The PedalFarm B-1 is a classic germanium booster with extended features that make it one of the most versatile pedals of its kind. The B1 uses a single germanium transistor to produce up to 24db of boost, and 17 possible frequency cutoff points to choose from.
One large knob controls the boost, and a single three-way toggle switch on the front selects either a high or low frequency settings. Internal dip-switches give you 8 frequency choices for each setting. The center position is the classic Range Master treble booster frequency. This pedal features true-bypass switching, top mounted jacks, and red LED indicator. Power is supplied by either a 9 volt battery or DC adaptor. The battery compartment is located behind the back cover. The battery will be disconnected when either the input jack is unplugged, or a power adaptor is plugged in.
A three-way toggle switch on the front selects between high and low frequency settings, with the classic treble booster frequency in the center switch position. Internal dip-switches allow you to choose the “high” and “low” frequencies available on the toggle. 8 frequency choices are available for each setting. There is a chart on the inside of the enclosure cover for reference.
On the inside of the pedal, there is a BIAS switch with settings for 66% (default) and 50% bias points. This is intended as a “set it and forget it” optional modification. Check it out to see what works for you, or just leave it on the default setting, and ignore it. 66% is generally considered the optimal classic treble booster bias point. It produces an asymmetrical waveform that will swing about 66% positive and 33% negative. This is the default setting for this pedal. Biasing at 50% produces a more symmetrical waveform that will boost your signal evenly on both sides of the wave.
Download: B-1 User’s Manual; B-1 Internal Frequency Switch Chart
Grayson Gile –
Pedalfarm is a fairly new Guitar Effect Company nestled in the Hills of Southern Illinois. I predict that Pedalfarm’s entry into the already crowded Effects market will meet with success as Sam’s approach to effect building is quite impressive. The Germanium Boost that I just tried out is, without question, Head and Shoulders above many current effects already out there. Admittedly, I’m something of an Effects snob and to make the cut to stay on my board you have to run with the big dogs: R2R, ARC Effects, Buffalo Fx, Expresso Fx, Lehle, and others. After 2 weeks of testing with my Rig, I have come to appreciate Sam’s genius. Not only is the Pedalfarm Germanium Boost a fantastic Rangemaster Type Booster, it integrates beautifully with those effects already on my Board. In fact, it is my lead pedal. With the multiple internal dip-switches inside the pedal you can tailor your frequency band emphasis as it flows into your follow-on effects. You have complete control of the Input Frequencies traveling through your Effects chain. My first studio board started off with both the Lehle Sunday Driver to strengthen the input signal followed by the Lehle Julian to tailor the input frequencies before they hit my Power Booster and follow-on Effects. I have found that Pedalfarm’s Germanium Boost covers the same functions as my Lehle “Frequency Input Ensemble” with one pedal instead of two, at way less than half the price, with an attractive, well designed, and extremely effective Rangemaster Type Germanium Boost that serves as my “Controller” or “Top Dog” Effect. Please try It. You will love it. Sam is a great guy that engineers a great effect, at a great price, that will add a richness to your sound that is bound to please even the most discriminating musician. I am looking forward to acquiring additional Pedalfarm Effects. Do yourself a favor a give Pedalfarm a shot. I promise you will not be disappointed. Hats off to Sam and Pedalfarm. Thank you for a great effect at a reasonable price.