This is a library of perfboard and single-sided PCB effect layouts for guitar and bass. I'm not an electrical engineer by any stretch of the imagination, just a DIY'er who likes drawing layouts. It is meant for the hobbyist (so commercial use of any of these layout is not allowed without permission) and as a way to give back to the online DIY community.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

TC Electronics Spark Mini

Here's a work-a-like for the Spark Mini. It'll be a bit of a squeeze, but it should fit in a 1590A. The original is all SMD components, so the transistors listed below aren't the same as the original, but through-hole equivalents. Other NPN and PNP transistors can be used (2N5088/87, 2N3904/06, etc.). Here's the schematic for reference (requires FSB login).


16 comments:

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    1. Man there's a link in the description.
      Just click on "schematic"

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  2. im not found it, cause not registered in FSB

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  3. VERIFIED! Gain controll is reversed though.I used 3904/3906 with great results, the boost is way beyond 20db in mine. I will wait untill BC549's arrive so i can use those as well. Do you think i should match the trannies too to get better results? Just curious.

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Some problem with this layout... i follow schematic, is verified, but gain control is reversed and output overload

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    Replies
    1. Use A100k for Gain. The output should be normal. And invert the gain control...

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  6. I made it. Very nice boost. but there is a slight problem. I hear there is quite a change in tone. not completely transparent. i am using 2n5551 (NPN) and 2n5401 (PNP). Double check with resistor & capasitor, but can't find anything wrong

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    Replies
    1. Update : try with BC549 and BC558 like the orginal layout, now sounds more transparent.

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  7. I have same problem with overload output

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  8. Works well! Its verified! Big boost circuit !
    Jun fr Philippines. Cheers and thanks

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  9. So, is this verified? The schematic is a bit different from your pcb. Also I see some people commented about Gain being reversed, how's that?

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  10. This is a really nice sounding boost. It seems to almost compress a tiny bit. And it adds sparkle without sounding harsh or bright. I used a 2n3906 as I didn't have the Q5 trans. And yes, gain 1/2 and gain 3 should be swapped. Thanks for sharing this.

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  11. Exelente verificado muy buen booster gracias por su trabajo saludos

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  12. verified and it work as it should put in same case with keeley mag clone so i can get unity volume and it works

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