So I modified them in my version a bit, it made more sense, distortion pot value now matches gain pot value of Micro Amp. After all, Micro Amp is based on Distortion + design, just undistorted.Īfter some more investigation, turns out that there’s a slight uncertainty on pot values on the original schematic. Since I built MXR Micro Amp (or at least breadboarded it) before, I knew that Distortion pot should be reverse-log. Output pot is easy – so far it has always been audio taper to control level or volume or, in this case output (whatever the label).

The schematic did not have details of the pot’s tapers. I got the basic schematic from Electrosmash, here’s my version: MXR Distortion Plus Schematic (Click for full size image) And, I also have a chance to try out different mods, see if I like something better. This way I verify the basic design – schematics are sometimes wrong. I always do breadboarding for any effect I’m building. This is a very simple pedal, but also very easy to modify. There’s also a list of things to try-out. I’ll move on to put the effect on a breadboard and try it out. Here I cover the basic schematic for the circuit, cover some interesting details, there’s even SPICE simulation if you want to do some analysis yourself. Iconic, sounding great, yet simple, great for DIY effort 😆. A true icon, used by likes of Dave Murray, Randy Rhoads, Slash, Tom Morello and many many others. The devices feature high slew rates, low input bias and offset current, and low offset voltage temperature coefficient.MXR Distortion + pedal has been around since 70’s and featured in many 70’s and 80’s rock and metal recordings (and many more modern ones). The TL072 is a high speed J-FET input dual operational amplifiers incorporating well matched, high voltage J-FET and bipolar transistors in a monolithic integrated circuit.

Download tl072 pinout