The Broughton Audio Sonoran is a tube preamp pedal for bass and guitar, inspired by the preamp section of the classic 400+ tube amplifier. It runs a 12AX7 tube at high voltage, which Broughton Audio says gives it good clean headroom, a sound that can be clear and powerful but can also be pushed into sweet tube harmonic overdrive. It lists for US$335.00 as of 26 October 20261.
Signal path and tone stack
The Sonoran follows the 400+ topology. The signal begins with a tube gain stage, then the gain control feeds the tube's second gain stage, which drives the EQ section. The gain control lets you dial in the amount of tube saturation for your bass or guitar1.
After the EQ, the output signal is buffered. Broughton Audio says this isolates the EQ section from outside loading and provides a low impedance, low noise output stage1.
The tone stack is switchable. With all switches in the down position, you get the classic passive tone stack with a scoop at 500 Hz1.
Power requirements
The Sonoran needs more from a power supply than most pedals:
- 12V DC for maximum performance
- It can run on 9V, but gain and headroom will be decreased
- Do not use greater than 12V or less than 9V
- The supply must provide at least 300 mA and must be regulated
- 2.1mm barrel connector, center negative polarity1
A standard 9V daisy chain will not do here: the pedal wants a regulated 12V supply capable of at least 300 mA. Running it at 9V works, but Broughton Audio warns that gain and headroom will be decreased1.
Size and bypass
The pedal runs a 12AX7 tube at high voltage, yet Broughton Audio describes it as packing a ton of features and tone in a tight package1.
The Sonoran has a true bypass switch, so when it is off, it is out of the signal path1.
Where it sits in Broughton Audio's range
Broughton Audio builds several preamp and drive pedals alongside the Sonoran, including the Broughton Audio Archetype Tube Preamp, the Broughton Audio FlipTop, the Broughton Audio Gladius, the Broughton Audio Messenger Pro, the Broughton Audio P15, the Broughton Audio Super Stack DI and the Broughton Audio Super Watt. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals.
Videos
Bass Gear Demos by Dawghouse
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Sonoran true bypass?
Yes. Broughton Audio states that the Sonoran has a true bypass switch, so when the pedal is off, the signal passes through without the preamp circuit in the path.
What amp is the Broughton Audio Sonoran based on?
Broughton Audio says the Sonoran tube preamp is inspired by the preamp section of the classic 400+ tube amplifier. The signal path follows that topology: a tube gain stage, then the gain control feeding the tube's second gain stage, which drives the EQ section.
What size is the Broughton Audio Sonoran?
Broughton Audio lists the Sonoran's dimensions as 4.8 inches wide by 4 inches long, a compact footprint for a pedal that houses a full-size 12AX7 tube.
Does the Broughton Audio Sonoran work with bass and guitar?
Yes. Broughton Audio describes the gain control as letting you dial in the amount of tube saturation for your bass or guitar, and the pedal is presented as a preamp for both instruments.
Sources (1)
- Sonoran | Broughton Audio, Broughton Audio
