Via Peter Grenader"I've devised a simple four step modification to the Plan B Model 12 that adds a switch-selectable overdrive which in effect puts the M12's jewels in a vice - adding a ton of filth, angst, resonance and vinegar to an otherwise pensive filter.
In short, I think you'll love it. So much so that all stock currently at our dealers will be updated in the next couple of days. It will be called the Model 12 Mark II.
It's a very simple modification which requires a single resistor to be bridged across the first vactrol. I strongly recommend this be done via a panel switch because it will keep the filter permanently angry otherwise. Any 'pretty' sounds previously associated with the Model 12 will be gone for good without that..
The resistor value I recommend is a 330 ohm (bands are orange - orange - brown). This gets it nice and pissed off. For the cavalier among you, you may wish to be more aggressive with your selection. A 100 ohm resistor will through it into self oscillation when the res pot is fully CCW. Warning - It'll be shrill and LOUD. Before you opt for the 100 vs. the 330 possibly you'd like to test them both first to see which you like best. I felt a 330 ohm was sufficient.
A step by step (there's only three) list of directions with photos can be found on the Plan_B_analog_blog yahoogroup here
Go to the photos section and open the 'Model 12 Modification' folder. Everything you need is there. It's quite easy. It requires a single DPDT switch, a single 1/4 watt resistor, about three inches of wire and (optional) heatshrink tubing to cover the resistor body and switch terminations.
enjoy.
- P"
Hate to correct you, but a 330 ohm resistor is orange - orange - brown.
ReplyDeletelol - i was wondering when someone would comment on this
ReplyDeleteKevin: You are very very funny.
ReplyDeleteI guess Peter's never heard that old color code mnemonic. Read down!
ReplyDeleteBig_______Black__0
Bob_______Brown__1
Rules_____Red____2
Over______Orange_3
Your______Yellow_4
Great_____Green__5
Badass____Blue___6
Voyager!__Violet_7
Got_______Gray___8
Waves?____White__9
(How do I get a fixed width font????)
Be nice.
ReplyDeleteI just played with a 'mark III'... this mod fulfills the only aspect of the m12 I found to be lacking. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteTo Kevin:
ReplyDeleteWhoops! You're correct - I screwed up on the color code. thanks for the catching this and bringing it up diplomatically, I appreciate it.
To Anon:
You ever make a mistake? Do you like having people make fun of you when you do?
I know the color code, thanks for your smart remarks. I'm human, I screwed up. I am also dyslexic, which means I screw these types of things up more than others do.
If it's any big rush, I also said 'Mark III' instead of Mark II. Is someone going to comment now that I don't know how to count?
Guys - can we all chill a little but with the smart A comments?
- P
Fwiw, I had no doubt it was anything but a simple error and that Peter knows the colorcode. I've known colorblind techs before and it's better to say something earlier than later.
ReplyDeleteBesides we have so many other reasons to make fun about Peter... ;-)
j/k
Thanks. Post updated to reflect the correct color code and Mark II. As for making mistakes I am notorious. I just put up a post on Audio Damage saying it's from Chris Ryan from Analog Industries. Chris Ryan is from the Chroma Group and Chris Randall is from Analog Industries. Doh! I'm also slightly dyslexic. Never diagnosed, but I catch myself consistently. Anyway, the way I look at it, no babies are going to die and things can be easily fixed. Personally I don't mind the jokes as long as they are in good nature and of course only if they are good ones. I like the mnemonic. Now personal attacks I have a problem with.
ReplyDeleteOh, and censorship. Kevin taught me a lesson on that one.
ReplyDeleteI have real difficulty distinguishing the colours, reds, browns and oranges give me the most trouble especially on the blue bodied resistors. Why can't they just print it like on capacitors?
ReplyDeleteSome resistors do have their values printed on them, but the ones I get like that are about a dollar each because of their very high precision.
ReplyDeleteBetween the color codes and a good multimeter, most techs shouldn't have a problem. I sometimes get mixed up on 1% color codes myself.
peter:
ReplyDeletesmart comments are all we got man!!!
Love, Paul
Hey Peter,
ReplyDeleteAll in good humor, no mean spirit intended - perhaps a smiley was needed.
I had hoped some others would propose variations on the mnemonic that were synth related and less weak than mine, but to my disapointment there were no offerings.
In retrospect, I should have just sent you a private email when I first saw your post on AH. My bad!
Keep up the good work at Plan B.
With tail between my legs, sign me still Anon.
And for what it is worth it usually takes me two tries to get past the *#$! security code to leave a comment here.
The price of spam control. : )
ReplyDelete