CRUNCH MASTER

(Tube Overdrive Pedal)

1. Project description

The Crunch Master is an overdrive tube guitar pedal inspired by the desire to have a compact low-
voltage (12 V) powered pedal with an anode voltage converter inside, with an tube Marshall-style crunch
sound that haves range from a loaded clean to a tight midgain with a pretension to highgain.
When developing the sound path of the pedal, the pre-amplifier circuit of the Marshall JCM800
tube guitar “head” was taken as the basis. After breadboarding and listening, some changes were made
to the original circuit in order to increase the gain and increase "readability", as a result of which the
circuit presented below appeared, which received quite a lot of differences from the prototype. However,
if you want to assemble a pedal that has a sound as close as possible to the sound of the JCM800, it is
enough to give preference to the assembly of the M-mod modification. In addition, you can build an
F-mod modification based on the Friedman Dirty Shirley amplifier circuit. Comparison of the sound of
various assembly options is presented in the sound example: Link 1
The pedal has controls for gain (GAIN) and output volume (VOLUME). Tone control is carried out
with just one TONE knob, since Crunch Master is a pedal and is designed to be connected directly to the
guitar input of an amplifier, which, as a rule, has its own tonestack. To expand the possibilities of sound
in terms of additional saturation with harmonics and bring the sound of the pedal close to the “territory” of
the high gain, a switchable saturator has been added, which is activated by the SATURATION toggle
switch. There is also a BRIGHT toggle switch, which boosts the treble gain, which adds more
"brightness" to the sound.
The device is perfectly “friendly” with all kinds of “warmers” included in its input, which allows you
to create an overloaded guitar sound for any kinds of rock and metal.
The pedal uses two vacuum tubes of the type 12AX7 / ECC83, or 6Н2П-ЕВ. Switching the heater
in accordance with the type of tubes used is carried out using jumpers on the tube PCB.
Sound examples: Link 2
The pedal has full signal bypass in inactive mode (True Bypass).
The PCB is designed for installation in a Hammond 1590BB enclosure.
The pedal is powered by a mains adapter with an output stabilized voltage 12VDC (1A). The
polarity of the power plug - minus in the center.

2. Controls

- potentiometer GAIN – gain control

- potentiometer TONE – tone control
- potentiometer VOLUME – output volume control
- toggle switch BRIGHT – high frequency boost
- toggle switch SATURATION – harmonic saturation
 3. Schematics

4. Part List for different modifications

Original F-mod M-mod

C3 1n 63V MKT 470p 1kV ceramic 470p 1kV ceramic
C4 1u 50V MKT 470n 63V MKT 680n 63V MKT
C7 1u 50V MKT 470n 63V MKT none
C9 220n 63V MKT none none
C10 1000p 1kV ceramic 2200p 1kV ceramic 1000p 1kV ceramic
R3 100k 1W 220k 1W 100k 1W
R4 2k2 0.6W 2k7 0.6W 2k7 0.6W
R5 1M 0.6W 470k 0.6W 470k 0.6W
R9 470k 0.6W jumper jumper
R10 470k 0.6W 220k 0.6W none
R12 1k5 0.6W 2k7 0.6W 4k7 0.6W
R15 220k 0.6W jumper jumper
R16 150k 0.6W 470k 0.6W 470k 0.6W
R17 220k 1W 100k 1W 100k 1W
R18 2k2 0.6W 820 0.6W 820 0.6W
 5. Part List

5.1 Crunch Master (Original)

Metal film resistors 1/2W (0.6W):

680 - 1 pcs 1k - 2 pcs
1k5 - 1 pcs 2k2 - 2 pcs
10k - 3 pcs 22k - 1 pcs
33k - 1 pcs 47k* - 3 pcs
100k - 1 pcs 150k - 1 pcs
220k - 2 pcs 470k - 4 pcs
1M - 3 pcs
Metal film resistors 1W:
100k - 3 pcs 220k - 1 pcs
Metal oxide film resistor 1W 10k - 1 pcs
Trimmer potentiometer type 3296W 1k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ В25k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A500k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A1M - 1 pcs
Ceramic disk capacitor 1000p 1kV - 2 pcs Monolithic ceramic capacitor X7R 100n 50V - 1 pcs
Polyester film capatitor (R=5mm) 1n 63V - 1 pcs Film capatitor (R=5mm) 2n2 63V - 1 pcs
Polyester film capatitor (R=5mm) 22n 63V - 1 pcs Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 22n 400V - 2 pcs
Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 100n 250V - 2 pcs
Film capatitor (R=5mm) 1u 50V - 2 pcs Film capatitor (R=5mm) 220n 63V - 1 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor Low ESR 10µ 400V 105°C (d10 h20) - 2 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor 470µ 25V - 1 pcs
Diode UF4007 - 1 pcs Diode 1N4148 - 2 pcs
Diode 1N4001 - 1 pcs
White bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs Blue bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs
IC NE555 (DIP8) - 1 pcs Transistor IRF740 - 1 pcs
Transistor BC557C - 1 pcs Transistor BC547C - 3 pcs
Vacuum tube 12AX7/ECC83 (or 6Н2П-ЕВ) - 2 pcs Tube socket GZS9-Y - 2 pcs
6.35mm 1/4" stereo insulated switched socket jack PCB (NMJ6HCD2) - 2 pcs
SPDT foot pedal switch (on-on, latching, solder lugs) - 1 pcs
Relay JRC-19F 12VDC - 1 pcs DC power jack 2.1mm (PCB mount) - 1 pcs
Aluminium enclosure Hammond 1590BВ - 1 pcs Radiator ТО-220 RAD DY-CN-020 - 1 pcs
Inductor Sumida CDRH127-221 MC 220uH 1,16A (or RCH114NP-221KB 220uH 1A) - 1 pcs
Rubber feet for cases rf-1002 - 4 pcs Potentiometer knobs - 3 pcs
Toggle Switch SMTS-102-2C3 - 2 pcs Connector PLS-40R (DS1022-1x40R) - 2 pcs
Connector PLS-20 (DS1021-1x20) - 1 pcs

