The GUPtech CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive is a dual-channel preamp and overdrive pedal based on the old Broadcast console class A Germanium preamp. The maker describes it as a massive volume boost pedal with infinite headroom in its 27V mode, and it is built in a 1590BB enclosure, King of Tone sized, with dual footswitches1. It sits in the territory covered by preamp pedals and overdrive pedals.
The controls
The CocoCast keeps its front panel simple and puts finer adjustments inside the box1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Voltage toggle (front panel) | Left position activates the 27V boost; right position gives more crunch and less volume. The maker labels the toggle Left is More, right is less Headroom1 |
| Dual footswitches | One per channel; the pedal is dual channel with independent Level controls1 |
| Internal trimpots | Adjust the overall gain level of channel Low and channel High1 |
The Germanium transistor bias is also slightly adjustable from the inside to compensate for unusual environmental conditions, which matters with Germanium parts1.
GUPtech specifies 9VDC center negative only, and warns that anything else will blow some stuff. The 27V behavior comes from the pedal's own toggle, not from an external supply1.
Versions and colors
GUPtech updated the pedal's graphics in April 2025, describing the change as new graphics with the same boosting power, so the circuit carried over unchanged1. Current color options are Orange, Lavender and Gray1.
Who uses it
GUPtech's product page quotes player Zac Snyder on the CocoCast:
"I have never used a real Hudson Broadcast before, but I don't really feel the need after getting the CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive"
Videos
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Questions
Can you power the GUPtech CocoCast with 18V?
No. GUPtech specifies 9VDC center negative only, and warns that anything else will blow some stuff. The pedal's higher voltage behavior comes from its own internal voltage toggle: switching to the left activates a 27V boost mode, while the right position gives more crunch and less volume. Stick to a standard 9V center negative supply and use the toggle for the voltage change.
How much current does the CocoCast draw?
GUPtech lists power consumption at 12mA in High voltage mode and 3mA in low voltage mode. Either figure is light enough for almost any pedalboard supply, and the low draw in low voltage mode means the pedal is easy on a daisy chain as well.
What colors does the CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive come in?
GUPtech lists three color options for the CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive: Orange, Lavender and Gray. The pedal received new graphics in April 2025, which the maker describes as new graphics with the same boosting power, so the circuit was unchanged.
Who uses the GUPtech CocoCast?
GUPtech's product page quotes player Zac Snyder, who said he had never used a real Hudson Broadcast but did not feel the need after getting the CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive. That is the documented player connection for this pedal.
Sources (1)
- GUPtech CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive, guptech.ca, 2025-04
