AquaboyDLX_2019
FX TYPE: DELAY
Enclosure Size: 1590BB or 125BB
Based on the Boss® DM-2™
Softie compatability: none
© 2019 madbeanpedals
Overview
The 2019 version of the Aquaboy Deluxe is a complete re-design of the 2015 project. This version
incorporates many of the requested features lacking in the previous version: 15v operation, on-
board charge pump, and both true bypass and tails footswitches. It keeps the same 1590BB
footprint, although a 125BB is also a good choice. The ABDX has about 550ms of delay and includes
modulation (triangle and squarewave).
This is complex project that should not be under-taken by novice builders. It is also a costly project
to make. The BBD chips, clock and compander alone will set you back $50 or so. However, this is
the type of project where money spent will go a long way toward making a unique and professional
sounding delay AND still be cheaper than many commercially available analog delays with similar
features.
NOTE: smallbear is currently out of the Xvive MN3005 re-makes. So, if you do not already have these
you may be waiting a while to get them. I do not have any sources for the NOS MN3005 and most
likely neither does anyone else. Hopefully, smallbear will be able to get more of the re-makes soon.
You will need a multimeter, audio probe and some kind of testing rig/breadboard set-up to get the
ABDX properly set-up.
Controls
• DELAY: The total amount of signal delay from slapback to approximately 500ms.
• FDBK: The number and intensity of delay repeats from one to innity/self oscillation.
• MIX: The level of delay signal relative to the dry path of the guitar signal.
• RATE: The speed of the delay modulation from slowest to very fast.
• DEPTH: The intensity of modulation from moderate to extreme.
• MOD: This On/Off/On DPDT allows you to choose between square, none and triangle modulation.
Trimmers
• T1: Sets the maximum amount of feedback possible in order to control the total range of the FDBK
control.
• BIAS1, BIAS2: Used to set the biasing point on the input of each BBD.
• CANCEL: Sets the mix of the two outputs on BBD2.
• CLOCK: Sets the lower limit of the clock frequency used to drive the BBD chips.
Terms of Use: You are free to use purchased AquaboyDLX_2019 circuit boards for both DIY and small commercial operations. You may not
offer AquaboyDLX_2019 PCBs for resale or as part of a “kit” in a commercial fashion. Peer to peer re-sale is ne, though.
Technical assistance for your build(s) is available via the madbeanpedals forum. Please go there rather than emailing me for
assistance on builds. This is because (1) I’m not always available to respond via email in a timely and continuous manner, and (2)
posting technical problems and solutions in the forum creates a record from which other members may benet.
