The Rocktron Mega Booster is a boost stomp box from the Rocktron Boutique Series, built around a single MEGA BOOST knob that provides up to 20dBu of gain. Rocktron describes the pedal as giving a tone "a blast of dynamic thrust," and it is aimed at players who want to push solos forward or add edge and articulation to chord work1. It sits in the boost pedals family, alongside related gain pedals like overdrive and distortion.
How it works
Rocktron says the Mega Booster uses a singular Field Effect Transistor input that reacts with the guitar's pickups and the player's individual playing nuances in a way similar to a tube. The gain stage is buffered, which Rocktron says assures that tone is maintained throughout the signal chain1. That buffering applies while the pedal is engaged; when it is off, the pedal is true bypass and, in Rocktron's words, "when you turn it off...it is out of your signal path!"1
The controls
The pedal keeps things simple: one knob and one footswitch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| MEGA BOOST knob | Sets the amount of boost, up to 20dBu. Rocktron suggests turning it to find the setting that suits your signature sound. |
| Footswitch | Controls On/Off status, indicated by the LED.1 |
Rocktron suggests lower settings of the MEGA BOOST control for an additional edge in chordal work or for enhanced articulation, and higher settings for solos or special effects that the player really wants to "jump out" of the mix1.
Power and placement
The Mega Booster runs on a 9V alkaline battery, or on the Rocktron DC OnTap Universal Power Adaptor, which is sold separately. Current consumption is listed at 15mA1.
Rocktron says the Mega Booster usually sounds better when placed before all other stomp boxes in the signal chain, so it drives everything downstream rather than being driven by it1.
Build
The pedal comes in a rugged metal chassis with what Rocktron calls eye popping retro custom design laser etched artwork1.
Questions
Does the Rocktron Mega Booster take a battery?
Yes. Rocktron says the Mega Booster runs on a 9V alkaline battery, and it can also be powered with the Rocktron DC OnTap Universal Power Adaptor, which is sold separately. Current consumption is listed at 15mA.
Is the Rocktron Mega Booster true bypass?
Yes. Rocktron describes it as a true bypass pedal, meaning that when it is switched off it is completely out of the signal path. The gain stage is buffered while the pedal is engaged, which Rocktron says maintains tone through the signal chain.
How much gain does the Rocktron Mega Booster have?
Rocktron lists the Mega Booster as providing up to 20dBu of gain, with a maximum input of 3dBu and a maximum output of 10dBu. The single MEGA BOOST knob sets the amount of boost.
Where should the Rocktron Mega Booster go in a signal chain?
Rocktron says the Mega Booster usually sounds better when placed before all other stomp boxes in the signal chain, so that it pushes the rest of the pedals rather than being pushed by them.
What series is the Rocktron Mega Booster part of?
The Mega Booster is part of the Rocktron Boutique Series of stomp boxes, and Rocktron markets it as the Mega Booster Boutique Series Stomp Box.
Sources (1)
- Mega Booster Boutique Series Stomp Box, Rocktron, 2024-08-28