This is a library of perfboard and single-sided PCB effect layouts for guitar and bass. I'm not an electrical engineer by any stretch of the imagination, just a DIY'er who likes drawing layouts. It is meant for the hobbyist (so commercial use of any of these layout is not allowed without permission) and as a way to give back to the online DIY community.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Demeter Compulator

Here's a really nice optical compressor from Demeter. It offers vintage studio compression that's very transparent and a fairly simple simple build as well. The trimpot sets the gain of the compressor's preamp stage. If the signal is distorted, turn down the trimmer till it's clean. Here's the schematic for reference.


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36 comments:

  1. Diego JorgeOctober 26, 2016 at 9:37 AM

    Great! I never used a Vactrol, but can I replace it with a VTL5C2?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsOctober 26, 2016 at 9:42 AM

      Not sure if the C2 will work as the specs are different from the C10. You could experiment with different LEDs and LDRs.

      Delete
  2. GuilhermeOctober 26, 2016 at 10:54 PM

    Oh boy, how I miss having spare time to build some stuff for myself and verifying your layouts hehehe. Nice one!

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  3. ehss192October 27, 2016 at 9:39 AM

    Do you have a source for the vtl5c10?

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    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsOctober 27, 2016 at 9:44 AM

      You can get them off eBay, Newark.com, couple other suppliers. Just google the part number.

      Delete
    2. ehss192October 27, 2016 at 9:52 AM

      Perfect. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. UnknownOctober 28, 2016 at 12:57 AM

    Which the softwere you use to make these layout ? Thx , greetings from Brazil !

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  5. dankozubOctober 30, 2016 at 7:59 AM

    Can I use a vtl5c1 instead of vtl5c10? They're similar? And has anybody verified this?:)

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  6. shimanekoNovember 2, 2016 at 11:27 PM

    It is verified.I socketed expensive vtl5c10 just in case of my bad build.
    Also socketed 1uf cap to try another value.

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    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsNovember 3, 2016 at 9:14 AM

      Cool. Thanks for verifying!

      Delete
    2. shimanekoNovember 4, 2016 at 4:15 AM

      I have added DPDT switch to go between 1uf film and 22uf electrolytic.

      Delete
  7. MBNovember 3, 2016 at 10:46 AM

    I can't find Log 20K pots but only W-Taper or Lin. How can I do instead?

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  8. fuss buzzFebruary 21, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    bro, may i change the lf353 to other common dual op-amp?

    ReplyDelete
  9. wainer.said@gmail.comFebruary 25, 2017 at 7:18 PM

    Can I use, 1N4007 in place of 1N5817 diode? Thanks Man

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownMarch 14, 2017 at 4:57 PM

    I think there's no 47uF capacitor in original Demeter Comp. Why did you add it here?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsMarch 14, 2017 at 5:22 PM

      That's for power filtering. I include them in all my layouts.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMarch 15, 2017 at 12:00 PM

      Thank you. And also verified.
      Photos:
      http://pl.tinypic.com/r/b3lthu/9
      http://pl.tinypic.com/r/w8pabo/9

      Delete
  11. wainer.said@gmail.comApril 5, 2017 at 8:52 PM

    What is the correct combination for LED + LDR? To find this vactrol? Will it be that dull blue works? Tanks

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  12. UnknownMay 23, 2017 at 5:10 AM

    Hi i am very interested to make this one !! look like the diamond comp !
    By which ic could i replace the lf 353 ?

    I already made a diamond compressor but I would like to make another with a real PCB made by myself but I can not find the layout! I have progressed a lot in the finishing and quality of my pedals, that's why I want to do it again ...Will you interrest to do it? I can give you a donation for it! It's my favorite comp guitare !

    Franck

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsMay 23, 2017 at 10:02 AM

      Donations are always welcome :) I'm actually already working on the Diamond Comp.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMay 23, 2017 at 1:57 PM

      Whoa your are the best ! i go donate now !!!!

      Delete
    3. UnknownMay 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM

      there it's done

      Delete
  13. UnknownMay 23, 2017 at 2:16 PM

    Please just tell me me if i can replace LF 353 by TL 082 ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Effects LayoutsMay 23, 2017 at 2:17 PM

      Don't know off the top of my head. They're both dual opamps, so I would think it'd work. You'll have to to compare the datasheets.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMay 23, 2017 at 2:46 PM

      ok thx ! going to see it …

      Thx for all man ! your work is great !

      Delete
  14. UnknownJune 14, 2017 at 6:10 AM

    Whaou !!! really nice comp !!!! work very good !!!!

    just a question : the resistor variable de 10K must be at 1,1 k without 9V ? (between the lug 1&2) ?
    What is the incidence or result if the value is not ?

    Could you clear me a little beat ?

    ReplyDelete
  15. shimanekoFebruary 17, 2018 at 8:49 AM

    I have built another one with a combo of an ultra-bright 5mm green LED and a LDR with 400K ohm dark resistance. Also added a LED in parallel with the combo LED as an external indicator. It works well.
    The trim pot lug1 and 3 should be reversed, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownAugust 21, 2018 at 3:01 PM

    Built this comp, sounds pretty nice, but I'd swapped polarity protection diode with 100 ohm resistor for lowering noise level. Thanks for the layout!

    ReplyDelete
  17. stefanogueli92January 29, 2020 at 12:21 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. bibiJanuary 21, 2021 at 5:32 AM

    Hello, I have a little distortion when I play the E chord; I try to replace 1uF until 10nF, nothing 's change. I change op amp with TL072, nothing's change too. Is it my op amp (LF353P) who is wrong? or the VTL5C10 (aliexpress)?
    Best regards
    Franck

    ReplyDelete
  19. Zaraki1337March 16, 2021 at 11:01 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Zaraki1337March 16, 2021 at 11:15 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

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