How to Build a DIY Reamping Box October 3, 2011 13:52 30 Comments

Hi,

I’ve build the the reampbox as your guide instructs, but it seems that the output level of the reampbox is to low, to get the same sound out of the amp, as it sounds with a guitar instead of an interface/reampbox connected to the amp.
The reampbox is conected to the interface with an unbalanced cable. But since the cold signal still gets transferred, i dont think, that thats the reason of low output level.

Kind regards,

Tolga

Hi,

I have a question:
Is it also possible to use a XSM 10k/600 or a WSM 15k/600 in the LINE2AMP?

Thanks! :)

Hi Raf, good question. Some people like to have a volume control on the LINE2AMP itself to control the signal being sent to the amp. However, I removed it from my design because I like to control the volume from my DAW. The transformer that’s in the current LINE2AMP kits is designed to provide a little bit of attenuation to automatically set the output volume to a typical instrument level.

Hey, I saw a comment about someone replacing the transformer with a different spec and then adding a pot to the output to adjust for passive and active pickups. Is this something that I should worry about? I just bought the kit about 10 minutes ago, so I havent used it yet, obviously, but I will be using with active and passive pickups.

Sounds like a fun project… why doesn’t the kit contain the mic output option anymore? I’d have thought that would be useful.

M

Thanks, it is indeed a fun little project. I put the kybosh on the mic output because I received quite a few requests for kits without it. I do still have some of the originals with the mic output if you’re interested.

The metal ring (ground lift?)… Does it matter if it touches the casing? Shouldn’t it be fastened somehow? Or is it cool to just let it hang however

Hi Nick, good question. The ring should be bolted to the case, preferably with a lock washer to make it secure. There is a countersunk hole in the case that comes with the kits for this purpose.

I’m also among those who would like to see the return of the mic output option. That’s what really got me interested in this. Would like the 2 in one also as I’d like to do some reamping.

Hey Doug, you’re in luck! I’m just finishing the prototype for a new version of the 2-in-1 with a combo XLR/TRS output jack. I should be set to ship these out in a couple of weeks.

Where do the 2 470r optional resistors go?

Those would go between the input jack and pins 1 and 3 of the transformer, replacing the red and black wires. GroupDIY member PRR suggested putting them there in case you accidentally plug the wrong thing into the input. The 470 Ohms will prevent something generating DC or big AC from seeing a short circuit. They do trim off a little extra signal and add a tiny amount of noise, so I left them out of the kits. But it’s totally up to you!

Great! Thanks! another quick question, I would really like to add a trim pot into the chain, any tips on how to go about that?

Yup, you want to put a 1k audio pot between the output pins of the transformer with the wiper (output pin) going to the output jack. To achieve this, you’ll want to solder the 200 Ohm resistor right beween pins 5 and 7 of the transformer (instead of the output jack) and then the wires going to the pot. Make sense?

I left out the pot because the signal coming out of the 10k/150 transformer is already quite low, and the pot can only make it quieter. Plus you can always control volume from your line-level device (DAW, mixer, etc.)

Yea sounds good, are there alternative transformers you would recommend?
Im looking at the edco website to order it and it says it will take 6 to 8 weeks. Thats way too long

Yeah, it is way too long! But that’s how they keep them so cheap. I’m expecting a shipment this week, after which I’ll be selling them here: http://www.diyrecordingequipment.com/store/product-category/edcor-pc10k150-reamping-transformer-with-mounting-hardware/

Is it still possible to buy the transformer on it’s own from you? The link you posted doesn’t seem to work anymore.

Hi, great DIY project! I just built two of them. Is there any reason why I can’t swap the TSR input for an XLR jack?

Thanks!

Thanks Phil! No reason at all, go for it.

I just got the Edcor transformer with the pcb Rev “C”(only). If I wanted to hook up the output with a mic out, would i have to change resistor values? Can i short pin 1 and pin 3 together or??? Any help would be appreciated before i start hooking anything up.

Hi Angel,

Out of curiosity, what are you trying to achieve with a mic out? Running a line input into a mic preamp?

If so, you may want more padding (attenuation) than the LINE2AMP transformer provides. Then again, maybe not, as long as you send a conservative signal from your line output to the LINE2AMP.

So, for wiring, leave the input side alone—this will remain a balanced, line input. On the output side, jumper R4 (use a piece of wire or component lead instead of the resistor) and use the output + and Ground pads as your mic-level + and – out. To complete the grounding of the balanced output, run an additional wire from the ground pin of your mic out (XLR Pin 1 or 1/4" sleeve) to the ground pin of the input jack.

Would it be possible to mount two instances of the circuit into one aluminum rack casing, or would the shared ground create a problem?

You can certainly mount two in one case, no problem.

Hello there!
I just built the above design but my signal is very low and i even need to use digital overdrive pedal (tse 808) to get my signal to distort properly through my amp..
A friend of mine, built the same and has no trouble at all
Any thoughts?

I see there many revisions of the first design, so just to be clear i built the one with the
10K:600 trafo and the 200 Ω resistor at the out jack

It seems like the newer designs use a 15k/1k voltage divider on the output instead of the 200 ohm shunt. Is that what is currently suggested for this circuit as well. I’m not electronics expert but does the 15k/1k further reduce the output level?

Hi Johny, sorry for the very, very delayed response! If you are using the 10k:600 transformer, you should use at least a 600 ohm resistor at the output jack.

Hi Dan,

Great question. However the 1k/15k resistors actually do not form a voltage divider since the series leg comes “after” the shunt leg. The 15k resistor merely increases the output impedance to that of a guitar pickup.

Hi, I’m happy to find this DIY Project. I have one question. I would like to connect my synthesizer with pedal or amp. I would like to try to convert my line level output to instrument level. But problem: it’s unbalanced line level.
So is there a trick with this project to help me? Thanks!

ps: Sorry if there are errors with my english… I’m French ^^’’

Hi Matt, it sounds like you don’t need a reamp box at all! The main job of a reamp box is to convert from balanced to unbalanced. If your output is already unbalanced you can just turn down the level a little bet to get to “instrument level.”