The VHT D-Boost is a hand-wired boost pedal from VHT, built on the classic FET circuitry found in Dumble-style amps. VHT announced it in September 2020 as an affordable way to get that circuit outside the amp: it provides enough boost to significantly overdrive your amp, and it can also enhance the clarity and detail of acoustic instruments with lower signal strength12.
Where the circuit comes from
The FET boost design the D-Boost is based on was originally built into Dumble-style amps, where it was non-adjustable. The pedal version changes that: it affords users the ability to tweak the FET circuitry with a footswitch and an external level control, so the boost amount can be set from outside rather than fixed inside the amp12.
Level control, footswitch and power
The D-Boost keeps its control set simple. There is one external level control, and the footswitch carries the pedal's only indicator: an aluminum topper with a surrounding status-indicating blue LED ring12.
Power is straightforward. The pedal can be both battery and mains powered, requiring a 9V supply of either2.
The D-Boost accepts 9V from a battery or a mains supply2. At announcement in September 2020 it was listed as available for purchase for $602.
Questions
Can the VHT D-Boost run on a battery?
Yes. According to GuitarPlayer, the D-Boost can be powered by either a battery or a mains supply, and either way it requires 9V. That makes it easy to run without a power supply if you prefer, though a standard 9V DC supply also works.
What voltage does the VHT D-Boost need?
The D-Boost requires a 9V supply, and it accepts that 9V from either a battery or a mains power source, as reported by GuitarPlayer at the pedal's 2020 announcement.
How much does the VHT D-Boost cost?
At its announcement in September 2020, the D-Boost was available for purchase for $60, according to GuitarPlayer.
Is the VHT D-Boost hand-wired?
Yes. Both Guitar World and GuitarPlayer describe the D-Boost as a hand-wired boost pedal based on the classic FET circuitry found in Dumble-style amps.
What does a Dumble-style boost do to an amp?
GuitarPlayer describes the D-Boost as providing enough boost to significantly overdrive your amp. The circuit design was originally built into Dumble-style amps, where it was non-adjustable; the pedal version adds a footswitch and an external level control so the amount of boost can be set from outside the circuit.
Can the D-Boost be used with acoustic instruments?
Yes. GuitarPlayer reports that beyond overdriving an amp, the D-Boost can be used to enhance the clarity and detail of acoustic instruments with lower signal strength.
Sources (2)
- VHT reckons its new $60 Dumble-voiced D-Boost "makes everything sound better", Guitar World, 2020-09-25
- VHT Introduces Super-Affordable Dumble-Voiced D-Boost, GuitarPlayer, 2020-09-28