ChrisC
Critical Thinker
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
- Messages
- 466
I've finally tried alkaline vs carbon-zinc batteries in an effects box.
My quick and dirty test was as follows:
All batteries were brand new and had very close best before dates. Battery 'A' and Battery 'B' were selectable via a dpdt switch so I could switch them and listen for a difference. A friend wrapped the batteries in tape. My brother connected the pair to the A-B switch. A second switch allowed me to choose between A/B or X to decide which pair sounded alike. My brother picked one of two 'X' batteries, wrapped previously by friend, via a coin flip, and then connected it to the A/B-X switch. Everything except the switch faces and battery lead were enclosed in an opaque container. I was then given the container to attach to my germanium Fuzz Face built to according to a schematic drawn from the original PCB. I set the output volume to about 75% of max and switched between A and B at min, half, and max fuzz. Guitar was full volume and full tone. I noted my impression at each setting.
Min: 'A' maybe sounds a little brighter than 'B'
Half: Unsure
Max: 'A' seems a bit harsher/brighter than 'B'
I felt These differences were quite minor and it was entirely possible I was imagining them. I then listened to battery 'X' using min, half, and max fuzz. Switching between 'X' and A/B, I was actually fairly confident that 'X' was the same as battery 'A'. 'X' seemed brighter than 'B', more so than before but still a relatively minor change. I noted my thoughts.
After completing the test to my satisfaction, I opened the container to record my results.
Battery 'A' was a Duracell 'Coppertop' battery.
Battery 'B' was a dollar store carbon-zinc 'extra heavy duty' battery.
Battery 'X' was a Duracell 'Coppertop' battery.
Although I think I heard a slight difference, it was minor enough that I wouldn't care what batteries I was using and feel I would not hear a difference in a band setting. It's important to note that these are only my ears with a single specimen of a single effects box and a single test. It's entirely possible that someone else could have a much different result than I did. I also had a 50/50 chance of guessing X correctly at random. I'm happy enough with the results that I don't feel further testing is necessary, at least for myself with this box.
Please feel free to critique my test. I realize it's not ideal, but if it's deemed so poor as to be useless I'm willing to try another one with a better design.
My quick and dirty test was as follows:
All batteries were brand new and had very close best before dates. Battery 'A' and Battery 'B' were selectable via a dpdt switch so I could switch them and listen for a difference. A friend wrapped the batteries in tape. My brother connected the pair to the A-B switch. A second switch allowed me to choose between A/B or X to decide which pair sounded alike. My brother picked one of two 'X' batteries, wrapped previously by friend, via a coin flip, and then connected it to the A/B-X switch. Everything except the switch faces and battery lead were enclosed in an opaque container. I was then given the container to attach to my germanium Fuzz Face built to according to a schematic drawn from the original PCB. I set the output volume to about 75% of max and switched between A and B at min, half, and max fuzz. Guitar was full volume and full tone. I noted my impression at each setting.
Min: 'A' maybe sounds a little brighter than 'B'
Half: Unsure
Max: 'A' seems a bit harsher/brighter than 'B'
I felt These differences were quite minor and it was entirely possible I was imagining them. I then listened to battery 'X' using min, half, and max fuzz. Switching between 'X' and A/B, I was actually fairly confident that 'X' was the same as battery 'A'. 'X' seemed brighter than 'B', more so than before but still a relatively minor change. I noted my thoughts.
After completing the test to my satisfaction, I opened the container to record my results.
Battery 'A' was a Duracell 'Coppertop' battery.
Battery 'B' was a dollar store carbon-zinc 'extra heavy duty' battery.
Battery 'X' was a Duracell 'Coppertop' battery.
Although I think I heard a slight difference, it was minor enough that I wouldn't care what batteries I was using and feel I would not hear a difference in a band setting. It's important to note that these are only my ears with a single specimen of a single effects box and a single test. It's entirely possible that someone else could have a much different result than I did. I also had a 50/50 chance of guessing X correctly at random. I'm happy enough with the results that I don't feel further testing is necessary, at least for myself with this box.
Please feel free to critique my test. I realize it's not ideal, but if it's deemed so poor as to be useless I'm willing to try another one with a better design.
