The Broughton Audio Filter FX Loop is a utility pedal for mixing any external effect with your clean signal while offering filtering on each path. It splits your signal into two parallel paths, Clean and Effect, which are summed together and sent to the output1. That parallel design is the point: instead of running a pedal in series and losing your low end, you keep a clean copy of the signal and blend it back in.
The Clean and Effect paths
Each path has its own set of controls, color coded so you can tell them apart at a glance1.
| Path | Controls | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | LPF and Level (white knobs) | On the clean signal before summing |
| Effect | HPF, LPF and Level (blue knobs), plus a phase switch | HPF before the effect; LPF, Level and Phase after it1 |
The high pass filter (HPF) on the Effect path sits before your external effect, cutting low end out of what you send into it. The low pass filter (LPF) and Level on that path come after the effect, shaping and blending what comes back. The Clean path's LPF and Level let you shape and balance the dry signal against it1.
Why filter an effect loop
Broughton Audio describes the reasoning this way: "Modulation can benefit from removing the low end, making them less blurry and boomy, while the clean low end can be mixed back in for a full spectrum signal"1. In practice, that means a chorus, phaser or flanger only processes the upper part of your tone while the untouched bass passes through the Clean path, keeping the low end clear.
The same idea applies to other effect types where low end buildup is a problem, such as delay or octave and pitch pedals. Broughton Audio makes standalone filtering pedals along similar lines, including the Always On High Pass Filter, the Low + High Pass Filter and the State Variable Filter1.
Power, size and practical details
The pedal accepts 9 to 24 volts DC through a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity, and draws approximately 20 mA. A supply is not included1. The wide voltage range and low draw mean it fits easily on any standard pedalboard supply.
The enclosure measures 4.77 inches long by 2.6 inches wide1, a compact footprint for a routing utility pedal.
Buying direct from Broughton Audio
A few practical points if you order from the maker:
- Price: US$180.001
- Shipping: Orders ship internationally via Canada Post, with the shipping cost shown at check out1
- Returns: Email sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product; the buyer pays return shipping, and a refund is issued minus shipping once the pedal arrives in new condition1
- Warranty: Products are covered for one year to the original owner, with warranty repairs handled by emailing sales@broughtonaudio.com1
Sources (1)
- Filter FX Loop, Broughton Audio
