Baxandall tone stack Ampeg offers two small tube amps, the PF-50T and the PF-20T. These assumptions make it easier to design the James tone stack and calculate the required parts values. Joined Nov 23, 2020 Posts 4,459 Age 65 Location Finland. Feb 10, 2007 · Basically, the James (sometimes known as 'passive Baxandall') tone stack needs to be preceded by a low output impedance stage and followed by a high input impedance stage. 0 released in mid 2021 adds phase graphs for all stacks. Baxandall Peter J. For hi-fi use, it is traditional to set the bass turnround point at 100Hz, and the treble at 10kHz. Ive used it with pleasing. Regular guitar amp tone stacks have interactive controls, and when set halfway up, you get a bass roll-off with midrange scoop. James tone circuit = Baxandall tone circuit, without the feedback loop. It was used in many hi-fi amps spanning from the 50's through to today. Less insertion loss than a TMB stack, and you basically only control the bass and treble. boogey first with cascode, now SRPP stages, etc. zip". Typically the input impedance to the next stage is at least 1MΩ. J. Mine is the real deal, not the James! It uses negative feedback around both triodes: the first one uses cathode degeneration for an adjustable gain control, the second has the Bax tone stack wrapped round it. In the graph above, we can see where those points are, and the calculator in this part of the article calculates the FLB and FHB points and the necessary values of the There is a baxandall tone stack stage that i found on the internet. I've found this set up, while inefficient, gives extremely good results. The Baxandall does not generate the TMB "Fender Shimmer" effect. It ended up making one of the pots on the tone stack control volume of circuit. It thrives being 2nd in series , wide open in parallel, or pushing the cleaner right side into saturation. Both approaches are quite compicated. Jan 14, 2005 · Peter Baxandall put the James tone stack in a negative feedback loop to make it an active tone stack. Sep 5, 2021 · The disadvantages are the relatively high component count (compared to the Fender tone stack) and insertion loss. To say "passive Baxandall" is to slight the original inventor James. Aug 26, 2006 · The following is a usenet posting made by Mark Garvin in 1995 - it covers the operation of the Baxandall tone stack in some detail. Winner of “What’s That Dude Play? Pedal Of The Year 2011”! Classic overdrive paired with a powerful EQ section. You'll have to experiment with the values you like, of course. Guitar amp and pedal tonestack (tone stack) calculator web app. Note that you cannot have a tone stack inside an NFB loop, because the NFB would be forever in conflict with it. If at all possible, go with a new product. Mar 28, 2019 · The tone stacks in many of my amps are based on Fender's design. Give it a try Leevi Junior tube assistant Posts: 114 (3/7/04 5:42 am) Re: Baxandall tone stack Finally, we'll assume that the tone stack output drives an infinite input impedance. So, with one knob, you can adjust between those two. An FET stage either mosfet of JFET could be used for this. This side nails classic rock driven amp tones and becomes even more dynamic when combined with the right circuit. Let´s begin studying the bass control section (fig. Does it work like the hi and low pass thing? Are those interactive with the diode selection? The EAE page doesn't say anything else. The values used in the Baxandall tone Nov 13, 2006 · This is sometimes also called the “passive Baxandall” because of its superficial similarity to the later Baxandall design. In this active Baxandall bass and tone control circuit we need a 20 dB gain with the low frequency upper 3 dB corner at 30 Hz, and high frequency upper 3 dB corner at 10 kHz. There is still a gain loss, so they aren't actually active, but the controls work more like independent shelving controls. The Baxandall tone stack is classified as an active filter because it requires a gain element to function. partyhat. 