[sdiy] spring reverb.......

[epeasant at telusplanet.net]

> Also, is there any other way of controlling decay time
> other from input amplitude? I imagine the
> springs have a maximum amount of decay due to it's
> phisics... but, it's possible to damp it
> electronically or some way? 

Actually, input amplitude has very little effect on decay 
time with spring reverbs, this is mostly determined by the 
length of the reverb spring. Damping the spring to reduce 
delay time would be possible, but difficult, as the springs 
are VERY mechanically sensitive. Routing some of the output 
signal back to the input can be used to create self-
oscillation, but this oscillation is dependant on the 
resonance of the spring and not really tunable (read: 
boring). Creating longer delays with feedback requires some 
type of compression to avoid overloading the 
spring/transducer system.

If you are looking for different delay lengths and unique 
sounds, you could try building some slinky reverbs. Check 
out: 
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/epeasant/projects/spring
s/springs.html and: 
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic/epeasant/projects/thermi
o/thermio.html for examples and ideas.

Take care,
Doug
______________________
The Electronic Peasant

www.electronicpeasant.com