A Classic Circuit Reborn

At the heart of the BLAMMO! Voltage Booster is a faithful recreation of the original Colorsound Power Boost circuit, one of the earliest overdrive designs ever put into production. First developed in 1968 by Gary Hurst, the Power Boost stood out for its straightforward three-transistor preamp and musical two-band Baxandall EQ, a combination that allowed players to shape everything from full, clean boosts to raw, aggressive overdrive.

BLAMMO! stays true to that vintage formula by using original BC184C transistors, preserving the touch sensitivity, harmonic richness, and dynamic response that made early Power Boost units so desirable. The circuit retains the wide tonal range and interactive EQ that defined the original, while benefiting from modern component tolerances and layout. The result is the unmistakable character of a late-'60s boost and overdrive, reborn with consistency and reliability for today's players.

9V or 18V: Vintage Feel, Modern Flexibility

One of the defining traits of the earliest Colorsound Power Boost units was their 18-volt operation, which delivered increased headroom, a more open top end, and a dynamic, touch-responsive feel. Later 9-volt versions offered more compression and earlier breakup, but many players still favor the clarity and punch of the original higher-voltage design.

The BLAMMO! Voltage Booster offers both worlds in a single pedal. An internal charge pump, engaged via a toggle switch, doubles the operating voltage for authentic 18-volt performance while still running from a standard 9-volt power supply.

At 9V, the pedal delivers thicker mids and earlier overdrive; at 18V, it opens up with added clarity, tighter low end, and increased dynamic range. This dual-voltage flexibility allows players to choose between classic feel and modern responsiveness without changing pedals or power supplies.

Upgraded for Modern Pedalboards

While the BLAMMO! Voltage Booster stays true to its late-'60s roots, it's been thoughtfully updated to meet the demands of modern pedalboards. A relay-based true bypass switching system replaces the traditional 3PDT footswitch, eliminating the loud click or pop often heard when engaging vintage-style pedals. This system is also rated for significantly more cycles, improving long-term reliability.

BLAMMO! further enhances the design with improved power filtering and a polarity protection diode, helping safeguard the pedal against noise and potential damage from incorrect power supplies. The circuit has been redesigned to fit into a compact 125B enclosure with top-mounted jacks, board-mounted pots, and a toggle switch, making it easier to integrate into space-conscious setups.

Conclusion

The BLAMMO! Voltage Booster successfully bridges the gap between vintage tone and modern usability. By faithfully recreating the original Power Boost circuit with period-correct BC184C transistors, while adding 9V and 18V operation, silent switching, improved power protection, and a compact enclosure, it delivers the character players love without the drawbacks of aging vintage units.

For guitarists chasing classic British boost and overdrive tones with the reliability and flexibility required for today's pedalboards, the Voltage Booster stands as a thoughtful and authentic modern revival of a true effects pedal classic.

The BLAMMO! Electronics Voltage Booster is now available on DeathCloud.