14-Watt Guitar Amplifier with Baxandall Tone Stack Kit (#5887) $28. In this article we shall analyze the James network (also known as the passive Baxandall tone control), obtaining its design equations. Sep 9, 2020 · Peter Baxandall designed the Baxandall tone circuit or EQ in 1950, and they were then implemented into millions of audio systems around the world. Your schematic shows a 12AX7 without a cathode bypass cap preceding the tone stack. James' circuit around a single gain stage (originally EF86 based) and created an active T/B tone control with no insertion loss. Nov 2, 2020 · Baxandall was the first to publish about the novel idea of putting a tone control in a feedback loop. Inspired by TSC in the web and Duncan Amps TSC. * Baxandall is an ACTIVE tone control (not just a "stack"), works on feedback around a gain stage, uses linear potentiometers, is symmetrical, meaning exact same value caps and resistors on both sides or the pot, setting pots to 5 means both sides are exact same, at all frequencies Oct 24, 2005 · There are well maintained ones out there if you are patient but they cost somewhat more. 6k the treble control is lost. For 4 bands, you really need to be looking at an active circuit for exactly the reasons given. James in Wireless World (now Electronics World) in Febuary 1949, but apparently designed earlier in July 1935 by Michael Volkoff. . So, I just used what I could find. Examples include Trace Elliot V-types, various Ashdown tube amps, Mesa D180, 400, and 400+, Aguilar DB359, Sadowsky SA200, Marshall VBA 400, etc. The result of this is the need for a high to low impedance buffer amp circuit on the input and output side. Mr. ), as well as how the overall frequency profile is default calibrated at the mid-way / noon mark. How to implement Baxandall tone stack; How to implement Baxandall tone stack. Looking at the passive Baxandall tone stack, it has just two controls in it's classic form, bass and treble. Oct 3, 2020 · I used to build active Baxandall tone circuits with a gain of 10. Inside the first box is the equivalent of the mosfet booster wich i used to simulate it´s effect on the tone stack. Nov 13, 2006 · This is sometimes also called the “passive Baxandall” because of its superficial similarity to the later Baxandall design. The 'traditional' Baxandall tone control circuit used to be common for hi-fi, and a passive tone control 'stack' is most common for guitar and bass. Both have the James tone circuit. Simply click on the appropriate tab to bring up a different schematic. I'm finding I get more of a vowel tone in the overdrive with the bass and treble (JTS) set around 3 which accents the mids. The basis of this project is Jun 22, 2008 · Here is my implementation of the Baxandall tone stack. Jan 5, 2006 · From about the same era as the Brownface amps is the Fender Blonde Twin, which has a tone stack very similar to the Baxandall stack. 6/12/2012 Oct 2, 2024 · The Duncanamps site has calculators for Fender modern, Vox, Marshall, James (passive predecessor to Baxandall), Fender E series, Steve Bench, Hiwatt tone stack, and now the Big Muff tone stack used in FX units. Jun 19, 2022 · What Is Baxandall Tone Stack? A Baxandall tone stack is essentially a high/low shelf EQ. The new ones (AD Series) use what's called an FMV tone stack. Exactly which Tone Stack each builder chooses to deploy on each of their specific gain pedal/s - how complex and impactful (range, focus, taper etc. Invented by Peter Baxandall, the Baxandall tone stack is an active equaliser with controls that operate independently. The original Carolina Blues Special that I did used a tone stack idea from KOC's TUT book in a Soma18 schematic that he had. Feb 16, 2022 · Peter Baxandall's Tone control has been mentioned in another thread, so rather than go too far OT there, I've uploaded a zip of my simulations of two versions of it as "Baxandall in LTspice. This is a Baxandall circuit calculator for an active filter design connecting to an operational amplifier circuit shown above. 50. It's a deceptively simple design, equally versatile and forgiving. , first a passive tone stack, now an active tone stack as I suggested Oct 28, 2017 · +1 Agree with Teemuk. Specifically I've been studying the James Baxandall Tone Stack (for treble and bass control). And there are 7 new simulation models for Baxandall & James tone stack variations. This type of scooped tone stack has a few variations but is the most commonly used type of circuit on tube amps and solid state guitar amps. James described the tone stack in February, 1949 in a Wireless World article: Aug 12, 2020 · What is called a Bandaxall tone control is really a James tone control. However, those accustomed to Fender Treble/Middle/Bass controls might find it Aug 26, 2006 · Baxandall Tone Stack. The bass control, and also the combined whole circuit yield similar results. Haven't found too many other pedal schematics around (apart from the BB preamp, which uses the same tone stack as the FA-1) that have active Baxandall tone stacks. More info on the Baxandall circuit here Tone stack types: Fender modern, Vox, Marshall, James (passive predecessor to Baxandall), Fender E series, Steve Bench, Hiwatt tone stack, and now the Big Muff tone stack used in FX units. 