Schematic for a Tube Flanger Effect Pedal

[wsscott]

I was thinking of a project, and thought a Flanger or some similar effect pedal would be fun to build and use, BUT it would be even more interesting if it was a Tube pedal.  I don't know if anything like this can even be built, but wanted to see if anyone had any helpful suggestions or directions on how to get there--assuming its even possible.  Thanks.

[RadioComm]

You could do it... Might no be worth your while. Let me explain.

A flanger consists of a dry signal run in parallel with a delayed one. This would be one circuit. Then you would need a LFO and VCO to modulate (sweep) the amount of delay. Thus two more circuits. An analog (non DSP) flanger  uses a delay IC (BBD) that gets controlled by a LFO/VCO combination. At the heart of the LFO is a quad op amp (LM324) that feeds into a the VCO which is a CMOS dual flip-flop IC (CD4013be).

Les Paul would get his flanging effect by recording his guitar part on a reel to reel. Then playing, real time, a cloned second part (yes he was that good!). He then would have someone press on the reel, to make the delay fluctuate.

I guess you could build a tape delay with one recording head and one playback head, and split the signal to have one dry and one delay. You would then add a circuit to fluctuate (sweep) the speed of the tape. As far as adjustment controls, you would need one to balance the amount of dry volume vs delay volume and one to adjust the rate for fluctuating the speed of the tape.

If you do it, I believe you would be the first. Not sure what it would sound like... I've done plenty of projects for the shear fun of it. If you do it, best of luck.

ttfn.

[wsscott]

Hmmmm, pretty complex.  I'd like to avoid anything with a tape head to it.  I'm sure I could find something with transistors, but just wanted a tube project.  Any thoughts on something simpler, but still in the nature of an effects box.  Since I'm thinking of a tube project, it wouldn't be a "stomp box"!  I've got a tube reverb/vibrato that I built with lots of help from the forum, and a Fuzztone and also a tape delay/echo, so I'd like something different just to add to the "stuff" I've got lying around.  Thanks again for you help.

[sluckey]

Maybe take a look at some ss analog flanger schematics. Then imaging replacing all those transistors and op amps with tubes. Then draw it up and present it here for review. Better hurry. I'm already 73!   

Or, spend that time with your family and enjoy seeing your grandkids grow up. Either way, have a Merry Christmas.

[wsscott]

I'm 73 too, so we've got plenty of time left to do this!!  Ha-Ha!  Happy Holidays Sluckey!

[sluckey]

I'm 73 too

Well, you should know better. Just shake these crazy ideas out of your head. Make room for some more crazy ideas. I have to do that several times a day! Tomorrow is a new day and you don't want to start off in overload.   

[wsscott]

Yea, as I said it doesn't look like the flanger is a realistic project.  It's winter though, and I'm getting restless!

[RadioComm]

Yea, as I said it doesn't look like the flanger is a realistic project.  It's winter though, and I'm getting restless!

Could always dive into SS, and bread board a pedal for easy tweaking and experimentation. Could be fun.