The Broughton Audio SV-Boost is a boost pedal built from cascading JFETs, which the maker says give "a touch sensitive response similar to the harmonically rich 70s SVT tube gain section." In other words, it is a clean-to-warm boost voiced after the gain stage of the classic Ampeg SVT bass amp, and it is the gain section of Broughton's SV-Pre packaged on its own.1
Broughton Audio states plainly: "This design is archived and is not in current production." The pedal is listed as Out of Stock, so it is no longer something you can order new from the maker.1
What it does to your sound
The SV-Boost is a JFET boost, a design that uses junction field-effect transistors rather than op-amps or tubes for its gain. Broughton Audio describes the cascading JFETs as giving a touch sensitive response, meaning how hard you play changes how the pedal responds, in the way a tube gain stage does. The reference point is the 1970s SVT, an amp players know for a harmonically rich gain section.1
"a touch sensitive response similar to the harmonically rich 70s SVT tube gain section"
At very high levels of boost, the maker notes that higher input signals will cause compression. That means hot signals pushed through a big boost setting will lean into a compressed, saturated character rather than staying perfectly clean.1
Gain range and controls
The boost control's taper has been reconfigured so the minimum setting is approximately unity gain, meaning the pedal at its lowest leaves your level unchanged. From there it goes up to a maximum of between 30 and 40 dB, with the exact amount depending on the supply voltage and the strength of the input signal. That is a wide range for a boost, enough to push an amp's front end hard or lift a quiet part well above a mix.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Boost | Sets the amount of gain, from approximately unity at minimum up to 30 to 40 dB at maximum, depending on supply voltage and input signal strength1 |
| Footswitch | True bypass switching, removing the pedal from the signal path when off1 |
Power and connections
The SV-Boost runs on DC only, with no battery option described. It accepts 9 to 24 volts through a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity, and its current draw is approximately 10 mA, low enough for any supply output on a pedalboard. Running a higher supply voltage sits within the pedal's design, and the maker ties the maximum boost amount to supply voltage and input signal strength.1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 9 to 24 volts DC, center negative, standard Boss style connector1 |
| Current draw | Approximately 10 mA1 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 1.6"1 |
| List price | US$125.00 (as of 2026-10-26)1 |
Warranty and returns
Broughton Audio covers its products for one year to the original owner. For returns, the maker's policy is1:
- 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 product is received in new condition1
Where it sits among Broughton's boosts
The SV-Boost is one of several boost and gain designs Broughton Audio has offered. Others in the maker's range include the Studio Boost Mini, the Archetype Boost, the Super Stack, the Silver Deluxe, the Solarian and the Valve Champ. The SV-Boost's distinguishing idea is that it isolates the gain section of the SV-Pre into a compact boost pedal.1
For more on this pedal type, see Boost Pedals.
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio SV-Boost still made?
No. Broughton Audio lists the SV-Boost as an archived design that is not in current production, and the pedal shows as out of stock on the maker's product page. It was priced at US$125.00 when last listed.
Can the Broughton SV-Boost run on a battery?
The maker's product page only describes DC supply operation and gives no battery option. Power comes from a standard Boss style connector with center negative polarity, accepting 9 to 24 volts at approximately 10 mA.
What power supply does the Broughton SV-Boost need?
A standard Boss style DC connector, center negative polarity, at 9 to 24 volts. Current draw is approximately 10 mA, so almost any pedalboard supply can run it.
Is the Broughton SV-Boost true bypass?
Yes. Broughton Audio states the SV-Boost has a true bypass switch, so the pedal takes itself fully out of the signal path when off.
How much gain does the SV-Boost have?
The minimum setting is approximately unity gain, and the maximum is between 30 and 40 dB depending on the supply voltage and the strength of the input signal. Higher input signals cause compression at very high levels of boost.
What is the Broughton SV-Pre?
The SV-Pre is a Broughton Audio preamp pedal, and the SV-Boost is its gain section on its own. Broughton Audio describes the SV-Boost as the gain section of the SV-Pre.
Sources (1)
- SV-Boost, Broughton Audio
