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Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal

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Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal

^# 67

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$249.00 to $274.00 Price Tier: High-end

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Empress ParaEQ MKII

2 wishlisted

6 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$274.00

View Deal

$274.00

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5.0 (4)

$274.00

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5.0 (7)

$249.00 30 available New

$220.74 2 available Used

$274.00

$274.00

$274.00

5.0 (15)

$269.00 $268.00 $1.00 · All time low

View Deal

£279.00

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$274.00

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Average Price: $266

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Equalizer Effects Pedals category, Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal 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

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal is a phenomenal addition to any musician's gear arsenal, encapsulating the power of a studio-grade equalizer within a compact stompbox. Crafted to enhance your sound without compromising its authenticity, this pedal is the perfect tool for tone shaping and precise frequency adjustments. The 3-band EQ section offers a sweepable +/- 15dB boost/cut on all bands, backed by variable Q controls for extensive adjustability.

The ParaEQ MKII exceeds its predecessor by boasting an impressive 107.9dB signal to noise ratio, minimal 0.03% introduced distortion, and a 27V functionality. This makes for a clear, noise-free sound that is quite exceptional for a stompbox format. Furthermore, the MKII features a robust 30dB boost section that can push your signal from a subtle nudge to a raunchy overdrive, making it a versatile companion for your musical journey.

In essence, the Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal is a game-changer for musicians seeking to unlock new dimensions of sound without losing their unique tonal character.

Key Features:

All-analog signal path for a rich, expressive sound without altering your instrument’s original tone
3-band equalizer sections provides 15dB of cut and boost to sculpt your sound
Powerful 30dB boost section for driving amps and raising the volume of long signal chains
Adjustable Q for general tone shaping and ultra-precise notching of problem frequencies
Exceptionally low-noise design with an incredible 107.9dB signal to noise ratio and less than 0.03% gain introduced into the signal
Designed to excel with a wide variety of instruments, from guitars to electronic violins and more
True-bypass construction keeps your signal clear when the pedal is disengaged
27V operation provides the same studio-level headroom as world-class rack gear

Owner's manual

Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	3-band EQ, with Boost
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
Height	2.5"
Width	2.6"
Depth	4.8"
Weight	1 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal?: The Empress ParaEQ MKII is a 3-band parametric equalizer with a boost function, designed to shape your guitar's tone by adjusting specific frequency bands and providing a clean boost to your signal.
Is the Empress ParaEQ MKII an analog or digital pedal?: The Empress ParaEQ MKII features an all-analog signal path, ensuring a warm and natural sound without digital artifacts.
Does the Empress ParaEQ MKII support true bypass?: Yes, the Empress ParaEQ MKII is equipped with true bypass, which means it does not affect your signal when the pedal is turned off.
Can the Empress ParaEQ MKII be used with bass guitars?: Yes, the Empress ParaEQ MKII can be used with bass guitars, allowing you to shape and enhance your bass tones effectively.
What are the input and output options on the Empress ParaEQ MKII?: The Empress ParaEQ MKII features a single 1/4" input and a single 1/4" output, suitable for standard guitar and pedalboard connections.

Videos

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Empress Effects

Benn Jordan Explains the Empress ParaEq MKII and ParaEq MKII Deluxe

Empress Effects

VS: Empress ParaEQ MKII Wampler Equator ThorpyFX Team Medic Xotic RC Booster V2 Caline Ten Band EQ

XguitarX

Empress ParaEQ MKII Review - A Suggestion for Empress - Deluxe vs Standard

XguitarX

Reviews

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PROS

Pristine sound quality with zero noise
Converts 9v to 27v for more headroom
Easier and faster to use than graphic EQ
Offers up to 30db of boost for solos
Durable construction, built like a tank
Works well with various guitar types and amps
Quiet operation, minimal noise even with high outputs
Intuitive design allows for precise tone shaping
Two-in-one EQ and boost pedal with separate foot switches
Flexible EQ adjustments with selectable bandwidth (Q)

CONS

Requires power supply capable of delivering 300ma
Price may be considered high for some users
Knobs are too easily adjusted for some preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal.

