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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/01/08 at 02:27
(Originally written by victhebig/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
SELF-MADE VINTAGE RAT:
PCB: tonepad.com
Components: smallbearelec.com
- 8-pin LM308AN chip (I removed the 30pf condenser because the LM308AN doesn't need it unless you want a more aggressive distortion sound)
- Silicon diodes
Modifications: switch for the original 1µF output condenser and 4.7µF condenser for the lows.
Another possible modifications: chip replacement with a NE5534, op O7DP; serial germanium diodes (I already tested this and it sounds great), diodes replacement with LEDs, cut-off switch for the 47-ohm condenser (Ruetz Rat) or replacement with a 1 kOhm potentiometer.
UTILIZATION
Very simple configuration.
My favorite settings (distortion / filter / level): 10 o'clock / 10 o'clock / 9 o'clock = powerful overdrive
10 o'clock / 12 o'clock / 12 o'clock = Nirvana distortion
12 o'clock / 10 o'clock /8 o'clock = guitar or bass boost
11 o'clock / max / max: fuzz reminding Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Gilmour, etc.
SOUND QUALITY
POWER IT WITH A BATTERY!!!!!!
This way, you get maximum low-frequency overtones.
The device shows its real quality when battery operated (like a Fuzz Face)...
Ultimate and best tube simulation. It works very good with a solid-state amp and it's a unique weapon with a tube amp.
OVERALL OPINION
I build all my effect pedals myself: TS808 boutique models, Orange Squeezer, Small Clone tremolo/chorus, RATs.
It costs me half the money and I double the quality and power. THINK ABOUT IT! Get in touch with me if you have any question about building a RAT pedal!
SELF-MADE VINTAGE RAT:
PCB: tonepad.com
Components: smallbearelec.com
- 8-pin LM308AN chip (I removed the 30pf condenser because the LM308AN doesn't need it unless you want a more aggressive distortion sound)
- Silicon diodes
Modifications: switch for the original 1µF output condenser and 4.7µF condenser for the lows.
Another possible modifications: chip replacement with a NE5534, op O7DP; serial germanium diodes (I already tested this and it sounds great), diodes replacement with LEDs, cut-off switch for the 47-ohm condenser (Ruetz Rat) or replacement with a 1 kOhm potentiometer.
UTILIZATION
Very simple configuration.
My favorite settings (distortion / filter / level): 10 o'clock / 10 o'clock / 9 o'clock = powerful overdrive
10 o'clock / 12 o'clock / 12 o'clock = Nirvana distortion
12 o'clock / 10 o'clock /8 o'clock = guitar or bass boost
11 o'clock / max / max: fuzz reminding Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Gilmour, etc.
SOUND QUALITY
POWER IT WITH A BATTERY!!!!!!
This way, you get maximum low-frequency overtones.
The device shows its real quality when battery operated (like a Fuzz Face)...
Ultimate and best tube simulation. It works very good with a solid-state amp and it's a unique weapon with a tube amp.
OVERALL OPINION
I build all my effect pedals myself: TS808 boutique models, Orange Squeezer, Small Clone tremolo/chorus, RATs.
It costs me half the money and I double the quality and power. THINK ABOUT IT! Get in touch with me if you have any question about building a RAT pedal!