The Broughton Audio Phase Locked Loop, usually shortened to PLL, is a fuzz/synth pedal with parallel Multiplier and Divider harmonies. Broughton Audio describes it as an all analog pedal that can "Create thick fuzz tones with complimentary harmonies, or let the PLL go wild with crazy glissandos and dive bombs."1 It sits in the same family as other Broughton Audio designs like the Rumblefish, Malfiore, Dystopia and Firebrand Fuzz.
What the PLL does to your sound
The pedal combines a fuzz voice with harmonies generated in parallel by a Multiplier and a Divider. At one end of its range that means thick fuzz tones with complimentary harmonies stacked under your playing; at the other, the phase locked loop circuit produces glissandos and dive bombs, the sliding, pitch-diving effects players associate with synth pedals.1
The circuit's name comes from real engineering history. Writing on EarthQuaker Devices' blog, Aaron Rogers explained the origin of the technique the pedal borrows2:
"in 1932, British researchers working to develop a more stable radio receiver discovered they could correct a drifting oscillator"
That automatic correction signal was adopted immediately for radio broadcast and television transmission stabilization, and the PLL pedal puts the same locking principle to musical use.2
Controls and specifications
The product page lists a Volume control, described as "a master volume control for the output of the pedal."1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Fuzz/synth pedal with parallel Multiplier and Divider harmonies |
| Analog or digital | All analog |
| Bypass | True bypass switch |
| Controls | Volume (master volume for the output of the pedal) |
| Power | 9V DC only, standard Boss style connector, center negative |
| Current draw | Approximately 8 mA |
| Dimensions | 4.77" long x 2.6" wide |
| List price | US$190.00 (as of 26 October 2026) |
Power requirements
The PLL runs on a 9V DC power supply only, and no supply is included with the pedal. Use a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity.1
With a draw of approximately 8 mA, the pedal is a light load on a pedalboard power supply.1
The enclosure
The enclosure carries a transparent finish, and Broughton Audio notes that "all of the imperfections of the enclosure will show through, including grain, scratches, and streaks. It is intentionally rugged looking."1
Warranty, returns and shipping
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner. Warranty repairs and returns both go through sales@broughtonaudio.com.1
For returns, the company's terms are:
- Email to initiate a return within 7 days of receiving the product
- The buyer pays return shipping
- A refund is issued minus the shipping cost once the product is received and verified in new condition1
Orders ship internationally via Canada Post, and the shipping cost appears at check-out.1
The original full-size version
The version described here is the original full-size PLL pedal. Broughton Audio's product page points players to a demo of it by Zachary Rizer.1
Videos
bnzboy
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Phase Locked Loop all analog?
Yes. Broughton Audio describes the Phase Locked Loop as an all analog pedal. The circuit takes its name from the phase locked loop, a concept that dates back to 1932 radio research, and uses it to generate parallel Multiplier and Divider harmonies alongside the fuzz voice.
Is the Broughton Audio Phase Locked Loop true bypass?
Yes. According to Broughton Audio's product page, the PLL has a true bypass switch, so when the pedal is off your signal passes through without the fuzz and synth circuitry in the way.
What power supply does the Broughton Audio Phase Locked Loop need?
The pedal requires a 9V DC power supply only, and the supply is not included. Broughton Audio specifies a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity, the same type used by most pedalboard power supplies.
How much current does the Broughton Audio Phase Locked Loop draw?
Broughton Audio lists the current draw as approximately 8 mA, which is a light load that nearly any 9V DC pedal power supply can handle.
What is the warranty on Broughton Audio pedals?
Broughton Audio products are covered for one year to the original owner. For warranty repairs, the company asks players to email sales@broughtonaudio.com, which is also the contact for returns.
Does Broughton Audio ship pedals outside Canada?
Yes. Broughton Audio ships internationally via Canada Post, and the shipping cost appears at check-out. Returns must be initiated by email within 7 days of receiving the product, with the buyer paying return shipping.
Sources (2)
- Phase Locked Loop, Broughton Audio
- Aaron’s Bass Hole: Decoding the Data Corrupter, EarthQuaker Devices, 2017-09-28