* If necessary, select the value of the resistor to obtain the required brightness of the LEDs.
 5.2 Crunch Master (F-mod)

Metal film resistors 1/2W (0.6W):

680 - 1 pcs 820 - 1 pcs
1k - 2 pcs 2k7 - 2 pcs
10k - 3 pcs 22k - 1 pcs
33k - 1 pcs 47k* - 3 pcs
100k - 1 pcs 220k - 2 pcs
470k - 4 pcs 1M - 2 pcs
Metal film resistors 1W:
100k - 3 pcs 220k - 1 pcs
Metal oxide film resistor 1W 10k - 1 pcs
Trimmer potentiometer type 3296W 1k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ В25k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A500k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A1M - 1 pcs
Ceramic disk capacitor 470p 1kV - 1 pcs Ceramic disk capacitor 1000p 1kV - 1 pcs
Ceramic disk capacitor 2200p 1kV - 1 pcs Monolithic ceramic capacitor X7R 100n 50V - 1 pcs
Film capatitor (R=5mm) 2n2 63V - 1 pcs Polyester film capatitor (R=5mm) 22n 63V - 1 pcs
Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 22n 400V - 2 pcs Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 100n 250V - 2 pcs
Film capatitor (R=5mm) 470n 63V - 2 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor Low ESR 10µ 400V 105°C (d10 h20) - 2 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor 470µ 25V - 1 pcs
Diode UF4007 - 1 pcs Diode 1N4148 - 2 pcs
Diode 1N4001 - 1 pcs
White bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs Blue bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs
IC NE555 (DIP8) - 1 pcs Transistor IRF740 - 1 pcs
Transistor BC557C - 1 pcs Transistor BC547C - 3 pcs
Vacuum tube 12AX7/ECC83 (or 6Н2П-ЕВ) - 2 pcs Tube socket GZS9-Y - 2 pcs
6.35mm 1/4" stereo insulated switched socket jack PCB (NMJ6HCD2) - 2 pcs
SPDT foot pedal switch (on-on, latching, solder lugs) - 1 pcs
Relay JRC-19F 12VDC - 1 pcs DC power jack 2.1mm (PCB mount) - 1 pcs
Aluminium enclosure Hammond 1590BВ - 1 pcs Radiator ТО-220 RAD DY-CN-020 - 1 pcs
Inductor Sumida CDRH127-221 MC 220uH 1,16A (or RCH114NP-221KB 220uH 1A) - 1 pcs
Rubber feet for cases rf-1002 - 4 pcs Potentiometer knobs - 3 pcs
Toggle Switch SMTS-102-2C3 - 2 pcs Connector PLS-40R (DS1022-1x40R) - 2 pcs
Connector PLS-20 (DS1021-1x20) - 1 pcs

* If necessary, select the value of the resistor to obtain the required brightness of the LEDs.
 5.3 Crunch Master (M-mod)

Metal film resistors 1/2W (0.6W):

