Hudson Electronics releases Broadcast AP-II preamp pedal with Ariel Posen
December 15, 2023 · 2 sources
Hudson Electronics has released the Broadcast AP-II, a new version of its Ariel Posen signature preamp pedal, MusicRadar reported on December 15, 2023. The maker describes it as "a dual preamplifier pedal designed in conjunction with guitarist, Ariel Posen"1.
The pedal has two independent preamp circuits. The first pairs a silicon transistor with a transformer and, per Hudson, brings "the smooth, darker tone of the original Broadcast-AP." The second removes the transformer and uses a germanium transistor instead, which the maker says results in "a brighter, more aggressive tone"1. Each circuit has Drive and Level controls1. MusicRadar reports that each channel has its own footswitch to engage or bypass it, that the germanium channel sits on the left with red knobs and the silicon channel on the right with gray knobs, and that all connections are on the top of the pedal2.
A send/return loop sits between the two sections, letting other pedals go between the preamps or placing each preamp at a different point in the chain. With nothing plugged into the send or return jacks, the signal is routed internally from the silicon section to the germanium section; plugging into either jack breaks that connection1. Four internal trim potentiometers set the gain and low frequency content of each circuit1.
"Each circuit has a large gain range, and cascading one into the other provides further sonic options, from subtle boosts through to heavily-distorted sounds."
The pedal runs on a regulated 9VDC to 24VDC supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel plug; the supply is not included1. MusicRadar gives a maximum current draw of 50mA2. Hudson lists a weight of 450g and dimensions of 120x100x60mm including knobs and jacks1. MusicRadar reports that the pedal can be ordered now2.