E-mu Emulator Sampler User Forum for the EIII EII EI and EIII XP

General Category => Emax II General Discussion => Topic started by: Gregory on July 29, 2016, 11:53:27 AM



Title: Do capacitors model/type affect the sound?
Post by: Gregory on July 29, 2016, 11:53:27 AM
There are 18 electrolytic capacitors on the Emax II Rack analog board. And after 20+ years, I assume their performance is compromised. So, I plan to re-cap them all, using the same capacitance/voltage replacements, of course. The currently installed capacitors are radial Nichicon VX series, now discontinued.

The question is, do the capacitors affect the actual sonic characteristics of the output signal? At least, in a case with Emax II analog board?

My concern is that the modern capacitors (different series, different characteristics) can make the sound different. And I would like to keep the "original" coloration of the sound.

Thank you!


Title: Re: Do capacitors model/type affect the sound?
Post by: dr.c on August 02, 2016, 03:22:52 AM
Where are these capacitors located, I mean, on the circuit (schematics) ?
Since no capacitor are the same compared to another, even from the same batch, you better be carefull because, dpending where they are located, it may effectively alter the sound, especially if they are connected to filters.
Anyway, don't mess around without knowing how to recalibrate your machine !


Title: Re: Do capacitors model/type affect the sound?
Post by: Gregory on August 04, 2016, 03:15:30 PM
Hi Dr.C! :)

I don't have a schematics, so I can't tell if those capacitors are in the audio chain or not.

The capacitors look (and work) ok - and I'm going to leave them alone, but it will be necessary to replace them some day, so I was interested to know.


Title: Re: Do capacitors model/type affect the sound?
Post by: Kaleid on January 10, 2018, 05:40:44 PM
I think you referred to this IC80 caps

If you do not find the same originals, look for the resistance code 330nf or nj (nanoFarads)
Change them as they stop working, not all of them at one time.