So I have this Dumbleator.........

[Structo]

and I don't know where to set the knobs.

The closest thing to an instruction manual is for the Kleinulator which is fairly similar to the tube version.

Mike says the Send control which I think would be the Drive control on the tube version is at unity when fully clockwise but also says it might be too high so in the range of 12:00 to 3:00 is about right.

Return is the effects volume coming back to the loop.
The normal setting for this is 5:00.
Recovery is the gain stage that makes up for any loss and is what drives the PI and he says to set it around 12:00 to 3:00.

I know the Klein loop is JFET's but the operation and impedances should be close.

Does that all sound as a good way to set up the Dumbleator?

Just wondering where you guys with the tube loop set your controls.

[talbany]

Tom

Here is how I do it.. For your send I set my input gain on my effect to 50% or halfway to start so its not to compressed or noisey... turn up the send on the lator until you hit the front of the effect so it just hits the peak when you flip your E string...

I usually set my output gain on the effect to 60% usually any higher and the signal gets compressed..(This is effect preamp Dependant) If you like a little compression from the effect you can walk the line.. If you think you have it close unplug the loop and check the volume difference.(.I do this with the master set at 12:00 on my Non HRM's).. You should set it too at least unity or I like a slight 3db boost with the loop in the chain.. Then I mark the loop where unity is and there is your guide line...Then set your wet mix on the effect.. Play it and double check the effect imageing back and forth from clean to od.. After you get everything set try using the return 250K pot as a master vol.... At that point you can use either the Master for the master or effect return..... one or the other or both..Just remember the master effects the input gain on the effect... That's how I basically set mine up... Good Luck..A word of advice a nice analog transistor driven preamp like Inteleflex or I have a Lexicon LXP=15.. The early Roland stuff not half bad,, The Yamaha SPX stuff not bad either but to my ears sounds compressed...Good Luck...

Tony

[glasman]

FWIW, if you are using standard Alpha 15% taper pots and HAD's circuit with both controls at 12:00 you will normally be at unity gain overall within +/- 0.5dB.

Watch your return level from your external effects unit, it is very easy to clip the return amp of the d-lator.

[Structo]

Thanks a lot guys!

Yes I have the Alpha 250KA pots.

I was wondering where unity was on the dial.

I also have the added Return level pot instead of the 220K resistor.
So if this pot is set at 220K to ground, that should be where it would be with the fixed resistor right?


So I have the Drive (Send?) pot, Recovery Output and Return Level pots.

I think when I first tried it I had them basically at noon and when I unplugged the loop the amp was much louder.

I think I will wire in a true bypass on the loop so I know where I am with the volume.

[Structo]

Final Schematic showing dropping string and voltages using the Fender Stand Alone Reverb PT and Deluxe Choke.

Of course different 12AX7 tubes will vary the voltage ± 5v or so.

I bought them both at http://www.tubesandmore.com/
as well as everything else except the board material that I got from Hoffman.

EDIT:
After talking to Tony from VVT he recommended I lose some of the filtering as it is too much for the required amount.
I removed the first 47uf so there is only the Choke, 47uf, 30uf and 30uf.
The voltages only changed a little bit so I didn't not alter the dropping string.

[angelodp]

Guys, this is driven me a little nuts. Can we settle in on what is called what?

On the three knob version

1. Drive - ( Send )

2. Recovery - IN

3. Recovery - OUT - Return level?

what are the standard terms please.

As the .001 br cap seem to be completely unusable, have any tried other values there with success.

[Structo]

Yes it would be nice if there was a universal labeling.

I like Drive for the first pot, since that controls how loud the guitar volume is.

Perhaps the other two should be Recovery and Return.

Try a 500pf instead of the .001uf Ange.

[JD0x0]

Yes it would be nice if there was a universal labeling.

I like Drive for the first pot, since that controls how loud the guitar volume is.

Perhaps the other two should be Recovery and Return.

Try a 500pf instead of the .001uf Ange.

the last knob should be recovery IMO as it is the final stage which boosts the level back to the normal level(or louder if you turn it up)

First knob i would call the input level which is used to bring the level down so you dont overdrive your delay effects ETC