Crowella
Commercial User
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Someone cracked the Animato
- Thread starter father of fires
- Start date
Hey man, way to not bogart the goodness! That's really cool of you to make it more available and you and John making it more suited to playing bass.I figured the PCB's would be popular. I pulled the trigger on 100 of them so I guess there will be 50 to grab. Fine by me.
I'll just note two things
- The first is that the pots can be mounted on the bottom side. They are alpha 16mm pots with right angle mounts. The dual gang one, much to my dismay, was only available from Small Bear Electronics. As I mentioned, I searched for 12 hours or so to find them and that was the only place.
- Secondly, the capacitors I use (aside electrolytic polar) are monolithic ceramics. Where this may become difficult to source is for the 1u capacitor, which is NOT polar. I had to use MKT's at last moment on the previous board because I couldn't secure any. Just be mindful of this as the box types take up far more room and was actually an issue I had on the first run
I'll of course supply some supplementary data with the boards too. I'm more than happy to see people build them and if I can make it as easy as possible, that'll be good.
Are you still planning for all your pedals to have silicon transistors? I really dug what I heard out of the silicon versions no doubt, and they'll be less expensive (presumably) and go over quite well. But man, I'm not in the business of telling people how to go about their business, but the germanium transistors have this goopiness to them that I just wasn't quite feeling in the silicon version and IMHO it's worth it to offer it as an option. Of course, you'll want to charge out the wazoo for it so you'll still sell way more silicon versions (I didn't just type that, did I?)
but I think you'd get whatever you needed to charge for them to make it worth it to make a few. It's funny...back in the day I always preferred silicon, and if a pedal was available with both, I always preferred the silicon version because it's always tighter. Always thought germanium sounded mushy and indistinct. Nowadays, I still dig silicon pedals but I'm digging the germaniums way more than I used to. Used to have a Team Awesome Fuzz Machine that was great (sent it to my new Estonian friend Silver Lepaste, guitarist/banjoist/producer for the world's weirdest band Winny Puhh...you MUST look them up on Youtube!), now I got this Animato and it's great. Caused me to do a whole 180 on my germanium stance. It's not so much that it's mushy but it does seem to exaggerate the sag effect, which it turns out, sounds pretty darn sweet to me after all.
Crowella
Commercial User
I'm sticking with silicon for these next builds although the temptation to get germaniums is increasing. I know a lot of people will argue that the mojo is in them and I do wish I could make them exactly as is but in my honest opinion, the difference is so subtle and there will be many more factors that can bring the sound more favourable than just that. If I can secure a large batch of them before doing the updated bitmap, then sure, I'll put them in there to go with the cost.
My aim is simply to put an affordable version in everyone's hands that is honest, reliable and solid. I believe I can get even closer to the sound with this version after discovering where to improve. I also prefer reproducibility over mojo. It really is the sum of its parts and one to two parts don't constitute enough difference to suggest it it otherwise.
I cannot ever deny that they sound different. My point is that in the great midst of things, unless you are comparing the two head to head like I have been doing, you aren't going to *really* figure out which one is which, rather, I should say you probably won't be noticing the difference enough.
Oddly though, one guy that owns the original prefers the silicon to the germanium. *shrugs* I prefer the hybrid I tried in honesty with one silicon, one germanium but I'm happy to use any combination.
My aim is simply to put an affordable version in everyone's hands that is honest, reliable and solid. I believe I can get even closer to the sound with this version after discovering where to improve. I also prefer reproducibility over mojo. It really is the sum of its parts and one to two parts don't constitute enough difference to suggest it it otherwise.
I cannot ever deny that they sound different. My point is that in the great midst of things, unless you are comparing the two head to head like I have been doing, you aren't going to *really* figure out which one is which, rather, I should say you probably won't be noticing the difference enough.
Oddly though, one guy that owns the original prefers the silicon to the germanium. *shrugs* I prefer the hybrid I tried in honesty with one silicon, one germanium but I'm happy to use any combination.
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You are absolutely right. I don't know what makes the pedal tick like you do, but I would agree the differences I heard in clips were subtle. And I also get the economics of making way smaller amounts of customized version of a pedal you're already doing in a small batch. But I don't know...I thought it was worth it. I really try not to pay more for something if I don't believe I have anything to gain by it, too. Would have been quite happy with either, but I had this feeling when I was comparing clips, you know? Fairly sure you'd sell way more silicons than germaniums if you did offer both, though, so carry on and I'll leave running your affairs to you for now
Hybrid sounds way interesting, though. That would be a cool twist, eh?
Hybrid sounds way interesting, though. That would be a cool twist, eh?
Crowella
Commercial User
I'll get some clips of the hybrid up when I get a chance. It's what I'm running on my board at the moment. I rehoused the original I made into one of the reject cases and I abuse it.
Boards are confirmed by the design engineers, so they'll be in my hands in 2 weeks.
One thing I will work on to get it even closer is I might use the oscilloscope to cross reference now that I own one. Will do better than my ears. Just need to work on a system rather than my brother playing while I A/B them.
EDIT, not sure if I posted this. Recorded this when I got my Sandberg. I can't recall how I recorded it but not EQ'd.
Boards are confirmed by the design engineers, so they'll be in my hands in 2 weeks.
One thing I will work on to get it even closer is I might use the oscilloscope to cross reference now that I own one. Will do better than my ears. Just need to work on a system rather than my brother playing while I A/B them.
EDIT, not sure if I posted this. Recorded this when I got my Sandberg. I can't recall how I recorded it but not EQ'd.
