The Pete Cornish NBM-2 is a clean boost pedal from British builder Pete Cornish, originally designed as an integral part of each Pete Cornish Custom Pedalboard and Rack System. It packs four functions into one box: a line driver, a linear boost, an isolated tuner feed and a system mute1.
Pete Cornish describes the Linear Boost as allowing "a boost in volume, without any tonal alteration, to lift a player's solo above the background"1. In other words, it is a volume lift for solos, not a drive or tone-shaping pedal. Each unit is housed in a rugged die-cast box and hand built, wired and tested by Pete and Lynda Cornish1.
Four functions in one box
The NBM-2 combines four jobs a working pedalboard usually needs separate boxes for1:
- Line driver: with the BOOST footswitch off, the unit acts as a unity gain buffer amplifier with high signal level capability, able to drive long cables without tonal loss1.
- Linear boost: up to +27dB of clean volume lift for solos1.
- Isolated tuner feed: a dedicated output for a tuner1.
- System mute: shuts down the audio path for silent tuning or changes3.
A related version, the Pete Cornish NBM-2 Duplex, offers the same four functions. On the Duplex, the isolated tuner feed sends a unity gain mirror image of the guitar signal to the tuner and is permanently active, regardless of the Boost and Mute settings3.
Footswitch, indicator and tuner feed
The NBM-2 uses heavy duty all-metal footswitches with Hi-Brite LEDs1. The BOOST footswitch works differently from a typical pedal switch:
"The BOOST footswitch on this unit is not a bypass switch; when the indicator light is OFF the unit acts as a unity gain buffer amplifier"13
Pete Cornish product page2
So the unit is always in the signal path doing its line-driver job. With the indicator light off, you get unity gain buffering; with the light on, the pre-selected boost amount set on the Boost control appears at the output1. On the Duplex, the MUTE function may be activated at any time, whether or not the Boost is engaged, and totally shuts down the audio path to the main output3.
Power
The NBM-2 runs on a DC adaptor with an M2.1 connector, tip negative (-VE)1. The adapter's voltage should be fully stabilized at 9.6V and capable of supplying 20mA1. After the Dual Voltage upgrade, the unit accepts up to 18vDC maximum1.
For battery use, the preferred battery type is the MN1604 (the standard 9V rectangular battery), and battery replacement is easy thanks to a removable drawer1.
The adapter must be fully stabilized at 9.6V and tip negative. An unstabilized or wrong-polarity supply is outside the maker's specification.
Signal specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Gain range | 0dB to +27dB1 |
| Input impedance | 1 Mohm (with 9.6vDC supply)1 |
| Frequency response | +/- 1dB, 20Hz to 32 KHz1 |
| Maximum output | +10 dBm / 2.4 Vrms / 6.8v P/P with 9.6vDC supply1 |
| Output noise | -106 dBm (10Khz B/W)1 |
| Minimum output load | 2 Kohm1 |
The maker's pages also list a maximum output of +16 dBm / 5Vrms / 14v P/P with a 24vDC supply, a figure given for the Dual Voltage configuration3. The two output figures correspond to different supply voltages rather than contradicting each other.
Price and warranty
On Pete Cornish's UK price list dated 31 March 2026, the NBM-2 is listed at 338.11 GBP excluding VAT, or 405.73 GBP including VAT2. The maker's price list is UK-only and states prices in GBP; no US dollar price is published.
The warranty runs twelve months from date of purchase and covers repairs of any original manufacturing fault. It is non-transferable, and normal wear, misuse, unauthorized modifications and accidental damage are excepted, as is the customer's own equipment connected to the unit3.
Questions
Is the Pete Cornish NBM-2 a bypass switch?
No. The BOOST footswitch is not a bypass switch. When the indicator light is off, the unit acts as a unity gain buffer amplifier with high signal level capability that can drive long cables without tonal loss. When the light is on, the pre-selected boost is available at the output.
How much gain does the Pete Cornish NBM-2 provide?
The gain range is 0dB to +27dB. The Boost control sets the pre-selected amount of boost, and pressing the BOOST footswitch makes that amount available at the output. Pete Cornish describes it as a boost in volume without any tonal alteration.
What battery does the Pete Cornish NBM-2 use?
The preferred battery type is the MN1604, a standard 9V rectangular battery. Battery replacement is easy thanks to a removable drawer in the unit, so you do not need tools or disassembly to swap the battery.
Can the Pete Cornish NBM-2 run on a DC adapter?
Yes. It has a DC adaptor input with an M2.1 connector, tip negative. The adapter should be fully stabilized at 9.6V and capable of supplying 20mA. After the Dual Voltage upgrade the unit accepts up to 18vDC maximum.
Does the Pete Cornish NBM-2 change your tone?
According to Pete Cornish, the Linear Boost allows a boost in volume without any tonal alteration, to lift a player's solo above the background sound level. The frequency response is within plus or minus 1dB from 20Hz to 32 KHz.
What is the warranty on the Pete Cornish NBM-2?
Twelve months from date of purchase, covering repairs of any original manufacturing fault. The guarantee is non-transferable, and normal wear, misuse, unauthorized modifications and accidental damage are excepted, as is the customer's own equipment connected to the unit.
Sources (3)
- Pete Cornish NBM Duplex, Pete Cornish, 2014
- Battery Free Effects Pedals, petecornish.co.uk, 2026-03-31
- Pete Cornish NBM-2 Duplex, Pete Cornish, 2016
