The Mute Switch + (a poll)

[jimmy rocket]

I just picked up an Aguilar AG500sc, which has a mute function that can be engaged via/foot switch. The foot switch that Aguilar makes for the AG500 has an extra switch (for channel switching) that is useless on the AG500SC and so rather than buy a footswitch to mute the amp I thought, "heck I can just make one of those!"

But then I got to thinking about what else I could add to the foot switch to get a little more bang for my buck, and I've come down to these two ideas.

The first would add an effects loop and a 20+ db clean boost:

The second would replace the loop function with an A/B input switch for multiple instruments:

The amp mute function will just use a long stereo cord to the amp head (connected via stereo jack, not permanently attached), but everything else would run in and out of the top.

 

[smo]

I'm assuming inputs A and B would have something else (like an EQ or drive etc) in between the instrument and the actual pedal.

I'd go for the loop - boost and mute function myself.
But I'd change the layout a bit.
I'd keep the loop and boost down the bottom - so you could hit one or both at the same time.
I'd put the mute and the volume knob for the boost up the top of the pedal, away from your feet, so you don't accidently hit the mute!
That is - unless you're thinking of using a momentary switch for the mute so you get "st st st stutter" type sounds........

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

I'm digging this idea. Make a fusion of the two with buffered bypass and a tuner out, and you have a customer here.

By the way, Okham's Razor would make a killer name for a pedal.

 

[jimmy rocket]

I'm assuming inputs A and B would have something else (like an EQ or drive etc) in between the instrument and the actual pedal.

I'd go for the loop - boost and mute function myself.
But I'd change the layout a bit.
I'd keep the loop and boost down the bottom - so you could hit one or both at the same time.
I'd put the mute and the volume knob for the boost up the top of the pedal, away from your feet, so you don't accidently hit the mute!
That is - unless you're thinking of using a momentary switch for the mute so you get "st st st stutter" type sounds........

If I went the A/B route I'd probably keep my effects after this particular pedal unless there were specific pedals (EQ or preamp or something) that I only used with one particular instrument.

The momentary mute might not be a bad idea in addition to a full mute. I hadn't thought of that before. It wouldn't be that hard, because the mute button is technically not in the signal chain at all, it just engages the amp's mute function.

I'm digging this idea. Make a fusion of the two with buffered bypass and a tuner out, and you have a customer here.

buffered bypass to avoid TBP pitfalls like popping, or to prevent the signal from attenuating?

The boost is essentially envisioned as a buffer, but one that's foot-switchable. The switches are close enough that you could hit them both in order to activate the loop and the buffer simultaneously if the signal chain in the loop was long enough to cause significant attenuation. I was thinking about a tuner out as well. Perhaps I'll have to work that into the mix.

I've thought about combining the two, but I'm trying to fit this into a 1590BB size enclosure and I think it might be getting a little tight.

I've made pedals that do all of these things, but they sit in my chain separately. I was thinking it would be cool to pull some of those things together in a box that could sit by a mic stand.

By the way, Okham's Razor would make a killer name for a pedal.

It would indeed, but it would be sort of ironic in this instance.

 

[jimmy rocket]

I'm digging this idea. Make a fusion of the two with buffered bypass and a tuner out, and you have a customer here.

By the way, Okham's Razor would make a killer name for a pedal.

Definitely no longer Okham's Razor, but perhaps this is an improvement?

Behold Version3

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

The momentary mute might not be a bad idea in addition to a full mute.

Maybe not, but I would have no need for a non-latching mute. I wouldn't be muting often enough to justify it.

buffered bypass to avoid TBP pitfalls like popping, or to prevent the signal from attenuating?

Both. Ideally, this pedal replaces my instrument switcher, my booster and my WOBO loop in my GAS board.

The boost is essentially envisioned as a buffer, but one that's foot-switchable. The switches are close enough that you could hit them both in order to activate the loop and the buffer simultaneously if the signal chain in the loop was long enough to cause significant attenuation. I was thinking about a tuner out as well. Perhaps I'll have to work that into the mix.

Yeah, I know, but I would use the boost as a compensator for a passive instrument I want to plug into input 2, as I normally play actives, so I want the buffer to act as the resistivity compensator.

