CGS real ring modulator

CGSRR the CGS real ring modulator is a traditional diode and transformer ring modulator.

'''Please note: This is not a guitar effect where you can "plug in your guitar and get a sound out". Extra circuitry is absolutely essential, either directly wired, or as parts of other equipment. If you need to ask how to use it, then it's not for you.'''

Four quadrant multipliers have more or less replaced ring modulators in synthesizers, even though they still bear the label "ring modulator". The distortion in these is lower than that of a true diode ring modulator, because the diode voltage drops have been eliminated. This leads to better specifications, though in a noise maker, this is not always desirable. For years I have been building various four quadrant modulators, and have been satisfied with none of them. Not one of them had the raw sonic beauty of the traditional ring modulators I made when I was first starting out in synthesizer building. For that reason I present here the "Real Ring Modulator".

Carrier suppression is good, but not complete, so a compressor-expander could help if better suppression is required.

Parts list

 * Transformers: Mouser 42TM018-RC 10KCT-10KCT Altronics in Australia. M0222 3kCT - 3k
 * Diodes: 1N60 or 1N34A, or any other germanium diode. It is best if they are matched for voltage drop. Schottky signal diodes could also be used, e.g. BAT48.

CC-BY-NC
Readers are permitted to construct these circuits for their own personal use only. Ken Stone retains all rights to his work.

Suppliers

 * CGSRR Real Ring Modulator, Elby Designs