Photo of Xotic Effects EP Booster and more gear in a pedalboard

Xotic Effects EP Booster

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$109.45 to $159.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (210)

1 Critic Review

38 Reviews

Find out who is using Xotic Effects EP Booster

44 community setups

Featured in

8 Best Boost Pedals: Top Picks and Reviews 2026

125 wishlisted

494 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (73)

$149.99

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5.0 (33)

$149.99

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4.7 (539)

Used

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5.0 (248)

$130.00 38 available New

$79.00 20 available Used

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5.0 (55)

$149.99

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5.0 (6)

$159.00

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4.8 (335)

$122.00 $119.00 $3.00 · All time low

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£129.00

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Average Price: $131

Standard/Professional

$60

$151+

Price Tier

In the Boost Effects Pedals category, Xotic Effects EP Booster is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Xotic Effects EP Booster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Xotic Effects EP Booster, a unique pedal that brings the magic of legendary guitarists like Page, EVH, and Johnson right to your fingertips. This pedal is more than just an effect; it's a sonic experience, a journey through the tones of some of the world's most renowned artists.

Drawing its inspiration from the pre-amp stage of the iconic EP-3 echo machine, the EP Booster is designed to elevate your sound, providing up to +20dB of pure, unadulterated boost. With its discrete FET design and low impedance output, the EP Booster delivers shimmering highs and lows that promise no ear fatigue, even after hours of play.

Its compact size is deceptive, as it houses internal DIP switches that let you tailor the boost frequencies and EQ settings to your liking. This ensures that your tone maintains its unique character, even when pushed to its limits.

Whether you're looking to add some volume to your solos or drive your amp into a rich overdrive, the Xotic Effects EP Booster is a versatile addition to any pedalboard.

Key Features:

Based on the preamp stage of the classic EP-3 echo effects processor
Provides up to +20dB of boost
Discrete FET design and low impedance output for high-quality sound
Internal DIP switches for adjusting boost frequencies and EQ settings
True bypass for pure signal path when disengaged
Can be powered by 9-volt battery or optional AC adapter (sold separately)

Product specs

Available since	December 2009
Effect Types	Booster

FAQs

What kind of boost does the Xotic EP Booster provide?: The Xotic EP Booster offers up to +20dB of boost with a warm, rich character, enhancing your guitar's natural tone with added clarity and presence.
Can the Xotic EP Booster be powered with different voltage levels?: Yes, the EP Booster can be powered by 9V to 18V, allowing you to adjust the headroom and tonal response to your preference.
Does the Xotic EP Booster color the guitar's tone?: The EP Booster is not entirely transparent; it adds a slight coloration with a subtle enhancement to highs and lows, which many players find musically pleasing.
Are there any internal settings on the Xotic EP Booster that can be adjusted?: Yes, the EP Booster features internal DIP switches that allow you to adjust the boost frequencies and EQ settings for a customized sound.
Is the Xotic EP Booster suitable for use with both electric guitars and bass guitars?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the EP Booster can also be used with bass guitars to enhance tone and presence, though tonal preferences may vary.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Essential Boost Pedal for Any Board

This little stompbox has quite the reputation, and we had high hopes for it. From the moment we unboxed it, the EP Booster impressed us with its solid construction. It's built like a tank, and we can see it surviving many gigs and studio sessions. The compact size is a huge plus too, making it easy to fit on even the most crowded pedalboard.

Operating the EP Booster couldn't be simpler, thanks to its one-knob design. We were initially skeptical about the internal dip switches, which require opening the pedal, but they offer an impressive range of tonal customization. While the included documentation could be clearer, we managed to dial in some great sounds with a bit of experimentation.

When it comes to sound quality, the EP Booster genuinely shines. It added warmth, sparkle, and clarity, enhancing clean tones and making them fuller and richer. We tried it with various amps—Fender, Vox, and yes, even Marshall—and found it worked well across the board, though it didn’t pair as well with Marshall’s clean tones.

The pedal's versatility is another standout feature. Whether we used it as a clean boost, slight overdrive, or EQ shaping tool, it consistently improved our sound with minimal coloration. However, it can be a bit bassy in certain applications, and we found it to be somewhat "boomy" on acoustic setups.

Overall, the Xotic Effects EP Booster is a stellar addition to any pedalboard. It's especially great for guitarists and bassists seeking to enhance their clean tones with added warmth and clarity. However, if you're looking for a pedal that offers a lot of tweaking without opening it up, or if you primarily play acoustics, you might want to consider other options. For us, it's a reliable, well-made piece of gear that’s worth every penny.

Rated 5

Videos

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ProGuitarShopDemos

Xotic EP Booster

ProGuitarShopDemos

Xotic Effects EP Booster

Prymaxe

Vintage MXR Micro Amp vs EP Booster Xotic Effects

shnobel

Xotic Effects EP Booster echoplex preamp guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

Xotic EP Booster, SL Drive, SP Compressor, & Voltage Doubler - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Xotic EP Booster | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Interview with Kenny Greenberg "Xotic Effects EP Booster"

Xotic Video

Xotic Ep Booster

Mike Hermans

Xotic EP Booster demo of internal DIP switches

andrewandthecatfives

Xotic Effects Ep Booster vs Super Sweet Booster - Demo by Simon Gotthelf

Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

Xotic EP Booster guitar effects pedal demo

TotalGuitar

Xotic Effects EP Booster Effects Pedal Demo

Guitar Center

【日本語字幕】Steve Millhouse - EP Booster by Xotic Effects - 2015.09.01

PCI JAPAN VIDEO

Reviews

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PROS

Mimics Echo Plex preamp tone authentically
Versatile usage across musical genres and instruments
Simple, one-knob design for easy use
Can be powered at 18V for improved performance
Offers up to 20dB of gain without distorting tone
Built like a tank, ensuring durability
Internal DIP switches provide tone customization
Enhances natural guitar tone without unwanted coloration
Works well with both clean and distorted signals
Small footprint, easy to fit on pedalboards

CONS

Internal DIP switch adjustments require opening the pedal
May produce a bass-heavy sound for some setups
Documentation on DIP switch settings can be confusing
Some find it slightly "boomy" on acoustic guitars

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Xotic Effects EP Booster.

