Workshop: Passive Circuit Activities

In this workshop, we will put aside our power supplies and look closely at the unique characteristics of so-called "passive" electronic components. Transformers, capacitors, diodes, inductors, and others will be examined for their abilities to uniquely modify audio signals. As we establish basic approaches for passive mixing, filtering and clipping, we will surreptitiously introduce simple, albeit active, amplification to look at the great range of possibilities afforded by just a little gain. In conclusion, we'll take a look at Ralph Jones' "Star Networks at the Singing Point", written for arrays of electrical junk thrown in feedback configurations.