The Broughton Audio Super Stack DI is a tube preamp for musical instruments built around the passive tone stack found in vintage Fender amplifiers. Broughton Audio describes it as based on classic Fender amplifiers that include a three-band tone control, and as an exact recreation of that preamp section1. Unlike a pedal-sized unit, it is a mains-powered preamp box that offers both a line output and a transformer-coupled balanced XLR output, so it works as a preamp and a DI in one piece of gear1.
Broughton Audio sells the Super Stack DI only directly from its own product page, with no waitlists, preorders, or reservations, and a limit of one preamp per order12.
A Fender-style tube preamp and DI in one box
The Super Stack DI takes the preamp circuit of a classic Fender amplifier, the part of the amp where the instrument signal is gained up and shaped before the power stage, and puts it in a standalone box with DI outputs. Broughton Audio calls it an exact recreation of that preamp section, using the passive tone stack design that Fender players know from vintage amps1.
The audio path runs a tube gain stage into the tone stack, followed by a second tube gain stage that boosts the signal to line level. A high voltage MOSFET then drives both outputs1. The single tube is a new production JJ 12AX71.
The unit shares its upgraded features with the Broughton Audio P15, another Fender-style preamp in the range that uses a 6SL7 tube instead23. Where the P15 recreates a different preamp, the Super Stack DI focuses on the three-band tone control version of the circuit, and adds the balanced XLR output that makes it work as a DI.
The controls: Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble and ground lift
The tone controls are passive and interactive, the way a vintage Fender tone stack is, which means each knob changes how the others behave rather than cutting or boosting a band in isolation1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Controls the amount of signal transferred from the first gain stage to the second gain stage. It can reach line level, and pushing it higher produces tube overdrive1 |
| Bass | Boosts and cuts the bass band in a shelving manner1 |
| Middle | Affects the amount of scoop at 500 Hz, and also adjusts the boost/cut range of the Bass and Treble controls1 |
| Treble | Boosts and cuts the treble band in a shelving manner1 |
| Ground lift | Pressed in, it connects pin 1 of the XLR to the chassis; releasing the button disconnects pin 11 |
Because the Middle control changes the scoop at 500 Hz and the effective range of the other two tone knobs, the three controls work together the way they do on the amps the circuit comes from. The Volume control is the gain structure: low settings give a clean line-level signal, and higher settings push the 12AX7 into overdrive1.
The ground lift button is there for the XLR connection. If a grounded DI feed creates a hum loop between the preamp and the mixing desk, disconnecting pin 1 from the chassis breaks that loop1.
Power and connections: 115VAC for North America
The Super Stack DI is mains powered, not battery or pedalboard powered. When ordering, the buyer chooses either the 115VAC model for North American voltage or the 230VAC model for European voltage1. North American orders include a power cable1. The power transformer is selected for high voltage, DC heaters, low noise, and the choice of mains voltage1.
Phantom power should not be used on the Super Stack DI, but no damage will occur if it is connected1.
Connections on the unit:
- Input: Mono instrument level signals via a 1/4" jack. The input is muted when neither the input nor the Thru jack is used1
- Thru jack: Feeds another device such as a tuner or a bass amp1
- Line output: Unbalanced mono 1/4" jack1
- XLR output: Transformer-coupled and balanced1
Both outputs may be used simultaneously, so a player can send the balanced XLR to a mixing desk or interface while feeding an amp from the line output at the same time1. The jacks themselves are Neutrik2.
Buying, warranty and cases
The regular price is US$690.001. A B-stock unit was listed at US$670.00, described as having a small indent on one edge on the back, touched up with paint and only noticeable up close1.
Broughton Audio ships all orders via Canada Post, with international shipping available and shipments insured with tracking1. Returns are initiated by emailing sales@broughtonaudio.com within 7 days of receiving the product; the buyer pays return shipping, and a refund is issued minus shipping when the unit is received in new condition1.
The warranty covers the product for one year to the original owner, with tubes guaranteed for 90 days1.
For transport, Broughton Audio lists three cases that fit the Super Stack1:
- Gator GU-1309-06-WPDF
- Gator G-MIXERBAG-1306
- Apache 3800
The unit measures 6" wide, 10" long, and 6" tall, and weighs 5 pounds. Package dimensions are 14" x 8" x 8"1.
Videos
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Questions
Can I use phantom power with the Broughton Super Stack DI?
No. Broughton Audio states that phantom power should not be used on the Super Stack DI, but no damage will occur if it is connected. The unit is mains powered, running on a 115VAC model for North American voltage or a 230VAC model for European voltage, chosen when ordering.
What tube does the Broughton Super Stack DI use?
It uses one new production JJ 12AX7 tube. The audio path puts a tube gain stage before the tone stack and another tube gain stage after it to bring the signal up to line level, with a high voltage MOSFET driving both outputs.
What case fits the Broughton Super Stack DI?
Broughton Audio lists three cases that fit the Super Stack: the Gator GU-1309-06-WPDF, the Gator G-MIXERBAG-1306, and the Apache 3800. The unit itself measures 6 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 6 inches tall, and weighs 5 pounds.
What is the warranty on the Broughton Super Stack DI?
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner, with tubes guaranteed for 90 days. Warranty repairs and returns are handled by emailing sales@broughtonaudio.com. Returns must be initiated within 7 days of receiving the product, with the buyer paying return shipping.
Sources (3)
- Super Stack DI (B-stock), Broughton Audio
- Super Stack DI, Broughton Audio
- P15 Tube Preamp, Broughton Audio
