The Broughton Audio Sunray is an original design tube overdrive pedal that works for bass or guitar. Instead of diodes or transistors doing the clipping, it uses a vintage 6AL5 tube, and Broughton Audio says it produces "a variety of authentic tube overdrive tones, from a thick boost, to a mid forward rock grind, to a full frequency heavy drive."1
The circuit is designed to respond like the front end of a tube amp: low output instruments produce light clipping, while hotter signals push the tube harder into distortion. The maker also describes it as sensitive to playing styles, giving more grunt the more you dig in.1
The Sunray needs a regulated supply capable of at least 250 mA at 9V DC, and Broughton Audio warns not to use a higher voltage than 9V. That current draw rules out many daisy chain supplies and battery power, so plan for a dedicated outlet on your board.1
How it sounds and how it is controlled
The Sunray's tone knob shapes the drive in an unusual way. At the minimum setting, the full frequency range is boosted, which the maker describes as a bassy, heavy crunch tone. As the knob is turned up, extreme lows and highs are gradually reduced for a more focused, clear sounding drive, an effect that becomes more pronounced as the gain is turned up.1
Because the pedal responds to input level and playing dynamics like a tube amp's front end, rolling back the guitar's volume or easing off the pick changes how hard the 6AL5 clips. Broughton Audio positions it as a pedal that works equally for bass or guitar.1
If you are comparing tube-style overdrives, the Sunray sits in a different family from diode-clipping designs such as those covered in Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, and Broughton Audio's own range includes other drives such as the Broughton Audio Evergreen Overdrive and Broughton Audio Quicksilver. For a wider look at the category, see Overdrive Pedals.
Warranty and returns
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, and tubes are guaranteed for 90 days. For warranty repairs, the maker asks you to email sales@broughtonaudio.com.1
For returns, the policy works like this:
- Email sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product.
- The buyer pays return shipping.
- A refund is issued minus the shipping cost once the pedal is received back in new condition.1
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Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Sunray true bypass?
Yes. Broughton Audio states that the Sunray has a true bypass switch, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the overdrive circuit in the path. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals in a row can each load down the signal, and it means the Sunray only colors your tone when it is switched on.
What kind of tube does the Broughton Sunray use?
The Sunray uses a vintage 6AL5 tube. Broughton Audio describes the pedal as an original design tube overdrive that behaves similarly to the front end of a tube amp: low output instruments produce light clipping, while hotter signals push the tube harder into distortion. The pedal works for bass or guitar.
How much current does the Broughton Sunray need?
Broughton Audio specifies a 9V DC supply with a 2.1mm barrel and center negative polarity. The supply must be regulated and must be capable of providing at least 250 mA. The maker also warns not to use a higher voltage than 9V, so check that any daisy chain or shared supply can deliver the current the tube needs.
Does the Broughton Sunray come with a warranty on the tube?
Yes, but for a shorter period than the pedal itself. Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, and tubes are guaranteed for 90 days. For warranty repairs, the maker asks you to email sales@broughtonaudio.com.
Can I return a Broughton Audio pedal?
Broughton Audio's return policy asks you to email sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product. The buyer pays return shipping, and a refund is issued minus the shipping cost once the pedal is received back in new condition.
Sources (1)
- Sunray | Broughton Audio, Broughton Audio
