Vox Brit Boost

This is a unique gain/distortion pedal, in the fact that it is designed to mimic the sound of a distortion pedal with a low or dying battery. In fact, it is so broad with its sounds that it can be used in a variety of contexts. It is a purely analog distortion pedal, one that uniquely adjusts the voltage and the signal bias to create a unique effect. This pedal is not capable being hooked up to a computer in anyway, nor is it rackable. There is simply the 1/4 inch connection.


UTILIZATION

There are only three knobs on this guy. One is for gain, which is normal. The other two are different than most pedals, they are named Bias and Volt. The manipulation of these sounds is usually only possible by opening the circuit board of the pedal. The Bias knob changes the signal flow up and down, which affects the sound in a way that is difficult to describe, but is very cool. The volt knob, as you probably can guess, adjusts the voltage which gives the sound a really gritty, really decayed sound. If these are the sounds you're looking for, you'll have no trouble using this guy.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of this pedal is great, but only for people with a real interest in these very particular sounds. I've managed to get some really grainy, decayed sounds that really rock but are totally murky and thick. A good example of a song that features similar tones would be "Everyone Choose Sides" by The Wrens, for anyone who may be familiar with them. Other sounds on the complete opposite end of the spectrum include a great 60's style light fuzz that can be achieved by increasing the voltage and lowering the bias. This tone is great for adding a little grit to an otherwise clean sound, a little bit dirtier than what can usually be done with a Fender Twin when you crank the pre-amp. Overall, the sounds possible with this pedal are very particular, but can be used effectively in the right context. Also, I've used it nicely with my Strat/Twin setup, but I've seen it used with Les Pauls and it arguably sounds even better, especially with a good tube amp.


OVERALL OPINION

I like the uniqueness of this pedal, it definitely will help add a rough lo-fi sound to whatever you're playing. For this reason, I would have to recommend it for studio use over playing live. It might not be powerful enough to rock a venue (at least it wasn't enough for me), but it's properties will give your records a raw, gritty feeling that is hard to find in some of the more popular pedals. I have tried many distortion pedals but none really compare to this, except for those that have been doctored for the same effect. I'd recommend it to creative and experimental guitar players who care more about overall texture than purity of tone.

Vox's Brit Boost pedal is both a treble and full range booster/overdrive pedal that is designed for use with electric guitar. Hence the name, this is supposed to emulate that vintage British sort of drive sound. The pedal has pretty standard characteristics in the fact that is requires power from a 9 volt power supply and has 1/4" connections for input and output. The pedal isn't rack mountable in any form.

UTILIZATION

There isn't anything strange about the make up of the Vox Brit Boost, making it extremely easy to use no matter what sort of level you're on when it comes to pedals. The main parameters that it has to work with are for volume, tone, and gain, which are ubiquitous parameters for drive and boosting pedals. The Brit Boost also has foot switches for engaging the effect and for choosing between using the pedal as either a treble booster or as a full range booster, the latter of which is essentially using the pedal as an overdrive pedal. A manual won't be necessary unless you're having some sort of technical issue.

SOUND QUALITY

What's not to like about the sound of the Vox Brit Boost? It really has it all as it is very flexible in what it can do. You can use the pedal subtly as a treble booster or use it has a full on overdrive pedal as well. I've used the pedal on a recording session where I was the engineer and not the player. The guitarist was using the pedal along with a few other effects, with a Gibson Les Paul Studio and the studio's standard '65 Fender Deluxe Reverb. He was using it as both a treble booster and an overdrive, but for the most part it was being used in full on drive mode. The pedal has true bypass, which is awesome especially in the studio as it won't kill any tone or give any unwanted buzz.

OVERALL OPINION

While this isn't the cheapest booster/drive pedal on the market, those interested need to keep in mind that you're getting a whole more with the Vox Brit Boost. It isn't your typical overdrive or treble booster, as it's got the ability to be both in one. I'd only recommend the pedal for experienced players who are willing to spend a bit more for high quality gear, but those who anti up the extra dough will sure be happy that they did in the long run...

Pedal with a light crunch to it.
is a technology "Cooltron", which apparently provides power to a lamp with very little electricity (and therefore battery for example)..

UTILIZATION

Simple to use: you plug, turn the 3 buttons as you like and that's it.

SOUND QUALITY

It is a sound I love. of course the sounds and colors that can not be discussed.
trying to describe is very English rock genre (it's called Brit Boost note ...)
it's a bit like a Who or Hendricks. one side is a bit retro. Go, I'll say Franz Ferdinand history to be a bit "trendy".

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 months on a daily basis.
I have a line 6 pod pro for 4 years and I confess to have a more analog refresh my ears well.
like all the effects that are or have been, sooner or later I will put in a corner for a few months after rediscovering.