1

0
n
F
1
0
M
100K
Q1
1
0
0
K
1
0
M
9.1v Z
2
.
7
K
1
0
u
F
4
.
7
K
4
7
u
F
Si
47pF
47uF
Q3
Q2
1
0
n
F
2
.
2
K
C
o
m
p

1
K
C
1
N
4
1
4
8
1N4148
2
2
K
1
0
0
K
V
o
l

1
0
k
A
4
.
7
u
F
1
M
1
K
10M
1
0
0
n
F
100nF
1
0
u
F
4
7

In
+9v
3
1
2
Out
1
2
High/Low
This cap really is +
side to ground!
Bearhug FET Compressor v. 1
Designed/hacked by Jon Patton.
Notes & mods: The hold cap is the reversed 4.7uF. This sets the overall compression and decay. The 22K + 100K in
parallel with the hold cap set the decay. Different values may be used, but these were the best sounding overall to me.
The High/Low switch is there for "more." A 100K instead of the 47K would provide a much more dramatic change.
Q1: BS170 (high gain Si will also work). Q2: Any high gain Si. Q3: 2N5457 (other symmetrical FETs may work).
The Bearhug is a (fairly) low-parts-count, quiet, tonally transparent compressor using only transistors.
It can do subtle peak limiting or squishy sustaining, with a decent amount of boost (~6-10db).
47-150pF
Any silicon diodes are fine. You can use Schottkys for super squishiness.
The best tone control for this circuit, if you want to add one, is Jack Orman's version 2 of Mark Hammer's SWTC.
Credits:
- The input stage is based on Jack Orman's Mosfet booster.
Please credit the above in any documentation showing this circuit. (And crediting me would be nice, too!)
- Peak-to-peak rectifier and idea to use a linearized FET as a variable gain resistor from the Rothwell Love Squeeze.
Thanks to PRR (Paul R.) and Mark Hammer on DIYStompboxes for helping me understand the rectifer.
R O Tyree for writing his "The Technology of a Compressor" post on DIYStomboxes. Major help!
Extra props:
(cc 2012) This circuit art is creative commons. Share alike.
Much thanks to Joshua McClarren (1776 Effects) for designing the PCB and etch layouts and help with the prototyping.
The 100pF cap is primarily to eliminate noise and can be adjusted to change the overall brightness.
Q1 should bias to ~5v. You can bias it a little lower or higher to adjust the overall ratio.
2.2-4.7K
2.2-4.7K
Changes: Removed 1K across comp pot, changed some values for better behavior.Last update 4/18/14
Comp limit
- optional