Turtlerock Forum

Hi does anyone have any ideas for building a line level transformer saturation box?
I assume it would just be an input buffer/ gain trim and an output buffer/gain trim with a cheapo transformer in between. Maybe hi and lo pass filters somewhere.
Is there more to it that that? Anyone tried something like this?

Hi Paul

1> Try feeding some DC thru a pot into the primary.

2> Get a very small and cheap mic transformer ( I'm talking about the type you find inside a dynamic mic) and drive the primary via a pot with a hot signal then add some gain make up to the secondary.

Saturation in transformers is most noticeable in the low frequency range.

Have fun,

somewhere on the proharmonic experimental shelf is exactly one of these. Balanced line level in and out with a "drive" control that determines saturation of a transformer while keeping the overall gain close to unity. It has been out on "tour" a few times and apparently sat across bass for The Necks for a year or so.

Hi Rob, that's cool, does yours bias the transformer with D.C?
I've read a few ideas about this and most recommend D.C on the primary.
I've got some little mic input traffos (Altronics 1:4's and some scavenged from an Altec 1220 desk) that should break up nicely at line level.
I guess I should start experimenting!
Thanks to Hookmeister for the tips.
Cheers,
Paul

yes, there is a switch which puts dc bias on the transformer to increase the saturation. There is also lots more to it in the drive circuitry

When are you going to make one Rob?
I'd really like a box that has a pair of inductor EQ's involved to shape the distortion characteristics - and a wet/dry blend
(My Neve Tele Distorts are rockin by the way)
You know how much I like distortion - great blending/parallel tool.....
We may have to soon join forces and make a "Frankendistortion"

well the prototype mk I is done and sitting on the shelf, for the cost of to and fro postage I could send it down for you to play with.
Yes, one with EQ might be MkII

Got a pic Rob?
what functions does it have - a blend/wet dry?

hmmm can't find a photo.
It is just a small extruded box, runs off a plug pack with a drive control, bypass and mode switch. Mode changes the type of saturation.
I'm about to go away for a week but when I get back i'll dig something up. I'm also supposed to be testing the hydraphone out in the shed for you

.... remind me

I'm going to use bug mic's glued to the skins for underwater drums - its simple/easy and cheap.
So dont worry about the shed...

I never worry about the shed ...