Tweaked Death by Audio Apocalypse - Verified

[anders]

I always wanted to build this one but the schematic seems to have some errors in it. So I started to tweak it a bit to make it work like the original according to demo videos online. I also added a "Pre Amp" setting.



- Output level in Scoop Mode is much lower than the others, by increasing R39 (22k) across the base of Q5 and and ground to 910K increased the output quite a bit without changing the character of the distortion. MPSA05 is a low gain npn si, you could replace it with a high gain npn si like 2N5088/MPSA18  to increase the output even more. I used a 2N5089 here and now it's almost as loud as the other modes.

-The Dual J FET mode was lacking quite a bit in gain so I decreased R30 from 100k to 8,2k, I found that values between 4,7k to 10k sounded good here. You could even solder a jumper here for even more gain but it's becomes quite noisy.

- Tonestack didn't worked for me as drawn. Changed connections to the Eq pot to work as a Big Muff/Fuzz War 2 tone control.

- Since I used a 2P6T Rotary I added a "pre Amp" setting by take the signal straght from the tonstack to the volume control just like in the Colorsound Jumbo Fuzz. Output is lower than the other settings but it gives you quite a nice overdrive.

I think that that was it. Some more modifications could probably be done but I'm quite happy with it as is.

Cheers

[traktop]

I'm thinking on building this with 2 rotary switches wired to a stomp switch to change between modes on the fly.
Do you think it will stand volume wise when selecting different modes?
Last question:
Looking at the board connections, Switch C would be Switch B, right?

[anders]

Yeah, Switch C is Switch B, just a typo, will update it ASAP.
The volume is pretty much the same for mode 2 to 6 as long as you use a high gain transistor for mode 2 ( Scoop). As I wrote, mode 1 ( pre amp) has lower output but is still usable.
Your idea for two rotary switches sounds really interesting, Looking forward to hear how it turns out.

[PMowdes]

Great work Anders as always

[Draven4]

Hi, I'm kinda new to DIY stompboxes, and I was intrigued by this after looking for a versatile fuzz such as the apocalypse, having come across this layout for the board. I know this is an old thread but I have been looking for a guideline on how to proceed with the connections not having a connection schematic, so I would be grateful for any suggestions on how to proceed

Sorry for bumping an old thread and being a noob. lol Much appreciated.

[matiasbacchi]

Hi, my name is Matias, im new at this, im impressed on the hard work you've put on this amazing project.
I'm trying to build this but im having troubles finding the 42tm002 , I think It´s working as an impedance adaptor, but im not really sure. Do you have any tip to replace that component? Do you have the schematics? it would be really helpful.
Thanks!!