Stepped Gain Switch

[Ricardus]

I've never built a stepped gain switch, but an upcoming project has one. Looks like it's a 12 position switch. Anyone have any recommendations for a high quality switch? It will be panel mounted, not on a PCB. Normal solder lugs would be fine.

 

[ruffrecords]

Grayhill 71 series is the obvious choice for excellent quality at a reasonable price. ELMA if you want unbelievable quality at an astronomic price.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Ricardus]

I stumbled onto Grayhill 71 series, but the question is, shorting or non-shorting?

 

[abbey road d enfer]

I stumbled onto Grayhill 71 series, but the question is, shorting or non-shorting?

In most cases (gain, level, boost/cut...) you want shorting. Non-shorting is principally for source selection.

 

[ruffrecords]

I stumbled onto Grayhill 71 series, but the question is, shorting or non-shorting?

In terms of availability, non shorting is readily available and shorting much less so.

I terms of what you need, it depends on the particular circuit topology. However, for gain switches where a lower resistance equals more gain, shorting contacts can give you an annoying increase in gain between steps. Non shorting will give you a less obtrusive decrease.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Rocinante]

Sometimes I see several positions empty in EQ's. I'm curious how this works?

 

[ruffrecords]

Sometimes I see several positions empty in EQ's. I'm curious how this works?

Some time it will be an off position, in others there is already a resistor or capacitor in circuit and the switch adds extra one in parallel if needed. Where there is an empty position, no addtiional R or C is required.

Cheers

Ian

 

[dbelousov]

I used some Taiwan switches, they are not Grayhill, but quite decent, cheap, and available from our local suppliers, Grayhills are on-demand only. I can't say how long they will last, though. My works fine, but they are in mic pres, so they are not switched that often.

http://www.wellbuying.com.tw/product_13_EN.html RCL371 SERIES