background image

VFE Focus

From the VFE Website:

http://vfepedals.com/focus.html

Guitarists have long used tubescreamer-style overdrives as a clean mid boost by turning the gain down and 

cranking up the output. The FOCUS is the answer to the search for a better, more versatile mid boost pedal. 

Developed in collaboration with Adam “Nolly” Getgood from Periphery, the FOCUS employs variable bass and 

treble cut filters for control over top end grit and low frequency saturation, no matter how many strings your 

guitar has!

HOW THE Focus CAME TO BE

“My idea for the Focus came from many years of using various overdrive pedals to boost the front end of high-

gain amps, taking advantage of the natural high- and low-end filtering those pedals have, which results in the 

unmistakably tightened and smoothed sound heard from countless rock and metal players both live and on 

recording. Pretty soon I realised that using this common overdrive EQ and combining it with a clean boost could 

accomplish the same result without the unnecessary clipping stage of an overdrive pedal. By making the filters 

adjustable, the player could completely fine tune the response of their guitar and amplifier without being stuck 

with the fixed filters of their usual boost pedal. I approached Peter at VFE and he understood what I was after 

straight away - the Focus was born very soon afterwards.”

TIGHT: 

Sets the frequency roll off point of the variable bass cut. Turn counterclockwise to cut bass frequencies 

for a tighter bottom end. RANGE: 70Hz to 1.5kHz.

SMOOTH: 

Sets the frequency roll off point of the variable treble cut. Turn clockwise to cut treble frequencies for 

a smoother top end. RANGE: 320Hz to 7.2kHz.

LEVEL: 

Sets the gain of the output stage, up to 26dB of extra clean boost!

MIX: 

Blends between the dry signal (counterclockwise), and the EQ signal (clockwise). Use the blend to roll off 

the strength of the bass and treble cuts.

SLOPE:

 Toggles each band between a 1-pole and 2-pole cut filter. More poles = sharper frequency rolloff.

INTERNAL CONTROL: 

The internal MAKEUP trimpot sets the makeup gain of the dry signal path. This trimpot 

lets you set the relative volume of the EQ and dry signal paths, or you can use it to add even more clean boost 

to the dry signal path.

FX TYPE: Ultimate Mid Boost

Terms of Use: 

You are free to use purchased 

Focus 

circuit boards for both DIY and small commercial operations. You may 

not offer 

Focus 

PCBs for resale or as part of a “kit” in a commercial fashion. Peer to peer re-sale is, of course, okay.

Summary of Contents for VFE Focus

Page 1: ...r guitar and amplifier without being stuck with the fixed filters of their usual boost pedal I approached Peter at VFE and he understood what I was after straight away the Focus was born very soon afterwards TIGHT Sets the frequency roll off point of the variable bass cut Turn counterclockwise to cut bass frequencies for a tighter bottom end RANGE 70Hz to 1 5kHz SMOOTH Sets the frequency roll off ...

Page 2: ...Note Use the values listed on the image above not the values indicated on the silk screen of the PCB Some values changed over time in the VFE product cycles Build Guide Dimensions 2 17 W x 2 025 H ...

Page 3: ...Trace Routing Knob Layout ...

Page 4: ...est not using the two 100R resistors on the BOM and doing jumpers instead Don t be like me building this project blindly and sticking two 100R 1 8W resistors in there without thinking be cause they fit the space 100R 1 8W resistors will drop your supply voltages like a tank in jello At the roughly 60mA current draw on the Focus you will end up with a whopping 2 2v drop across each resistor This co...

Page 5: ... mouser com Search ProductDetail aspx R OPA2134PAvirtualkey 59500000virtualkey595 OPA2134PA http www smallbear electronics mybigcommerce com ic opa2604ap DPDT On On Pin Mount http www smallbear electronics mybigcommerce com dpdt on on short lever pc mount 9mm Plastic Shaft 1kB http smallbear electronics mybigcommerce com alpha single gang 9mm right angle pc mount w knurled plastic shaft 16mm PCB M...

Page 6: ...e shown on the Trace layout on pg 2 has this resistor on the PCB PS Insofar as I can tell there is not real difference in v1 1 1 2 or 1 3 of the PCB other than this 1M resistor He may have done small tweaks on the trace routing or values but the values listed in the BOM are for the last version which is 1 3 All voltages on the ICs should read about 0v DC except pins 8 and 4 Pin8 all 7 86v Pin4 all...

Page 7: ...Wiring This project does require a charge pump on the Switching Board ...

Page 8: ...Schematic ...

Page 9: ...en before adding the 1M jumper across the DPDT right under the Focus v1 1 text Also the 100R resistors are on the PCB because I elected to short them on the bottom rather than remove them to lessen the chance of damaging it ...

Reviews: