The Broughton Audio Archetype is an original tube preamp designed to cover everything from a clean and clear powerful bass tone to a full drive, according to the maker. It runs on one JJ 12AX7 tube for gain and tone shaping and one JJ 12AU7 tube for the mid control and for driving the output, and Broughton describes its topology as one that, when driven hard, produces soft, asymmetric compression and a warm, harmonic grind.1
Broughton Audio states that this design is archived and is not in current production. It is not a pedalboard pedal: at 10" wide, 8.75" deep, 2.5" tall and 6 pounds, it sits on a desk or rack shelf rather than a board.1
The controls
The Archetype's front panel combines gain, a three band EQ and two switches. Broughton's descriptions of each control1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain knob | Provides plenty of range for a variety of input signals1 |
| Bass and Treble | Shelving EQ, noon is a flat response1 |
| Middle | Inductor based Middle EQ, noon is a flat response1 |
| Depth switch | Controls the amount of low end in the drive section, three way switch1 |
| Boost switch | Increases the gain for more drive1 |
The inductor based Middle EQ is the standout design choice here: inductor EQ is a different approach from the op amp based tone stacks common in pedals, and Broughton specifies that noon on all three EQ controls is a flat response, so the Archetype can be set neutral and then shaped from there. The Depth switch gives three settings for how much low end feeds the drive section, which matters for bass players deciding how much the low notes break up.1
Outputs and connections
The Archetype is built to feed a power amp, a recording interface or a front of house desk directly1:
- Line out: a 1/4" mono jack that provides a line level signal1
- Balanced out: transformer isolated, includes ground lift1
- Input/Thru: dual input/thru jacks for an unaffected parallel out1
The transformer isolated balanced out with ground lift is the kind of output usually found on rack preamps and DI units rather than pedals, and it lets the Archetype go straight to a mixing desk without a separate DI. The dual input/thru jacks add an unaffected parallel out, so a second signal path can be fed with the clean input signal.1
Power, size and shipping
The Archetype measures 10" wide, 8.75" deep and 2.5" tall, and weighs 6 pounds.1
Broughton ships all orders via Canada Post with tracking and insurance, ships within three business days, and limits orders to one preamp per order, which should not be combined with other pedals.1
Warranty and returns
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, and tubes are guaranteed for 90 days. For warranty repairs, the maker asks owners to email sales@broughtonaudio.com.1
To initiate a return, buyers email sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product; the buyer pays return shipping, and a refund is issued minus the shipping cost when the product is received in new condition.1
Where it sits in Broughton's range
The Archetype was Broughton's tube preamp, and the maker's current preamp designs take other approaches. Broughton also makes or has made the FlipTop, the Super Stack DI, the Messenger Pro, the P15, the Sonoran, the Gladius and the Super Watt. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals.1
Videos
Bass Gear Demos by Dawghouse
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Archetype still in production?
No. Broughton Audio states on its product page that the Archetype design is archived and not in current production. Anyone looking for a similar Broughton preamp design would need to look at the maker's other preamps or the secondhand market.
What tube does the Broughton Archetype use?
The Archetype uses two JJ tubes. A JJ 12AX7 handles gain and tone shaping, and a JJ 12AU7 is used for the mid control and for driving the output. Broughton guarantees tubes for 90 days, while the rest of the product carries a one year warranty to the original owner.
Does the Archetype have a balanced output?
Yes. The Archetype has a balanced output that is transformer isolated and includes a ground lift, alongside a 1/4 inch mono line out that provides a line level signal. It also has dual input/thru jacks that give an unaffected parallel out.
How much did the Broughton Archetype cost?
Broughton Audio listed the Archetype at US$850.00 on its product page. The design is now archived, so that price reflects the listing as it stood when the product was still being offered.
What is the warranty on the Broughton Archetype?
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, and tubes are guaranteed for 90 days. For warranty repairs, the maker asks owners to email sales@broughtonaudio.com.
Sources (1)
- Archetype Tube Preamp, Broughton Audio