Features and functionality

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Running the EP Booster at 18 volts enhances headroom, making the sound bigger and more open.
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The EP Booster can cut high frequencies tastefully, allowing users to dial in more brightness without losing balance and smoothness.
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Setup and maintenance

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Internal dip switches allow custom setup; users recommend adjusting them to prevent unwanted boost when pedal is at minimum.
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Use cases and applications

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Works effectively as an "always on" pedal to warm up tones on Jazzmasters and Teles, but may overly fatten tones on Les Pauls.
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Some users prefer running the EP Booster before dirt pedals to enhance input signal dynamics and EQ flexibility.
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Doug Martsch of Built To Spill uses three EP Boosters stacked for varied tonal layers, from fuller rhythm to cranked fuzz for solos.
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When combined with single coils and a clean Fender amp, the EP Booster is often described as enhancing tone, whereas with humbuckers and a Marshall it can become muddy.
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Some users utilize the EP Booster to achieve a fuller tone at lower volumes or to push amps into overdrive, showcasing its versatility.
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The EP Booster can muddy effects like the MXR Deep Phase when placed in certain positions within a pedal chain, affecting overall sound clarity.
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User experience

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Some users experience battery drainage issues, especially when using the pedal in specific setups like with pedal steel guitars.
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Rare intermittent issue reported where pedal stops passing signal, then resumes functioning after disconnecting and waiting.
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Owners frequently describe the pedal as having a "pendulum" effect, alternating between loving its tone enhancement and feeling it dulls their sound.
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Owners report a noticeable difference in tone when the EP Booster is used with Strats or Teles, providing creamy warmth and subtle coloring.
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Comparisons

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The EP Booster's added low/mid frequencies are praised for thickness, but users seeking transparency often favor alternatives like the DOD Bi-FET preamp.
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The Chase Tone Secret Preamp, also based on the Echoplex preamp, offers more immediate tonal options without opening the pedal, making it more of a tone "shaper".
Source

Critic Reviews

Xotic Effects EP Booster Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Xotic Effects EP Booster is a compact powerhouse, delivering a remarkable 20db boost with tonal enhancement reminiscent of the iconic Maestro EP-3 Echoplex preamp. Its minimalistic design is a boon for crowded pedalboards, offering easy use with just one footswitch and a single knob. Inside, DIP switches allow for further tonal customization, adding versatility. Sound-wise, it enriches tones without harshness, making it an excellent choice for players seeking warmth and clarity. However, relocating the internal switches to the pedal's exterior would improve accessibility. Overall, it's a must-have for tone purists desiring a boost with character.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 38 Reviews and 210 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

curtis_ulin

164

over 10 years ago

Great boost

I use the EP Booster in the "Vintage" setting which means it rolls off a little high end and really thickens up the tone a bit, great for beefing up a clean sound or just kicking a already distorted amp just a little harder. Great pedal when you just need a bump!

mettlegossett

111

almost 9 years ago

As good as everyone says it is

I have two on my board right now one to color my tone the other I use for everything from a clean lead boost to full on high gain rhythm distortion pushing the front end of my Oranges. Killer Pedal.

adam_michel

144

about 11 years ago

The Secret Weapon!!!

This pedal is extremely versatile. Clean boost, tone preamp, push your amp into overdrive, drive your pedals harder, it does it all and more. I always keep mine on and it adds great body to my tone.

alex_hart_merithius

255

over 9 years ago

F*cking Brilliant.

This booster have amazing control over tone, gain and volume with just the one knob. Versatile between genres it belongs on every pedal-nerd's board!

charles_rhine

112

over 6 years ago

Sparkle and Boost

I almost always have this on. It makes almost everything sound better. I often have it at zero, but it helps with quiet pedals too.

michael_carter

180

almost 10 years ago

A nice way to get that echoplex tone.

I set this to no gain and vintage with the DIP switches. It does something great to the tone of fender amps. I like it with the marshalls too but it doesn't sound as good with a marshall clean. This is a very nice pedal in front of any Fender tweed style tube amp. It actually makes them warmer.

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

who the hell plays their non-master marshall below noon though? try the marshall at about noon or higher, no bass, full mid and treble, low-to-no presence and then whack the EP into the fornt end with a gentle gain lift for a Gibson or a hefty one for a Fender... control it with your volume knobs and enjoy the rich 70s goodness

outlier52

195

almost 11 years ago

Essential

Always on after overdrive and distortion pedals. Sounds fantastic, adds clarity and body. No reason to ever turn it off.

thoroliversen

103

over 6 years ago

Adding character to the tone

I'm not using this as a boost, but as an always on pedal. It brings a tasty character to the overall sound that I like.

rick_hyde

140

over 9 years ago

always on... ALWAYS!

Never sure how to describe this gem. It just makes everything sound betta'! It's small, set it, forget it. That's really all I can say. No board should be without it, big or small. If I have two pedals, one will be an Archer, the other the EP Booster!