The Bigfoot Engineering Trouble Booster XL is an analog dual boost pedal, described by its maker as "an incredibly flexible dual boost pedal with a plethora of modern and classic tones." It offers two distinct boost voices, Bright and Normal, in a single boost pedal1.
Two modes: Bright and Normal
The pedal has two settings, and they are aimed at different sounds1.
- Bright mode: inspired by the vintage Greg Fryer and Dallas Rangemaster treble boosters, and described by RockBoard's PedalPedia as "capturing the classic Vox AC30 Top Boost and Brian May (Queen) sounds"1.
- Normal mode: "a wealth of fatter overdriven tones inspired by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), packed full of rich harmonics," in Bigfoot's description1.
The treble booster connection
The Bright mode's lineage points to the Dallas Rangemaster, a booster guitar pedal that especially emphasizes the upper mid and treble frequencies2. EarthQuaker Devices has called it "the classic and much imitated one knob Rangemaster Treble Booster"3, and it is the circuit many builders reach for when designing a treble-voiced boost. The Trouble Booster XL's Bright mode also cites Greg Fryer's vintage boosters alongside the Rangemaster as its inspiration1.
The two modes are not two versions of the same circuit: Bright follows the treble booster tradition, while Normal is a fatter, overdrive-flavored boost. Players deciding between a treble boost and a fuller boost in one box get both here.
For related Bigfoot Engineering designs, see the Bigfoot Engineering Thunder Pup XL.
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Bigfoot Engineering
Questions
What is the difference between Bright and Normal mode on the Trouble Booster XL?
Bright mode is inspired by vintage Greg Fryer and Dallas Rangemaster treble boosters and, according to Bigfoot, captures the classic Vox AC30 Top Boost and Brian May (Queen) sounds. Normal mode provides fatter overdriven tones inspired by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, packed full of rich harmonics. In short, Bright leans toward cutting treble boost, Normal toward a fuller overdriven boost.
Is the Bigfoot Trouble Booster XL based on the Rangemaster?
Partly. The pedal's Bright mode is described by Bigfoot as inspired by the vintage Greg Fryer and Dallas Rangemaster treble boosters. The Dallas Rangemaster is a booster pedal that emphasizes the upper mid and treble frequencies, and it is the classic one-knob treble booster many makers have imitated. The Trouble Booster XL's Normal mode is a different voice, aimed at fatter overdriven tones.
What power does the Trouble Booster XL need?
The Trouble Booster XL runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug, the standard pedal power arrangement. It is an analog circuit and draws 5mA of current, so it sits lightly on any supply.
How much current does the Trouble Booster XL draw?
Bigfoot's product listing gives a current draw of 5mA at 9V DC, center negative. That is a light load, well within what a standard pedalboard power supply output provides.
Sources (3)
- Trouble Booster XL by Bigfoot Engineering, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster Analysis, GuitarPCB
- EQ and Boost, EarthQuaker Devices, 2022-08-29
