aion ASTRA SILICON FUZZ Manuale - Pagina 2

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1 Project Overview

2 Introduction & Usage

INTRODUCTION

The Astra Silicon Fuzz is a clone of the Astrotone Fuzz, also released as the Sam Ash Fuzzz Boxx (yes,

there are three Z's and two X's!). It was manufactured by the Universal Amplifier Company in New York

City from 1966-1968.

The Astrotone was one of the first silicon fuzz units, developed in an era when germanium transistors

were still widely used. It's also one of the first effects pedals to feature a tone knob, although it's not

particularly effective in this circuit (at least not without some modifications) and later fuzz pedals such

as the 3-knob Tone Bender greatly improved upon the concept.

Analogman released his version of the Astrotone, conveniently also called the Astrotone since the

original trademark had expired. It has the exact same topology, but has several component values

changed out to round out the tone and remove the thinness of the original. It's not an exact clone, but

it's still very highly regarded. A parts list for the Analogman version is provided in the documentation

alongside the original version.

The updated version of the Astra includes a toggle switch to select between three different sets of

clipping diodes. Since the circuit uses hard clipping with no volume recovery stage afterward, the

clipping diodes will directly impact the maximum available volume.

USAGE

The Astra has the following controls:

• Attack is an input volume control that reduces the gain before the transistor amplification stage,

acting as a drive control.

• Tone cuts the treble after the clipping stage.

• Level controls the overall output of the effect.

• Clip (toggle switch) selects between three sets of diodes: 1x silicon (stock), 2x silicon, and LEDs.

ASTRA SILICON FUZZ

10 Licensing

TABLE OF CONTENTS