14-Watt Guitar Amplifier with Big Muff Tone Stack Kit $28. Using the data Baxandall Tone Stack. URLs also include all part values for ease of recall and sharing. That makes the pickups very sensitive to loading so the tone stack will have a very, very high input impedance and hopefully low insertion loss. Baxandall Tone Stack. See full list on monster. Search for: Search. It consists of just a bass knob and a treble knob. Mar 7, 2005 · In the dirsty channel I use a fvm tone stack (based more on a Marshall, but modified a bit) to provide the basic tone, but in one of the following stages I placed a baxandall tone stack for more control. Tweak controls and component values and compare frequency responses in real time. Both have a centre frequency, where response remains almost constant, of 1kHz, and the maximum boost and cut are +-20dB and +-12dB. I've shown a few different tone control circuits in various projects, and they have also been covered in the article Equalisers, The Various Types And How They Work. I've done this before and liked how it worked out. Previous topic - Next topic. Published by E. However, after several Google searches there doesn't seem to be consistent schematics or examples of how to incorporate them into an existing circuit. For guitar work, it is more appropriate to halve the treble point due to the lower frequencies involved. we must make mention of P. Baxandall wrapped Mr. Once the circuit is finalized we can test the results under real circuit conditions. Nov 16, 2010 · A Baxandall tone stack is NOT repeat NOT a James tone stack. If i set Ri (the booster's output impedance) to zero the response curve is exactly what i wanted, but with Ri=2. Repost of article follows:-----TONE CIRCUITS, PART 3. The particular tone control he chose to use now bears his name, but it also functions passively, and any other "passive" tone control also functions in a feedback loop as an "active" control. You really need to breadboard these at this point. A 2nd option would be the use of a dual gang pot with a James/Baxandall type tone stack. The older Oranges (OR120's, OD120's OR80's, OD80's, GRO's, ORS's, OTR's) use what's called a Baxandall tone stack for their tone controls. E. This didn't work though. This required CCW log pots. 2L man Friend of Leo's. Also Carvin is using a modified version of Baxandall with a MID control. The schematics you use should all work if you just 'like the concept' of what your doing - that is, replacing the dr. Also included is an analysis of the James tone circuit in two parts. Baxandall published the tone control circuit bearing his name in the October 1952 issue of Wireless World. Unlike the Fender tone stack you can achieve a mid hump by setting the treble and bass controls low. This circuit is my modification of the standard Baxandall tone control circuit. It's been said that the James is incapable of a bad tone. In fact, the only difference really is with the treble pot. While the original Big Muff Pi has a scooped tone control, the Baxandall version features a Baxandall tone stack, which provides a different tonal flavor. The Baxandall tone stack is a classic circuit more commonly found in hi-fi designs. Jan 17, 2023 #3 ; 2. The James tone stack can simulate a mid-boost or a mid scooped tone. Nodal analysis is performed to yield a system of linear equations, which are then placed in matrix form and solved using Cramer’s rule. With the controls set to 5, the frequency response is basically flat. Is usually has a bass, midrange, and treble too. Jul 8, 2021 · Different Tone Stacks have endlessly fascinated me over the years. Feb 2, 2025 · @ John Lyons The tone section is like it is, because I copied it (with minor changes based on parts I have on hand) from a Boss FA-1. Even with the gain dimed, the Rook maintains astonishing note articulation and chord clarity, (think a highly tweakable Tube Scre@mer). Problem is, a tone stack needs to be driven by a low impedance source. Print. Although technically it is a James tone stack since it is passive, it is referred to as Baxandall for simplicity. Nodal Aug 13, 2015 · The equaliser section is the Bax Bangeetar’s standout feature, and it inspires the name. Lots of tone adjustment range compared to FMV stack. On a james/baxandall tone stack the controls act a little more like an active eq. Fender 6G8 tone stack. Dec 22, 2002 · Try just about any Ampeg amp to experience a James tone circuit. That stage will have a high OP impedance of about 270k. continuiation of the last thread. The James (or passive Baxandall) Treble/Bass tone stack allows more control with less quirks than the Fender/Marshall/Vox TMB tone stack. Dec 16, 2007 · A James tone stack gives an attenuation of 12dB @ 1kHz. The site is here: MOJO HAND FX Rook Overdrive with Baxandall Tone Stack & Clipping Toggle. -----I've received a couple more