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Anyone out there get my Smallbear order?  I just checked the USPS delivery confirmation and it was delivered yesterday in Seattle.  Problem is, I live in Massachusetts.

I had several pedals backlogged because I tore apart my old test rig and then took my time finishing my new one.  I tried to incorporate everything I thought I would need into one place.  It's got a built in test tone generator (JMK Tiny Tester), headphone amp (from TH Custom Effects) & an audio probe.  The box is mounted on an extra shelf from a closet organizer along with a breadboard. 

I need some music professionals (I am merely a hack / hobbyist who never got beyond the high school dance level of performing) to help me understand what goes on at a large venue regarding the house mix.  Specifically, the last 2 concerts I went to put out PAINFUL levels of sound.

The first problem is that the highs are so loud and shrill that it could make your ears bleed.  I suppose that the rock musicians of my vintage are probably deaf from spending years in front of Marshall and other stacks night after night, so they need the volume to be able to tell that their amps are on.  But younger performers who have only used smaller amps mixed through in-ear monitors shouldn't need that level of volume – I would think that the in-ear system insulates them from outside noise, so they may not be aware how loud the house mix is.  Fortunately I have been packing earplugs for the last few years when I started running into this intermittently – even at smaller venues.  But obviously earplugs negatively affect my enjoyment of the performer.

The other problem – which is new to me – is that the bass drum is so amplified that it pounds your chest hard enough to crack ribs.  The audible byproduct of this is that it is hard to hear the bass player, especially if he is locked into the bass drum.

Maybe I'm an old fart, but I find this unpleasant to the point that I am considering never going to concerts in large venues anymore.  I have not found anyone who thinks these sound levels add to the experience – only some people who aren't as annoyed by this as me.

Is this really a trend, or have I just had a few bad experiences?  Or is my age just making me too sensitive to this (you can say yes, I know I'm old...).

If this really is a trend, what's the point?

I've seen this question asked in a couple of build reports, but I don't think it was ever answered:
Is there a way to tone down the effect of the slam switch? 

I'd like it to either oscillate a little less wildly, or get to that wild point a little slower or both.

Finished my Stage Fright yesterday.  Great sounding pedal.  I had a purple powdercoated enclosure from Smallbear.

Madbean's ZPSDX & MusicPCB's Gristlizer

I have been reading about the power options, and have a question.

My board power supply has an 18v output which I don't use, so I can power it with 18v on my board.  But when I go over my friend's house to jam I don't always bring my board - sometimes I will throw a couple pedals & 9v power supplies in a backpack.

Has anyone considered setting it up to handle both 9v & 18v?  Maybe use a center-off toggle switch to kill power altogether and save the wear & tear on the bulb?

Thanks,
Bob

I finished a Karate Shop / Harmonic Energizer:





And a Honey Dripper / Colosound Dipthonizer





I initially had some noise problems with the Karate Shop, but thanks to support from the forum that is resolved and it sounds great.  The Honey Dripper worked perfect first try, and it is an amazing effect!

Hi - This is my first Madbean pedal, but I have ~ 20 successful builds.

My Karate Shop worked first time (great board & documentation, BTW!).  The problem is hiss.  The hiss is pretty loud, and gets worse as I turn the frequency knob clockwise.  I just verified all component values and orientation.  All stock values, with C1 using the recommended substitute of 2.2n.

Has anyone else had this issue?  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks, Bob