Dynamic Tremolo Layout

[RaceDriver205]

Just thought I would share this - Penfolds Dynamic Tremolo.
Turns out that Express PCB IS DA DOMB!.
Ahem.. Anyway, the layout is this:

And the PCB is this (to scale when printed from Paintbrush):

Sounds OK (Layout built and tested). The variable tremolo rate becomes pretty noticable if you keep the input volume low, and boost the output volume. If anyone wants the files, ill see if my stupid web1000 site is still stuffed. (NOBODY use web1000).

Thanks for bringing this circuit to my attention, Capolyengineer. The circuit has a few pitfalls, i.e. it could do with variable max. rate and min. rate, and it tends to hang around in the fast region to long. Maybe if you built it it would help you with your design. 

[RaceDriver205]

  Anyone interested?

[RickL]

I am. It's on my list of things to build. Is the schematic available anywhere? The layout should be enough to do a build but it will be hard to debug without a schematic if it doesn't work perfectly from the start.

[RaceDriver205]

Good idea, ill upload one this afternoon

[Marcos - Munky]

Could you record a soundclip?

[RaceDriver205]

k, ill do that too!
Its been a while since I got out the old microphone. Only problem is that in the testing state, the noise is fairly high - especially when I have it controlling a distortion as well (which is what tremolo is best for!).
While im at it ill record some clips of effects that haven't been recorded yet, so people actually know if they're any good.

[RaceDriver205]

Alright people.
Full page is here, with Sound clip and Schematic:
http://www.tothemax.web1000.com/DynTrem.html

The noise is pretty severe, mainly because I used a 100uF instead of a 1000uF (which RP quotes as a problem), and because I ran the input and output to the effect with long jumper leads.
Tell us what you think. 

[Dave_B]

It has a lot of potential!  I can also see it giving the drummer a fit.   

[Mark Hammer]

Interesting, though the acceleration and decelleration needs some tweaking.  The dynamic tremolo on the Line 6 Tap Tremolo does a far better job of doing what this unit intends to do, but obviously at greater cost and with a more complex circuit.  I suggest folks try one out and think about what it is they would change on the Penfold design.  The key elements seem to be how the change in mdulation rate  returns back to what you started with.  You'd be surprised how important that is in providing a more natural and expressive feel.

[RaceDriver205]

I agree, it needs some modifying. I leave that to capolyengineer, and proceed on with my list.   

[markm]

Kinda reminds me of the Pulsar a little bit.
It seems to have that real "choppy" type trem sound.