Ross Compressor

BadCat · July 06, 2006, 06:39:18 PM

I'm thinking about building a compressor. It will then be my fourth build (boosters and dist boxes). Is this possible for me, or is it difficult to get them to work properly??

Is a PCB a must, or is it possible with perfboard ?

thanks,

Seljer · July 06, 2006, 06:43:12 PM

All I have to say is that the one I put together today isn't working

I think there was a burning silicon smell too when I hooked up the battery (now to spend the rest of the night debugging it)

I did mine from the Tonpead project but theres a layout for veroboard: http://aronnelson.com/gallery/Toneys-Album/Rossv4

KORGULL · July 06, 2006, 06:56:37 PM

Quote from: BadCat on July 06, 2006, 06:39:18 PM

I'm thinking about building a compressor. It will then be my fourth build (boosters and dist boxes). Is this possible for me, or is it difficult to get them to work properly??

Is a PCB a must, or is it possible with perfboard ?

thanks,

Sure it's possible. The Ross compressor was my fifth build. I made it on perfboard.
Here it is: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=32476.0
With a crowded layout like this, I was extra careful not to make a mistake because it's harder to debug and remove/replace parts. You could always use a larger board and leave a little more space between the parts.

BadCat · July 06, 2006, 07:13:34 PM

Quote from: KORGULL on July 06, 2006, 06:56:37 PM
Quote from: BadCat on July 06, 2006, 06:39:18 PM

I'm thinking about building a compressor. It will then be my fourth build (boosters and dist boxes). Is this possible for me, or is it difficult to get them to work properly??

Is a PCB a must, or is it possible with perfboard ?

thanks,
Sure it's possible. The Ross compressor was my fifth build. I made it on perfboard.
Here it is: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=32476.0
With a crowded layout like this, I was extra careful not to make a mistake because it's harder to debug and remove/replace parts. You could always use a larger board and leave a little more space between the parts.

That looked incredibly nice Korgull !! Maybe I'll try to use your layout for perfboard... How does it work btw? Have you compared it against a Keeley or something ??

KORGULL · July 06, 2006, 07:32:13 PM

The only other stompbox compressor I've ever used is a Boss CS-3. Of the two, I prefer the Ross.

jimbob · July 06, 2006, 07:36:45 PM

I agree. I like the Dynacomp And Ross better

markm · July 06, 2006, 07:42:21 PM

Quote from: jimbob on July 06, 2006, 07:36:45 PM
I agree. I like the Dynacomp And Ross better

I'm right there with ya!

BadCat · July 06, 2006, 08:32:22 PM

Cool!! Maybe I'll try one out then...

Is it easier with a stripboard ?? The layout may look a bit more tidy than the perf...

cheers & good night...

KORGULL · July 06, 2006, 09:05:29 PM

I have no doubt that it would be easier and neater with that stripboard layout. Looks like you'll just need a large enclosure; like a 1590BB.

BadCat · July 07, 2006, 08:30:59 AM

Did your perfboard fit in a 1590B then ??

Primus · July 07, 2006, 09:17:45 AM

The Ross Compressor was my second build after a fuzz face and it fired right up. Courage! You can do it!

Recommendations for getting it working the first time:
1) Hit those traces w/ steel wool and get them nice and brite! I can't tress this enough.
2) Socket the chip. This also comes in handy later if you want to try a couple different chips for the quietest one.
3) Don't compromise thoroughness for haste. Be patient

Recommendations for a great sounding Ross:
1) Use good caps. I like the Panasonic one Steve has at Small Bear.
2) Use matched transistors. Frank Clark carefully matched a set for me, but www.guitarkit.com is no longer available... The originals used 2SC1849s, but R.G. recommends 2N5088's, which are cheap and low noise. Check this thread: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=3164.0
3) I have read (see linked thread) that's it's also a good idea to use metal film around the chip.

Good luck!

KORGULL · July 07, 2006, 11:17:21 AM

Quote from: BadCat on July 07, 2006, 08:30:59 AM

Did your perfboard fit in a 1590B then ??

It's in a Taiwanese 125B, which is like a taller 1590B. I think it would fit in a regular 1590B though. You would just need to use small (short) capacitors I think.

petemoore · July 07, 2006, 11:26:22 AM

...somewhere around down there...
Is an old Dyna Perfboard attempt...if I find it you're welcome to try debugginit for me...lol.
PCB made the second attempt a 'wire 'n fire' up event for me...I measured every resistor...paid attention..took the time and it works great.
I 'kinda' Rossed it up a little for more high end.
Great compressor...and IIRC there are mods for it if you're into that, I use also [it's a Tubescreamer thang as Pre/Comp/Booster...now] and A Boss CS-3, it compares quite favorably to other compressors.

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Ross Compressor