The Broughton Audio Gladius is a JFET preamp for bass, based on the original active Wal bass type E preamp. Built around an ultra low noise U406 JFET, it boosts your signal with what the maker describes as a clear and powerful tone, and with its low noise gain on tap you can push the signal to the point of breakup without the hum that usually comes with it1.
The Gladius has a current draw of 4mA, uses a boss style 2.1mm barrel connector with center negative polarity, measures 4.77" long x 2.6" wide, and carries a list price of US$180.001.
Where it came from
The Gladius takes its circuit from the original active Wal bass type E preamp, a design associated with the Wal bass. Broughton Audio's change is practical: where the original used a pick attack switch, the Gladius gives that function a knob, so you can dial in the exact amount of EQ instead of choosing between fixed positions1. It sits among the maker's other preamp designs, such as the Broughton Audio Archetype Tube Preamp and the Broughton Audio Messenger Pro. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals.
Controls and sound
The heart of the pedal is the U406 JFET, which Broughton Audio describes as ultra low noise. The maker's description of what it does for a player1:
"Utilizing an ultra low noise U406 JFET, the Gladius boosts your signal with a clear and powerful tone."
"With all the low noise gain on tap, you can boost your signal to the point of breakup without all the hum."
The pick attack knob is the control the maker highlights: it replaces the original preamp's pick attack switch and lets you set the exact amount of EQ you want1.
Power and specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power supply | At least 9V, no greater than 24V1 |
| Connector | Boss style, 2.1mm barrel, center negative1 |
| Current draw | 4mA1 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Dimensions | 4.77" long x 2.6" wide1 |
| Price | US$180.001 |
The wide voltage range, from 9V up to 24V, means the Gladius can run from a standard pedalboard supply or a higher voltage input, and its 4mA draw is light on any supply1.
Warranty
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner1.
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Gladius true bypass?
Yes. Broughton Audio states that the Gladius has a true bypass switch, so when the pedal is off, your instrument's signal passes through without the preamp circuit loading it.
What voltage can the Gladius run on?
Broughton Audio specifies a power supply of at least 9V but no greater than 24V, using a Boss style 2.1mm barrel connector with center negative polarity. The pedal draws 4mA.
Does the Gladius run on a battery?
The maker's product page specifies an external power supply and does not list battery operation. The supply must be at least 9V and no greater than 24V, with a Boss style 2.1mm barrel, center negative connector.
What preamp is the Gladius based on?
The Gladius is a JFET preamp based on the original active Wal bass type E preamp. Broughton Audio replaced the original's pick attack switch with a knob, letting you dial in the exact amount of EQ.
What does the pick attack knob do?
On the original Wal preamp, pick attack was a switch. On the Gladius it is a knob, which Broughton Audio says lets you dial in the exact amount of EQ rather than choosing between fixed settings.
What is the warranty on the Broughton Audio Gladius?
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, which includes the Gladius.
Sources (1)
- Gladius | Broughton Audio, Broughton Audio
