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Higher voltage charge pump for more headroom on an EQ pedal?

Discussion in 'The Stomp Box' started by Obsessed, Jul 7, 2017.

  1. Jul 7, 2017 #1
    Obsessed

    Obsessed Telefied Silver Supporter

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    What the heck does that really mean? I've been looking at the VFE Rocket parametric EQ pedal, which boasts an "internal charge pump for higher headroom". I know what a higher headroom amp means, so I assume this is somehow related, but I don't have a clue. The VFE website does not explain it and the pedal is out of production. Can anyone shed a glimmer of light on the subject?
    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jul 7, 2017 #2
    bbob

    bbob NEW MEMBER!

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    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_pump

    Sorry, wish I could be more help on this.

    Bob
     
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  3. Jul 7, 2017 #3
    soulman969

    soulman969 Telefied Ad Free Member

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    WIKI; "Another way to explain the operation of a charge pump is to consider it as the combination of a DC to AC converter (the switches) followed by a voltage multiplier."

    Just taking a wild and totally uneducated guess I'm thinking it's purpose is to supply more than the typical 9v AC internally as opposed to running the pedal off a higher external AC voltage like 18v pedals. I'll let the engineers add their likely more correct thinking.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2017
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  4. Jul 7, 2017 #4
    Redvers

    Redvers Tele-Meister

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    Yeah it ups the voltage, I guess it needs more current than usual as a result. For an eq it probably means it handles gain pedals going into it better and puts out sharper transients.
     
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  5. Jul 7, 2017 #5
    Obsessed

    Obsessed Telefied Silver Supporter

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    Ah, now that makes sense. I'm always using EQ pedals before gain pedals, but I know that there are advantages for placing them after and this is what the headroom is probably for. Thank you very much.
     
  6. Jul 7, 2017 #6
    Obsessed

    Obsessed Telefied Silver Supporter

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    It seems that is what is implied by the product description. Other Parametric EQ pedals allow higher D.C. Inputs and my guess is for the same reason. Thanks soulman969.
     
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  7. Jul 9, 2017 #7
    VonRutter

    VonRutter NEW MEMBER!

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    The charge pump in the Rocket EQ basically doubled the internal voltage. This means plugging in 9V is doubled into 18V, or 15V is doubled into 30V. Since the EQ is mean to be squeaky clean, the extra voltage insures that louder signals stay clean. In fact, with a 15V power supply (converted up to 30V), you can use +4dB line level signals with the pedal.
     
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  8. Jul 9, 2017 #8
    Obsessed

    Obsessed Telefied Silver Supporter

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    Wow, thanks VonRutter (I guess you got my email;)). Welcome to TDPRI. You have built such great pedals that always have unique, well thought out and refreshing twists to them, but the Pinball and Standout are ccompletely unique additions to the pedal community. Thanks again for clearing up the Charge pump question.:)
     
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