A classic - the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer. It's a very simple feedback-based compressor using JFETS as variable resistors, driven by a single diode acting as a half-wave rectifier.
This makes it pretty snappy to play, unlike an optical compressor which is traditionally a bit slower and smoother - not that there's anything wrong with optical, just a different feel.
I decided to use a single opamp for this layout. I also started down the rabbit hole of replacing the opamp with a transistor-based amplifier, but more on that in another post.
DAN ARMSTRONG ORANGE SQUEEZER - VERO LAYOUT
Hi Andy! How's everything going? Finally I have some time to make some builds, I want to try this compressor but I would like to ask you for a request, I found an interesting video with a variation of this circuit with some mods and more controls, the schematic is at minute 1:20. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteURL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rh9Canu-eo
Hey Felipe - nice to hear from you. I’d say give it a try.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion: Quite often the extra controls aren’t really needed for guitar pedals. They make more sense on a studio compressor / plug-in that will be used with a number of different instruments or vocals, where adjustments are necessary.
Most compressors that are only going to be used on guitar can be set pretty well via component values.
Hi Andy! yeah got your point but I kinda like the fine tuning, set once and forget. I was looking for some non-optical circuit so finally I went for the Reckless Diode Compressor (Rev B) and I'm pretty happy with it. So mission accomplished👌
ReplyDeleteI quite like the Reckless - something a little different & a great compressor.
Delete