The Dickinson LoMo Boost is a one-knob boost pedal made in the UK by Dickinson Amplification, a maker Guitar.com describes as one of the UK's most respected boutique amp builders. It comes in two versions, one with a silicon transistor and one with a germanium transistor, and Guitar.com's reviewer Richard Purvis rated it 9 out of 10, writing: "If you're looking for a boost with an emphasis on well-rounded lower frequencies, you will not find better."1
The circuit: low input impedance from an upside-down PNP
What sets the LoMo Boost apart from most boosts is its topology. Guitar.com's review explains that it uses a PNP transistor in an "upside-down circuit" to create, as the reviewer put it, "the unconventional bit, low input impedance", along with medium output impedance.1
Designer Jon Dickinson says he designed the circuit back in the 1990s. It has been through a few evolutions since then, and Guitar.com calls the pedal as reviewed "finally, the definitive production model".1
Controls and hardware
The pedal keeps things simple: a single Level knob is the only control. The knob itself is custom milled from a billet of aluminum, and Guitar.com calls it the clear focus point of a serious-looking, all-metal compact enclosure. The logo is a tribute to the nearby Crystal Palace transmitter.1
Power: supply only, no battery
The LoMo Boost runs on a 9-volt mains supply only, with no battery option. Plan for a dedicated 9-volt supply on your board.
Silicon or germanium
The LoMo Boost is available with either a silicon or a germanium transistor, two tone-enhancing flavors of the same one-knob circuit.1
What reviewers said
Guitar.com's review by Richard Purvis, published on 8 April 2022, gave the pedal an overall rating of 9 out of 10 and the verdict quoted above, aimed at players after a boost that emphasises well-rounded lower frequencies.1
Questions
Does the Dickinson LoMo Boost run on a battery?
No. Guitar.com's review describes it as powered by a 9-volt mains supply only, with no battery option. Players who rely on battery power or a shared daisy chain will need to plan around a dedicated 9-volt supply for this pedal.
Is the Dickinson LoMo Boost true bypass?
Yes. The Guitar.com review lists the pedal as true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes straight through to the rest of the chain without the boost circuit in the way.
Where is the Dickinson LoMo Boost made?
The LoMo Boost is made in the UK by Dickinson Amplification, which Guitar.com describes as one of the UK's most respected boutique amp builders. The pedal's logo is a tribute to the nearby Crystal Palace transmitter.
What is the difference between the silicon and germanium LoMo Boost?
The pedal is available with either a silicon or a germanium transistor. Both are versions of the same one-knob boost circuit; the transistor type is the difference between the two flavours.
How many controls does the LoMo Boost have?
One. The LoMo Boost has a single Level knob, milled from a billet of aluminium, which Guitar.com calls the clear focus point of the pedal's serious-looking enclosure.
How big is the Dickinson LoMo Boost?
Guitar.com lists the dimensions as 120 x 65 x 55mm, a compact footprint that keeps it easy to fit on a pedalboard.
Sources (1)
- Dickinson LoMo Boost review: A one-knob boost that’ll warm up your sound, Guitar.com, 2022-04-08