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previous: chuck what are you guys using for capacitors? -- 5/18/2000 4:33 AM

What to use for capacitors?

5/18/2000 4:01 PM
R.G.	What to use for capacitors? Use 1. mylar/polyester for signal path wherever possible (defined as "the desired capacitance is available in a reasonable size in this type of cap"; 50V is plenty, 100V may actually be cheaper 2. aluminum electrolytic where the bigger capacitance requires it; usually 16V is OK unless you're running some odd high voltage thing. 3. other technologies are OK if they're available and you need a cap you can't get quickly in the two preferred types, or if you need special physical characteristics; example - you need 0.1uF but really small; this could easily be either tantalum or monolithic ceramic if for some reason you can't get 0.1uF mylar. These technologies may make the sound a little harsh or brittle - if you can hear 0.01% THD from the cap under 300% THD for the distortion pedal... See my write up on capcitors on Aron's web page for some more rules.

5/18/2000 4:01 PM

R.G.

What to use for capacitors?

Use
1. mylar/polyester for signal path wherever possible (defined as "the desired capacitance is available in a reasonable size in this type of cap"; 50V is plenty, 100V may actually be cheaper
2. aluminum electrolytic where the bigger capacitance requires it; usually 16V is OK unless you're running some odd high voltage thing.
3. other technologies are OK if they're available and you need a cap you can't get quickly in the two preferred types, or if you need special physical characteristics; example - you need 0.1uF but really small; this could easily be either tantalum or monolithic ceramic if for some reason you can't get 0.1uF mylar. These technologies may make the sound a little harsh or brittle - if you can hear 0.01% THD from the cap under 300% THD for the distortion pedal...

See my write up on capcitors on Aron's web page for some more rules.

Replies:

Ed Rembold I've become Extreemly fond of the C... -- 5/19/2000 12:17 AM