Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hi I just finished my first build on the revised analog chorus, however I'm getting clicking or clock noise when the pedal is on and in true bypass. I'll post picks tomorrow. I already checked the solder joints which look pretty good and tried moving the output and input jack away from the pentiometers but that didnt work. I don't think my wires are that long I cut them to the instruction specs but I could be wrong. Not sure whats going on. Pedal sounds great except for the annoying clicking. Can anyone please help?

There seems to be a problem with this kit for a few builders. I built the Rev 1.0 and it is silent when in bypass mode but clicks when active. I then built the Rev 1.1 and it clicks in both bypass and active modes.

I tried placing a buffer in front of both pedals and it eliminated the clicking completely. I then did surgery on one of them to add the buffer circuit between the stomp switch and the input of the PCB. This way the buffer circuit is only in the signal path when the pedal is active. This didn't help at all because the clicking returned. Next I placed a second buffer in front of the same pedal and the clicking was gone again. I can only conclude that the clicking is entering the circuit somewhere between the input jack and the stomp switch. I've done everything I can think of to quiet this thing down and nothing has worked so I gave up on it. Fortunately I have my original BYOC chorus which IMO sounds much better anyway.

Did you try it using a battery, or by itself in the chain with no other pedals?

I tried both with the battery and with power and by itself in the chain. I'm bummed because I like the sound of the chorus but the clicking makes the pedal useless.BTW The noise corresponds to the speed of the rate knob both when the effect is engaged and in bypass. This leads me to believe it's either a component or insulation problem. Not sure how to trace it though. Any suggestions?

THIS poster noted a similar problem that went away when he touched the rate pot housing. He was able to tame it by running a ground wire to the rate pot. See if your build is similar.

I tried moving the input and output to the switch but
still got clicking. When I touched the rate pot there was no difference, do you think maybe the switch could be bad because everything else is bypassed but there is still clicking?

Not likely.

Do you have a different amp you can try? Or how about a buffer? Some have had success remedying a clicking with a buffer in front of the pedal.

I've got this exact same problem. Everything's working fine, but that goddamn clicking is troubling. Here's the photos. I've attempted to route a bypass alone as well as in parallel to the usual method, but the problem persisted regardless with no noticeable differences.
http://imgur.com/30qMl&xFaSw&7bYxql

Let me know if you need sharper images.

EDIT: They're way too big for this forum, so I just posted the imgur link to all three.

I built the analogue chorus the generation before they moved the plugs to the top. I think its the same. anyway I tried everything, even went out an got different chips, it still clicked at lower settings. I now have a buffered tuner (Boss TU-3) at the front of the signal path and a buffered pedal at the end (Boss reverb). 3 sittings now playing, and there is no ticking at all. I'm so happy. Not sure what is the real explanation. I to noticed less ticking with a battery. I gave up on the pedal too. Not sure what forces of the universe drove me to put it back on the board.

I used the chorus again yesterday at length. STILL NO CLOCK NOISE ! Like I said I have buffered pedals at the beginning and end of my signal path. Can someone please explain why this worked to eliminate the clock noise?

thanks,

It's due to an impedance mismatch between the chorus pedal's input Z and the output Z of the pedal in front of it. When the pedal in front has a low output Z (buffered) it eliminates the ticking noise. Why that is I can't tell you.

thanks for the explanation. I have always loved the sound of that chorus - - so glad I found a combination that works, and I love my tuner even more (Boss TU 3).