Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: macula56 on June 15, 2011, 08:27:31 am

Title: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 15, 2011, 08:27:31 am
I want to boost the volume in an amp.  I'm trying to find a schematic that would point me in that direction. Something with perhaps 1/2 a 12AX7 into a volume control then into the other half of the 12AX7 and then into a CF then tone control. Can anyone point me to a good schematic? I see lots with standard Fender style stuff and Marshall style. I haven't had any luck with this type as far as schematics. Thanks, JMac.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: phsyconoodler on June 15, 2011, 10:12:14 am
Try this:
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 15, 2011, 11:10:56 am
having zero experience with the cascode stuff, what are the benefits of these circuits? are they better than plate fed into the next stage?
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: phsyconoodler on June 15, 2011, 12:23:59 pm
They don't have huge gain,which may be too much when you just want a volume boost.
  Also take a look at Mesa's Solo circuit on the Lonestar amps.they use the effects loop to add a solo boost to the amp.
there are other ways to just add a 'boost' in volume at lower amp settings without adding too much gain.Try a .05uf across the existing volume pot.It does add gain but not necessarily distortion depending on your amp.
  Then you can have a negative feedback lift switch.
It depends on what you want happening with the volume you seek.Sometimes a good EQ pedal in front of your amp gives you what you need without the added circuitry.
  Lots of options.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 15, 2011, 12:48:48 pm
i thought about adding an extra stage like some of the Bassman's. i just want a little volume boost. thanks Psycho.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: jerrydyer on June 15, 2011, 03:34:03 pm
how about a simle tone stack defeat boost. using a vactrol etc?  I love that type of boost it seems to be the perfect bump for whatever level im playing at.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: Tone Junkie on June 15, 2011, 09:12:44 pm
So Jerry do you have an example of a tonestack defeat switch we could look at or directions to were we could see it on an amp schematic.
Thanks Bill
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 16, 2011, 05:22:23 am
the tone defeat is not what i am looking for but thanks Jerry.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: jerrydyer on June 16, 2011, 10:43:15 am
what about two volumes or two master volumes.  or is it that you also want a little gain boost?

for tone junkie  its just removing the tone stack ref to ground off the mid pot. you can use a mechanical switch (front panel) or if you know how to wire up a vactrol or relay, you just add or subtract the ground to the tone network. 
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: jojokeo on June 16, 2011, 12:26:49 pm
The problem w/ a tone stack lift is that the signal easily gets muddy from too much bass especially at high volumes. So you have to account for that w/ a smaller coupling cap from the prior stage and/or a small bypass cap also. Or you can make a simple high pass filter network or similar. Then it will sound good and be useful/practical.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: Tone Junkie on June 16, 2011, 09:58:26 pm
So if you use the tone stack lift you need to dial in a way to take out the extra bass with the other side of the switch. possibly adding a gain stage with just enough boost for the lead channel might be a better way to go.
Thanks Bill
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 17, 2011, 05:27:25 am
We're getting away from my original question folks. I am not looking for a solo boost or anything to do with lifting the tone control ground. i am looking for a schematic that has a overall volume boost after a volume control and before the tone controls. if anyone can point me to a schematic like that i would greatly appreciate it.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: sluckey on June 17, 2011, 07:35:56 am
Here's a simple but effective boost. Replace the 470K with a pot if you want a boost level also.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: tubenit on June 17, 2011, 08:07:38 am
Quote
i am looking for a schematic that has a overall volume boost after a volume control and before the tone controls. if anyone can point me to a schematic like that i would greatly appreciate it.


If you are willing to expand your approach ...................  you can get a volume boost with these.  Also with Geezer's Tweed Overdrive Special, he used a 12AX7 triode for a "FAT" control that does increase the volume.  It's in the SCH library.

You can also use a SPDT to switch in a lower value 12AX7 cathode resistor with a high value cathode cap.  In the schematics file there is a  "Switches, bells and whistles" thread with numerous ideas.

http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5621.0 (http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=5621.0)

With respect, Tubenit

Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: macula56 on June 17, 2011, 08:09:32 am
many thanks Sluckey and Tubenit. i will try these ideas when i get home.
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: jerrydyer on June 17, 2011, 12:38:54 pm
dual volume's  or masters,  similar to that switch bypassing the 470k res .
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: Tone Junkie on June 19, 2011, 09:48:34 pm
The trim boost on the blusemiester is a good one here is another .
Bill
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: Tone Junkie on June 19, 2011, 09:51:01 pm
Sorry the picture didnt work well I will fix this when i get back home.Bill
Title: Re: Volume boost
Post by: Tone Junkie on June 20, 2011, 01:28:34 pm
macula56 I know these were not what you were asking for i couldnt find anything like that in just a plain control but here is solo boost that if not helping you might help someone else.
thanks Bill