Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $179
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
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
Music is Win
The Most Underrated Guitar Effect
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
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
-
The Empress ParaEq can significantly shape tone by enhancing a TS808 with low-end bumps, mid-box cuts, and high-end sheen.
Source -
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.
Source -
The pedal features fourteen knobs and two footswitches within a standard 1590B enclosure, offering extensive control and adjustment options.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Placing the ParaEq after overdrive pedals allows for effective tone shaping to eliminate undesirable sounds.
Source -
It's been noted that the ParaEq is effective for dialing out feedback in live acoustic guitar settings, improving overall sound control and clarity.
Source -
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.
Source -
The Empress ParaEq MKII Deluxe is used effectively for reamping softsynths, providing unique textures and vibes compared to plugins.
Source -
Placing the ParaEq at the beginning of the signal chain helps improve the base sound, while placement pre/post drives allows creative experimentation.
Source
Comparisons
-
The design of the ParaEq closely resembles that of a Midas analog mixing desk, indicating a deliberate inspiration.
Source -
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.
Source -
While it doesn't achieve self-oscillation like a WMD Parametric EQ, the Empress ParaEq can produce whistle-like resonance with exaggerated frequencies.
Source
User experience
-
Users highlight the importance of acquiring a good EQ pedal before expanding with multiple overdrives to maximize tone versatility.
Source -
Some owners find the Empress ParaEq to be the only indispensable pedal on their board, highlighting its versatility and essential role in tone shaping.
Source -
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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 21 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"I'm hugely into EQ. There's an Empress five-band parametric EQ, and with that pedal I can sweep the frequencies that I want to lose in my sound. I can get microscopic with tone. Most amps have plenty of tone; around 2KHz, there's a bitey kind of sound, then there's a big harsh mid-range around 800Hz, and then there's low-mid garbage that just makes your guitar sound foggy around 250/300Hz. And I dip that. I like to play with a keyboard player and I want the low mids of my guitar not to clash with the bass and the keyboards." (https://reverb.com/news/reverb-interview-bluesman-keb-mo)
In an interview on Gearandloathinginsandiego, Andy Shauf is shown using the Empress ParaEq. Despite being partially covered with tape, the pedal is identifiable by its distinct knobs, color, and visible lettering.
Featured in this August 14, 2020 video.
Pedals mentioned in this video:
NXT5 by NS Design
Organelle by Critter & Guitari
Strymon Zuma
Meris Enzo (+ MIDI footswitch)
Walrus Audio Iron Horse V2
Empress ParaEq
Empress Echosystem
You can see this pedal in this tweet.
In this Rig Rundown from Premier Guitar, Robert Randolph explains why he uses the ParaEQ. At 6:07, he says, “This ParaEQ thing also allows you, when I’m playing country, it allows you to get a country tone, you know when the cowboys come out”
In Fabian Holland's YouTube video titled "Do Acoustic Guitars NEED Pedals? - My Full Pedalboard Walkthrough," he provides a tour of his acoustic guitar pedalboard and shows the Empress ParaEq at the 5:16 mark.
Josh Hager is confirmed to use the Empress ParaEq, as it is listed on his artist page on the Empress Effects Inc. website.
.jpg)
In this Instagram post, Cody shares his bass pedal board.
Featured in this October 22, 2016 Reddit post, which includes the following comment:
Pretty simple idea, but an amazing pedal. Got it primarily for bass but will trying to get some weird sounds on guitar too.
Very low noise floor, totally silent unless everything is being boosted drastically. Haven't figured out where in the signal chain it will go, probably after most of my fuzz & drive to shape the overall sound.
Anyone want a GE-7 with a missing slider cap?
Album Usage
The Empress ParaEq has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress ParaEq, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783290028)
-s.webp?v=1783289847)
-s.webp?v=1783004193)
Community setups
Show yours
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Empress ParaEq, curated by the Equipboard community.
$118.24 - $139.99
More Empress Equalizer Effects Pedals
-m.webp?v=1783292045)
$335.00 - $355.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$249.00 - $279.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$179.00 - $385.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$10.00 - $166.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpeg?v=1783313150)
$85.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$100.50 - $131.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$125.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$59.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783214872)
$137.08 - $218.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$124.35 - $164.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783299754)
$125.48
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$110.00 - $125.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpeg?v=1783267404)
$218.50 - $252.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$117.72
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$49.00 - $55.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$275.00 - $289.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$18.17 - $31.90
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$102.56 - $125.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$136.00 - $150.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783265553)
-m.webp?v=1783263847)
$55.00 - $83.90
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$85.00 - $159.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$38.82
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$85.00 - $159.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$159.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$250.97
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783267404)
$50.20 - $247.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$74.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$179.00 - $199.97
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.png?v=1783270193)
$199.00 - $232.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.webp?v=1782327089)
$118.24 - $139.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$95.83
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$600.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$39.99 - $52.40
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$264.00 - $369.95
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$37.52 - $37.99
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$56.00 - $64.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$133.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$289.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783265549)
$300.00
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
$71.00 - $86.60
in Equalizer Effects Pedals Rank
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783260049)
Gear Guides
Most Popular Equalizer Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
julianwolf2Gear IQ 13060
-
