Valve Driver
Based on the BoobTube circuit including an internal voltage multiplier.
Tube Overdrive
By PCB Guitar Mania
Project link
C14
1uf
1
POT4
POT5
C 15
C 17
1
7
8
V2
6
LED 5MM 9
4 5
LED-3MM
1
3
2
CT RL
C18
1uf C13 C16
C8
1 VOL 1 TONE 1 GAIN
OUT C12
IN
D7 D6 D5
C 11
1N4148 1N4148 1N4148
1N4148
C6 C5 D4 GRND
1n4001 1n4001
220uf
D2
D 10
D1 C 4 1N4148
C3
C 10
C9
C1 1N4148
1N4148
IC 1
D3 40106N 9V GND
D9
C7
C2
IC2
The Valvedriver is specially for those who wants to experiment for first time with tubes
without exposing themselves to voltages up to 400v. Although we encourage you to take
extra precautions, this project works at 70v aprox.
A very versatile project that will allow you to build from a clean tube amplifier to a middle
gain overdrive.
Designed to use on board potentiometers. Keep it tidy without using cables!
Versatile Project, allows you to build a clean tube version, as well as the overdrive
one.
Internal voltage multiplier
Pedalboard friendly, runs on 9v.
Page 1 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania
BOM
Variable parts
Part Super Clean Clean Overdrive Description
Resistors
R1 2K7 2K7 2K7
R3 820r Jumper Jumper
R4 1m 1m 1m
R5 200k 180k 220k
R6 Jumper 150k 190k
R7 100k 100k 100k
R8 LED 2K2 - 3K3 2K2 - 3K3 2K2 - 3K3
Capacitors
C1 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C2 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C3 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C4 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C5 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C6 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C7 1n 1n 1n
C8 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C9 220uf 220uf 220uf Electrolytic
C10 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C11 100n 22n 22n
C12 100n 22n 10n
C13 100n 47n 10n
C14 x 1uf 1uf Electrolytic
C15 x 150n x
C16 47n 47n 47n 80v-100v rated!
C17 x 150n x
C18 1uf x x Electrolytic
Pots
GAIN 50K B 100K B 100K B
VOL 100K A 100K A 100K A
TONE 100K B 100K B 100K B
POT4 trimpot 10K 10K 10K
POT5 trimpot 250K 10K 10K
Valve
V1 12Au7 12Au7 12AT7 -
12AX7
Page 2 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania
Common parts
IC
IC1 40106N
IC2 uA7806
Diodes
D1 1N4148
D2 1N4148
D3 1N4148
D4 1N4148
D5 1N4148
D6 1N4148
D7 1N4148
D9 1n4001
D10 1n4001
LED-3MM LED3MM
A tube protector like this one would be really useful not only to
avoid potential damages on the valves, also would make much
more easier the task of removing and changing the tubes.
Don’t forget to order a ceramic noval socket for your tube. The ones with the hole inside are
perfect to fit your led and illuminate the tube.
Page 3 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania
General Building notes
This project has basically to big different sections, the Power supply and the effect part.
Although this build is super versatile and allows you to play with many of the components
values on it it’s a must to respect and keep the power supply section as it is. Don’t forget
that the valve is working with more than 70v, take that in mind and take all the proper
security measures.
The rest of the project is super versatile, and feel free to experiment with different values of
the components till you make the one sounds the best for you.
Different tubes, different models or manufacturers could have a huge impact on your tone.
You could mount the uA7806 to the enclosure to reduse the heat, or use a proper heat sink.
Building order
To populate the PCB it’s recommended to follow this order.
1. Resistors & diodes
2. IC Sockets (set up the proper IC at last)
3. Capacitors, starting with the smaller ones and the ceramic ones.
4. Electrolytic capacitors (always check the polarity)
5. Transistors
6. Wires
7. Potentiometers
8. Off board wiring
Page 4 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania
Off Board Wiring
Drilling the enclosure
This Project has been designed to fit into a 125B enclosure type. However we found that
with some enclosures from different manufacturers this board might not fit properly. We
recommend to use a 125BB in stead.
Check the Attached “Drilling templates” to drill the box properly. The files are on Scale 1:1,
ready to print in a A4 page.
Page 5 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania
Schematic
IC2
7815S
LED-3MM
VI VO
GND
1n40011n4001
C9
C10
5 4
9
47n
220uf
R8
led
V2"
CTRL
GND
GRND
GND
9V
+9V
1N4148 1N4148 1N4148 1N4148 1N4148 1N4148 1N4148
C1
47n
C2
47n
C3
47n
C4
47n
C5
47n
C6
47n
C8
47n
IC1P 14
VDD
IC1A IC1B IC1C IC1D IC1E IC1F
1 2 3 4 5 6 9 8 11 10 13 12
VSS
40106N 40106N 40106N 40106N 40106N 40106N GND
7
GND
R1
2K7
C7
1n
150k
100k
R5
R6
GND
C14
1uf
47n
V2A V2B
1
C18
C12
1uf
22n 100K B 3
47n
GAIN
IN
2 2 7
100K A
3
C11 C16
VOL
R4
1 2
1m
OUT
47n
3
C13
1
GND
100r
R7
C15
150n
820r
3
POT5
R3
10K
100K B
3
TONE
GND
1 2
GND
3
POT4
GND 1
150n
C17
10K
2 GND
GND
1
GND GND GND
Page 6 of 6
Valve Driver
By PCB Guitar Mania