Xotic EP
Booster
Perhaps the most popular of modern
Echoplex-inspired pedals, Xotic’s EP
Booster doesn’t address the echo aspect
of the unit at all, instead focusing on
reproducing the famed preamp circuit
of Maestro’s EP-3 model Echoplex. The
EP-3 was the first solid-state version of
the tape delay, and enjoyed the longest
manufacturing run from 1970 to 1991. As
such, it was also one of the most widely
used. It formed an integral part of the tonal
foundation of players ranging from Eddie
Van Halen to Jimmy Page, and much of
the sonic magic it imparted was due to its
wonderful preamplifier circuit, which added
a rich high-end sheen even when the delay
was turned off. Some players who didn’t
even care to use the echo kept EP-3s in their
signal chain just for the preamp’s legendary
sweetness. With Xotic’s EP Booster, one
can achieve this same effect with a much
smaller monetary and spatial investment.
The EP Booster recreates the EP-3 preamp
in a fun-sized enclosure, offering 20
decibels of discrete, FET-based boost, with
internal switching for selecting between
classic Echoplex brightness, and a flat,
full-frequency push. It sounds remarkable,
is very affordable, and is perfectly suited
to any rig that could do with some added
clarity and upper harmonic richness.
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TONE TALK //
Pedals Inspired by the Maestro Echoplex