The Broverdrive is an overdrive pedal from J. Rockett Audio Designs, announced in May 2020. It is a three-knob stompbox built around what the maker calls an original overdrive circuit, not a derivative of the many Tube Screamer-style drives on the market1. Guitar.com described it as a versatile overdrive that ranges from dynamic crunch to saturated gain2, and Delicious Audio called it "incredibly versatile for a three-knob stompbox"1.
Controls
The Broverdrive keeps things simple: three knobs for level, tone and gain2, dressed up with tongue-in-cheek labels.
| Control | Label | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Level | LEVBRO | Sets the pedal's output level2 |
| Gain | BROGAIN | Sets the amount of overdrive2 |
| Tone | BROTONE | Shapes the overdriven tone; Delicious Audio notes this knob alone "can confer a variety of qualities to the overdriven sound affecting both high end and the character of the overdrive"1 |
The Brotone knob is the one that sets this pedal apart from a standard level-gain-tone layout. Because it affects both the high end and the character of the overdrive, it does more work than a simple treble cut, which is where the extra versatility in a three-knob format comes from1.
Build, switching and power
The pedal is housed in a stainless steel enclosure with true-bypass switching23. It also uses J. Rockett's replaceable speed switch system, so the footswitch itself can be swapped out if it wears23.
Power comes from a 9-volt, negative tip adapter socket3. There is no battery compartment3, so you will need a power supply or adapter on your board.
The Broverdrive takes no battery3. Plan a power supply spot for it on your pedalboard.
Is it a Tube Screamer clone?
No, according to the maker. When gearnews.com put the question directly, asking whether it was another Tube Screamer derivative, the answer was that "it could be a little of all of those but it isn't"3. Delicious Audio likewise describes it as an original overdrive circuit1. If you want to hear how it differs from the Ibanez classic, our Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison covers the circuit it is not based on, and our overdrive pedals page sets out the wider field.
Price and availability
Guitar.com reported the Broverdrive as available now, listing for $199, in May 20202. gearnews.com gave the same figure as the RRP in US dollars3.
What reviewers said
Coverage of the Broverdrive at launch was positive on the sound and wry about the name. gearnews.com's reviewer, writing about controls labeled LEVBRO, BROGAIN and BROTONE, observed that "the joke wears thin pretty quick," but found good tones in the official demo video, "with a 'musical' sound that should be pretty versatile"3. The maker's own description, quoted by gearnews.com, was blunter: "we have no clue how to describe it other than it is freakin killer"3. gearnews.com also framed it in the context of the crowded market, asking how many boutique overdrive pedals made in the USA the market can absorb3.
Where it sits in the J. Rockett range
J. Rockett Audio Designs builds a wide line of drives beyond the Broverdrive. The Archer Select and Archer cover Klon-style territory, the .45 Caliber Overdrive recreates a 1962 Marshall JTM 45 sound, and The Dude is the company's Dumble-style overdrive. For lower gain, there is the Blue Note Overdrive, and the El Hombre sits in the same general drive family. The Broverdrive is the company's take on a straightforward three-knob drive with its own circuit at the heart of that range12.
Videos
Shawn Tubbs
Kris Richards
Jon is just TOO LouD!!
News
Questions
Is the J. Rockett Broverdrive true bypass?
Yes. The pedal has true-bypass switching, so when it is off your guitar's signal passes straight through to the amp without going through the overdrive circuit. Guitar.com and gearnews.com both note the true-bypass switching, along with the stainless steel enclosure and the replaceable speed switch footswitch.
Does the Broverdrive take a battery?
No. gearnews.com notes there are no batteries in the Broverdrive. It runs from a 9-volt, negative tip adapter power socket, so you will need a standard pedal power supply or adapter rather than a battery inside the pedal.
Is the Broverdrive a Tube Screamer clone?
Not according to the maker. When gearnews.com asked whether it was another Tube Screamer derivative, the answer was that it could be a little of several things but it isn't. J. Rockett describes it as an original overdrive circuit rather than a derivative of the Ibanez classic.
Where is the Broverdrive made?
gearnews.com describes the Broverdrive as a boutique overdrive pedal made in the USA, from J. Rockett Audio Designs. The company builds a range of overdrives and related pedals, including the Archer series and the .45 Caliber.
What do LEVBRO, BROGAIN and BROTONE do?
The three knobs are level, tone and gain, labelled LEVBRO, BROGAIN and BROTONE. LEVBRO sets output level, BROGAIN sets the amount of overdrive, and BROTONE shapes the tone. Delicious Audio notes the Brotone knob alone can confer a variety of qualities to the overdriven sound, affecting both the high end and the character of the overdrive.
How much does the J. Rockett Broverdrive cost?
The Broverdrive listed for $199 when it was announced in May 2020. Guitar.com reported it as available at that price, and gearnews.com gave the same figure as the RRP in US dollars.
Sources (3)
- New Pedal: J. Rockett Audio Broverdrive Overdrive, Delicious Audio, 2020-05-08
- J Rockett Audio Designs announces the Broverdrive, Guitar.com, 2020-05-18
- J. Rockett Audio Designs Broverdrive: An annoying name for a musical overdrive pedal, gearnews.com, 2020-05-18
