3d modelling pedals

peterleroux

I've started planning my next build, a Sansamp GT2 clone. This is a fairly complex pedal, and my approach to date of plunging blindly forwards and resolving the layout after i've done all the soldering won't work here.

I've modelled the RS enclosure I'm using in SketchUp (a free 3d modelling program I use in my day gig as an architect) and started fitting the components in.

Here is a screenshot of where I am so far.

I've also uploaded the large and small RS enlosures I have on hand, in a collection with a few other useful parts: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/cldetails?clid=9d97daa6ae31e93336ba97f1da9abaeb

I'm still ironing out some kinks with this one, but I think it will just about fit properly. We'll see in a few days ?

mtmattan

Awesome stuff!
I usually just use 2 dimensions on Illustrator but this is very cool!
Only suggestion is perhaps put the DC jack at the back, there's always space. ?

AlanRatcliffe

Don't the Sansamps use some kind of proprietary chip? I always presumed they did.

He, he... Funny how my brain works sometimes - when I saw the thread title I was kind of hoping for a pedal that models the sound of a Leslie in quad or 5.1. ?

psyx

Mattocaster wrote Awesome stuff!
I usually just use 2 dimensions on Illustrator but this is very cool!
Only suggestion is perhaps put the DC jack at the back, there's always space. ?

What software do you use for the 2D modelling?

mtmattan

Adobe Illustrator.
Any Vector based program works fine.

Also, I've never used slide switches on a pedal before - can't make a square hole too easily.
How are you going to do yours?

As to the 3D part, I remember watching some of the NAMM 2012 videos. One company made a "3d" chorus. ie stereo + one more output (maybe clean?). For all the guys that use 3 amps in their setup ???

As to proprietary chips, looking at the schematic, they just use basic 4 x TL072 op amps. ie nothing special at all.

AlanRatcliffe

Mattocaster wrote As to proprietary chips, looking at the schematic, they just use basic 4 x TL072 op amps. ie nothing special at all.

Goes to show you doesn't it? Good tone doesn't always come from top components.

mtmattan

Absolutely, tone and quality components aren't always linked.

A prime example would be the Ibanez TS808 tube screamer.
It uses a 4558 op amp - the "heart" of the circuit.
However, when designed, the 4558 was only used because it was cheap and readily available, not because of special "mojo".
Something like the TL072 has lower noise and may in fact have been a better choice - not saying it is, just may have been ?

However, some companies actually make it their focal point to uses the best possible components they can.
For example, the Keeley Compressor is a direct Ross Compressor, but with a focus on quality components.
Additionally, the D*A*M pedals are classic circuits of the past, but with carefully chosen components.

Funny how "tone" and "mojo" can be such elusive and inconsistent things ?

Sorry for hijacking your thread Peter!!

peterleroux

Thanks for the response, and the tips. I'm nowhere near finishing this layout (although I ran out of solder this morning so the next thing ot do is run off to Mantech tomorrow).

A couple of points:
- This circuit has 4 dual op-amps. Sansamp ship the GT2 with one labelled as an 072 but the other three sanded clean. 072s work in those positions, but most people think that a 2272 (low noise version of 072) work better and give the different modes more distinct characters.
- square holes need more work than round holes (stepper drills are amazing, so fast for sizing out holes). OF course, there are such things as drill bits that drill square holes (seriously, Google it) but I plan on drilling a hole to start, then using a jeweller's file to cut the rectangular hole to the right size

mtmattan

Or you could even take it to be laser engraved/cut.
Seen those square drilles before - crazy things!
Good luck with the filing! ?

exsanguinator

yes,good work....
I'd definetely want to hear what your opinions are when you finish it and try it out,
maybe a/b the two units etc etc
cheers