Attach the Tuner Out to the mute function. I wouldn't need my tuner to be flashing at me mid-gig, just to be accessible at the hit of a switch and then just leaving the tuner on.

I've thought about combining the two, but I'm trying to fit this into a 1590BB size enclosure and I think it might be getting a little tight.

I'll leave size to your discretion. Considering that this pedal may well replace a Lehle, a boost and a WOBO on my board, you will be saving space no matter what enclosure you put it in (unless you go old EHx on me )

It would indeed, but it would be sort of ironic in this instance.

Irony is my game, man.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

I'm telling you, I would snatch it, man.

I would switch out the placement of the Mute and Loop switches, if you were making it just for me. Strictly the most trivial of personal preferences, though.

 

[smo]

Looks nice

 

[jimmy rocket]

Ok, so I've made a bit of progress on this one, and I made up a new mock up to reflect changes in component placement.

I've got the booster built and tested. It ranges from completely attenuating the signal to about a 10-15 db boost with unity being 12 o'clock.

I also have the mute wired. This, I think, may be a source of some confusion. The mute switch is not technically in the circuit. It is a discrete circuit that engages the mute function on my amp. (Although, if I did work it into the circuit directly, I'd probably try to wire it to a tuner out.)

I changed the color on the mock up to reflect the actual enclosure I'm using. I just happen to have a transparent gold enclosure (which I am utterly failing at recreating in photoshop) and yellow and red super-bright LEDs at the house, so that's what the test unit gets.

I'd like to get this together this week sometime just to give it a test run.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

Yes!

About the mute circuit - the tuner out won't be necessary. I think it won't hurt anything just to keep it in the chain. Plus, my tuner automatically mutes anyway, so if excluding that can make the enclosure any smaller, that would be great.

Of course, I don't mean to pretend that you are building this just for me, though I will most certainly be interested in taking one off your hands one day very soon if you build more than one.

 

[jimmy rocket]

Yes!

About the mute circuit - the tuner out won't be necessary. I think it won't hurt anything just to keep it in the chain. Plus, my tuner automatically mutes anyway, so if excluding that can make the enclosure any smaller, that would be great.

Of course, I don't mean to pretend that you are building this just for me, though I will most certainly be interested in taking one off your hands one day very soon if you build more than one.

So are you saying take the mute function off entirely?

A 3 switch (A/B, Loop, boost) box would definitely give you a little more dancing room.

The mute function is intended to work with my amp anyway, so if I made more, and it turned out that no one cared about that anyway, I could just leave it off future units.

It's sort of funny though , because that's what started the whole thing out.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

True, it is the title of the thread after all.

It's your design, however you want to play it is entirely up to you. I'm only saying that, after reconsideration, I'm not sure I, personally, would need/want one. For the three features that are left, I would make use of them on a consistent basis.

 

[CrispyDelicious]

I would make it A/B, so I could run my theremin as well.

 

[jimmy rocket]

I would make it A/B, so I could run my theremin as well.

Do you mean like an A/B/Y circuit so you could run two inputs simultaneously?

Anyway, Here's a little sneak peak of the actual box with some components mounted. I think I'll probably finish the drilling and wire it all together tonight.

Once I get the prototype finished I'll start thinking about mods.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

I see you haven't drilled a hole for the Boost switch, are you going to do that tonight?

Looks great, by the way.

 

[jimmy rocket]

Yeah, the boost, mute, loop jacks and LED holes all have to be drilled tonight. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll have something more to show off

 

[rustynuts]

Maybe not, but I would have no need for a non-latching mute. I wouldn't be muting often enough to justify it.

I've got a momentary switch on my board and it can be pretty fun to use at times, but those times are few.

 

[jimmy rocket]

IT'S ALIVE!

It's 12:37 North Carolina Standard Time, but here it is in full working order:

Super Bright LEDs

Here's the loop send/return (send is top left, return is bottom right.)

This thing is jam packed. I didn't have room for an op-amp buffer so, to add that one of the switches would have to go.

Anyway, I'm sleepy and I have a slow gear clone to build this weekend.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

You have my respect. Fantastic job.

 

[Brim]

Very cool. I like the finish on the box.