Coming from UK builder Hudson Electronics, the Broadcast Preamp-Overdrive is a simple, three-knob preamp pedal based on the simple but sweet-sounding, Class-A germanium base technology behind broadcast consoles of the ’60s.
With four simple controls, three knobs for Low Cut, Gain Trim, and Level, and a toggle switch that changes the amount of gain, the Broadcast can deliver a wide variety of clean and overdriven tones, including borderline distortion at high gain settings.
This is a pedal with a fair amount of buzz, check out these videos of it.
There is also a two footswitch version of this pedal, with the second footswitch engaging a second, louder gain stage.
Hudson Electronics Broadcast, Builder’s Notes
The Broadcast is a transformer coupled, discrete Class-A germanium pre-amplifier based on the classic broadcast consoles of the 1960s. In the low-gain setting, the Broadcast can cover everything from sparkling clean boost through to transparent overdrive, all with a healthy dose of volume available to push your amp.
The Broadcast features a specially selected Triad steel-core transformer and a NOS germanium transistor. Advancing the gain on the Broadcast starts to saturate the transformer and the pedal’s discrete circuitry, giving rise to a gentle and dynamic compression coupled with subtle thickening of the midrange. With the gain switch in the high setting and the trim control wound up, the Broadcast starts to deliver heavier distorted sounds with a warm and fuzzy edge to them. The Broadcast covers a wide range of driven and distorted tones whilst remaining dynamic, responding well to pick attack and the subtle nuances of every player.