Features and functionality

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Empress ParaEQ MKII is praised for its ability to sculpt fuzz and dirt pedals, enhancing acoustic guitar tones and controlling feedback live.
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The pedal can transform digital rigs by trimming high-end fuzz, making the output sound more like studio monitors with added warmth.
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The Empress ParaEQ MKII is noted for its ability to manipulate overdrive pedals, with users specifically enhancing a TS808 by adding low-end, a mid-cut, and high-end sheen.
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The Empress ParaEQ MKII Deluxe allows users to perform variations of the Pultec trick, enhancing bass or treble without muddiness by cutting narrow frequency ranges before boosting.
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The pedal features high and low pass filters that can be adjusted to open or cut specific frequencies, useful for tailoring tones to avoid shrillness or muddiness.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners report using the pedal for boosting mids after a scooped fuzz like a muff, bringing the sound into sharper focus.
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Recommended for acoustic setups with preamp pickups, such as Takamine, to avoid distortion and improve tonal balance.
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Users report placing the ParaEQ MKII after overdrive pedals to correct undesirable tones, effectively reshaping the sound profile post-drive.
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Placing the EQ in front of a Blues Driver pedal can dramatically alter its sound, using the clean boost to push frequencies into breakup more dynamically.
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Adjusting the pedal to room acoustics is crucial for live performances, as static EQ settings from practice spaces may not translate well to different venues.
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User experience

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Some users express that the Empress ParaEQ MKII is the only indispensable pedal on their board, highlighting its essential role.
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Long-term users emphasize the transformative power of a good EQ pedal over accumulating multiple overdrives, discovering this after years of gear experimentation.
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Users note that the Q knobs can be subtle, and mastering their use is key for achieving precise tone control, especially in recording or live playing contexts.
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Comparisons

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Owners highlight the pedal's design similarities with Midas analog mixing desks, suggesting an intentional homage to professional audio equipment.
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The pedal is used alongside graphic EQs, with the ParaEQ MKII in effects loops for detailed tone shaping, contrasting with graphic EQs used at the chain's start.
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The pedal's ability to simulate different guitars through EQ adjustments highlights its versatility, allowing players to mimic the tonal characteristics of a more extensive guitar collection.
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Critic Reviews

Bassic Review – Empress Effects ParaEQ MKII and ParaEQ MKII Deluxe Pedals

bassgearmag.com

The Empress ParaEQ MKII and its Deluxe counterpart deliver an impressively compact and versatile EQ solution that enhances tone without overwhelming it. With user-friendly controls and exceptional sound quality, they stand out for their low noise and high headroom. However, in low-light conditions, some smaller font controls can be hard to read, and the Deluxe model's variable Q feature doesn’t replicate every nuance of its non-Deluxe sibling. Still, these pedals are a fantastic addition for both novices and seasoned players, offering powerful tools for tone shaping and feedback control.

positive

Full Review

"The Empress Effects ParaEq MKII Pedals Are as Good as It Gets": Head of Engineering, Jay Fee, Explains How Their New Parametric Equalizers Can Take Your Sound to the Next Level | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal shines with its advanced features, offering musicians unparalleled control over their sound. Its parametric EQ capabilities allow for precise tonal shaping, setting it apart from traditional graphic EQs. Notably, the pedal boasts an impressive 27 volts of headroom, ensuring clarity and preventing clipping, which many users will appreciate during live performances. While the price may deter budget-conscious players, the quality and versatility offered make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians. However, some may find the learning curve steep, as mastering the EQ's full potential takes time. Overall, the ParaEQ MKII is hailed as a top-tier choice for those seeking a professional-grade EQ solution, making it an exciting addition to any pedalboard.

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Artist usage

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Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Here is a picture of Mike’s pedalboard, where the Empress ParaEQ MKII can be seen.

Björn Gelotte

Guitarist

In Flames

Verified via YouTube

In the Klotz signal chains video, Greg Winn, the guitar tech for Björn Gelotte, confirms at 10:15 that the Empress ParaEQ MKII Equalizer and Boost Pedal is used in the solos to remove some of the lows and highs and to enhance the tone.