Background
The Xotic EP Booster is a compact boost and preamp inspired by the preamp section of the legendary Echoplex EP-3 echo unit. Guitarists discovered decades ago that the EP-3 could add a distinctive warmth, clarity, and dimensional quality to their tone even when its echo effect was not being used.
Players including Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and Eric Johnson are among the guitarists associated with using the EP-3 as part of their signal chain. Xotic designed the EP Booster to capture the musical character of that preamp in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.
Built around a discrete FET circuit with a low-impedance output, the EP Booster can provide up to +20 dB of boost while adding warmth, presence, and harmonic dimension to the signal. It can be used as a conventional boost for solos and gain staging, or left on as an always-on tone-enhancing preamp.
Controls
Gain — Controls the amount of boost. Depending on the internal DIP-switch configuration, the EP Booster can operate with a small amount of gain even when the external control is turned fully counterclockwise.
With the factory-default internal setting, the minimum position provides approximately +3 dB of gain. The pedal is capable of producing up to approximately +20 dB of boost.
On/Off Footswitch — Engages or bypasses the pedal using true-bypass switching.
Status LED — Indicates when the EP Booster is active.
Internal DIP Switches
Two internal DIP switches allow the EP Booster's gain structure and frequency response to be customized. Xotic provides three primary configurations:
Default
DIP 1: ON — Adds the +3 dB minimum gain setting.
DIP 2: ON — Bright switch engaged for the standard flat-EQ response.
Unity Gain
DIP 1: OFF — Removes the +3 dB minimum gain so the pedal can operate
at unity gain with the external Gain control at minimum.
DIP 2: ON — Maintains the standard flat-EQ response.
Vintage
DIP 1: OFF — Removes the +3 dB minimum gain.
DIP 2: OFF — Disengages the bright setting for a warmer,
more vintage-style frequency response.
Power & Headroom
The EP Booster can be powered from 9V to 18V DC. Increasing the operating voltage provides additional headroom and a more open, dynamic response. Higher-voltage operation can also produce greater top-end clarity and a less compressed feel.
The pedal uses a standard 2.1 mm × 5.5 mm center-negative DC connection. A regulated power supply is recommended.
The EP Booster can also operate from a single 9V battery. When an external DC supply is connected, the battery is automatically disconnected from the circuit.
When operating from a battery, unplug the cable from the input jack when the pedal is not being used for extended periods to help preserve battery life. The battery is accessed by removing the four screws from the bottom plate.
Features
Discrete FET Preamp — Designed to recreate the character and response associated with the preamp section of the vintage EP-3 echo unit.
Up to +20 dB Boost — Provides enough output for clean level boosting, pushing an amplifier into additional gain, or driving other pedals further down the signal chain.
Low-Impedance Output — Helps maintain a strong signal when feeding additional pedals, amplifiers, or longer cable runs.
True Bypass — Removes the pedal from the signal path when switched off.
Internal Tone Options — Two DIP switches provide alternative gain and EQ configurations without adding additional external controls to the compact enclosure.
9–18V Operation — Allows the player to choose between standard 9V operation and higher-voltage operation for increased headroom and dynamics.
Specifications
Maximum Boost: Up to +20 dB
Circuit: Discrete FET preamp
Bypass: True bypass
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Output Impedance: 1 kΩ minimum / variable
Power Consumption: 5 mA
Power: 9–18V DC, center-negative
DC Connector: 2.1 mm × 5.5 mm
Battery: One 9V battery (006P)
Dimensions: 3.5" × 1.5" × 1.5" (89 × 38 × 38 mm)
Weight: 0.57 lb. (260 g)
