Hyperflange + Chorus vs. A/DA vs. MXR

[Dave_B]

I've got the chips and artwork to build a Hyperflange + Chorus, but I'm trying to decide if I should direct my efforts that way, or use the SAD-1024A to clone an A/DA or MXR Flanger.  Has anyone here ever heard a Hyperflange + Chorus to compare them and help me decide? 

I'm trying to figure out my next project and, since it takes me six months to finish something, I have to be a little careful.   

Input is appreciated!

[Mark Hammer]

Mine is sitting all populated and about 60% wired up, with a nice rackmount-sized chassis painted and mostly legended.  I keep trying to get to it and finish the damn thing.  So, I can't tell you anything about how it sounds.  Given that it uses a compander, I thnk it is safe to say it will  be quieter than the MXR or A/DA.  Given the range of controls it includes, it will also be more flexible than either of those.  I'd be happy to sdend anyone here a scan of the PCB pattern so they can make their own (PAiA doesn't support it anymore so I don't mind), but the problem is that the CEM3340, which forms the heart of the sweep circuitry, is virtually unobtainable.  If you thought you had a hard time finding an SAD1024, just TRY finding a 3340 for less than the price of a fully built flanger.

I used to own an MXR unit, and quite frankly, it never did anything for me, but that's my own personal bias.  The A/DA has a really lovely wide sweep, and probably comes as close as anything will to the ultrawide sweep the Hyperflange is capable of.  So, for a decent-sounding unit that depends on only ONE hard-to-find component, the A/DA is the better path to pursue.  Note as well that the A/DA has a control-voltage input for controlling the sweep (with Manual and Depth rotated fully) so you can always try out alternate LFO waveforms post-build....something you couldn't do with the MXR.

[StephenGiles]

I would agree with Mark there, and I would go on to say that because the Hyperflange has a compander it loses some of the guts of the SAD 1024 sound, so I would go for the ADA, particularly with Mike Irwin's mods.

[redeffect]

Just a note to make you laugh/cringe: Sequential circuits has CEM3340  in "limited quantities" for the princely price of (drum roll...)  $75 apiece. Plus $8 S/H. I am just stating facts. NOT making judgements...
red

[Dave_B]

Sequential circuits has CEM3340  in "limited quantities" for the princely price of (drum roll...)  $75 apiece. Plus $8 S/H.

Fortunately, I bought mine from Paia in the mid-80's for $10.  The SAD-1024A was purchased at Radio Shack around the same time.  Like Mark, I've been sitting on this one a good long while. 

[Mark Hammer]

Ah, well then if you are suitably equipped, I can send you some useful scans.  Pop me a PM.