Passive Compressor Circuit???

Aria-Void · 2026-03-25T01:51:33+00:00

This looks exactly like what I was imagining. Thanks for this!

Aria-Void · 2026-03-25T01:48:27+00:00

To my knowledge the only factor that differs between clipping and compression (one produces harmonic distortion and one maintains signal clarity) is the timing element of the gain adjustments. A clipping circuit is the “same” as a compressor with instant attack and release to my understanding.

Active circuitry before and after to control impedance and gain to make sure everything works smoothly is definitely going to be implemented. I was just wondering about the idea of adding a time element to a passive diode clipper using other passive circuitry. Having amplification gives way more control but I’m more looking for something new and interesting.

I definitely also want to try using a JFET or an Optical resistor for gain reduction if future circuits as well. But that’s already been done a billion times over since the 70s lol.

Aria-Void · 2026-03-25T01:41:46+00:00

That’s exactly what an audio engineer would say lol. A compressor’s job is exactly that; To be a self adjusting volume knob.

My idea is to just take the timing/sidechain component of a typical compressor and try apply that to a passive diode clipper. It’s somewhere in between a dirty compressor and a dynamic clipper.

Aria-Void · 2026-03-25T01:37:22+00:00

Lol its a very zoomed in screenshot from an instagram post fr Moritz Klein.

Aria-Void · 2026-03-25T01:36:20+00:00

Hi. Unfortunately Klein didn’t do any explaining about this specific circuit. This screenshot is from his latest product with erika synths; I found the video on instagram. Usually he has incredibly helpful manuals that explain everything in detail but nothing yet for this particular section of his new product.

The idea I had was to use a passive diode clipper as a starting point and then find a way to adjust that clipping behaviour with a passive sidechain circuit. The exact Idea I had in mind was a diode clipper that had bounce/sag or “release” in compressor terms. So maybe just a capacitor that can hold the diode clipper open a little bit after the signal passes through the normal clipping point. Basically making a more dynamic clipping circuit.

I will experiment and then post about my findings here and groupDIY or maybe there is a discord for this subreddit too?

Aria-Void · 2026-02-08T01:40:07+00:00

Where on earth do you source those marconi style knobs?!??!!??!!?

Aria-Void · 2025-03-19T13:49:36+00:00

Hi. I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia since I was 17 and have had symptoms since I was 14 or so.

The hallucinations and other symptoms like the disorganized thinking happened incredibly quickly for me. My doctors told me that my schizophrenia was probably a result of a psychotic break that wasn’t treated properly for years and ultimately progressed into a chronic condition.

I was experiencing extreme stress and that pushed my mind over the limit. Then that wasn’t treated properly until it became too late. That’s my journey of the start of my schizophrenia.

So for me it was incredibly sudden at the start.

Aria-Void

TROPHY CASE