Orange Squeezer Setting Question...

[zachomega]

I just built a Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer tonight.  I used a 741 Op Amp because I had one around.  I'll post my layout.  I forgot the pull down resistor on the drawing so when I built the thing, I moved all of the holes over 1 space and wired a 4.7meg resistor from the input to the ground point. 

Also, the wiper needs to be grounded on the trimmer in the upper left.  With these two modifications, the thing works quite nicely. 



Now, is there any sort of systematic way to set the trimmers inside?  I get a swelling kind of effect as it stands now.  Real mild and it is definitely working.  Just curious if it is set by ear or what?

-Zach Omega

[blanik]

it's definitively not the same schem than the Tone Pad version of the OS...  i was told by someone in here that you need to set the trimpots where the background noise becomes the loudest (adjusting the trims with the effect plugged in an amp)... (i know, it's counter intuitive  ) on my TP version there's just a 2k trim and it's usually just in the middle (hell, if i ever build one again i'll just put two 1k resistors instead of the trimpot)

R.

[markm]

it's definitively not the same schem than the Tone Pad version of the OS...  i was told by someone in here that you need to set the trimpots where the background noise becomes the loudest (adjusting the trims with the effect plugged in an amp)... (i know, it's counter intuitive  ) on my TP version there's just a 2k trim and it's usually just in the middle (hell, if i ever build one again i'll just put two 1k resistors instead of the trimpot)

R.

I think you may be referring to the Dyna/Ross build as the trimmer for the O/S is 10K.....

[zachomega]

I certainly hope so as I built it with 10k trimmers.   

Still looking for some good information on how to set this thing's trimmer.  I mean, it is just one control that I could twist all day, but I'd like it to sound its best and thought perhaps somebody had a trick or something to aid me. 

-Zach Omega

[markm]

You really need to set it by hear for the most part Zach.
Just before it cuts out is the most compression. I used a 10 turn trim in one of my O/S builds for more precise adjustment. 

[erick4x4]

You want it where it is clearly compressing but the loudest "clear" compression, so you don't have volume loss, but don't let it distort either.

However, no question this effect does often add a mild volume swell after the initial compression. It is just part of the effect. It is usually most noticable on loud pickups. It is stronger on my Les Paul, but barely noticable on my Strat. If it is extreme, or cutting out sound  (like a huge dip first, then a swell), then the trim is wrong, but if its a mild dip, and the volume is such that you can still boost the gain louder than the original guitar, than you have it right.

[markm]

Well, I'm sure this is true however, it is still a matter of taste as one's "ideal" is another's "not-so-good". 

[Pushtone]

Not sure if this is a "right" way, but...

I ran the guitar through a booster first, then into the OS.
With a super loud signal it was easy to hear the change in compression as I turned the trimmer.

[blanik]

it's definitively not the same schem than the Tone Pad version of the OS...  i was told by someone in here that you need to set the trimpots where the background noise becomes the loudest (adjusting the trims with the effect plugged in an amp)... (i know, it's counter intuitive  ) on my TP version there's just a 2k trim and it's usually just in the middle (hell, if i ever build one again i'll just put two 1k resistors instead of the trimpot)

R.

I think you may be referring to the Dyna/Ross build as the trimmer for the O/S is 10K.....

my mistake, i was thinking about the Ross 

R.

[analogmike]

Download my Juicer manual for a cal procedure, have fun!

[zachomega]

Thanks guys!   All makes sense...I've been feeding the thing with my Les Paul with P90's.  It is just a mild swell. 

And I'm on the Analogman page as I type this. 

-Zach Omega