The Broughton Audio Solarian is a MOSFET dirty boost, a pedal that adds harmonics to the signal and then boosts it, sitting somewhere between a clean boost and an overdrive. It was listed at US$155.00 on the maker's product page. The design is archived and is not in current production, according to Broughton Audio1.
The controls
The Solarian keeps things simple: two knobs and one switch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Adds harmonics to the signal1 |
| Level | Boosts the signal1 |
| Brightness switch | Toggles between three set treble responses1 |
The Brightness switch is the pedal's tone shaping element, and each of its three positions does something different1:
- Left: treble is -5dB for frequencies 5 kHz and up, which Broughton Audio describes as useful for removing harsh frequencies, especially when using the Solarian for some overdrive1
- Middle: the treble has a flat frequency response1
- Right: treble is boosted at 2 kHz and above; the maker notes the boost is more effective at lower gain settings, useful for getting a bright, clear cutting tone1
Power and bypass
The Solarian requires a DC power supply, which is not included, so there is no battery option. It accepts 9 to 24 volts through a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity, and the current draw is approximately 5 mA1. That light draw means it will sit comfortably on any pedalboard power supply without worrying about daisy chain limits.
The Solarian is archived and not in current production, so any unit will be secondhand. Broughton Audio's current boost pedals include the SV-Boost, Studio Boost Mini, Archetype Boost, Super Stack, Silver Deluxe and Valve Champ.
When the pedal is off, a true bypass switch takes it out of the signal path1.
Buying, warranty and returns
Broughton Audio ships internationally via Canada Post, with the shipping cost shown at check-out. Products are covered for one year to the original owner, and for warranty repairs the company asks owners to email sales@broughtonaudio.com. To initiate a return, the buyer emails sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product, pays return shipping, and receives a refund minus the shipping cost once the pedal arrives in new condition1.
Videos
Shaggy45
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Solarian still in production?
No. Broughton Audio states on the Solarian's product page that the design is archived and is not in current production. The page remains up as a reference, and the company's other boost pedals, such as the SV-Boost and Studio Boost Mini, are the ones to look at if you want something currently available.
Does the Solarian run on a battery?
No. Broughton Audio says the Solarian requires a DC power supply, which is not included. It accepts 9 to 24 volts with a standard Boss style connector and center negative polarity, and the current draw is approximately 5 mA.
Is the Broughton Audio Solarian true bypass?
Yes. According to Broughton Audio's product page, the Solarian has a true bypass switch, so the pedal takes itself fully out of the signal path when it is off.
What does the Brightness switch do on the Solarian?
It toggles between three set treble responses. The left position cuts treble by 5 dB at 5 kHz and up, useful for removing harsh frequencies. The middle position is a flat frequency response. The right position boosts treble at 2 kHz and above, which Broughton Audio says is more effective at lower gain settings.
What is the warranty on the Broughton Audio Solarian?
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner. For warranty repairs, the company asks owners to email sales@broughtonaudio.com.
How much current does the Solarian draw?
Approximately 5 mA, according to Broughton Audio's product page. That is a very light load, so it presents no problem for even a modest pedalboard power supply.
Sources (1)
- Solarian, Broughton Audio
