EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp Effect Pedal

When the doctor makes a house call, you listen up – or at least that's what we think with something like the EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp. EQD, Akron, Ohio's finest effect purveyors, meet up with another key Ohioan – Dr. Z Amplification – for an authentic translation of a tube amp experience into a board-ready, tube-driven preamp pedal! The doctor will see you now.

Dr. Z amplifiers are among the independent boutique amp world's favorites. EarthQuaker Devices tapped the good doctor for his expertise in tube amps for a close collaboration, the ZEQD-Pre. Replicating the feel and playability of Dr. Z tube amps with an actual preamp tube baked in, the ZEQD is a strikingly compelling piece from both parties.

The ZEQD-Pre centers its whole shtick around a true-blue EF86 pentode preamp tube. The exact tube that gives many Dr. Z amps their pristine, hi-fi tone, this preamp tube drives the whole experience forward for a stable yet flexible base off which to make your guitar shine, establish a pedal platform, anything you can think of. EQD's design and Dr. Z's preamp makes for a pedal that provides authentic tube touch response and playability as you swap between the ZEQD's responsive, spanky, clean channel and its onboard Boost effect for louder, punchier bursts of preamp oomph.

For further tone shaping and use in other setups, the ZEQD-Pre features a three-band EQ section bypass-able by the Boost channel. This shaping is enhanced by the showstopper of the pedal – a balanced XLR DI out with an onboard cabinet simulation. More commonly these days, amp emulation pedals – even ones without their own tubes – come fitted with their own XLR DI outs for use in ampless performances through a stage PA system, for instance. The ZEQD-Pre is of no exception. This all-analog cabinet simulation produces none of the strange, digital artifacts you might find in other cab sims, and what's more, it can be completely bypassed with a push-button switch on its side.

Totally, the ZEQD-Pre is fitted for authentic tube performance in a variety of scenarios. True bypass switching, standard nine-volt center negative power requirements, and a 1/4" headphone out connection all together make for pretty sweet icing on the cake, if you were looking for something like it.

For pervasive, recurring episodes of amp emulation boredom, consult EQD and Dr. Z for treatment.