No Mask - Sziklai Distorter (Black 'n Decker Edition)
This is a one off No Mask that features some interesting transistors that I've had stored. And if you gaze for long into the transistor stash, the transistor stash gazes also into you.
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The Q1 transistor comes from my stash of NOS PNP silicon transistors that I use in all the standard No Mask pedals. I obscure the part number because I think it's funny; just ask me if you want to know what it is.
Now, the really interesting one is the JAN2N335CCZK located in Q2. Let's break that down that part number, shall we?
>JAN: Components marked with Joint Army Navy (JAN) are military grade and are more consistent and less prone to failure as they have to adhere to stricter performance requirements.
>2N335: The 2N335 transistor was originally produced by Texas Instruments back in 1957 and was used in Explorer 1 - the first successful U.S. satellite launch in 1958.
>CCZK: CCZK is the manufacturer code for Crystalonics; a semiconductor manufacturer located in NY state, USA founded in 1958.
And this JAN2N335CCZK is GOLD(plated)! Think of the tone!
Finally, in Q3, is a NOS Motorola 2N1012 NPN germanium transistor. The vast majority of NPN transistors are silicon, so germanium ones are fairly uncommon. I also drew a little crying face on it.
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So, what does all this transistor-sniffing amount to? Well basically haha guitar go brr.
This is a No Mask, but in a different flavour.
The transistor choices make this device really excel at those "dirty-clean" and overdrive sounds. In addition, the lower gain germanium transistor in Q3 means there's less output volume than the standard No Mask, but also means that using lots of "mask" begins to overdrive the germanium transistor which imparts it's own smooth, fat sounding distortion.
The real joy, however, is in the amalgam of appreciating both affect and effect; in knowing that something that helped a satellite launch in 1958 is now fulfilling it's ultimate purpose - distorting power chords.
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No Mask is a distortion device; the result of polar opposites working in disharmony, and the sound of things going terribly wrong.
"no" controls the input volume
"mask" controls the output volume
The 3-position switch controls how much low frequency information is allowed to enter the circuit.
Switch position left: Unobstructed bass content
Switch position middle: Strangled bass content
Switch position right: Somewhere between unobstruction and strangulation
Bypass: True Bypass
Power: 9VDC, 2.1mm centre-negative barrel
Power consumption: not a lot
Running this unit off of an isolated power supply is highly recommended.
Made in a garage on Wyong Road, Australia.
PCB design by Dirty Sock Effects - www.dirtysockeffects.com
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Each unit is assembled by hand and bears the indelible stamp of your lowly origin. If you own something that I've made, and it does not work as it should, get in contact with me and an upright ape with opposable thumbs will assist you.
