NPD: Gots me a Deluxe Memory Man

[pickdropper]

its been asked before and was in the order of $40k IIRC

If you are lucky.  I looked into it a bit and those numbers are largely based on the fab process running smoothly.  If it doesn't, it can escalate fairly quickly.  I actually spoke to somewhat recently who was involved in BBD production on a fab level and it was apparently a bit fiddly.  He couldn't go into what issues they were having.

[culturejam]

Allegedly they're better and I *think* you can run them at 12v for a little more headroom.

They are definitely better (way less noise) in my opinion. Max voltage is 10V, according to the data sheet:
http://www.belling.com.cn/products/prod_pdf/bl3208-e.pdf

What you could do is set up a charge pump to give the audio path 18v, then run a 9V regulator to the BBD, but add a silicon diode between the ground terminal and ground to force the regulator to output 9.7V for a tiny little bit more headroom. 

I first started paying attention to the BLs after I got an EHX Memory Toy. They are very nice BBDs, all things considered.

Also, that's what chip is in the EchoCzar (even though the numbers are sanded off). That level of corksniffery ought to tell you something. 

[culturejam]

its been asked before and was in the order of $40k IIRC

If you are lucky.  I looked into it a bit and those numbers are largely based on the fab process running smoothly.  If it doesn't, it can escalate fairly quickly.  I actually spoke to somewhat recently who was involved in BBD production on a fab level and it was apparently a bit fiddly.  He couldn't go into what issues they were having.

I heard quotes more along the lines of $250k to fully resurrect the Panasonic MN3005 fab line. It's not an insurmountable price by any means, but it's one hell of a commitment for a pedal company to make. A consortium of many companies would be a more likely suitor, but that could get complicated.

[mattlee0037]

If I ever won the lottery I'd resurrect these chips for sure

[Ettore_M]

It would be just lovely if there was a project like that ( BL or hybrid)!
But I don't think I've ever seen BL ICs for sale somewhere. Maybe I haven't searched enough..

Hector

[culturejam]

Mammoth has the BL3208 for $3.50. At that price, you could buy double what you need and audition the chips to keep only the best sounding ones. 

[juansolo]

I friend of mine used to be in IC fabrication and I asked the question. Given the costs involved and the severely limited market, I think you can forget the MN3005 ever being resurrected. The numbers get very large, very quickly.

[jkokura]

I honestly think the MN3208 is probably a more realistic bet to see resurrected, but given that the BL3208 chip is being used now (which is basically an MN3208 I believe) I figure that it would be better to see more effort put into that chip than trying to resurrect the old Panasonic line.

There's so much mystique surrounding the MN3005, and the SAD and Reticon chips. They're great yeah, but I line up my Timeline next to my Dirtbag with MN3005's and in a band I can't tell the difference.

Jacob

[culturejam]

There's so much mystique surrounding the MN3005, and the SAD and Reticon chips. They're great yeah, but I line up my Timeline next to my Dirtbag with MN3005's and in a band I can't tell the difference.

Once you have a drummer in the mix, the bad acoustics of most venues, and any number of other detail-killing factors, you can't tell the difference between a Behringer and an Echoplex. 

[jkokura]

you can't tell the difference between a Behringer and an Echoplex. 

False...

I can tell that as a player. As an audience member I usually can't tell the brand, but I can say if it's a cheapo pedal or an actual tape delay.

But be that as it may, If I can't record with it and have it sound good, I wouldn't be using it live. Thing is, there are a number of devices out there that sound perfectly good for recording. I used to sneer at the Boss CH-1, their cheapo digital chorus, but I don't any longer. I realized that I can get a great recorded sound with one, and they're perfectly adequate for live use. Same with the MXR Carbon Copy - great sounding pedal that uses those BL3208s I believe.

Point being - I'd love the MN3005s to come back, but I think more realistic we should try and get someone to resurrect or replace the MN3205s for us. They're more accessible I think.

Jacob

[pickdropper]

you can't tell the difference between a Behringer and an Echoplex. 

False...

I can tell that as a player. As an audience member I usually can't tell the brand, but I can say if it's a cheapo pedal or an actual tape delay.

But be that as it may, If I can't record with it and have it sound good, I wouldn't be using it live. Thing is, there are a number of devices out there that sound perfectly good for recording. I used to sneer at the Boss CH-1, their cheapo digital chorus, but I don't any longer. I realized that I can get a great recorded sound with one, and they're perfectly adequate for live use. Same with the MXR Carbon Copy - great sounding pedal that uses those BL3208s I believe.

Point being - I'd love the MN3005s to come back, but I think more realistic we should try and get someone to resurrect or replace the MN3205s for us. They're more accessible I think.

Jacob

Stranger things have happened.  :-)

[slacker775]

Are their smd variants in plentiful supply?  I know that's sort of a 4-letter word for some folks but it would seem like a small price to pay.

[culturejam]

False...

I give up. 

[Govmnt_Lacky]

I see the BL3208s are in 2 different packages...

DIP-8 like a standard dual op amp type IC and....

DIP-16 (with only 4 legs) just like the ole' MN3005 and MN3008s

Is there a difference beyond the packaging?

[culturejam]

Is there a difference beyond the packaging?

The data sheet says no difference other than size and pin assignments.