designs using a VCA (voltage controlled amplifier). A good number
of audiophiles advocate that only high-quality passive components
should be in utilized the audio signal path and this is one application
that I would have to agree with them.
The dual rail power supply in the OPTI-FET Compressor is built on
its own discrete circuit board to physically separate it from the audio
circuits. The power supply is over filtered two times to assure
exceptionally clean power for the signal circuitry. This power supply
provides 18Volts (+9V and -9V) to the compressor circuit board to
provide plenty of headroom for the signal. The power supply was
designed to provide separate power for all of the side-chain control
circuitry. This assures that any natural electrical noise that the
compressor side-chain control circuitry generates will not bleed into
the signal circuitry. I have not seen this approach to power
distribution in any of the other ma
nufacturer’s guitar effects. Is it
overkill? Maybe…but I feel that it is absolutely crucial to eliminate
every bit of noise where possible.
Frank E. Appleton (FEA)
Block Diagram:
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