Engineer's Thumb Compressor

Thread Starter

Geoffb

Joined Nov 4, 2012
3
Hi Folks,

I've built an engineer's thumb using the JMK PCB rev 1.2 and I can't seem to get the circuit to start and compress until the input is greater than approx 600mV p-p. I'm looking for compression by monitoring the input waveform (1kHz) with one channel of a scope and the output with the second channel and I can't see the output compressing until the input is approx 600mV p-p.
Here's a link to the circuit http://jmkpcbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Engineers-Thumb.pdf

The following are DC voltage readings with no signal (9v power):

TL074
pin 1 =4.69v
pin 2 =4.51v
pin 3 = 4.11
pin 4 = 0v
pin 5 = 4.11
pin 6 = ?
pin 7 = 4.56
pin 8 = 3.86
pin 9 = 4.4
pin 10 = 4.02
pin 12,13,14 = 4.5v

CA3080
pin 2 = 4.51v
pin 3 = 4.51v
pin 5 = 0.69
pin 6 = 4.51

I beleive the problem has something to do with the precision rectifier circuit as the waveform on pin 1 of the TL074 looks nothing like half wave rectification, in fact the waveform is still a full sinewave until the above 600mV input is reached and only then does the bottom of the negative half cycle start to show signs of a more negative spike. I've even tried simulating this circuit using 5Spice which seems to give the same results. All the precision rectifier circuits I've seem on the internet have the feedback to the same input as its signal input. The only changes I've made from the orginal circuit are using 1uF electro in place of C5 and C6 and a BC 327 in place of Q1.

I would appreciate if someone with more knowledge of the type of circuit give me some advice, please?

Regards
Geoff
 

Hypatia's Protege

Joined Mar 1, 2015
3,228
Hmm... The attached schematic doesn't appear to be a 'compressor' in the common (DSP technique) sense of the term, but, rather, some manner of audio (amplitude) limiter --- You wouldn't, perchance, be a 3-meter pirate? Tisk! tisk! tisk!;)

With nostalgic regards
HP:)

PS FWIW, Not having 'waded' through the circuit, I nonetheless, point up the fact that Si Diodes enter forward bias at Ca 600mV to 700mV --- So... You may be 'on to something' as it were! :D
 
Last edited:

ebeowulf17

Joined Aug 12, 2014
3,307
Audio compressors have a threshold value for the input signal, below which they will pass the signal through unaltered (or at least not deliberately altered - there's always the possibility of some distortion.) Sounds like maybe your threshold is around 600mV?

In the PDF they mention the possibility of changing R3 value or replacing it with a pot for threshold control. I'd be interested in hearing what happens if you change R3.
 
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