Jackson Audio Broken Arrow V2

Jackson Audio Broken Arrow V2 Overdrive Pedal Overview

Jackson Audio’s Broken Arrow v2 is a versatile one-stop solution for all your overdrive and boosting needs. This astounding analogue pedal packs two analogue drive and boost circuits that are totally independent of each other into one compact stompbox. Throw in a host of innovative tone-shaping features & premium build-quality and you have one of the best gain pedals on the market.

Flexible Overdrive

The way Jackson Audio have designed the Broken Arrow v2’s overdrive drive circuit is essentially an enhanced TS-808, with a more transparent and flexible sound. If you want to dial in that signature 808 mid-hump, you can reach for the EQ section’s Middle control. In addition to the classic Screamer tone, the Broken Arrow’s drive circuit features 3 additional clipping presets which each have a distinct character. There’s Preset 1 (based on the iconic TS), 2 (asymmetric clipping which delivers a sonically complex tone), 3 (symmetrical clipping that’s akin to legendary Timmy pedal) and 4 (beautifully open & uncompressed with high headroom, similar to a vintage Marshall).

With the Broken Arrow v2, you’ll be able to constantly reinvigorate your gain tone with 4 inspiring clipping modes to choose from. Switching between them couldn’t be easier, all you have to do is hold down the Drive footswitch for more than a second then tap on the footswitch to audition the different presets. Jackson Audio have thoughtfully designed the Broken Arrow so you can switch between the clipping presets on the fly during a performance by including a level matching circuitry that prevents massive changes in volume, the only thing that changes is the tone!

Innovative Gain Cycling

One of the Broken Arrow v2’s key features is its Gain Cycle capability, which is a Jackson Audio signature. Gain Cycle is a huge asset to have during a performance, as it allows you to set the highest amount of gain then step through it in 25% steps. If the Gain knob is maxed out, pressing on both footswitches at once makes the pedal jump from 25% gain, to 50%, to 75% then back to 100% after every double press. If you want to kick things up a notch from a rhythm part to a solo section, the Gain Cycle feature is ready to go.

Studio-Grade EQ

Not only does the Broken Arrow v2’s Drive circuit give you 4 clipping diodes to choose from, you also have a studio-quality active EQ circuit that you can use to sculpt it. This EQ circuit has some serious pedigree as it’s based on the famous Baxandall EQ that’s used in so many world-class studios. Jackson Audio have precisely tailored the Broken Arrow v2’s EQ circuit to hit the crucial guitar frequencies and have thoughtfully taken out the piercing top & flabby bottom that can arise from extreme settings.

Jackson Audio have given the EQ circuit’s knobs handy centre detents, so you can easily return to a transparent flat response if you so choose.

Potent Booster

Jackson Audio have kitted the Broken Arrow v2 pedal out with a fantastic Boost circuit that resides on its own true bypass loop, which allows you to use it as a totally independent effect. The circuit utilises MOSFET circuitry (akin to the one found in the universally acclaimed Prism) which is renowned for its characteristically amp-like quality.

Just like the Drive circuit, the Broken Arrow v2’s Boost section features 4 preset modes that can be selected in the same seamless manner. Preset 1 is a brighter boost that is effective when used to add definition to a thicker gain tone, 2 adds a mid-range boost, 3 is a tailored boost that’s dialled in to be very complimentary to the Drive circuit and 4 is a full-range boost with zero tonal colouration.

There’s an internal jumper if you prefer regular MOSFET boost and don’t mind the crackle that can be introduced when you turn the knob for a bit of extra gain.

MIDI Enabled

As of version 2, the Broken Arrow can be controlled via MIDI. This allows you to rapidly change between key parameters such as preset mode and on/off states for each circuit.

The Jackson Audio Broken Arrow v2 can easily fill the shoes of several pedals in your rig, presenting a tonne of tonal flexibility and excellent sound in a pedalboard-friendly footprint.