Tube boost + overdrive running off a 9 volt battery

[sengo]

Hello folks,

I just built my first Valvecaster, and it doesn't sound right, no where near as beautiful as the sound clips I've heard from other forum members. I was wondering if I should ask for help here or start a new thread?

Nick

[Jimmy-H]

Here is my third Valvy, I also posted it in the Pictures thread..

Looks Great Adriano!!!!!
I also have seen them on the picture thread.


But some of my pictures have dissapeared (again) .   
Have some of you the same problem with ImageShack? 

So I post my Indian Twin-Tube Distortion again:

[Renegadrian]

Hello folks,

I just built my first Valvecaster, and it doesn't sound right, no where near as beautiful as the sound clips I've heard from other forum members. I was wondering if I should ask for help here or start a new thread?

Nick

I believe that's the right place...
All right, first tell us how did you build this:

Did you use my vero layout, or Dano's point to point or...
Tone or toneless...
9v or 12v...
Is the sound coming out correctly in bypassed mode...
Did you change some components or kept the original list...
Did  you double-triple check every connection...
Did you try with another tube and wall wart...

[sengo]

Did you use my vero layout, or Dano's point to point or...
Tone or toneless...
9v or 12v...
Is the sound coming out correctly in bypassed mode...
Did you change some components or kept the original list...
Did  you double-triple check every connection...
Did you try with another tube and wall wart...

I used Dano's point to point layout, with no tone control and no volume control (I was just trying it out, so I did not spend the time to soldier up a volume pot). It's running at 9V, and I've tried both a wall wart and a 9V battery, they both sounded quite similar except the wall wart added noise. I used all the original components, and I checked them numerous times to make sure they were right, and right now it is wired up with no bypass switch (effect always on). It actually works alright, but it sounds very gated, buzzy, and weak, similar to a very mis biased fuzz face. When I boost the input signal I get much more overdrive (obviously), but its not very nice sounding, very buzzy.
I only have two 12AU7 tubes, and they are both EH, one is normal, and the other is "high gain". Could the tube brand make that much of an impact on the tone? After I already ordered the tubes I found out that many of the builders were displeased with EH tubes, but they didn't sound THIS bad did they?     

[frequencycentral]

sengo - check the battery voltage - my battery Valvecaster starts to sound bad once the battery goes down below 8 volts.

[Renegadrian]

Nick, the wall wart noise is easily resolved with the voltage regulator you can read in this very same thread...
Basically its just a 100uF el. filter cap and a 7809 or 7812
Else, I dunno what to tell you...recheck the tube pins' number...
As for the tubes, I have one new EH 12AU7 bought from Banzai - No, they don't sound so bad, you can get better tubes, but the one I got sounds good, so it stays...So the tube is not to blame...
Different brands have different tone nuances, but they all work as long as they are the same type...

Maybe post some pics of your attempt...We can check it better...

EDIT - try it at 12v too.

[DougH]

So I post my Indian Twin-Tube Distortion again:

I love that Indian logo.

Nice work!!

[tranceracer]

Hello folks,

I just built my first Valvecaster, and it doesn't sound right, no where near as beautiful as the sound clips I've heard from other forum members. I was wondering if I should ask for help here or start a new thread?

Nick

In addition to Renegadrian's suggestions, what kind of sound are you getting?  If it's sputtering "farting" kind of sound maybe the ground wire to the jacks aren't connected (I had that happen when I was prototyping mine).  Maybe a picture can help.

[iorr]

Builded the valvecaster. Great stompbox. No hum - a real quit one.
Gives me the Keith Richards sound.
Karsten

[frequencycentral]

Builded the valvecaster. Great stompbox. No hum - a real quit one.
Gives me the Keith Richards sound.
Karsten

Excellent build! The tube protector reminds me of the TubeTown Pepper Shredder!

[Pushtone]

The tube protector is brilliant.
A couple of standoffs and washers.
Love it.

Dave S.

[Renegadrian]

Really nice build!!! 

[iorr]

yep,
Inspired by tube town  .
M24 steel washer.

Karsten

[Jimmy-H]

I love that Indian logo.

Nice work!!

Thanks DougH !
I also like it a lot.
Gives it a bit vintage look !
But strange, the lost pictures have returned again........strange Image Shack!!

yep,
Inspired by tube town  .
M24 steel washer.

Karsten

Karsten a very clever solution .
I've seen such a tube cage at Banzai. http://www.banzai-effects.de/Gold-tube-cage-pr-20588.html

But i found them to expensive.
The way you did it saves a lot of money  !!!
Again, a beautiful design...your box

[LMJS]

Iorr, any chance of an interior "gut" shot pic?
Please!

[iorr]

Sure  Little bit of chaos in there....



Karsten

[Darkness, Darkness]

Thank Jimmy-H ! Good idea, very clever I must say. I'll try this. Maybe just check for a model where I can be sure the tubes won't move (when moving the stombox for example) 

As you can see darkness, the tube is mounted in a IC-socket.
It is sturdy enough when you move the stompbox !

Thanks !! I'll use this method for sure ! I have received the tubes but still waiting for the LM317 ....

[Darkness, Darkness]

Builded the valvecaster. Great stompbox. No hum - a real quit one.
Gives me the Keith Richards sound.
Karsten

Really too cool looking !!!!!   great job !

[LMJS]

Iorr, thanks for the inside shot.

[Krinor]

Hello folks,

I just built my first Valvecaster, and it doesn't sound right, no where near as beautiful as the sound clips I've heard from other forum members. I was wondering if I should ask for help here or start a new thread?

Nick

In addition to Renegadrian's suggestions, what kind of sound are you getting?  If it's sputtering "farting" kind of sound maybe the ground wire to the jacks aren't connected (I had that happen when I was prototyping mine).  Maybe a picture can help.

Why don't you post some sound clips ? It's probably easier to hear what's wrong than to see it in this case - since the circuit is working. Try different tubes. I've had great success using 5751's on my last few builds.