email queries about tone controls, so I figured it would be best to answer them here. Re: Baxandall tone stack----- The Ampeg Gemini 12 G12 uses it and it sounds pretty darn good. I've been interested in using a more complex tone stack in overdrives lately and have been satisfied with those that use Baxandall/James tone stacks. I'm currently using it with the high at 9 and low at 2 and sounds amazing! Thanks May 15, 2025 · I have been trying to simulate the treble part of the Baxandall tone control circuit from the following source within LTspice. It also features added flexibility through the use of a Baxandall tone stack and 3 clipping options. Baxandall had better public relations people and he won out, people call it a Baxandall tone circuit. The appeal of the James circuit is that when you set the Treble and Bass controls to half, everything is equally attenuated, giving flat response (we're so used to mid-scoop that this will sound midrangey). One old pedal with the James tone stack is called the flipster (Officially Licensed Circuits - Quality Kits For The The James Tonestack (or passive Baxandall) is a two-band tone network popular in Hi-Fi, as well as classic Ampeg and Orange amplifiers. 2), which has influence over the Version 3. I hadn't thought of cascading two two-band baxandall circuits, but that seems like a simple way to go, and you could do the whole thing with just one dual op-amp. So far I only tried one iteration where the Baxandall Tone stack is stuck in between the 10uF electrolytic cap and the 10K vol output pot. I built it years ago, but still use it. James Tone Stack - Create Your Own Design . I like this tone stack a lot and I'm impressed with how much tone shaping is available with two knobs. Nov 9, 2009 · Ubaid, hi again. Last edited: 2020-10-04 Circuit Analysis of Baxandall Tone Control Variation: Passive, single bass capacitor, single treble capacitor To nd the frequency response of the circuit, the ratio Vout V in needs to be determined. 5 of 9. In comparison, the more popular Fender tone stack is more interactive, changing the bass can affect the treble and vice versa. co Nov 16, 2010 · A Baxandall tone stack is NOT repeat NOT a James tone stack. Apr 25, 2003 · Baxandall tone stacks had info Back in the day . Especially for guitar use instead of hifi use. Oct 1, 2011 · What you guys call Baxandall is in fact a James T/B tone control. Dec 30, 2006 · I've done quite a bit of experimenting with my Carolina Overdrive Special using the James Tone Stack. The Baxandall Big Muff Pi is a modified version of the classic Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal. Baxandall´s proposal, in which the tone control was devised as a feedback amplifier (refs. Timbo, As I understand it, a true Baxandall tone stack somewhat is tube driven. Apr 5, 2019 · Yeah, the original Baxandall was an active tone stack, and the passive version as you would use in an amp is the James. I have an EAE Longsword and is the first time i've heard about this tone stack, it is called James/Baxandall (shelving filters). The EQ on a guitar/bass ("tone stack") is typically being fed directly by the pickups which have a very high output impedance. A Baxandall tone stack is capable of essentially a hump in the mid frequencies, allowing the frequency response to sound more pleasant in its tone than its competitors and predecessors. This works best when the op-amp package has FET inputs, as there is no current-compensating resistor between the non-inverting input and ground. But if you prefer the mid-dip for guitar, then the FMV tonestack fits the bill. * Baxandall is an ACTIVE tone control (not just a "stack"), works on feedback around a gain stage, uses linear potentiometers, is symmetrical, meaning exact same value caps and resistors on both sides or the pot, setting pots to 5 means both sides are exact same, at all frequencies Presumably the Baxandall-style stack in this thread provides for such relative tone changes, with less overall insertion loss. Below are the original technical papers. Disclosure: TMB tone controls on the Tubewonder are true Baxandall, while TB controls on the Zagray! are James. Dec 6, 2023 · Baxandall shelves have a very wide and gentle Q-factor which gives them two rather unique properties: first, the phase shift is greatly minimized and spread over a wider area than with conventional parametric shelves, and second, in their useable frequency ranges most of the affected audio frequencies fall under the rising – or falling – parts of the Baxandall EQ curve. This circuit uses 100K pots. 1 and 2). Started by jwblant, April 02, 2012, 01:15:31 AM. Fender controls vs hifi controls. wmili hht bpv uzbt mqjiq dmle opdlcx ftd mlup nmrtjm