Project · Boosters & Volume
Passive Volume Control (Pad Down Box)
This project is basically a volume pedal in a box with knob control. It can be a very handy box to have around, and contrary to popular belief, it can fix impedance mismatches between stompboxes (e.g. Fuzz Face™ & Wah) that a buffer cannot fix (buffer lowers impedance, this essentially raises impedance). It can also be used in various other lineups where a set volume reduction is needed. Electro-Harmonix™ had a similar pedal out in the past called "Signal Pad"
Project files
Everything you need to build it
How to build it
Instructions
Version 2019August26 · Copyright 2019 JD Sleep · Permission refused for posting/serving this file from any site other than www.generalguitargadgets.com · Trademarks are property of their owners
This is the Pad Down Box. It is basically a passive volume pedal in a box with knob a true-bypass switch. The power is only for the LED indicator and this can be built without the power jack and LED if you like, but the indicator is extremely useful. You can use it to reduce volume at a critical point in your signal chain. It can also be used to essentially increase output impedance from the previous pedal in your signal chain, which can be helpful to use between certain pedals. The value of the potentiometer, resistor and capacitor are subject to change however the builder sees fit. The 1 meg log pot is what the DeArmond volume pedal uses. It sounds great and also allows good benefit where it is used for impedance issues. But you can use just about any audio (log) taper pot you want. The 100pf cap is a “treble bleed” cap similar to those used in some guitar volume controls. It allows more high frequency signal to pass when the volume is lowered. The value of the capacitor can be adjusted to your own taste. The current limiting resistor can be lowered or raised depending on how much brightness (lower value) and inversely, power consumption that you want to have in this pedal. The foot switch can be omitted if you have a use for it where it will always be on. This one is built in a “A” size enclosure but it can obviously be built in any enclosure.
Here's an inside view of the unit we built to give you some general ideas if needed.
Comments and questions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]
