building the classic mini-booster

The classic mini-booster schematic:

The 2.2M R1 resistor is optional and is provided to eliminate pops when

the footswitch is actuated. An additional resistor (R8) is provided to
power an LED indicator and the 2.2K value is just a suggested beginning
value. R8 may be eliminated if not needed.
In many applications, maximum gain is not required, so C3 is not used.
This lowers the overall gain due to the negative feedback and that also
makes the output more linear. Put C3 in for more gain – leave it out for
Parts List less.
R1 2.2M (optional) The 8-sided pads on the pcb are for wires to connect to the external
R2 1M parts. The input pad at the bottom left is for the signal from the input jack
R3 1K or footswitch. The pad marked with an “A” is the output of the mini-
R4 not used booster, which connects to the volume control R9. There are two ground
R5 100 ohms connections (Gnd), and either or both may be used.
R6, R7 1M A jumper on the board marked “J” is included because in the classic
R8 2.2K configuration, the buffer transistor is not used. Also, there is no R4
R9 100k audio taper resistor in this configuration.
C1 0.047uF
C4 may be 3.3uF as shown on the original mini-booster or decreased in
C2 10pF
value to provide a bit of treble boost. Values as small as 0.1uF or even
C3 10uF
down to 0.01uF have been used with success.
C4 3.3uF
C5 0.22uF Switch wiring and further technical information may be found on the web
C6 100uF site at http://www.muzique.com/
Q1, Q2 J201, 2N5457, MPF102, BF245, NTE458 or similar ©2005,2007 Jack Orman
All resistors are 1/4w and capacitors are rated at 25 volts or higher.
building the buffered mini-booster

The buffered version has a low impedance output that can drive longer
cables, tone controls or following circuits with low impedance.
The 2.2M R1 resistor is optional and is provided to eliminate pops when
the footswitch is actuated. An additional resistor (R8) is provided to
power an LED indicator and the 2.2K value is just a suggested beginning
Parts List
value. R8 may be eliminated if not needed.
R1 2.2M (optional)
R2, R6, R7 1M In many applications, maximum gain is not required, so C3 is not used.
R3 1K This lowers the overall gain due to the negative feedback and that also
R4 4.7K makes the output more linear. Put C3 in for more gain – leave it out for
R5 100 ohms less.
R8 2.2K The 8-sided pads on the pcb are for wires to connect to the external
R9 100k audio taper parts. The input pad at the bottom left is for the signal from the input jack
C1 0.047uF or footswitch. The pad marked with an “A” is the output of the mini-
C2 10pF booster, which connects to the volume control R9. There are two ground
C3 10uF connections (Gnd), and either or both may be used.
C4 3.3uF C4 may be 3.3uF as shown on the original mini-booster or decreased in
C5 0.22uF value to provide a bit of treble boost. Values as small as 0.1uF or even
C6 100uF down to 0.01uF have been used with success.
Q1, Q2 J201, 2N5457, MPF102, BF245, NTE458 or similar
Q3 2N5088, 2N3904, BC549 or similar NPN transistor Switch wiring and further technical information may be found on the web
site at http://www.muzique.com/
©2005,2007 Jack Orman
All resistors are 1/4w and capacitors are rated at 25 volts or higher.