Boss FET Switching

Started by the_random_hero, May 12, 2007, 08:16:05 AM

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the_random_hero

Hey guys, a bit of a n00b here  :D
Lately I've been looking at how Boss implement their FET switching. After looking at some schematics, I narrowed it down to one section that seemed to be common to every schem. I then looked at this section of the MT-2 and it pretty much proves that the section I was looking at was what I wanted.
What are your opinions on FET switching? DPDT/3PDT switches are fairly expensive out here and I'm looking for an easier solution. Any ideas on how it could be improved for no tone-suckage (I've been told after daisy-chaining a few pedals with this style of switching together it gets fairly bad)?
Completed Projects - Modded DS1, The Stiffy, Toaster Ruby, Octobooster Mk. II, Pedal Power Supply

R.G.

First, have you read all of the bypassing stuff at GEO?

Second: FETs can be made to be very well performing switches. The BOSS and Ibanez designs may not be the optimal one for tone preservation in pedals; they are optimized for OK function at a low price.

Third: tone suckage is a factor of how good the input buffer to the effect is, not the FET switching. Again, the buffer in Boss and Ibanez effects are OK, but cheap.

Fourth: have you read the articles on CMOS switching at GEO?
R.G.

In response to the questions in the forum - PCB Layout for Musical Effects is available from The Book Patch. Search "PCB Layout" and it ought to appear.

the_random_hero

1: Yes, I just refreshed myself on it then.
2. Just as I assumed.
3. Also kind of as I assumed
4. I think so, I just read over it again.

While I do know a bit, some of the things mentioned in the articles (mainly the second one) are slightly over my head at the current point in time, probably because I need sleep  :P I understand the principles behind how everything works, just not how it's implemented.
As for designs for a good input/output buffer, what is out there? I haven't really had a look yet but I figure somebody here should be able to point me in the right direction.
Completed Projects - Modded DS1, The Stiffy, Toaster Ruby, Octobooster Mk. II, Pedal Power Supply