Xotic EP Booster

This little box can really add and extra dimension to your sound. It's based on the preamp from an old Echoplex unit which guitarists like Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen used as a component of their sound in the 1970s.

For just a one-knob pedal, you can use it in quite a few ways. In the first way, by setting the boost very low into a clean amp it just adds a little extra something to the sound. I can't even describe it other than it's like your sound "sparkles". It's like your clean sound but somehow enhanced with extra character.

Another way of using it into a clean amp is as a clean boost into the front of a valvle amp. By boosting the input you can overdrive the preamp and add a little smooth preamp-valve distortion to your sound. This is great for adding a little extra power you your sound for either a solo boost or for adding a few enhanced singgle string licks behind a vocal.

Another way of using it is into an already overdriven amp. You can push it over the edge by boosting the input signal and really making the amp sing to get that extra sustain.

The final way of using it is to put it into the effects loop of an amp and then boosting the overall volume of whatever sound is coming out. Wherever you put it, there is a use for it.

The thing is built like a tank and is one of those pedals that you didn't know you needed until you use it.

Pro:
- 20dB of gain is enough for everything from a subtle solo boost to pushing your tubes into full-on overdrive
- sturdy, solid construction
- miniature format lets you squeeze it onto a tight pedalboard

Con:
- The trim pots require opening it up (4 screws)
- Can be a tad bassy

The EP Booster is a great pedal in its own right. But frankly I'd look into the Super Sweet or the Super Clean instead of the EP Booster. Both of them have external trim pots for high cut, hi mid boost, low mid boost, and bass boost as well as an internal switch for the bypass (true/buffered).