Distortion 3 - sub for 1n34a?

[greysun]

Hi folks!

Wondering if there's a sub for the 1n34a that I could use in the distortion 3 - not because they're not working, but just ... because! I think it's fun and novel to experiment with different parts in the hope of new sounds (kinda like swapping tubes in an amp for a different sound/feel).

I have a bunch of leftover diodes from a 8-rotary RAT I made a couple years back, so didn't know if one or more would work - what I don't know is whether they will play nice with the 914s, as this circuit tends to mix them (so far as I can tell) with the "soft" pot.

would love some insight; things you've tried, or things you've experience swapping clipping diodes (my in-stock list is below). Thank you in advance, as always!

My varied diodes:

1n5817
BAT41
D9V

I also have some 2n7000, 2n5457, BC108 and BC109 I could always throw in there if I can figure out how to connect 3 leads to 2 sockets. ;-) hehe.

[jessenator]

BAT4x, and 41 notably, have been called out in past build docs as a sub for the 1N34A. Diode sniffing is a pastime we've all taken part in but I'll share my own preferences:

On those you've got, the BAT41 is a great choice for standard replacement, but if you want the silicon vs germanium mojo, while I'm not familiar with the specs of the D9V, but the D9E and D9D are great 1N34A subs, IME, and I could be wrong, but it seems the "HARD" pot just goes between Si and Ge, and maybe 1N34A is just "go-to" part. I doubt most common Ge diodes would play rough. If you're interested, PedalPCB forum member thomasbe86 made this very cool interactive chart showing forward voltages at different currents.

[mauman]

The D9V I/V curve is very close to the 1N34A, and it's Ge as well.  BAT41 has a slightly higher Vf as the current rises, and it's the closest Si diode as jessenator says.  1N5817 has a significantly lower Vf than any other diode I've measured except Russian D310 and D311, it's about half the Vf of a 1N34A.  So in order of similarity to 1N34A, I'd try D9V, then BAT41.

[greysun]

Thanks [mention]jessenator [/mention] and [mention]mauman [/mention] - that's very helpful!

What about LEDs? I know I like those a lot in the RAT... think they'd play nice?

[jessenator]

Looked at the Dist 3 schematic, and if you've got the means I'd breadboard it  test out what you'd like.

I've tried red LEDs in a tube screamer (landgraff), OD-1 (YATS' father), and a honey bee, but those are soft clipping scenarios. Scratching my head where I've done it in hard clipping configs. Maybe I tried it in a D+/250? Definitely didn't like them in a klone. Kind of strange that I've never tried them in a Rat!

[greysun]

Looked at the Dist 3 schematic, and if you've got the means I'd breadboard it test out what you'd like.

I've tried red LEDs in a tube screamer (landgraff), OD-1 (YATS' father), and a honey bee, but those are soft clipping scenarios. Scratching my head where I've done it in hard clipping configs. Maybe I tried it in a D+/250? Definitely didn't like them in a klone. Kind of strange that I've never tried them in a Rat!

It's one of the mods on a slow loris - I forget which one, but it allows to toggle select between the stock rat 914s and some LEDs. LEDs are louder and meaner for sure (I almost can't use the rat without them, otherwise I can never match my flat signal).

I just tried the DV9s - I might prefer them! Added a bit more clarity and range when I was playing with the levels and knobs (but I am on a jtm45, so they might just not be as bassy as the 1n34a, which makes them a bit better for my instance). Will try some others for sure.

Already built the pedals, so don't have enough parts left to breadboard em - but I did socket those diodes out so I can swap to my hearts content. Gonna leave one pedal stock for comparison.

I guess my question, as someone that barely knows how clipping diodes work, is: will I ruin a part around these diodes if I tinker, or is there a range of forward voltages that I should be staying within to ensure the 914s remain intact and I don't blow out the ic ?

[jimilee]

LEDs, 1n60p and 1n4678 make good clippers.


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[mauman]

I guess my question, as someone that barely knows how clipping diodes work, is: will I ruin a part around these diodes if I tinker, or is there a range of forward voltages that I should be staying within to ensure the 914s remain intact and I don't blow out the ic ?

Tinker away, you can't hurt an IC by swapping out passive parts.

FYI, LEDs have a very high forward voltage (~1 to 3 V) compared to silicon (~0.6 V) and Ge (~0.3 V).  In a feedback loop, LEDs give you more gain; in clipping to ground, LEDs will give you less clipping and more output volume. 

[greysun]

I guess my question, as someone that barely knows how clipping diodes work, is: will I ruin a part around these diodes if I tinker, or is there a range of forward voltages that I should be staying within to ensure the 914s remain intact and I don't blow out the ic ?

Tinker away, you can't hurt an IC by swapping out passive parts.

FYI, LEDs have a very high forward voltage (~1 to 3 V) compared to silicon (~0.6 V) and Ge (~0.3 V).  In a feedback loop, LEDs give you more gain; in clipping to ground, LEDs will give you less clipping and more output volume. 

This is exactly what I found to be the case! Tried out a few iterations this morning - the DV9 edged out the 1n34a, but I liked the BAT41 and the LED was ... I don't know, crunchier? less controlled? Wasn't great, but in actuality they were all in the same buffet. I was able to get a bit more clarity from the DV9 than the others given my amp, so that's the winner here - but if I ever get my hands on some D9x variations, 1n60p or 1n4678's, I'll definitely tinker further...

Thanks for the help, folks! Now to print all those knobs I need for these pedals...