Project No.

6
Ul TRA-FUZZ
Deflnltlon: Converts input waveform into a square-
wave output, thereby producing a smooth and har-
monically intense fuzz effect. Built-in triggering cir-
cuitry shuts off the unit between notes for lowest
noise.
Figure 5-35
Ultra-fuzz mounted in smali Radio Shack box.
Level of Difficulty: Beginner to interrnediate
Construction Tips
This is a high-gain circuit, so keep allleads as short and
direct as possible.
Separate input and output leads by at least I cm
(1/2 ").
Shield the wires from pad I to JI, and from pad B to
R4
Background
Most fuzzes are based on the principle of controlled dis-
tortion, usually by overloading same type of amplifier
circuitry. The ultra-fuzz is a wavefonn conversion device
that actually transfonns the wavefonn rather than sim-
ply adding distortion to an existing wavefonn. While de-
signed for single-note lines, there are occasional instances
where playing twa or more notes works well with this
fuzz.
A tradeoff in the design of this fuzz eliminates noise
at the expense of a somewhat abrupt decay (not un-
like the sound of a signal processed through a noise gate).
However, with practice and proper adjustment of the
sensitivity control, this is generally not a hinderance.
Using the Ultra-Fuzz
Plug your instrument into the input, and patch the out-
puf to your amp. Keep the level control very law while
experimenting, as this unit produces a lot of output and
can overload most amps.
Important: Guitarists should use the bass or rhythm
pickup willi this fuzz, preferably willi the tafie control
tumed all the way down (minimum high frequencies).
. The center of the sensitivity control is the most
sensitive setting. At this center position, you will prob-
ably beaT nast y sounds like static, popping, or noise.
While not playing (preferably mute your instrument by
tuming down its volume control), tum the control in
either direction until the noise/static just goes away.
Play for a while to familiarize yourself with the trigger-
ing action, then experiment same maTe willi the sensi-
tivity control until you find the setting that is most ap-
propriate to your playing.
Features
. Single IC construction
. Variable sensitivity (independent of supply voltage)
. Operates from"t5 to "t18V
. Choice of line-level or low-level operation set by
twa components
. High output
. Inherent noise gate action
. Distinctive, "synthesized sounding" fuzz effect
. Excellent sustain characteristics for single-note
lead lines
86
Figure 5-36
11ze upper drawing shows an audio wave[orm sup-
erimposed on the thresho/d /eve/ set by the sensi-
tivity contro/. 11ze /ower drawing shows the out-
puf /eve/ o[ comparator IClB. When the audio sig-
naJ exceeds the thresho/d /eve/, the output o[ the
comparator goes to its maximum /eve/; when the
audio signa/ sinks be/o w the thresho/d /eve/, the
output o[ the comparator goes to its miminum
/eve/. I[ the audio si gna/ is a/ways be/ow the thres-
hod (which happens a[ter the signa/ decays past a
certain point), then IClB gives no output and the
out puf o[ the [uzz is muted.
. Some players may get best results by tuming the
sensitivity control clockwise from center; others will
find that counterclockwise from center works best. Try
both possibilities.
. If at first the ultra-fuzz seems difficult to "tame,"
don't get discouraged. As with anything different from
the norm, you should allow yourself a sufficient period
of familiarzation.
Specifications
Current consumption: t5mA
Frequency response (input = 0.1 V pk-pk): tldB,40Hz-
20kHz willi CI=47pfand R8=100k.
Minimum signal required for fulI triggering @ 500Hz: less
than 10mV pk-pk with R4 near center.
Maximum output signal: 10V pk-pk
Output waveform: square
Modifications
. For line-level operation, CI=470pF and R8=IOOk.
. For low-level operation, CI =47pF and R8=IM.
These iwo components hod the ker to obtaining the
best possibe sound. For a better understanding of their
functions, see How it Works.
. To pad down the output eve (you might fmd it
too "hot"), add a 47k resistor between pad O and R5,
terminal 3.
Figure 5-37
Artworkforthefoilsideoftheboard, shown] to].
. o
e
.
87
Figure 5.38
Component layout for the ultra-fuzz,
Figure 5.39
Ultra-fuzz schematic.
SENSITIVITY
88
How it Works
The input signal couples into the circuit through capacitor C3 and sees a
100k input impedance (R7). The gain of ICIA is the ratio of R8/R7. In-
creasing the value of R8 increases the sensitivity of this stage. CI is a high-
frequency fllter that rolls orf high frequencies to prevent instability, In-
creasing the value of CI gives a "smooth" sound willi guitar by filtering
out energy above the fundamental frequency of the note.
The output of ICIA couples through C2 and RI into ICIB. ICIB is an
electronic circuit called a comparator. It compares the audio signal to the
setting of the sensitivity control. Referring to Figure 5-36, ifthe audio ex-
ceeds this setting, ICIB gives an output; if the audio falls below this set-
ting, then ICIB turns orf. The output of the comparator couples through
C6 and the output control into your amp or the next effect.
Resistors R2 and R3, along with diodes D3 and D4, set up g simple
voltage reference for the sensitivity pot. These limit the threshold voltages
to about+0.7V at the extreme clockwise rotation, and about -0.7V at the
extreme counterclockwise rotation. Diodes Dl and D2 are polarity reversal
protection diodes, while C4 and C5 add power supply decoupling.
Project No. 6 PARTS LIST
Resistors (alI arel/4W, 10% tolerance, except as noted)
RI.
R4
R5
R6,
R8
lOk
lOk linear taper pot-controls sensitivity
lOk audio taper pot-controls output level
lOOk
100k (line level), 1M (low level)
Capacitors (rated at moce than IOV for -!9V power supply)
CI 470pF (line level), 47pF (low level)
C2 O.l,uF (mylar preferred, disc acceptable)
C3 O.22,uF (mylar preferred, disc acceptable)
C4-C6 IO,uF, eJectrolytic or tantalum
Semiconductors
ICl
DI-D4
RC4739 or XR4739 dual Iow-noise op amp
IN4001 or equivalent silicon diode
Mechanical parts
J1,12
Misc.
Open circuit 1/4" mono phone jack
Knobs, case, 14-pin IC socket, circuit board, wiTe, solder,
etc.
~9
R3
R7