The Rodenberg SL BOOST is a clean boost pedal with an exciter-style voicing, built by Rodenberg amplification in Germany. It combines a +20 dB output level boost with what the maker calls an exciter sound in one enclosure, and it sits in the boost category alongside the related Rodenberg SL Clean Boost1.
Rodenberg describes the pedal's character this way: placed before a clean amp, it opens up the sound musically like an exciter, with harmonics coming forward in a controlled way, a more defined attack, no harshness and no compression1. An exciter, in general terms, brings out harmonics and presence rather than just raising volume, so the SL BOOST is aimed at players who want clarity and definition from a boost rather than sheer level alone. The maker also credits the sound design to Steve Lukather and Uli Rodenberg1.
The controls
The SL BOOST keeps its faceplate simple: two knobs and two preset toggle switches1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Output level |
| Tone | Tone shaping |
| +20 dB BOOST switch | Preset toggle switch for a +20 dB output level boost1 |
| FAT BOOST switch | Preset toggle switch1 |
Rodenberg describes the pedal as having its own sound character, switchable presets, and precise control over Level and Tone1. The two toggle switches work as presets, so the +20 dB level jump and the FAT BOOST setting can be switched in as set positions rather than adjusted continuously.
Power and bypass
The SL BOOST runs on 9 to 18V DC, with 9V DC as the standard and 18V DC as the maximum, drawing 50mA1. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing for the related SL Clean Boost gives 9V DC center negative for that pedal3. The SL BOOST cannot run on a battery: Rodenberg states there is no battery operation1, so it needs a DC supply on the board.
There is no battery option on the SL BOOST. A 9 to 18V DC supply is required, and the pedal draws 50mA1.
For bypass, the pedal uses what Rodenberg calls a special mechanical true bypass circuit with optimized interference suppression, which the maker says switches nearly click-free1. True bypass means the pedal's circuit is taken out of the signal path entirely when off.
Questions
Is the Rodenberg SL BOOST true bypass?
Yes. Rodenberg describes the SL BOOST as using a special mechanical true bypass circuit with optimized interference suppression, which the maker says gives nearly click-free switching. That means the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is off.
Can the Rodenberg SL BOOST run on a battery?
No. Rodenberg states plainly that the SL BOOST has no battery operation. It needs an external DC power supply, at 9 to 18V DC with a current draw of 50mA, so plan a spot for it on a powered pedalboard.
Where is the Rodenberg SL BOOST made?
The SL BOOST is made in Germany by Rodenberg amplification, and the maker describes it as handcrafted in small numbers.
What does the FAT BOOST switch do?
The FAT BOOST is a preset toggle switch, one of two preset switches on the pedal alongside the +20 dB output level boost switch. Rodenberg lists it as part of the pedal's switchable preset system, which works together with the Level and Tone knobs.
Sources (3)
- SL BOOST, rodenberg-amplification.com
- SL BOOST, RODENBERG amplification
- SL Clean Boost by Rodenberg, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
