SD-1 mod to boost output?

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SamXTherapy
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SD-1 mod to boost output?

Post by SamXTherapy » Thu Sep 22, 2022 9:49 pm

Is there such a thing? I know it won't work with the one I have - SMD - but if there is, it'd make buying an old one to mod worthwhile.

Basically, juice up the output level without altering anything else at all.

Please, if this can be done, let me know.
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Old_Iron
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Re: SD-1 mod to boost output?

Post by Old_Iron » Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:22 am

SamXTherapy wrote:
Thu Sep 22, 2022 9:49 pm
without altering anything else at all.
I don't know any mod that would suit this condition, maybe Laurie would come up with a solution, he is the most knowledgeable here.

In order to not alter anything, I think the modification must happen near the circuit's output, maybe you could swap the level pot for one with a bigger resistance, something like 50KB, or to low R11 value... I'm shooting in the dark here, better wait for Laurie.

As a plan B, if you want a super booster to put after the SD-1 (or any other drive pedal), I would recommend the Glass Blower, it is completely transparent, totally clean and very powerful (27dB).

It is a DIY pedal, but it is very simple and easy to build.

The Glass Blower page:
http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/glassblower.html

The pdf file:
http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/glassblower.pdf

Just the pcb:
https://diy.thcustom.com/shop/merlins-glassblower-pcb/

And a complete kit to build it:
https://www.musikding.de/Glassblower-Booster-kit

EDIT: The pcb in the kit is so small and your pedal is a SMD, with a lot of space inside the case, so you can put the GB inside the SD-1, connecting the GB in between the SD-1 output wires and the output jack. Same 9V connections and a trimpot as the gain pot in the GB, so you can regulate the amount of boost.

You know what, I will order a pcb and put a GB inside a DS-1 SMD, to use it as a strong booster, solving it's low output "problem"!
Last edited by Old_Iron on Fri Sep 23, 2022 2:28 am, edited 1 time in total.

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laurie
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Re: SD-1 mod to boost output?

Post by laurie » Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:57 am

Jumper out R10 (solder a wire across it). That will give you a couple of dB increase without messing with tone. If that isn't enough swap R11 for a 10k resistor. Might mess with the linearity of the level control, but shouldn't affect the tone.

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SamXTherapy
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Re: SD-1 mod to boost output?

Post by SamXTherapy » Sat Sep 24, 2022 9:57 am

Thank you both.
Coppula eam se non posit acceptera jocularum

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