Empress Effects Buffer+

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$117.15 to $171.00

4.5 (8)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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4 community setups

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Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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5.0 (11)

$164.00

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5.0 (4)

$164.00

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5.0 (31)

$117.15 16 available New

$118.01 8 available Used

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$164.00

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4.4 (27)

$172.00 $171.00 $1.00 · All time low

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Empress Effects Buffer+". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Say goodbye to signal loss woes with the Empress Effects Buffer+, your pedalboard’s new secret weapon. This compact powerhouse is engineered to combat the tone-sapping effects of long cable runs, ensuring your guitar's signal remains vibrant and robust. At the heart of this pedal is an all-analog signal path, a testament to its commitment to delivering high-fidelity sound. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, the Buffer+ offers a seamless and dynamic response that enhances your performance.

The Buffer+ is more than just a buffer; it's a versatile tool designed to cater to every guitarist's needs. With an impressive 30dB of clean boost available at your fingertips, you can effortlessly elevate your sound without compromise. The pedal includes a dedicated tuner output, keeping your tuning tasks isolated from the main audio path, and a tuner mute function for silent tuning on stage.

It's not just about boosting; the Buffer+ is equipped with dual noise filters to nix unwanted buzz or hum and an adjustable input pad for matching different guitar outputs. The input loading knob allows you to customize the load on your pickups, fine-tuning your tone to perfection. Housed in a durable cast aluminum enclosure, the Buffer+ is ready to withstand the rigors of the road, all while maintaining a small footprint that fits snugly on any pedalboard.

Key Features:

All-analog signal path for superior tone quality
Provides up to 30dB of clean boost
Separate tuner output and tuner mute function
Dual noise filters with adjustable modes
Input pad with -3dB, 0dB, +3dB options
Input loading control for pickup customization
Requires 9V DC power supply (not included)

Owner's manual

Empress Effects Buffer+ User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Boost, Buffer
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4" (guitar), 1 x 1/4" (loop in)
Outputs	1 x 1/4" (amp), 1 x 1/4" (tuner), 1 x 1/4" (loop out)
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	86mA
Height	2.0"
Width	2.5"
Depth	4.5"
Weight	0.5 lbsa.

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Empress Effects Buffer+?: The Empress Effects Buffer+ primarily serves as a buffer and boost pedal, designed to preserve your guitar tone over long cable runs and integrate effects loops with minimal signal loss.
Does the Empress Effects Buffer+ require a specific power supply?: Yes, the Empress Effects Buffer+ requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, and it has a power usage of 86mA.
Can the Empress Effects Buffer+ be used with both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Empress Effects Buffer+ can be used with both guitar and bass, maintaining signal integrity and tone across long cable runs for either instrument.
How does the Empress Effects Buffer+ improve my pedalboard setup?: The Empress Effects Buffer+ improves your pedalboard setup by reducing signal loss, maintaining tone integrity over long cable runs, and providing an effects loop for better signal management.
What are the connectivity options available on the Empress Effects Buffer+?: The Empress Effects Buffer+ offers 1/4" inputs and outputs, including a guitar input, amp output, tuner output, and loop in/out connections for versatile pedalboard integration.

Videos

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Summer NAMM '12 - Empress Effects Tape Delay Demo, Buffer and Buffer+

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Empress Effects Buffer+ Walkthrough | THE GREAT CANADIAN PEDALBOARD

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PaulMcKeever

Reviews

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PROS

Quiets signal noise effectively
Offers up to 30db of clean boost, great for overdrive
Can function as an A/B/Y splitter for multiple amps
Enhances effects loop clarity and quality
Dual buffers (input and output) in one pedal
Customizable settings for tailored sound
External boost feature adds versatility
Fully analog signal path preserves tone
Lightweight and compact design
Handy as a "patchbay" for pedalboards

CONS

May alter original sound, adding a "computerish" quality
Price point may be considered high for some
Noise filter may excessively dampen sound
Certain settings can degrade tonality
Input loading adjustment is difficult to manipulate
Power LED placement is inconvenient
Reported issues with noisy operation in some setups
Output impedance and noise handling not as expected for some users
Requires checking and tightening of jack nuts to avoid grounding issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Effects Buffer+.

Features and functionality

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The Buffer+ Stereo offers 12 routing modes, including stereo to summed mono output, and independently switchable noise filters with two levels of filtering per loop.
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The Buffer+ can improve clarity by isolating the tuner from the main signal path, reducing potential tone loss.
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Use cases and applications

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It's ideal for users needing to balance output levels between different instruments, such as -6dB for humbuckers to match single coils.
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For setups with multiple pedals, the Buffer+ can streamline signal routing by incorporating a tuner out that isolates the tuner from the rest of the chain.
Source

Comparisons

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Unlike the EQD Swiss Things, the Buffer+ Stereo can manage stereo effects loops, offering greater flexibility for complex rig setups.
Source

Value and pricing

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While priced similarly to high-end ABY boxes, its extensive routing capabilities and noise filtering justify the cost for multi-amp or multi-instrument setups.
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Setup and maintenance

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Using the loop in/out on the Empress Buffer+ places a buffer both at the start and end of your pedal chain, enhancing signal integrity.
Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Empress Buffer+ - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Empress Effects Buffer+ is a must-have for bassists looking to preserve their tone through complex pedalboards. This all-analog buffer pedal efficiently maintains signal fidelity, offering features like input loading, a noise filter, and a versatile FX loop. While active bass players might not see as much benefit, the Buffer+ excels for passive basses, ensuring a clean, full-range sound. Its robust build and thoughtful design, including a handy tuner output and silent mute function, make it a reliable choice. Priced at $149, it's a solid investment for those serious about tone clarity and signal strength.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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parhelia_0000

10745

over 3 years ago

Extremely noisy even with isolated power supplies. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

As my guitar rack rig is nearing its completion I wanted a buffer pedal that comes with both the input and output buffers. Yes, the Strymon Mobius and Boss TU-3W already have their own in-built buffers, but I wanted something that would allow me to be able to keep the buffers as consistent as possible for both the input and output end, so I decided to give the Empress buffer a try.

Oh my god, is this pedal so horrible. Okay, I can forgive the fact that this pedal can't handle line level. I can also forgive the fact that the output impedance isn't correctly rated considering it's 510 ohms.

What I do NOT forgive is the fact that this pedal is absolutely noisy as hell. I've tried EVERYTHING to get rid of the noise - input loading, noise filter, input gain toggle, etc. NOTHING WORKS! Whoever designed the circuit boards at Empress needs to be fired, 'cause this sure as hell is the WORST buffer pedal I've ever tried in my entire life.

If you want a buffer pedal that's going to sound quiet, please do yourself a favor and go with the Boss TU-3W's. Yes, it's an inconvenience that you only get the input buffer from it, but at least it'll STILL be far less noisy than this piece of dogshit.

Thank god I'm still within the 30-day period to return this excuse of a buffer pedal.

Dear Empress, please fire whoever is manufacturing this pedal. Your buffer pedal needs some serious rework done with the grounding.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock Progressive metal

tommy_perkins

343

over 7 years ago

Super useful

This is pretty compact way to address a pair of issues endemic to long signal change: signal loss and noise. And you get a clean boost as a bonus. The pedal contains two buffers, one for the start of the loop and one at the end. And it's got a noise filter and a tuner out option. Very handy.

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