Cathode follower for compression

[Tobyk]

Did anyone try the Merlin Blencowe cathode follower setup (say 100K Rk and 47K Ck) for added compression, and if so, how did you like it?

[10thTx]

Link to what you're referring to, please?

with respect, 10thtx

[roberto]

I'm not sure we are talking about the same mod because I'm not familiar with the specific reference, but I modded some Bassman in the past by lowering the cathode follower resistor from 100k to 47 to 68k depending on the taste of the owner of the amp. It was switchable with the amp not running (because of the BUMP).
It helps to get a more compressed sound at lower volumes, but then if you play at higher volumes you need to switch back to 100k.

[Tobyk]

12CC0DCC-5C07-4E31-A99A-8B8B318A6B9B.jpeg

Link to what you're referring to, please?

with respect, 10thtx

[Tobyk]

I'm not sure we are talking about the same mod because I'm not familiar with the specific reference, but I modded some Bassman in the past by lowering the cathode follower resistor from 100k to 47 to 68k depending on the taste of the owner of the amp. It was switchable with the amp not running (because of the BUMP).
It helps to get a more compressed sound at lower volumes, but then if you play at higher volumes you need to switch back to 100k.

Thanks, why back to 100K at higher volumes?

[Ten Over]

Did anyone try the Merlin Blencowe cathode follower setup (say 100K Rk and 47K Ck) for added compression, and if so, how did you like it?

What is "Ck"?

[Tobyk]

Did anyone try the Merlin Blencowe cathode follower setup (say 100K Rk and 47K Ck) for added compression, and if so, how did you like it?

What is "Ck"?

Sorry, ment to say 100K Rp and 47K Rk..

[Encom]

I have it on a switch. I find it most helpful when recording clean parts. The bass notes don’t pop out as much and everything is more even. I don't really use it with distortion as it softens the transients and I prefer more of a punchy sound.

[Tobyk]

I have it on a switch. I find it most helpful when recording clean parts. The bass notes don’t pop out as much and everything is more even. I don't really use it with distortion as it softens the transients and I prefer more of a punchy sound.

Thanks, good to know!

[roberto]

Thanks, why back to 100K at higher volumes?

What you do by lowering the 100k to 47k is exacerbate the compression of the stage at lower volumes.
When you crank the volume, you will find too much compression, and need to go back to 100k (or at least increase this value).

Please note that this is valid for that specific configuration of dc coupled stage to the cathode follower.
Different polarizations of the gain stage could and will work better with different values.
I used once, for an high gain lead, a 220k 1k to 47k stage and it was working pretty well.

[Tobyk]

Thanks, why back to 100K at higher volumes?

What you do by lowering the 100k to 47k is exacerbate the compression of the stage at lower volumes.
When you crank the volume, you will find too much compression, and need to go back to 100k (or at least increase this value).

Please note that this is valid for that specific configuration of dc coupled stage to the cathode follower.
Different polarizations of the gain stage could and will work better with different values.
I used once, for an high gain lead, a 220k 1k to 47k stage and it was working pretty well.

Thanks for explaining.

[ViperDoc]

I put a DCCF into a Tweed HP Twin. The added compression was very noticeable. I ended up taking it out.
EDIT: By that I mean Blencoe’s series 10K/1N4007 from grid:cathode and lowered Rk value.