Design Guitar Effects in 48 Circuits or Less

The “48 Circuits or Less” Series

“48 Circuits or Less” is a series of articles that take you through the most common circuits used in guitar effects design. The program assumes you have some basic tools and the parts for building each circuit. There are up to 48 circuits included. The “or less” part indicates you don’t need to go through all 48 circuits to start designing your own guitar effects.

The 48 Circuits or Less program started under Mimmotronics, who also designs and builds the PROTIS 1 guitar effects development board, the PROTIS 1 Mini, and the PLEBUS 1 adapter board. The program serves to close the gap between DIY guitar effects design and those interested in the craft. It is recommended to purchase one of the boards to follow along, but it is not a requirement.

Mimmotronics has since transitioned to Stompbox Electronics, so if you have any questions on the series or the development boards feel free to reach out!

The Circuits

Note: the “48 Circuits or Less” articles are currently being produced. Please check back periodically for new articles or join the mailing list!

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 1: The True Bypass — Circuit 1: The True Bypass

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 2: The De-Popper — Circuit 2: The De-Popper

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 3: The Voltage Divider — Circuit 3: The Voltage Divider

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 4: The Attenuator — Circuit 4: The Attenuator

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 5: The Diode Protectors — Circuit 5: The Diode Protectors

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 6: The Power Supply Filter — Circuit 6: The Power Supply Filter

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 7: The Switched Jack — Circuit 7: The Switched Jack

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 8: The LED Circuit — Circuit 8: The LED Circuit

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 9: The Charge Pump Inverter — Circuit 9: The Charge Pump Inverter

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 10: The Voltgae Doubler — Circuit 10: The Voltage Doubler

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 11 The Linear Regulator — Circuit 11: The Linear Regulator

Guitar effects design in 48 Circuits or Less. Number 12 The Passive RC Filter — Circuit 12: The Passive RC Filter