Juergen Haible Krautrockphaser in MOTM

Description for Original Haible pcb (and randomsource Version) but the BOM is correct too, there is only a difference in design and extra Stage output, extra resonance pot option

Modifications Page: (CV MOD)

Schematics:

jh_krautrock_phaser_sch.pdf

further buildinginfos:

http://www.dragonflyalley.com/constructionJHKrautrockPhaser.htm

building tip:

use sockets for the 33nF Film caps - see bugtrack info

use 50K REV LOG pot for osc periode and bridge wiper to left pin (rearview)

Bugtracking/Known Build Problems:

if your modulation pot doesn´t work, check your wiring at active/bypass switch and check that you have the Bridge at the OSC Periode Pins (see above) (its also shown in the schematics)

if your sound is have to many middle sound, try other capaciator values (original is 33nF) sometimes 47nf or 68nf sounds better.

Feedback - bridge Pin1-2 in every case on the Random Source PCB for the Feedback path

Feedback not working: don't use Modular Levels (5VPP) for audio input - otherwise FB isn't working as designed.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Here's a list of components that I've used:

Krautrock Phaser BOM.

It only contains the components that are soldered to the board, no front panel components.
You'll want to have a nice "retro" looking lamp holder on th efront panel, too.
The incandescent lamp for the front panel is the same type as the two for illuminating the LDRs.
In Europe, E10 sockets are probably more common than elsewhere in the world. You can choose whatever socket you want - it just has to fit the lamp you're using. You can also simply solder the lamps to the PCBs with short, stiff wires, if you don't find a socket that fits into the PCB.
The lamps I'm using are 7V / 100mA types - spec'ed the same as in the original Compact A Phasing. If you cannot get these, you can try with 6.3V lamps of approximately the same power (0.7 Watt). In that case, you have to connect two 1N4002 diodes in series with these lamps. The PCB has the necessary pads and holes for this already, but I have not tested 6.3V lamps myself.

-> non standard homestock parts from BOM:

5W 120Ohm resistor axial (reichelt)

Relay: Finder 30.22.9 12 (reichelt)

1x 50K log pot (banzai)

3x 50k lin pot (banzai)

13 SMT 805/1206  100n capaciator (reichelt)

cmos CD4007 (reichelt)

12x ua741 or Lm741 (reichelt)

1x MC1458 - or LM1458 (reichelt)

(dont use TL072 ! )

Basic Connection/Controls (common to all options)

Modulation Knob

50k linear Pot - to "MODULATION" on PCB

Feedback Knob

50k linear Pot - to "FEEDBACK" on PCB

Oscillation Period Knob

50k reverse log Pot - to "OSC. PERIOD" on PCB - bridge left to middle pin (shown rear view /not from frontpanel view) otherwise you got some soundissues

Modulation Depth Knob

50k linear Pot - to "PHASING / AMPLITUDE" on PCB

Bypass Momentary Switch

We chose an NKK ON-NONE-(ON) switch (Mouser 633-M201502-RO) from EFFECT ACTIVE / BYPASS to "SWITCH" on PCB

Mode Switch

DPDT switch from MODE switch AUTO - MANUAL to "MANUAL" on PCB

Modulation Indicator

Special panel mount E10 Lamp holder to LAMP on PCB

Bypass Pedal Jack

Isolated, nylon shaft 112A type jack (N112AX) to SWITCH on PCB (it's not clear to me that you can't use a regular 112AX jack but we're going to use the nylon one)

Rate Pedal Jack

Isolated, nylon shaft 112B (TRS) type jack (N112BX) to RATE on PCB

Depth Pedal Jack

Isolated, nylon shaft 114B type jack (N114BX) to AMOUNT on PCB

Input Jack

Switchcraft 112A Jack

Output L/Stereo Jack

Switchcraft 112A Jack

Output R/Mono Jack

Switchcraft 112A Jack

Build:

Background  

If you listen to German records from the 1970's, you often hear a rather unique phasing that comes from a device called "Compact A Phaser" from the Berlin company "Gert Schulte Audio Elektronik". It's often referred to as "Schulte Phaser", and I have heard it being called "Krautrock Phaser", "Schulze Phaser" (because it's prominent on many early KS albums), "TD Phaser" (because of Tangerine Dream). In my opinion, this phaser has been important to the sound of these early electronic musicians almost as much as the synthesizers the used.

The new Compact Clone 2007

 I've decided to do another redesign of that circuit and make a PCB layout.

All who have followed my DIY projects over the years know that I'm using the term "clone" rather loosely.
I'm not actually "cloning" anything, which would be a 1:1 reproduction of the original circuit and/or the appearance.
I certainly do strive for a most perfect reproduction of the sound that made a vintage design famous, but I also add features of my own that I find usefull, and tayler the circuit to my own needs and standards.

In case of the Compact Clone this means:

TS: 

Issue: no phasing

Solution: check the wiring of the momentary switch in my case a ON/(ON),maybe wiring wrong

Issue: LFO dont work:
the middle leg of the pot has to be connected to the CW end, but you can do this directly on the PCB, using a wire bridge at two of the 3 holes directly near the pot.

see schematics too

Some further tips and tricks:

http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-20373-475.html

Shows the connectors (including "Amount") drawn in a way to resemble their physical appearance, as seen from the top of the PCB:
Left pin = sleeve
Middle pin = tip
Right pin = ring + switch contact for tip.
If you don't use a jack, jumper middle pin to right pin.

Using/testing:

connect input, left/right output

enable the active/bypass switch (LED goes on)

OSC Periode pot arround 50-75%

Modulation pot (= wet / dry mix) should be in 50% position.

For phasing effect, lamp should grow light and dim periodically.
Ambient light should be shut off (enclosure etc.)

Manual mode: Both R14 and R28 are connected to GND.
LFO mode: Neither R14 nor R28 are connected to GND.

Gallery Pics for Original Haible PCB

Haible Krautrock Phaser Gallery

Gallery Pics for randomsource pcb

Further FAQ:

http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-20373-500.html

One more thing, though - the levels/frequencies mentioned in this case, is this in regards to the LFO signal or the audio signal?

Loudness:

Coming back to the phaser and playing with it in a new track, I came to realize that its out volume is low compared to the signal volume coming in.

That is not necessary a problem, however raising the input volume does not raise the out volume, rather it gets the module into distortion wit ha constant volume out.

As it is a little too low for my taste, wanted to raise the out volume using the last op amp.

Is the resistor to tweak R57? what would be a good value to change it to?

No. Increase R54 and R58 instead.

JH.

R54/R58 = 2K4 in BOM

I tried the output volume mod as well as the feedbackpath mod and found both mods pretty useful.
R54 and R58 are 5.1K now, which feels closer to unity gain for me, but it is probably easier to overload the phaser with high feedback.  approved by DSL-man, but try 4k7 too

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Standalone Version with randomsource Version pcb from 2015

Powersupply is a wandwart HQ power 18V AC with 1000mA

(its not needed to use a dual AC psu)