3-Band Rat

We all love a Rat, right? If not, try one again - you're wrong. The Filter control is a bit limited in scope though. All that distort-y goodness deserves better, so we're treating it right with this one.

We've taken the standard (and, don't forget, excellent) Rat front end, dispensed with the simple Filter pot, and instead we're pumping that signal through a Marshall-style 3-band EQ. We've gone for the same values as the Krank™ Distortus Maximus™ because we like it. You can go nuts with your own values in the tone section if you like, but that's where this kit is at.

That 3-band action takes a toll on the signal level, so we've opted for a speaker-worryingly-awesome FET boost configuration on the output rather than the standard Rat's output buffer. It just works.

Add to that a second set of clipping diodes so you can toggle between two flavours. We'll supply 1N4148 (Classic) and red LEDs (Turbo) with the kits anyway, you just need to select the addiitonal toggle switch. Add a pair of germanium diodes to the mix if you want to go for the crunchy 'You Dirty' option.

Kit is supplied with OP07. Our stash of vintage LM308 is gone.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs. Pot spacing is 17.5mm so small knobs are a must.

If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.

Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components (depending on selected options), pots.

Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.

Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery. Knobs are not included.

Builds are only available with full kits including enclosure and vertical-mount pots. Please choose appropriate knobs.

Inspired by: Rat with 3-band EQ

Difficulty: Medium

PCB size: 50 x 45mm

Knobs required: 5

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)

Download the INSTRUCTION PDF