680 - 1 pcs 820 - 1 pcs
1k - 2 pcs 2k7 - 1 pcs
4k7 - 1 pcs 10k - 3 pcs
22k - 1 pcs 33k - 1 pcs
47k* - 3 pcs 100k - 1 pcs
220k - 1 pcs 470k - 4 pcs
1M - 2 pcs
Metal film resistors 1W:
100k - 4 pcs
Metal oxide film resistor 1W 10k - 1 pcs
Trimmer potentiometer type 3296W 1k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ В25k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A500k - 1 pcs
Potentiometer RV16LN(PH)-15kQ A1M - 1 pcs
Ceramic disk capacitor 470p 1kV - 1 pcs Ceramic disk capacitor 1000p 1kV - 2 pcs
Monolithic ceramic capacitor X7R 100n 50V - 1 pcs
Film capatitor (R=5mm) 2n2 63V - 1 pcs Polyester film capatitor (R=5mm) 22n 63V - 1 pcs
Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 22n 400V - 2 pcs Polyester film capatitor (R=10mm) 100n 250V - 2 pcs
Film capatitor (R=5mm) 680n 63V - 1 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor Low ESR 10µ 400V 105°C (d10 h20) - 2 pcs
Electrolytic capacitor 470µ 25V - 1 pcs
Diode UF4007 - 1 pcs Diode 1N4148 - 2 pcs
Diode 1N4001 - 1 pcs
White bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs Blue bright 3mm LED - 2 pcs
IC NE555 (DIP8) - 1 pcs Transistor IRF740 - 1 pcs
Transistor BC557C - 1 pcs Transistor BC547C - 3 pcs
Vacuum tube 12AX7/ECC83 (or 6Н2П-ЕВ) - 2 pcs Tube socket GZS9-Y - 2 pcs
6.35mm 1/4" stereo insulated switched socket jack PCB (NMJ6HCD2) - 2 pcs
SPDT foot pedal switch (on-on, latching, solder lugs) - 1 pcs
Relay JRC-19F 12VDC - 1 pcs DC power jack 2.1mm (PCB mount) - 1 pcs
Aluminium enclosure Hammond 1590BВ - 1 pcs Radiator ТО-220 RAD DY-CN-020 - 1 pcs
Inductor Sumida CDRH127-221 MC 220uH 1,16A (or RCH114NP-221KB 220uH 1A) - 1 pcs
Rubber feet for cases rf-1002 - 4 pcs Potentiometer knobs - 3 pcs
Toggle Switch SMTS-102-2C3 - 2 pcs Connector PLS-40R (DS1022-1x40R) - 2 pcs
Connector PLS-20 (DS1021-1x20) - 1 pcs

* If necessary, select the value of the resistor to obtain the required brightness of the LEDs.
6. Elements placement on PCBs

6.1 Main PCB

6.2 Potentiometers PCB

6.3 Tube PCB

 6.4 Assembled PCBs

6.5 PLS-20 connector preparation and installation

6.6 Jumpers installation

12АХ7 / ЕСС83 6Н2П-ЕВ

 7. Wiew of assembled PCBs

8. Information

1. For a normal fit of the potentiometers PCB, it may be necessary to grind (cut off) the upper
edges (ribs) of the NMJ6HCD2 sockets by 1-1.5mm using a file (small rasp).
2. Connect the “GND” point of the main PCB to the enclosure (solder the wire from the “GND” point
to the body of the VOLUME potentiometer using a special flux).
3. Connect the “Switch” points (two mounting pads on the board mounting side) to the
corresponding SPDT contacts of the button (one central and one side).
4. After installing the assembled board into the case between the board and the case cover, it is
necessary to place a gasket made of a thin dense dielectric material to prevent the mounting from
shorting to the case. The gasket drawing is shown in the figure.
 5. It is necessary to ensure ventilation (heat dissipation) of the enclosure by drilling holes above
the vacuum tubes and anode convertor (using Drilling template).
6. To increase the efficiency of the anode power converter circuit, it is recommended to use
Infineon CoolMOS transistors, for example SPA11N65C3, instead of the IRF740.
7. Relay JRC-27F/012-S 12VDC can be replaced with JRC-19F 12VDC, HLS4078-DC12V
or HK19F-DC12V-2Z.

9. Adjustment instruction

Attention! The device has a high voltage source! All inspection and adjustment work must
be carried out in compliance with electrical safety regulations!

1. For power supply, you must use a mains power supply (adapter) with a DC output stabilized
voltage of 12V, providing a load current of at least 1A. You can use a pulse adapter with the required
characteristics.
2. Adjustment should be made before installing the assembled device in the enclosure.
3. The first connection to the power source (adapter) should be made without a vacuum tubes.
4. Set the trimmer potentiometer to approximately the middle position.
5. Connect the power supply. Measure the DC voltage with a digital multimeter (measuring range
1000V) at the “+Ua” point relative to the “GND” (common wire). The measured value should be
approximately 250V.
6. Turn off the power supply. After about 10 minutes, make sure that there is no high voltage at the
“+Ua” point using a multimeter.
7. Carefully insert the vacuum tubes into the sockets until it stops, holding the board with your
hand. Install the jumper(s) on the PLS connector pins on the tube PCB in accordance with the type of
tubes used (see 6.6).
8. Connect the power supply. Make sure that the glow of the vacuum tubes appears. Measure the
DC voltage with a digital multimeter (measuring range 20V) on contacts 4, 5 of the vacuum tube. The
measured voltage values must comply with the standards for the type of tubes used (6.0-6.6V for
6Н2П-ЕВ; 12.0-13.2V for 12AX7 / ECC83).
9. Measure the DC voltage with a digital multimeter (measuring range 1000V) at the “+Ua” point
relative to the “GND” (common wire). Using the trimmer potentiometer, set the voltage to 300V.
10. After about 10 minutes, re-measure the voltage. A voltage drop of 10 to 20V relative to the
originally set value is normal. Using the trimmer, set the voltage again to 300V.

10. View of the finished pedal (example of design)

 11. Drilling template

Feedback: [email protected]