Your Source for DIY Pedal PCBs and NostalgiTone! › GuitarPCB Forum › Show Off Your Build › NostalgiTone Compressor
- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 1 week ago by
MathU41.
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July 22, 2025 at 3:01 pm #36892
JrdnRgrsParticipantFelt like it was time for a compressor, so I landed on the NostalgiTone. This was nice and clean. Only issues were on my part, hand drilling the input jacks is always tough. Sounds great, although I’m still learning how/when to use it exactly.

July 23, 2025 at 11:20 am #36901
JrdnRgrsParticipantonly issue i had was that im not sure about the orientation of the switch according to the instructions, since it is mounted on the board horizontally. i guess i could just use my ears, but again, still trying to wrap my head around compressors in general.
July 23, 2025 at 10:04 pm #36902
SteveModeratorFrom the build document of the Southern Fried triple combo that has this compressor in the circuit…
• SW1 UP: 10k (150k shorted). This is the fastest release time.
• SW1 MIDDLE: 10k + 150k in series which is the longest release.
• SW1 DOWN: 10k + 39k (which is in parallel to the150k) is medium attack.While it does not affect the overall tone a fast attack setting will reduce the volume of the initial pick strike, and depending on the amount of
sustain, this can sound dramatic. For a more natural, transparent effect, a slower attack time will let the initial pick or finger attack through.Usage Guide:
Gain Mapping: Effective gain mapping is vital for optimizing your combo pedal setup. Avoid the inclination to turn all knobs to 10, as this rapidly leads to unwanted noise and feedback. Instead, explore the intricacies of control mapping to unlock a diverse range of tones. Consider that each of the three circuits contributes a substan7al level of Gain, and when used together, they combine.1. Compressor: The Compressor is a versatile tool that offers both subtle tone smoothing and heavy compression. Start by adjusting
the Volume for a mild boost. Set the Sustain knob to noon for a transparent sustain, or turn it up fully for a Southern Fried squash.
This modified circuit provides an even tone that is not overly bass-heavy, ensuring your sound cuts through the mix. Adjust the
attack switch to match your picking style for optimal feel. For a more obvious compression effect, set the SW1 switch up or down;
for more transparent compression, set it in the middle.
2. Boost: While a solo boost is obvious, using the Boost at slightly lower settings as a buffer for the Dumbletone preamp may not be as
readily apparent. Its flat frequency response preserves your tone while adding extra sparkle, making it perfect for this scenario.
3. Dumbletone: Start with all four knobs set to noon. You have complete control over Volume, Gain, Tone, and Voicing.
4. Power Supply: Always use a 9-volt power supply (nothing higher) with a 2.1mm plug and a negative 7p.Hope this helps…
July 24, 2025 at 3:28 am #36904MathU41
ParticipantI’m in the middle of a build of my own. Swapping the switch for a pot, but I did try mapping it out ahead of time.
IIRC, ‘up’ (according to the guide) would be right (as mounted in enclosure), but give it a listen before labeling it.
And please report back if I’m wrong.
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