ZELUS DISTORTION/SUSTAINER
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Project Overview
8
Enclosure Layout
2
Introduction & Usage
9
Wiring Diagram
3-5
Parts List
10
Licensing
6
Schematic
10
Document Revisions
7
Drill Template
INTRODUCTION
The Zelus Distortion/Sustainer is adapted from the Blackout Effectors Musket Fuzz version 2, a Big
Muff-based circuit with a few modifications.
First, an input boost has been added to the front of the circuit. This boost is adapted from the Electro-
Harmonix LPB-1 and allows you to drive the input harder than the initial gain stage in a stock Big Muff.
Second, a “Focus” control has been added to blend in a higher capacitor value and allow more bass
through before the clipping stages. With this feature, the Musket is great for bass guitar.
Third, a “Midrange” control has been added to the treble side of the rotation allowing another capacitor
to be gradually blended in parallel with the stock tone capacitor, changing the frequency of that side.
Note that if the tone control is turned all the way to the bass side (counter-clockwise), the Midrange
control will have almost no effect.
With these enhancements, the Musket is a unique and modern take on the Big Muff while retaining the
character of the vintage circuit.
USAGE
The Zelus has the following controls:
•
Pre
sets the gain of the input stage based on the LPB-1.
•
Focus
is an input capacitor blend control allowing the bass to be adjusted before the clipping. By
cutting bass at the input, the “tightness” of the effect is improved and it has more clarity.
•
Sustain
controls the amount of drive or distortion, which also affects the amount of sustain.
•
Tone
is a the classic Big Muff balance control with a high-pass filter (treble emphasis) on one side
and a low-pass filter (bass emphasis) on the other.
•
Mids
allows the midrange to be adjusted from scooped to boosted. It is most noticeable on the
treble side of the tone control rotation.
•
Volume
is the overall output.
