Clipping diodes - before or after output cap?

[chuckmoose]

If I want to add clipping diodes between signal and ground (for example to make a clean boost and overdrive) is it ok to put them before the output cap?  I have tried after the cap where they can do no harm and it certainly adds clipping but I also usually lose a lot of volume.

Thanks.

[R.G.]

If I want to add clipping diodes between signal and ground (for example to make a clean boost and overdrive) is it ok to put them before the output cap?  I have tried after the cap where they can do no harm and it certainly adds clipping but I also usually lose a lot of volume.

Clipping diodes generally rely on having a 0.00V DC level across them. If there is a DC level, it causes one polarity of the signal to be more on than the other, from the diode's standpoint, so one of the diodes is on more than the other. The clipping is then one sided to some extent, and while that can sound good in moderation, having them be more than about 0.1 to 0.3V away from DC ground will cause problems.

[Caferacernoc]

After the cap is the way to do it. It won't work right before the cap. And it will attenuate the volume, it's the nature of the clipping. Led's will be the loudest with less distortion. Or you can double or triple up the GE or silicon diodes for more output. A resistor in series with the diodes will lessen the distortion and increase volume also. The other option is to put another booster at the end of the circuit. Like a Big Muff.

[chuckmoose]

Great, thanks guys.