Empress ParaEq

^# 6

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$220.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (21)

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal

$249.00 - $279.00

Find out who is using Empress ParaEq

2 community setups

25 wishlisted

60 saved

Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (65)

$220.00 14 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $220

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Equalizer Effects Pedals category, Empress ParaEq is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Meet the Empress ParaEQ - your ultimate tone-shaping tool. This parametric EQ doesn't just tweak your sound, it sculpts it with surgical precision. Dive into the details of your high, mid, and low frequencies, with a generous +/- 15dB for each band. Want to make a subtle adjustment or a radical transformation? The Empress ParaEQ is your canvas. And with up to 30dB of clean boost, it doesn't just refine your tone, it amplifies it. This pedal thrives on versatility, accepting 9v, 12v, or 18v power sources for maximum adaptability.

Key Features:

Transparent parametric EQ for precision tone shaping
Detailed control over high, mid, and low frequencies
+/- 15dB adjustment for each frequency range
Offers up to 30dB of clean boost
Accepts 9v, 12v, or 18v power sources.

Product specs

Brand	Empress
Model	ParaEQ with Boost
Finish	Blue
Year	2010s
Made In	Canada
Categories	EQ Pedals

FAQs

What makes the Empress ParaEq different from other EQ pedals?: The Empress ParaEq offers a fully parametric equalizer with three bands, allowing precise control over frequency, bandwidth, and gain. This flexibility makes it ideal for sculpting your tone exactly to your preference.
Does the Empress ParaEq work well with both electric and acoustic guitars?: Yes, the Empress ParaEq is designed to enhance the tonal quality of both electric and acoustic guitars, providing clarity and definition across various frequencies.
Can the Empress ParaEq be used as a clean boost?: The Empress ParaEq includes a boost feature that can provide up to 30dB of clean gain, making it suitable for use as a clean boost in your signal chain.
What kind of power supply does the Empress ParaEq require?: The Empress ParaEq requires a standard 9V DC power supply, center-negative, and it consumes approximately 35mA of current.
Is the Empress ParaEq suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Empress ParaEq is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and intuitive controls that allow quick adjustments on stage.

Videos

Add video

Music is Win

The Most Underrated Guitar Effect

Music is Win

Parametric EQ's versus Graphic EQ's... what's the difference? Which is better?

Wampler Pedals

Empress Effects ParaEq w/ Boost

Mike Hermans

Empress Para EQ with Boost | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Empress Effects: ParaEq, Multidrive, HEAVY - Pedalicious

Pedalicious

Reviews

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PROS

High-quality, clean sound shaping that doesn't color sound
Parametric EQ approach preferred over graphic EQ for post-distortion
Versatile with input pad and boost features for flexible signal chain integration
Built to last with a sturdy construction
Three adjustable EQ points with gain, frequency center, and Q-width mini-switch
Dual footswitches for bypass and adjustable boost option
True bypass and buffered bypass options
Improves vocals and instrument sounds by boosting or cutting frequencies
High fidelity and headroom comparable to studio console EQs
Effective in filtering out unwanted tones, enhancing clarity

CONS

High price point may not justify its performance for some users
Tiny black knobs on newer models disliked by some for aesthetic reasons
Perceived as quiet compared to other EQ pedals, potentially a drawback for those seeking more pronounced effects

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Empress ParaEq can significantly shape tone by enhancing a TS808 with low-end bumps, mid-box cuts, and high-end sheen.
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The pedal allows for precise mid-frequency adjustments after using scooped fuzz pedals like a Big Muff, enhancing focus and clarity in the guitar's sound.
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The pedal features fourteen knobs and two footswitches within a standard 1590B enclosure, offering extensive control and adjustment options.
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Use cases and applications

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Placing the ParaEq after overdrive pedals allows for effective tone shaping to eliminate undesirable sounds.
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It's been noted that the ParaEq is effective for dialing out feedback in live acoustic guitar settings, improving overall sound control and clarity.
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A recommendation for acoustic guitars with preamp pickups is to run the Empress ParaEq first in the signal chain to avoid distortion and achieve a balanced sound.
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The Empress ParaEq MKII Deluxe is used effectively for reamping softsynths, providing unique textures and vibes compared to plugins.
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Placing the ParaEq at the beginning of the signal chain helps improve the base sound, while placement pre/post drives allows creative experimentation.
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Comparisons

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The design of the ParaEq closely resembles that of a Midas analog mixing desk, indicating a deliberate inspiration.
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Users suggest that for acoustic setups with preamp pickups, placing the ParaEq before a Grace Bix can yield a cleaner signal compared to running it after.
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While it doesn't achieve self-oscillation like a WMD Parametric EQ, the Empress ParaEq can produce whistle-like resonance with exaggerated frequencies.
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User experience

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Users highlight the importance of acquiring a good EQ pedal before expanding with multiple overdrives to maximize tone versatility.
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Some owners find the Empress ParaEq to be the only indispensable pedal on their board, highlighting its versatility and essential role in tone shaping.
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Owners find that using the ParaEq with Neural DSP sims like Tone King and Nameless enhances tones, although it doesn't drastically change the sim's character.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 21 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

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1 star

raucusbacchus

1288

7 months ago

Excellent

Super clean. Precision tuning & sensitive to touch intensity on the guitar.

david_berg

199

over 2 years ago

Incredible EQ - highly recommend!

I love EQ. This is the best EQ I've ever had the pleasure to use. Great possibilities to shape the sound as you want it and does not colour the sound in an unwanted way.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Jazz

tervonen

202

over 4 years ago

Great eq

Great EQ to find and boost the sweet spots and cut down the ugly sounds. Good gadget to bring clarity to your sound.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Metal Stoner rock

danham

919

about 8 years ago

Cleans up my muddy humbuckers

I can filter out a lot of the dull, muddy tones of the humbuckers on my Blacktop Strat using this EQ. Makes the bare knuckle pickups on my Jag sound extra sweet.