Dynacomp Diodes!!!

[lerxst88]

So Ive never tried it but what would be the effect of replacing diodes in my dynacomp clone with Germanium diodes or LEDs? Maybe have them on a switch and have a tight, squishy compressor with Ge's and more open and studio-friendly with LED's? Just a guess...

[anchovie]

Have a read of this - I don't think the diodes are being used in a way where the diode type controls headroom:

http://www.geofex.com/PCB_layouts/Layouts/d&rpub.pdf

[Mark Hammer]

Indeed, inserting LEDs instead of 1N914s would pretty much obliterate any audible compression.

[lerxst88]

Cool. I know some people use them just for a clean boost so maybe having the LEDs on a clean boost mode switch might be pretty cool!

[Mark Hammer]

Just turn the compression down if you want a clean boost.  And if you want that as a stompable option, stick a big enough fixed resistor )e.g., 220k) in series with the 27k current limiting resistor, and use an SPST switch to bypass it for normal compression.

Just note that there are far better ways to get a "clean boost".  Indeed, the CA3080 breaks up easily, so if "clean" is what you want, then avoid the 3080.