Looking for info on diode clipping

[hesamadman]

Been playing with some diode clipping in a couple of my amps. Ive seen a lot of videos of people doing it and using a double throw switch which gives two different values of clipping. Well, I am getting some neat tones but my problem is loss of volume. I lose way too much. Any idea how to remedy this?

[PRR]

Add gain after clipping.

[TIMBO]

This is how the JTM60 does it.

[VMS]

You can put few diodes in series so that Vt voltage increases from 0,7V to 1,4V or 2,1V and so on.

Or you can use zener diodes.

[hesamadman]

You can put few diodes in series so that Vt voltage increases from 0,7V to 1,4V or 2,1V and so on.

Or you can use zener diodes.

I was hoping to do this without adding a tube. But if not possible I just wont mess with it on this amp. But can you explain your method of the two diodes in series? Where do I put those in the circuit? Im pretty sure I used zener diodes on the mod but I can double check as I just had them clipped in.


Right now the diodes are installed to ground with the drop down resistor right before the grid of V2a of my 2204. Two diodes. One down flowing. One up flowing.

[2deaf]

Zeners give a sharp clip with a harsh sound.  If you want to try them, hook two in series either pointing towards each other or pointing away from each other.

A lot of the time when people use multiple regular diodes (e.g. IN4007) in series, they will use more in one direction than in the other.  This more closely imitates preamp tube clipping.

For more fun, try using a resistor and a diode for the cathode of a preamp tube.

One strategy is to get some amount of distortion from the tubes and then clip with the diodes.  See the Marshall 2210 schematic which straightens out to three diodes up and three diodes down.  Or look at my attachment which is a variation of the same idea.   

[VMS]

Here is some examples:

diodes in series to increase headroom:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/cnews/mods.html

Full-wave zener diode clipping:

http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode-clipping-circuits.html

DIY amp with clipping option:

http://www.tube-town.net/cms/?DIY/Amps/TT-SAM_MKII_%28engl%29

ceriatone chupacabra schematic:

http://forum.metroamp.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34858&start=105#p416455

[Fresh_Start]

Thanks VMS. Helpful links.

Chip