Q: How do I adjust LED brightness?

If you find you want a different brightness setting for stage or studio, unscrew the 4 case back screws, and gently use a miniature screwdriver to adjust the LED BRIGHTNESS rotary trimmer. Never use force here!

Q: Is Silicon Steel Boost analogue or digital?

Silicon Steel Boost is 100% analogue.

Q: Can I use an external d.c. supply greater than +9V d.c. with Silicon Steel Boost?

Yes, you can use a d.c. supply in the range 9v to 18v d.c. However in most cases there is no real world advantage in using a voltage supply above +9v d.c. One possible application is with ultra high output (e.g. active) guitar pickups where the increased supply voltage will increase maximum headroom.

Q: Can Silicon Steel Boost work with an a.c. power supply?

No, please use a DC supply only.

Q: What does the Silicon Steel Boost 'Heat' control do?

In technical terms it introduces a controlled degree of asymmetrical harmonics to the output. Why asymmetrical? This means more low order even harmonics which results in more warmth added to the guitar's tone. It is not an overdrive as such - better described as a more nuanced tone enhancement. A great way to get a good sense of what it does is listen to what is lost when you switch the pedal off again!

Q: Can Silicon Steel Boost deliver a 'Clean Boost'?

Silicon Steel Boost has flat EQ with the EQ knobs at around 12 o'clock. With the Heat control at zero the pedal will operate as a clean boost with low colouration. The Boost knob can then be set to provide the required amount of clean gain.

Q: Can Silicon Steel Boost be used to drive other gain pedals?

Absolutely! As well as driving an amplifier input directly, Silicon Steel Boost also works beautifully when feeding into other drive pedals. This approach can add harmonic richness to the combined tons and also offers a dual gain switchable setup where for example the boost can be engaged to increase an overdrive level for a solo.

Question 1

Silicon Steel Boost Technical Specifications

Accepted Answer

Power Requirements :  External 9v-18V DC adaptor > 50mA d.c. rating (not included)
Current Consumption: 20 mA typical
Power Connector: Standard 2.1mm centre negative pin barrel  (Boss/Ibanez style)
Design: 100% analog signal path
Control Knobs:  boost, heat, bass, treble
LED status Indicator: Effect On / Effect Bypassed 
Bypass Type: True Bypass (unbuffered)
Internal Adjustments: LED brightness internal trimmer
Input Impedance: 1.1 Meg Ohms
Output Impedance: < 1000 Ohms
Inputs/Outputs: signal in, out (1/4" Mono Jack)
Max Gain : +21dB (EQ flat)
Max Output : 4V pk-pk
Dimensions (Max): 57mm (H) x 123mm  (L)  x 74mm (W)
Weight: 0.36Kg
Accessories Included: product leaflet, rubber foot x 4

Question 2

How do I adjust LED brightness?

Accepted Answer

If you find you want a different brightness setting for stage or studio, unscrew the 4 case back screws, and gently use a miniature screwdriver to adjust the LED BRIGHTNESS rotary trimmer. Never use force here!

Question 3

Is Silicon Steel Boost analogue or digital?

Accepted Answer

Silicon Steel Boost is 100% analogue.

Question 4

Can I use an external d.c. supply greater than +9V d.c. with Silicon Steel Boost?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use a d.c. supply in the range 9v to 18v d.c. However in most cases there is no real world advantage in using a voltage supply above +9v d.c. One possible application is with ultra high output (e.g. active) guitar pickups where the increased supply voltage will increase maximum headroom.

Question 5

Can Silicon Steel Boost work with an a.c. power supply?

Accepted Answer