly.

I must say though that the actual quality of the cap is also very important, not only what it's made of.

And also: in tube amps... I have heard a big difference between the cap choices.

Fp

[aron]

>And also: in tube amps... I have heard a big difference between the cap choices.

Me too and I know I can hear the difference if I build an entire circuit using film or ceramic etc...