Handpainted Mini Wolf Computer 2 Prototypes!
Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 12:03 am
If any one is interested, I have two Wolf Computer 2 prototypes. These don't add any features to the existing design, so if you already have one, you can definitely pass (unless you want two!). These prototypes were built specifically to test some circuit alterations that potentially solve some stability issues with the original design.
Specifically, there are alterations in place that makes the fuzz knob crackle/scratchy free, as well as a trick to kill oscillation in bypass, reduce switch popping at certain settings. The effectiveness of all the modifications is variable. These two prototypes are not identical.
WC 2 Prototype A - The modification to kill bypass oscillations works flawless. This one implements some bias alterations to the first transistor stage and uses a Big Muff style voltage divider gain control. The effects on the over all pedal are noticable, such that it doesn't operate identically to a normal Wolf Computer. Notably, the oscillation behaves strangely in that if you play softly it comes through fine, but if you give any sort of hard pick attack it kicks in some abnormal gate and stops oscillation for several seconds. This prototype won't be relevant in future design because of this, but it does seem to have better control over octave glitching sounds. It also probably does some other sounds that a normal wolf computer doesn't do, such as a really warm clean tone. It is overall perhaps a bit more gated than normal.
WC 2 Prototype B - This one doesn't kill the bypass oscillation totally, but I *think* it is a bit less noticeable. The fuzz control is now not scratchy, albeit the range is just slightly different. Generally speaking I'd say it is 99% the same as a normal Wolf Computer.
If anyone's interested in either of these, I consider the A type a circuit blem, it'd go for $100 (or trade for a Fostex MR-8!!!), but if you want the B-Type proto it's $159 cuz it's right on
Specifically, there are alterations in place that makes the fuzz knob crackle/scratchy free, as well as a trick to kill oscillation in bypass, reduce switch popping at certain settings. The effectiveness of all the modifications is variable. These two prototypes are not identical.
WC 2 Prototype A - The modification to kill bypass oscillations works flawless. This one implements some bias alterations to the first transistor stage and uses a Big Muff style voltage divider gain control. The effects on the over all pedal are noticable, such that it doesn't operate identically to a normal Wolf Computer. Notably, the oscillation behaves strangely in that if you play softly it comes through fine, but if you give any sort of hard pick attack it kicks in some abnormal gate and stops oscillation for several seconds. This prototype won't be relevant in future design because of this, but it does seem to have better control over octave glitching sounds. It also probably does some other sounds that a normal wolf computer doesn't do, such as a really warm clean tone. It is overall perhaps a bit more gated than normal.
WC 2 Prototype B - This one doesn't kill the bypass oscillation totally, but I *think* it is a bit less noticeable. The fuzz control is now not scratchy, albeit the range is just slightly different. Generally speaking I'd say it is 99% the same as a normal Wolf Computer.
If anyone's interested in either of these, I consider the A type a circuit blem, it'd go for $100 (or trade for a Fostex MR-8!!!), but if you want the B-Type proto it's $159 cuz it's right on
I need to stop giving Eric all of my money!!!
hmmm, I think that makes us related in some red-headed bastard child sort of way. 
