Hailing from the UK, the Hudson Electronics Broadcast is something of a unique example of a preamp pedal. Where other preamp pedals may be designed to dial in on familiar boosts or overdrives, the Broadcast is designed to capture sounds of vintage broadcast and recording consoles
This particular Broadcast runs internally at 24 volts from a standard 9 volt power supply. The resulting tone from this model has more headroom and a tighter low-end than the original Broadcast – though the Broadcast’s unique tones come alive all the same.
The Broadcast’s setup and sounds do not follow a traditional preamp path, making it all the more exciting to play. Like other preamp pedals, the Broadcast keys into making your guitar and amplifier sound their best. Where the Broadcast differs is in its execution and operation. This lone-footswitch Broadcast features three gain modes, accessible via a three-way toggle switch. With three choices, this Broadcast is effortlessly compatible with a range of pickups, rigs, and instruments.
This unorthodox preamp formula is a one-of-a-kind mix of sounds ranging from clean boosts to chunky, organic fuzzes. The Broadcast has a tone all its own reminiscent of germanium-infused boosts and level-peaking recording console breakup. This specific sound spectrum may be slightly familiar to ’60s blues and rock fans, but it is ultimately a tone only such a unique design can produce. Single-coils and humbuckers both gain a considerable amount of character for crisp, boosted cleans and thick, bluesy breakups. Rolling between Low Cut and Gain Trim controls can create interactions and tonal nuances unlike any other pedal.
This model comes with enough power to give some extra loving kick and grit to the Broadcast formula. For fans of Hudson and the Broadcast, the sounds have never been sweeter.
Manufacturer’s note: THIS VERSION OF THE BROADCAST CONTAINS A VOLTAGE BOOSTER TO INCREASE THE VOLTAGE OF THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT FROM 9V UP TO 24V. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN THIS PEDAL AT POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGES HIGHER THAN 9.6VDC AS THIS MAY DAMAGE THE PEDAL AND VOID ITS WARRANTY!