Aion Electronics Rift Manual

Rift
Based on the Univox Superfuzz

Overview

Controls & Usage
The controls for the Superfuzz are pretty standard:
• Expander controls the fuzz level of the effect. (This acts as a volume control after a fixed-level input
boost stage, very similar to the Sustain knob on a
• Volume controls the overall output level.
• Tone allows you to switch between two fixed tone sections, one with a mid-scoop and another with a
flatter and less aggressive sound. This can be wired as a pot instead of a switch, allowing you to fade
between the two settings.
• Clip allows you to select a different set of diodes or lift the diodes altogether.
Modifications & Experimentation
If you want to use a tone pot instead of the switch, you'll find it convenient that the pot fits in the exact same
pads and you just need to drill the enclosure differently. This allows for blending between the two fixed tone
settings, which makes it a much more flexible control.
The clipping switch lets you choose from two sets of diodes. The stock unit uses germanium, around 0.3V
forward voltage, but lots more sounds can be had by using different diodes with a higher clipping threshold, or
by removing the diodes entirely in the center position. For the second set of diodes, I recommend using two
1N914s in series, but you should socket them and experiment.
Expect to make significant volume adjustments when switching between the different clipping diode options.
This circuit uses hard clipping by way of anti-parallel diodes going to ground. As a result, the volume level is
directly affected by the total clipping threshold (forward voltage) of the diodes being used.
RIFT (BASED ON THE UNIVOX SUPERFUZZ)
The Rift is a modified version of the Univox Superfuzz, a
classic octave fuzz. It was originally developed by the Shin-
Ei company in Japan and called the FY-6, but they also
rebadged the circuit for over a dozen other brands such as
Apollo, Electra and Hohner. However, the Univox Superfuzz
was the most well-known of the brands and is considered
the definitive version of the circuit.
The Rift includes two modifications that lend more flexibility
to this circuit. While the original unit only had a tone switch
to go between two presets, here you have the option of
using a pot instead to blend between them. There is also a
clipping switch to allow you to choose between two different
sets of diodes, or lift them altogether for a different (and
much louder) sound.
Big Muff.)
Rift Project Link
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