Attenuator talk - Page 9

I use the TKD in my Millett Hybrid Max.  I didn't directly compare it with the Alps or any other pots...but I think my Max sounds as good as it possibly can, between the TKD and using Black Gate NX caps, Riken output resistors, etc.

I prefer a smooth volume control to steps, and the stepped attenuators are big enough that they can thwart the typical enclosure plans of many projects, like the Max, M3, PPA2, etc.  The TKD can still be made to work...makes it an obvious choice to me.

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but this does seem like the perfect place......

So I bought a TKD 2CP2511 50k pot for my Crack build, and I need a sanity check. Resistance across input (pin 1) to gnd (pin C) is a constant 43kohm regardless of pot rotation, which makes perfect sense. But the resistances across the input and gnd to the output (pin 2) while turning the pot are baking my noodle.

When moving from minimum volume up, pin 1 to pin 2 increases in resistance from 43kohm to a maximum of 59kohm at about 1/3 of the pot travel, then drops steadily to 10ohm. Pin 2 to pin C jumps very fast from 10ohm at minimum volume to about 3kohm in the first few degrees of rotation, then moves steadily up to 43kohm for the remainder of the rotation.

Clearly, these TKD's don't behave like normal pots, and there is a PDF on their website explaining that their rotary faders are 'ladder' circuits. Is this the full explanation for what I am seeing, or am I just going nuts?

Useful references: datasheet and an explanation of their ladder curve.

I bought one for my EHHA and noticed the same thing when I buzzed it out. So, either that is the expected behavior or we are both going nuts!

I guess either is possible at this point.