Carlin Fuzz Compressor: Two Guitar Effects in One Box

This is an easier to manage if we put the distortion and the compressor effect in one box. This Carlin fuzz compressor use unique method to give sustain and distortion effect in mixed circuit. Seem that the circuit do the dynamic compression and distortion in a single negative feedback loop. This is the figure of the circuit;

The dynamic compression is done by the FET (field effect transistor) 2N5457. If the output amplitude is high, the FET will conduct more current and short the signal to ground, and vice versa. This negative feedback loop will stabilize the amplitude, giving more gain with low level input, and less gain with high level input. The result, the output will be almost at a constant level. The note will last longer as the gain increase as the signal input fade out.

Octave Shifting Using Single Supply for Electric Guitar

This circuit is an octave shifting that is used for electric guitar is done by rectifying the original signal, just like AC to DC conversion inside your AC-DC power supply adapter. This circuit is use single supply instead of symmetric power supply. This is the figure of the circuit.


The rectifying is done by four 1N4148 silicon diodes, configured as full-wave rectifier bridges. Because the bridge is inserted inside the negative feedback of the operational amplifier (op-amp) U1B, the nonlinear characteristic of the diodes around the turn-on point (the forward bias voltage) is compensated by the op-amp’s feedback mechanism. As the result, the output of the rectifier looks like coming from ideal diode with no bias voltage needed. The pre-amp gain can be adjusting by R3 potentiometer between clean and slightly overdriven, hear the effect, and set as you want. The R4 pot is provided to adjust the processed signal so the output level after the frequency doubling is equal to the level before entering this analog effect processor. Make R7, R8, and C3 layout as close as possible to the pin 10 of the LM324 IC (U1C) with shortest possible wiring to minimize capturing any noise. This voltage (at pin 10 U1) is the reference for internal “virtual ground” coming out from U1C output (pin 8). Make sure that the PCB tracks for this “virtual ground” (pin 8 U1) are wider than other signal tracks to give consistent reference for all op-amps. Make sure C4 and C5 have the shortest possible connection to the power pins (pin 4, pin 11) and the “virtual ground” line (pin 8).

Octaver Fuzz Guitar Effect Circuit

This is a design for guitar effect. This circuit is used for produces fuzz sound, so it is called fuzz effect. This circuit is built by low noise dual op amp IC and transistor. This is the figure of the circuit.


The GEU is good sounding octave fuzz, with an optional mode of just fuzz. The fuzz is a fully rectified signal and is quite chewy. For some the Fuzz alone might not be loud enough, this can be fixed by raising the value of the 820 ohm resistor and lowering the 39k one. Or one could just replace both with a normal volume pot for a more standard approach. The "struzz" is the fuzz with an octave higher signal mixed in. Good for signal notes and leads.

Ibanez Fat Cat Distortion Guitar Effect

This is a circuit for guitar effect that is good for blues, rock, pop, alternative, but not for metal. You can hear the fat tone even at maximum overdrive. Checkout’s the figure of the circuit.


How this circuit is work? The first transistor 2SC1815/BC546 is configured as voltage follower, giving high impedance for the input. The op-amp (5534 IC) serve an adjustable gain amplifier, to boost the signal until it reach the forward bias voltage (about 0.6 volt) of two 1N4148 diodes, where the signal is clipped. The tone controller is very simple, just adding a high frequency attenuation when the resistance is set to higher value. Finally, 2SK188/BF245 field effect transistor (FET) is used to buffer the tone control circuit to give low impedance output.

Controllable Tremolo Circuit

This is a design circuit for guitar effect. This circuit is a simple design and it is built by FET. This is the figure of the circuit.


This tremolo circuit is not a "plug and play" ready guitar effect, however it could be converted to one switching. with the relative ease. It just needs some buffering on the input and output and perhaps some bypass. This circuit is powered using 18 V DC.