Browne Amplification Unit 13 Distortion

From Subtle Overdrive to Explosive Distortion!

The Browne Amplification UNIT-13 takes inspiration from classic American distortion circuits, reimagining their unmistakable character in a versatile dual overdrive and distortion pedal. Designed to cover an enormous range of gain, from subtle low-gain grit to aggressive, saturated distortion, the UNIT-13 combines two carefully voiced versions of the same fundamental circuit in a single enclosure. With independent controls, selectable clipping options, and a flexible new A/B switching mode, it offers a fresh approach to one of the most recognizable sounds in guitar history.

Although both sides share the same underlying circuit design, Browne has tailored each one for a specific purpose. The left side focuses on dynamic, low-gain overdrive with improved bass response and a more usable gain range, while the right side delivers the higher-gain character and aggressive response associated with classic distortion pedals. Together, they provide two complementary voices that can take your sound from warm, lightly driven tones to thick, powerful distortion.

Left Side: Low-Gain Overdrive

The left side of the UNIT-13 explores one of the most overlooked qualities of classic distortion circuits: their ability to produce excellent low-gain tones. Traditionally, turning down the gain on these circuits can result in a noticeable loss of low frequencies and a DRIVE control with very little usable adjustment range. Browne addresses both limitations with a specially voiced low-gain stage that preserves the character of the original circuit while offering greater flexibility.

By reducing the maximum available gain, the left side provides a much wider range of useful settings throughout the DRIVE control's sweep, making it easier to dial in everything from subtle breakup to punchy, medium-gain overdrive. A three-position Low End toggle allows you to adjust the bass response to suit your guitar, amplifier, and playing style, ensuring that lower-gain settings retain the fullness and impact they deserve.

Right Side: High-Gain Distortion

The right side takes the same fundamental circuit in a more aggressive direction, delivering the saturation, sustain, and cutting response of classic American distortion. Voiced specifically for higher-gain applications, this side offers everything from crunchy rhythm tones to thick, harmonically rich distortion.

A two-position Clipping Diode toggle lets you choose between two different hard-clipping characteristics, providing additional control over the pedal's response and distortion texture. Combined with its independent LEVEL, DRIVE, and TONE controls, the right side offers plenty of flexibility for dialing in your preferred high-gain sound.

Flexible Dual-Pedal or A/B Switching

One of the UNIT-13's most interesting features is its new selectable A/B footswitch mode. An internal DIP switch allows you to change how the pedal operates, giving you the choice between traditional dual-pedal switching and a dedicated A/B configuration.

In A/B mode, the left footswitch acts as a master On/Off switch for the entire pedal, while the right footswitch instantly selects between the low-gain and high-gain sides. This makes it easy to switch between two distinct sounds without having to engage or disengage multiple footswitches.

The selected side remains visible even when the pedal is bypassed, thanks to an LED that slowly flashes at reduced brightness. You can also switch between the two sides while the pedal is off, allowing you to prepare your next sound before engaging the effect.

For players who prefer the familiar operation of Browne's other dual pedals, the UNIT-13 can also be configured for standard independent footswitch operation.

With true-bypass soft switching, top-mounted connections, and a new folded-aluminum enclosure, the Browne Amplification UNIT-13 combines classic distortion character with modern versatility. Whether you're looking for an expressive low-gain drive, a powerful distortion, or two contrasting gain stages in one pedal, the UNIT-13 offers an impressive range of sounds and an intuitive approach to controlling them.

Browne Amplification UNIT-13 Features

• Dual overdrive and distortion pedal inspired by classic American distortion circuits

• Two independently voiced gain stages based on the same fundamental circuit

• Left side optimized for dynamic low-gain overdrive with an expanded usable DRIVE range

• Three-position Low End toggle for adjusting the bass response of the low-gain side

• Right side voiced for aggressive, higher-gain distortion

• Two-position Clipping Diode toggle for selecting between two hard-clipping characteristics

• Independent LEVEL, DRIVE, and TONE controls for each side

• Internal DIP switch selects between traditional dual-pedal operation and A/B switching mode

• A/B mode assigns the left footswitch to master On/Off and the right footswitch to channel selection

• Selected-side LED flashes at reduced brightness when bypassed

• Ability to select either gain stage while the pedal is bypassed

• True-bypass soft switching

• Top-mounted input, output, and power connections

• New folded-aluminum enclosure

• Power: 9V DC

• Current Draw: 10mA