The Broughton Audio Messenger Pro is, in the maker's words, "a studio grade professional preamp for electronic instruments," built in a pedal format intended for live and studio use by the gigging musician1. It sits in the preamp pedal category: it takes an instrument or line-level source, conditions it with a variable input impedance stage, up to +20 dB of gain, and a switchable filter, and hands a low-impedance signal to the rest of the rig.
Controls and signal path
The pedal's signal path starts at the input stage, where the impedance control shapes how the source meets the circuit. Following it is what Broughton Audio describes as "an ultra low noise, high headroom gain stage"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | Continuously variable from 100k to 10M ohms; matches the pedal to the source1 |
| Gain | Ranges from 0 dB (unity gain) up to +20 dB1 |
| Filter mode switch | Switches the filter section between HPF mode and notch mode1 |
| Boost footswitch | Activates the boost1 |
The input impedance control is the heart of the pedal's flexibility, and Broughton Audio gives concrete starting points for different sources1:
- Keys, synths and other active signals: dial in a low input impedance1
- Guitar and bass pickups: the 1M range1
- Piezo pickups: 5M to 10M, to tune the proper amount of low response without going too far1
The filter section
The filter can be switched between HPF mode and notch mode1. In HPF mode, a high-pass filter rolls off the lows: "Use a HPF to dial out extraneous low frequencies for clear, punchy tone without the mud"1. For players running keyboards, synths or other full-range sources into a guitar-oriented rig or a live mix, that kind of low cut is often the difference between a sound that sits in the mix and one that fights the bass player. The notch mode gives an alternative filtering approach for problem frequencies.
Outputs and use in a rig
The 1/4" mono output is a low impedance source, which means it can drive other pedals, preamps, rack gear, or even a power amplifier directly1. That makes the Messenger Pro usable as a front-end for a whole signal chain, not just as one more pedal on a board. Players working with electronic instruments may also want to look at Broughton Audio's other preamp designs, such as the Archetype Tube Preamp or the Super Stack DI.
Power, size and price
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | No less than 9 volts, no greater than 18 volts, regulated DC1 |
| Current | Supply must be rated for at least 200 mA1 |
| Connector | 2.1 mm barrel, center-negative polarity1 |
| Dimensions | 4.8" wide x 4" long1 |
| List price | US$260.001 |
The supply must be rated for at least 200 mA1. Many daisy-chain outputs on pedalboard power supplies deliver less than that, so the Messenger Pro may need its own outlet on a shared supply or a dedicated adapter.
Warranty and returns
- Warranty: products are covered for one year to the original owner; warranty repairs go through sales@broughtonaudio.com1
- Shipping: all orders ship 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 the cost of shipping once the product is received in new condition1
Questions
What does the input impedance control do on the Messenger Pro?
The input impedance control is continuously variable from 100k to 10M ohms. Broughton Audio suggests dialing in a low input impedance for keys, synths and other active signals, setting guitar and bass pickups in the 1M range, and using 5M to 10M for piezo pickups to tune the proper amount of low response without going too far.
How much gain does the Broughton Audio Messenger Pro provide?
The gain ranges from 0 dB, which is unity gain, up to +20 dB. Behind the input stage is an ultra low noise, high headroom gain stage, so the pedal can add level to quiet sources or drive the rest of a rig without adding noise.
Can the Messenger Pro be used with a guitar or bass?
Yes. While it is designed as a preamp for electronic instruments, the maker's guidance covers guitar and bass pickups, which it says should be dialed in around the 1M input impedance range. Piezo pickups are also covered, at 5M to 10M.
What power supply does the Messenger Pro need?
It needs a regulated DC supply between 9 and 18 volts, rated for at least 200 mA, with a 2.1 mm barrel connector and center-negative polarity. A supply rated below 200 mA may not be sufficient, so check the rating on any shared pedalboard supply.
What is the warranty on the Messenger Pro?
Broughton Audio products are covered for one year to the original owner. Warranty repairs are handled by emailing sales@broughtonaudio.com. Orders ship via Canada Post, with the shipping cost shown at check-out.
What does the HPF mode do?
The filter section can be switched between HPF mode and notch mode. In HPF mode, a high-pass filter dials out extraneous low frequencies for a clear, punchy tone without the mud, which is useful for tightening up keyboards, synths or other full-range sources in a live mix.
Sources (1)
- Messenger Pro, Broughton Audio
