Aion Electronics Nebula DS-830 Distortion Master Quick Start Manual

Nebula
Maxon DS-830 Distortion Master

Overview

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Controls & Usage
• Gain controls the amount of gain from the op amp that is fed through the feedback clipping diodes.
• Level is the output level of the effect.
• Bass allows you to adjust the low-end response of the circuit via a gyrator-based tone control.
• Treble allows you to adjust the high-end response of the circuit, also via a gyrator tone control.

Modifications

This is a tight layout, so you won't find any of the "standard" Aion modifications such as a clipping diode switch.
However, there are extra pads for the soft clipping diodes clipping diodes (D2 through D5) in case you want to
stack two diodes in series—for instance, two 1N914s or one 1N914 and one BAT41 on each side. The stock
unit only uses one in each direction.
For the hard-clipping diodes, I've included the "Soft" trimmer which is on most of my other hard-clipping
circuits. This allows you to put some resistance in series with the hard-clipping diodes which reduces their
effect and softens the hard-clipping somewhat. When turned all the way down, it's fully removed from the
circuit, so I recommend including it.
Any other standard-pinout dual op-amps will work in this circuit as well. Try a TL072 or OPA2104.
Like a Tube Screamer, you can adjust R7 + C5 to change the gain structure and the low-end rolloff frequency.
The stock corner frequency is 408 Hz. Just keep in mind you've got a bass control further along in the circuit so
you can dial out whatever you don't like.
MAXON DS-830 DISTORTION MASTER / NEBULA DISTORTION
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The Nebula Distortion is a clone of the Maxon DS-380, a
relatively new addition to Maxon's line of pedals but one that
maintains the spirit of their innovations in the 1980s.
Despite being a relative late-comer, the circuit is a very worthy
addition to Maxon's product line and retains the spirit and
character of their classic designs: a JRC4558D op-amp with
feedback-diode clipping like the Tube Screamer, plus some
interesting twist that makes it unique. In this case, it's a two-band
gyrator tonestack (not dissimilar from a Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal)
that offers a great deal more flexibility and imparts a very different
tonal character than the typical amp-like passive tonestack.
Nebula Project Link
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