Log or Linear

[Ken Baker]

I understand the difference between log (audio) taper pots and linear taper pots. The audio taper curve mimics the way that human ears register sound. The linear taper "curve" is just straight and linear from zero to the rated resistance.

Audio taper pots are typically used as volume controls, and elsewhere in passive circuits, because of that relationship to our ears. Linear taper pots are typically used when there is no need for that relationship.

So...

What would happen if we used a linear taper pot as a volume control? It's not going to damage anything in the circuit because the minimum and maximum resistance is the same as its audio taper counterpart, but just how goofy would it sound? Would its linear action be perceived as non-linear to our ears?

Yes, there is a reason I'm asking. There's an evil experiment rattling around in my head amongst the rocks.

Ken...

[TDR1138]

I've had a few basses where the volume (and tone) pots were linear. Just makes them function less smoothly. Like you turn a little with no real change, then just hits a point where the volume drops considerably very quickly, and then back to a barely noticeable change.

[Paul Gagon]

I've had a few basses where the volume (and tone) pots were linear. Just makes them function less smoothly. Like you turn a little with no real change, then just hits a point where the volume drops considerably very quickly, and then back to a barely noticeable change.

I have experienced the same thing. Not a big fan of linear pots for volume or tone controls.

Paul

[Paul Gagon]

Yes, there is a reason I'm asking. There's an evil experiment rattling around in my head amongst the rocks.

Ken...

OK....I'm totally curious now....what are you up to now and can I help?

Paul

[BrentB]

I agree. I've played a bass with such a volume knob (a Fender maybe), and I thought the volume was messed up.

Why turn a knob without any direct effect, just a waste of time, at least that's the way I see it.

[Ken Baker]

OK....I'm totally curious now....what are you up to now and can I play?

Fixed that for you....

Well, I need to find or make a control plate for an El Toro. Then, upon successful completion of that achievement, I'll need to find a BEQ3. And then....

I started this thread to do a couple things: (1) Stimulate a conversation and (2) See if anyone has played with a linear pot in a classic log pot location (volume, tone). I already knew it would sound kinda goofy; I just wanted to get a feel for how goofy.

But back to the task at hand. I'm thinking that the BEQ3 would be a nice match to the small humbuckers in the El Toro. and I'd be willing to play with it. It's just that the bass has such a great provenance that I will NOT screw it up by doing some non-reversible mod.

First order of business will be to get the existing plate off and make a tracing.

Edit to add: Paul, will the BEQ3 work on 9 volts?

Ken...

[Paul Gagon]

I'm thinking that the BEQ3 would be a nice match to the small humbuckers in the El Toro. and I'd be willing to play with it. It's just that the bass has such a great provenance that I will NOT screw it up by doing some non-reversible mod

Paul, will the BEQ3 work on 9 volts?

Ken...

Yes, it will work all the way down to around 6 volts. There won't be much headroom but it will work. However, in order to get the clean boosting from the EQ circuit I would keep it at 18 volts.

Paul

[Ken Baker]

However, in order to get the clean boosting from the EQ circuit I would keep it at 18 volts.

Hmm... That presents a potential problem. The existing battery box will only hold a single 9v battery. That means that the main cavity would need to accommodate all the usual stuff plus a battery. Will need to see how much room is in there.

Do you have dimensions for the BEQ3 board? Just the board itself, length X width.

Ken...

[Paul Gagon]

Hmm... That presents a potential problem. The existing battery box will only hold a single 9v battery.
Do you have dimensions for the BEQ3 board? Just the board itself, length X width.

Ken...

The board I have here is the MBEQ3 and its 3 1/4" x 1 1/8". The BEQ3 is the same width (1 1/8") but, if memory serves me correctly, is 3" long. However, if you have a maximum size restriction for the circuit board, I can hand build you a smaller one.

Paul

[Ken Baker]

The board I have here is the MBEQ3 and its 3 1/4" x 1 1/8". The BEQ3 is the same width (1 1/8") but, if memory serves me correctly, is 3" long. However, if you have a maximum size restriction for the circuit board, I can hand build you a smaller one.

Thanks!

I'll lift the plate later on and take a look.

Ken...