The Caveman Audio BR1 is a boost pedal built into a rack-style chassis, offering up to +25dB of boost which the maker describes as coming with "zero change of your tone"1. It is aimed at players who want a clean level lift in two places: in front of the amp, where it works as a switchable gain stage to drive the amp harder, or in the effects loop, where it serves as a solo level boost1. It sits in the wider family of boost pedals, but its rack form factor and line-driver behavior set it apart from typical compact stompboxes.
The BR1 requires 9VAC at 750mA, an AC supply rather than the 9V DC center-negative power most pedalboard supplies provide.
Controls
The BR1 keeps its control set small and purpose-built for boosting:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Sets the amount of boost you add1 |
| Std/HiCut toggle switch | Selects High Frequency damping1 |
The two controls interact. Caveman Audio notes that the ratio between the boost Level control and the HF damping filter is linear: more boost gives more damping, so the high-frequency trim scales with how hard you are pushing the level1.
Bypassed behavior and signal quality
A distinctive feature of the BR1 is what it does when it is not boosting. When switched off, the maker says it acts as a unity gain line driver, capable of driving even very long cables without tonal loss or coloration1. That makes it usable as a permanent part of a signal chain rather than only a solo button, in the territory of dedicated buffer pedals.
Other signal-path details from the maker:
- Input impedance of 1MΩ1
- Output impedance under 100Ω1
- RFI protection, which the maker describes as unique to their designs1
- All 1/4" jack connectors are gold-plated, and internal wiring uses high-quality shielded audio cable1
- Noise- and click-free switching for a smooth live experience1
Build and availability
The pedal is housed in a rugged steel chassis that Caveman Audio says is built to withstand extensive daily use and continuous touring1. Its dimensions of 19" x 1U x 200 mm (WxHxD) and weight of 3 kg / 6 lbs. 10 oz. place it in a single rack unit, so it mounts alongside rack effects rather than on a pedalboard1.
The maker listed the BR1 at 2.245,00 kr. DKK as of 17 June 2025, with a 10 year warranty on all Caveman Audio and Skrydstrup products and a 30-day money back guarantee on all products1.
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Questions
How much boost does the Caveman Audio BR1 give?
The BR1 provides up to +25dB of boost. A LEVEL control sets the amount of boost you add, and the maker states the unit delivers this with zero change of your tone. The ratio between the boost Level control and the HF damping filter is linear, so more boost gives more damping.
Can the BR1 go in an effects loop?
Yes. Caveman Audio says you can use the BR1 in front of your amp as a switchable gain stage to drive the amp harder, or place it in the effects loop as a solo level boost. Its low output impedance of under 100 ohms suits the line-level environment of a loop.
What power does the BR1 need?
The BR1 requires 9VAC at 750mA. Note that this is an AC supply requirement, not the 9V DC center-negative standard most pedalboard power supplies deliver, so it may not share a supply with typical pedals.
What does the BR1 do when bypassed?
When switched off, the BR1 acts as a unity gain line driver, capable of driving even very long cables without tonal loss or coloration, according to the maker. That means it can stay on a rig permanently as a buffer-style line driver even when no boost is engaged.
What does the Std/HiCut switch do?
A toggle switch labeled Std/HiCut lets you select High Frequency damping. The ratio between the boost Level control and the HF damping filter is linear: more boost gives more damping, which the maker describes as keeping the tone smooth as the boost level rises.
How long is the Caveman Audio warranty?
All Caveman Audio and Skrydstrup products come with a 10 year warranty. The maker also offers a 30-day money back guarantee on all products.
Sources (1)
- BR1 boost, Caveman Audio, 2025-06-17