EQ on a clean boost makes no sense. First of all, the clean boost is by its nature supposed to be as flat/linear as possible. So EQ immediately destroys that idea. And then EQ always introduces phase errors that are frequency dependent, so again that's not one of the goals of a clean boost.

If you want a boost with EQ, just buy a Boss graphic EQ pedal, and set the output level to a value greater than unity gain. It's relatively cheap, and is similar to the idea behind a clean boost, because you're using it to boost your signal to overload whatever it's plugged into rather than using it to internally clip or distort the signal. With all of the sliders set to zero except the master gain one (which is set to a positive value) the EQ pedal acts like a clean boost. But as soon as there's any tone controls, it's not so clean anymore. Which is fine. But different.

scott wrote:EQ on a clean boost makes no sense. First of all, the clean boost is by its nature supposed to be as flat/linear as possible. So EQ immediately destroys that idea. And then EQ always introduces phase errors that are frequency dependent, so again that's not one of the goals of a clean boost.

If you want a boost with EQ, just buy a Boss graphic EQ pedal, and set the output level to a value greater than unity gain. It's relatively cheap, and is similar to the idea behind a clean boost, because you're using it to boost your signal to overload whatever it's plugged into rather than using it to internally clip or distort the signal. With all of the sliders set to zero except the master gain one (which is set to a positive value) the EQ pedal acts like a clean boost. But as soon as there's any tone controls, it's not so clean anymore. Which is fine. But different.

The Boss GE-7 really doesn't color or phase the sound as much as you'd think for a low-cost EQ, and is a pretty valid option if you want boost while EQ-ing out mud. Put me down for recommending the SHO, but a GE-7 makes perfect sense in, say, a Les Paul -> Deluxe setup.

FuzzBob wrote:

scott wrote:EQ on a clean boost makes no sense. First of all, the clean boost is by its nature supposed to be as flat/linear as possible. So EQ immediately destroys that idea. And then EQ always introduces phase errors that are frequency dependent, so again that's not one of the goals of a clean boost.

If you want a boost with EQ, just buy a Boss graphic EQ pedal, and set the output level to a value greater than unity gain. It's relatively cheap, and is similar to the idea behind a clean boost, because you're using it to boost your signal to overload whatever it's plugged into rather than using it to internally clip or distort the signal. With all of the sliders set to zero except the master gain one (which is set to a positive value) the EQ pedal acts like a clean boost. But as soon as there's any tone controls, it's not so clean anymore. Which is fine. But different.

The Boss GE-7 really doesn't color or phase the sound as much as you'd think for a low-cost EQ, and is a pretty valid option if you want boost while EQ-ing out mud. Put me down for recommending the SHO, but a GE-7 makes perfect sense in, say, a Les Paul -> Deluxe setup.

I used to use the Boss GE7 for a boost but i found that it did color my sound more than i liked. Granted, i was boosting the signal more than just a tad, but there was a def. tone-coloration happening.
I'm much happier with an old Ibanez eq pedal. They both produce a bit of noise, but the Ibanez doesn't color the tone at all.
This is the one: http://filters.muziq.be/model/ibanez/9/ge9

I have been using the dunlop pickup booster it works great...

Dr. O' Nothing wrote:

FuzzBob wrote:

scott wrote:EQ on a clean boost makes no sense. First of all, the clean boost is by its nature supposed to be as flat/linear as possible. So EQ immediately destroys that idea. And then EQ always introduces phase errors that are frequency dependent, so again that's not one of the goals of a clean boost.

If you want a boost with EQ, just buy a Boss graphic EQ pedal, and set the output level to a value greater than unity gain. It's relatively cheap, and is similar to the idea behind a clean boost, because you're using it to boost your signal to overload whatever it's plugged into rather than using it to internally clip or distort the signal. With all of the sliders set to zero except the master gain one (which is set to a positive value) the EQ pedal acts like a clean boost. But as soon as there's any tone controls, it's not so clean anymore. Which is fine. But different.

The Boss GE-7 really doesn't color or phase the sound as much as you'd think for a low-cost EQ, and is a pretty valid option if you want boost while EQ-ing out mud. Put me down for recommending the SHO, but a GE-7 makes perfect sense in, say, a Les Paul -> Deluxe setup.

I used to use the Boss GE7 for a boost but i found that it did color my sound more than i liked. Granted, i was boosting the signal more than just a tad, but there was a def. tone-coloration happening.
I'm much happier with an old Ibanez eq pedal. They both produce a bit of noise, but the Ibanez doesn't color the tone at all.
This is the one: http://filters.muziq.be/model/ibanez/9/ge9

Huh. Two people say GE-7s color the tone. Might have something to do with the year and/or the amp it's driving. FWIW, I was pushing a Sunn Model T in '94 and I'm sure the pedal had at least 3 or 4 years on it.

I'm sure Boss must have changed the schematic since then, so I fold...

scott wrote:EQ on a clean boost makes no sense. First of all, the clean boost is by its nature supposed to be as flat/linear as possible. So EQ immediately destroys that idea. And then EQ always introduces phase errors that are frequency dependent, so again that's not one of the goals of a clean boost.

If you want a boost with EQ, just buy a Boss graphic EQ pedal, and set the output level to a value greater than unity gain. It's relatively cheap, and is similar to the idea behind a clean boost, because you're using it to boost your signal to overload whatever it's plugged into rather than using it to internally clip or distort the signal. With all of the sliders set to zero except the master gain one (which is set to a positive value) the EQ pedal acts like a clean boost. But as soon as there's any tone controls, it's not so clean anymore. Which is fine. But different.

I tried the cheaper Boss and DOD graphic EQ's and it was not "transparent" at all. When bass drops out from the original signal when the EQ is flat, that's far from transparent- and that's what the DOD/Boss selections did to the sound. If the Xotic bass and treble controls are left at 12PM, there's no boost or reduction in the original signal. None that could be detected by my ear, and that's what I was after.

I went through all of these pedals looking for a "transparent boost"

Z.Vex SHO
Xotic RC Booster
LPB EH
Boss EQ
DOD EQ
MXR Boost
Boosta Grande
Fulltone Fat Boost

The Z.VEx and the Xotic were hands down the winners that didn't color the sound. Clean boost: excellent. Dirty Boost: Pushes it over the edge.

I find that without the SHO, my amp sounds thin and it's a 69 blue line SVT. I love this pedal that produces small amounts of distortion. I'm not so sure what you guys are talking about with the SHO not changing the "color" or tone. You so crazy. What the heck is "color?" My sound changes when I use it.

if you do end up getting an EQ pedal, the Danelectro fish&chips is probably your best bet. Less noisy than the GE-7, and super cheap. It's not a bad idea to pick one up anyways. I use the mxr microamp, and I love it though It's not totally transparent. I like how it affects the mids though.

I find that without the SHO, my amp sounds thin and it's a 69 blue line SVT. I love this pedal that produces small amounts of distortion. I'm not so sure what you guys are talking about with the SHO not changing the "color" or tone. You so crazy. What the heck is "color?" My sound changes when I use it.

it's not the clean booster that produces distortion, it just amplifies your guitar's signal making it stronger to overload the preamp stage of your guitar amp.

if you do end up getting an EQ pedal

no i don't need any eq or other functions incorporated pedals. A straight clean booster is what i would prefer

Sounds like something I might be interested in. I wonder if shit like that is available in zee old Germany or if I should weight for this trip back to the US I've been planning for like 2 years to get it...