The Broughton Audio Firebrand Fuzz is a fuzz pedal with a dual fuzz design: it lets you blend between a full range fuzz boost and a crushing octave wall of sound. Broughton Audio describes the Firebrand as its tribute to the classic Depth Charge, and recommends a 9V DC supply for the same tones as the original.1
Controls
The Firebrand has two main controls that shape how the two fuzz stages sit together1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Blend | Feeds the second stage more gain; as you turn it up, the octave fuzz comes in1 |
| Tone | Turned up gives sinister scooped tones; kept low for a full range fuzz1 |
The blend control is the heart of the pedal. At low settings you stay in full range fuzz boost territory; as the blend rises and the second stage gets more gain, the octave fuzz layer comes in on top.1
Sound
Broughton Audio describes the range of tones this way:
"It ranges from smooth and velvety to huge wall of sound tones. With earth shaking low end and cutting highs that punch through"
That description pairs with the two controls: the tone knob low keeps things full range, while turning it up moves toward scooped, aggressive sounds.1
Size, power and bypass
The pedal measures 4.77" long by 2.6" wide, a compact footprint for a pedalboard. Broughton Audio recommends a 9V DC supply for consistent results and for the same tones as the original Depth Charge. The footswitch is true bypass, so the fuzz circuit is out of the signal path when the pedal is off.1
The Firebrand Fuzz carries a list price of US$190.00.1
Where it sits in the Broughton range
The Firebrand is part of a wider line of fuzz and filter pedals from Broughton Audio, which also includes the Rumblefish, the Malfiore, the Dystopia and the Phase Locked Loop. Its octave fuzz character also places it near octave and pitch pedals in function, though it is at heart a fuzz design.1
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Firebrand Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. Broughton Audio states that the Firebrand Fuzz has a true bypass switch, so when the pedal is off your guitar signal passes through without going through the fuzz circuit.
What power supply does the Broughton Audio Firebrand Fuzz use?
Broughton Audio recommends a 9V DC supply. The maker says using 9V DC gives consistent results and the same tones as the original Depth Charge, the circuit the Firebrand is based on.
What is the Depth Charge fuzz the Firebrand is based on?
The Depth Charge is the classic fuzz circuit that Broughton Audio calls the Firebrand's inspiration. The maker describes the Firebrand as its tribute to the Depth Charge, and recommends 9V DC power for the same tones as the original.
How big is the Broughton Audio Firebrand Fuzz?
Broughton Audio lists the Firebrand Fuzz at 4.77 inches long by 2.6 inches wide, a footprint that fits a standard pedalboard without taking up much room.
What does the blend knob do on the Firebrand Fuzz?
The blend knob feeds the pedal's second stage more gain. As you turn it up, the octave fuzz comes in, moving you from a full range fuzz boost toward the crushing octave wall of sound the pedal is built around.
Sources (1)
- Firebrand Fuzz, Broughton Audio
