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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Switching input and output of reverb tank  (Read 2490 times)

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Offline Craftyjam

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Switching input and output of reverb tank
« on: October 27, 2022, 06:41:10 pm »
Hello, I have a question regarding the input and output transducers of a reverb tank.

I'm using an SRPP a la Valve Wizard to drive the 2250 ohm side of a 150:2250 tank. I'm assuming the transducers in the tank act as a transformer and do not care which side you treat as the primary/secondary.

I've tried increasing the drive current of my circuit to utilize the 150 ohm side as the input, but I cannot replicate the sound of using the 2250 ohm side as the input with aproximately 2mA of drive current, so I've decided to stop wasting my time delving into the minutia of the circuit and accepting it for what it is.

As long as I do not exceed the maximum drive current for a given reverb tank transducer, there should be no harm in connecting the jack labeled output to the send of my circuit, and the input to the return. This is my reasoning currently, please correct me if I'm wrong. I will also switch the grounding scheme to suit the new input configuration.

« Last Edit: October 27, 2022, 06:43:27 pm by Craftyjam »

Offline sluckey

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Re: Switching input and output of reverb tank
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2022, 06:58:50 pm »
If you expect it to work properly then connect it correctly. The higher impedance usually connects to the recovery circuit.

A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline Craftyjam

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Re: Switching input and output of reverb tank
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2022, 07:09:36 pm »
If you expect it to work properly then connect it correctly. The higher impedance usually connects to the recovery circuit.



I'm deliberately connecting it incorrectly because I like the way it sounds better, and cannot seem to replicate it at different tank impedences and drive currents.

I just want to know if it is possibly unsafe to do so, or if I am missing something that differentiates the action of the transducers from that of a regular transformer, in terms of being able to switch primary and secondary windings.

Offline sluckey

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Re: Switching input and output of reverb tank
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2022, 07:30:56 pm »
Probably safe. No guarantees!  :icon_biggrin:
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline Craftyjam

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Re: Switching input and output of reverb tank
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2022, 08:25:13 pm »
Probably safe. No guarantees!  :icon_biggrin:

I think so too, I don't even think the circuit functions like a constant current source anymore since the load is so much higher than intended, so the amount of drive current will be severely limited anyway.

Offline PRR

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Re: Switching input and output of reverb tank
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2022, 09:36:18 pm »
At nominal spring-shake level, the output of a 150r winding will be much smaller than a hi-Z winding. You work closer to universal hiss and need more gain.

No, I don't see the harm.

 


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