The depth view of Boost pedals in my own words.
I still remember that more than 20 years ago, many guitarists would put more overdrive pedals in the pedalboard to boost the main drive sound. More than ten years ago, everyone's definition of Boost has become more clear, so there are more and more brands specializing in the development of Boost effects. As for so many types of Boost on the market, which one is right for you?
Today I will analyze Boost from a deeper perspective based on the circuit principle, which may be helpful for you who are thinking about how to choose Boost!
Before that, I would like to recommend you to read an article:
Okay, then let's cut into the topic I want to talk about today.
According to the circuit principle, we initially divided the following Boost lines:
1. Non-inverting OP-Amp
2. Inverting OP-Amp
3. MOS-FET
4. JFET
5. SRPP / Mu-amp FET
6. BJT
*Here I quote the video content of Brian Wampler | Boost Pedals
Non-inverting OP-Amp
The most classic representative of OP-Amp type is the MXR Micro Amp, an extremely simple circuit with flat frequency response.
The overall frequency response is very flat, basically a faithful amplification without any rendering. As for whether it sounds good or not, then the judges should obey your ears to judge.
Inverting OP-Amp
For the Inverting OP-Amp type, the most classic representative is the RC Booster. Without EQ modification, the original circuit appears as the low frequency is slightly attenuated (this part may not be heard because of the lower than 80Hz in the guitar performance), and the intermediate frequency is slightly elevated.
MOS-FET
The MOS-FET type Boost classic representative is Z VEX's SUPER HARD ON, and the obvious feature is that there will be a lot of noise when rotating the potentiometer. (Crakie Okay)
From the frequency response analysis, the overall frequency response curve is also quite flat.
JFET
This category of Boost is often referred to as Preamp Pedals, perhaps because the microphone preamp usually uses JFET for amplification. The classic model in this category is the EP Boost.
When the JFET boost meets a powerful pickup or the pickup is too close to the strings, it will sound crappy.
SRPP / Mu-amp FET
From the frequency response, SRPP JFET boost is designed with obvious Low Cut.
BJT
The most classic of BJT type is the early Rangemaster, which is the Top Boost type most often said. This kind of Boost is the easiest to squeeze full Gain.
Let's feel the classic tone of early Brian May ~
From the frequency response, it is indeed Top Boost. Basically, the mid and low frequencies are cut wildly!
In fact, there is a special Boost method later, which is to use two FET single tubes to amplify the cascaded Boost. I personally like this type of Boost, but this is not the focus of our discussion today. I will find another opportunity to introduce this type of Boost in the future.
NUX Boost Core Deluxe
Based on the above, I believe everyone has a deeper understanding of Boost, but I also believe that many viewers have been dizzy. So next let's talk about the straight article with some goods.
NUX Boost Core Deluxe integrates two circuit forms of RC Booster and AC Booster, and adds a circuit similar to Treble Boost before these two Boost circuits, which can be amplified at full frequency when switched to Spark mode through a 3-way toggle switch in case of overdrive, increase the brightness of the sound.
The Clean mode (RC Boost) retains a very transparent Boost signal, just like the original RC, which is very suitable for pushing the first-stage tube of the vacuum tube amplifier. Use high and low bass EQ to tweak the sound of the tube amplifier.
Note: Maximum amplification 20dB
The Dirt mode (AC Boost) will increase more gains (asymmetric diodes cutoff to produce overdrive sound similar to vacuum tube amplifiers), but at this time due to RC filter to remove some excessive high frequency Harsh. Two high- and low-frequency EQ controls of the Baxdall type further shape the enhanced overdrive sound of various frequency bands.
Note: Maximum amplification 35dB
In the Spark mode, a high-pass filter is used to simulate the frequency response of Top Boost, and through the AC circuit, the classic tone of Top Boost is obtained, which is a very prominent guitar tone.
Note: Maximum amplification 35dB
Let's check the demo of boosting the distortion pedal in Clean (RC) mode!
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