BugCrusher Batch Apr2008

New (really)Micro PCBs

This is the first test PCB for the new production version BugCrusherMicro, built and tested today. The Micro part of the name is apt - those three ICs are freaking tiny! My first time with SMD chips and, somewhat surprisingly, they're not actually too hard to work with (though you do need a damn steady hand!).

All the tests have worked out well, so production will be beginning imminently!

Building Bugs - the new BugCrusher08

Things have been busy behind the scenes in BugWorld - I've been trying to streamline my ways of producing devices. Last month I brought out the diminutive PostcardWeevil (which has gone down well!) - my first foray into Pro PCBs (from Futurlec) - and now comes the first box, a new and powerful version of the BugCrusher.

The use of ProPCBs opens up some new techniques and the theory is that I can make things much more replicatable, while also packing more features in. To be honest, there's still plenty of figuring to be done - both on what circuits to build and how to integrate everything efficiently- but things are heading in good ways. Don't be thinking, either, that using ProPCBs makes the building process all that much easier -- it still takes a freaking age to put the boxes together!!!

So, here are the first pictures of the new BugCruhser08 - inside and outside!
A batch of 8 will be released in the next few days via the BugMailList (you are on it, aren't you?!)
There'll be more info going up on the main BugBrand site shortly too.
Coming soon will be a new version of the (standard) Weevil and then on to some more BugCrusher9VoltStomps...


The box features are:
Input Preamp for mic or line level
Voltage Controlled Crusher circuit - with main Crush Control plus variable CV modulation
Mixer to blend Dry / Crushed signals plus switchable phase inversion on the Crushed signal
Voltage Controlled Resonant Filter with LoPass / BandPass - with main Cutoff Control plus variable CV modulation
Output with lo (guitar-amp) or hi (line) levels
Modulation input switchable between Expression Pedal or external Control Voltage (CV - from analogue synths (standard +/-5v levels))
Electronic Bypass Switch plus external Footswitch socket


And some shots of the building process:
There are four boards within - one main board and then external boards joined via IDC headers.
One for Input / Output sockets
Two for dials and switches

Announcing the BugCrusherMicro

Here's the proto of the new BugCrusher -- the Micro -- Super Simple, Super Effective!

• One knob adjustment of Rate - from fizzly highs to gurgling lows
• Zero gain/loss - your signal strength is the same going in as going out, so there's no need for level controls
• Ideal for low level or line level operation - use for guitar/bass or as a mixer send (also, the I/O is in phase, so you can easily mix the dry signal back in with the effected signal)
  
• Compact size - only 120 x 65 x 40mm (that's about the size of MXR pedals)
• Silent electronic true bypass with strong stomp switch
  
• 9v operation - internal battery or standard DC socket

Production is now imminent (plus - improved box decoration!) and a batch should be available next week (start of Dec) - join the BugBrand mailing list to hear the announcement!

Two new BugBrand devices

Two updated box-lines have just been released.

PostcardWeevil07 - adding in a further oscillator, a second ringmod stage and a mini-jack output... Tri-Osc Ring-Mod Porta-Synth!
Details and sounds on the main BugBrand site
Note - the initial batch of 8 sold out very quickly - I'm working to re-stock the shop later this week...

BabyBugCrusher9volt - desk & stomp versions
Building a batch of 15 is quite a mission! Most of these have been taken now..
Again, more details and sounds on the BugSite

New BabyBugCrusher 9vol

Announcing the new version BabyBugCrusher - now running off 9v power and with improved features.

The BugCrush circuitry has undergone a complete redesign over the last month. Out has gone the old synth-style bipolar supply (complex) to be replaced by simple 9v battery / DC plug power. And in the process I've added clean/dirty input boosting and a tone control that goes from mud to ripping.

This prototype is the new desktop version (though the final layout may change a little) and there will also be a stomp box version.

Production should begin mid August...
(but I can't say for sure!)

10 BabyBugs!

...ready to go off around the world.

...most of them have flown the nest already!

BabyBugCrusher on the Bug-website