Re: Zendrive 2

Posted by digi2t on Feb 19, 2019; 2:46pm
URL: http://guitar-fx-layouts.238.s1.nabble.com/Zendrive-2-tp45707p45729.html

Tried it out this morning with an Egnater Tourmaster. The Tourmaster is running a custom set of preamp tubes from Doug's, aimed towards more headroom over gain. Power section likewise, running a quartet of 7581A's. Cab is a pair of 12" Texas Heats, running at 8 ohms, open back.

The 2 clean channels; Adds a nice crunch, accentuating the top end nicely. Increasing C3 would probably give even more top end, but I think it might make it too harsh. Then again, the breadboard isn't a great place to make final decisions, so socketing, along with C5, will be instrumental in final cap choices. Personally, 22n and 220pF work great for me.

The 2 OD channels; Wow. Gives the preamp tubes a real skelp in the bahooky. Increase gain for sure, but clarity as well, especially where upper frequencies are concerned. All without being obnoxious. The high gain OD channel really rips and screams, in a good way.

I have a regular Zendrive clone as well, and while it's excellent too, this version seems to have a little more... more... je ne sais quoi. Maybe the way the clipping knee is different because of the tube? Maybe the voice and gain stage cap changes? What the hell do I know. I'm old, and half deaf now, so take it for what it's worth. I'm happy. Neighbours... not so much.