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Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: Aleph Null on March 07, 2022, 09:13:21 PM

Title: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: Aleph Null on March 07, 2022, 09:13:21 PM
Built on an Aion FX Malacandra PCB. This was my first attempt at a hydro dip. On the whole, I'm pleased with it. I tried placing a water slide decal over the hydro dip to label the controls, but the surface is too uneven for good adhesion. If the unlabeled controls start to bother me, I may use letter stamps.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51925070700_87466a8d63_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n7rytE)

This is build to RC Booster spec except, the diodes are in a 2x3 arrangement instead of the standard 3x3 for a slightly warmer sound and a little more break up. I upped the value of C7 from 4.7uF to 6.9uF so that the boost portion of the treble control grabs some extra upper midsl. This makes it a little more aggressive and allows me to use it to saturate the mids when pushing other pedals down the chain.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51924775119_d198701702_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n7q3Br)

The color scheme was selected by my seven-year-old daughter.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51924532303_eea2cf2349_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n7oNqX)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51925070540_d651877597_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n7ryqU)
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: nzCdog on March 11, 2022, 08:00:27 AM
That's real purdy... Great to get your daughter involved too!  :)
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: zombie_rock123 on March 11, 2022, 10:24:29 AM
That's a killer finish! I'd be stoked with that for my 20th go let alone first.
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: G.G. on March 11, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
Looks like a block of some amazing swirl ice cream, I love the color selection. Sounds like a pretty interesting build, I might need to look into this circuit a bit more. Great job!
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: Aleph Null on March 11, 2022, 05:21:06 PM
Thanks guys!

Quote from: G.G. on March 11, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
Looks like a block of some amazing swirl ice cream, I love the color selection. Sounds like a pretty interesting build, I might need to look into this circuit a bit more. Great job!

It's a pretty ugly proof circuit stock; none of the settings get extreme and there's less boost available than a lot of other circuits. I find myself using it in conjunction with other overdrives to fine tune the sound,  or to jump up or down a gain level. It works well as an "underdrive" (I wish there were a better word for it) to clean up a gainy amp too. Not very glamorous, but a good utility pedal.
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: Leevibe on March 13, 2022, 12:18:53 AM
That looks amazing. I need to give that a try
Title: Re: Aion Malacandra (RC Booster with mods)
Post by: Aleph Null on March 14, 2022, 05:39:56 PM
Quote from: Leevibe on March 13, 2022, 12:18:53 AM
That looks amazing. I need to give that a try

A lot of the tutorials I found recommend model paint or a special kind of acrylic. They'll also suggest warm water with borax added. None of that worked for me. I only had success with spray paint. Also, it takes way less paint than you would think. Too much and you get bubbles that will pop and leave empty divots.