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I wonder if it would be possible to have a switch to toggle between the two transistor types? Maybe that could be an interesting idea for the Bitmap, a 3PDT mini toggle for each of the first two transistors so you could toggle between silicon and germanium for each. I'm not the engineer here, so I don't know if abruptly removing and inserting transistors within a circuit like that would be harmful to their lifespan.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
it wouldn't be harmful for the transistors but it would be a real hassle mechanically to switch between two silicon and two germanium transistors, let alone make room for it on the PCB.
Crowella
Commercial User
I will do what I can to source germanium transistors for the bitmap, because the request is *really* high for them. I won't make them switchable because that'll require a pretty expensive switch as well as a lot of room, which will be at a premium for the bitmap.
I'll also post a guide for how to make the pair by soldering one transistor to the legs of the other one with the PCB's if you must have both/go germanium.
EDIT: I'm going out for a drink now. This is the Bitmap PCB so far. Just a few tidying up things to do but the program check says okay.
I'll also post a guide for how to make the pair by soldering one transistor to the legs of the other one with the PCB's if you must have both/go germanium.
EDIT: I'm going out for a drink now. This is the Bitmap PCB so far. Just a few tidying up things to do but the program check says okay.
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Crowella
Commercial User
Quick note, those ordering the PCB's. I noticed a pretty horrible error after I sent the board for printing in regards to the board mounted pots. I need to adjust the single gang pots to be lower down. Pretty expensive mistake. D'oh!
So I think I've settled into a role for the Animato, and that is kicking other pedals in the ass. It's weird...it's not quite knocking me out as a standalone in the band mix, but it's extremely impressive when you combine it with other dirt pedals. Add it to a fuzz pedal that isn't too noticeable in the mix and you'll be able to rip through 3 Metallicas, 2 Motorheads, and a symphony orchestra. Will have to pick and choose my moments with it a little less recklessly than I have been so far, but thanks to the blend knob, it's excellent at combining both in a mellow way or a brain-melting way. I don't know what it is that makes me think so much of British music when I kick it on, but it seems to make every pedal sound like a British Invasion version of itself. Craziest darn thing...never had a pedal I didn't enjoy that much by itself but really enjoyed what it did to other pedals. But there you go. That seems to be where I'm headed with it.
Hmmm, didn't know if that would light it or blow it out
Weird, though...never had a pedal that I didn't feel by itself but felt it with other pedals. Usually it ends up being not so good. Definitely one of those "sum is greater than the parts" things.
Crowella
Commercial User
Crowella
Commercial User
I was going to ask anyone that has built these with germs (assuming only John), what hFe did yours roughly have? I'm looking for some to go in with a smaller footprint, maybe AC125/6/7/8's?
Also, put the cases on order so I guess if anyone else wants to go on the waiting list and to pre-order, send me an email and I'll put you on the list. I'll set up the online shop tomorrow, or that PayPal system again, with a passcode.
Also, put the cases on order so I guess if anyone else wants to go on the waiting list and to pre-order, send me an email and I'll put you on the list. I'll set up the online shop tomorrow, or that PayPal system again, with a passcode.
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- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
Crowella
Commercial User
Awesome. As I mentioned, I'll likely try hybrid but this helps just get some ranges. The MPSA13 seems like a great fit for a one transistor solution then.
Just looking for a nice large batch of germs in the mean time. The AC128's I got in a pack of 10 have been really good though, roughly $1 each but that was a fluke I guess.
Just looking for a nice large batch of germs in the mean time. The AC128's I got in a pack of 10 have been really good though, roughly $1 each but that was a fluke I guess.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
yeah, mine have been great too. I bought 100 NOS AC128's from an ebay seller about a year ago just to have them whenever I need some.
Crowella
Commercial User
Glad to see that they are decent at least!
Pre-orders are now available since I had to find some way to deal with the influx of email. Been working on the packaging and resizing the manual to fit in it. So much back and forth it's driving me a bit crazy!
Also DHL have broken the record for international shipping in my books. Overseas order made Saturday afternoon, here first thing Monday morning. Wow.
EDIT: Just as I hit submit, the dual gang pots arrived... For those that get the PCB's and want to board mount, they are from Smallbearelec and they are the only place I found that stocks the Dual Gang 100kA pots.
Pre-orders are now available since I had to find some way to deal with the influx of email. Been working on the packaging and resizing the manual to fit in it. So much back and forth it's driving me a bit crazy!
Also DHL have broken the record for international shipping in my books. Overseas order made Saturday afternoon, here first thing Monday morning. Wow.
EDIT: Just as I hit submit, the dual gang pots arrived... For those that get the PCB's and want to board mount, they are from Smallbearelec and they are the only place I found that stocks the Dual Gang 100kA pots.
Crowella
Commercial User
Just mentioned to some people that my site was down yesterday. We had a pretty terrible storm and I only noticed the outage once I was at work.
Packaging has been put into production. I'm keeping my fingers crossed here but the design seems to spec. PCB's are on their way but I won't get the release ones until I have confirmed the quality is suitable. Bit difficult for me to do any work this week with Easter holidays at the shop consuming me all long weekend.
In the mean time, thinking about taking ZVex on with the Fuzz Factory, since I keep being pestered about making clones of his so from today, I'm offering them.
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Packaging has been put into production. I'm keeping my fingers crossed here but the design seems to spec. PCB's are on their way but I won't get the release ones until I have confirmed the quality is suitable. Bit difficult for me to do any work this week with Easter holidays at the shop consuming me all long weekend.
In the mean time, thinking about taking ZVex on with the Fuzz Factory, since I keep being pestered about making clones of his so from today, I'm offering them.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
