CATALINBREAD / Epoch Pre

Epoch Pre is a preamp pedal that reproduces the sound of the legendary Echoplex EP-3. Designed with a focus on the original circuit, it faithfully reproduces ""that sound.""

■Guitar effector
■Preamp/booster
■Features
--Accurate reproduction of the EP-3 circuit
-Powered by a standard center negative DC9V adapter
-Boosts voltage to 22V internally
-2 outputs that can be sent to two amplifiers, etc.
■Controls
-BALANCE: Volume control.
-Created based on the wet/dry mix circuit of a tape echo.
-Just like the original, it can be used not only to control the volume, but also for subtle ""tone shaping""
-When set from minimum to around 12 o'clock, it operates similarly to a general volume control
-When set above 12 o'clock, the volume remains almost the same, and a slight tone shift can be adjusted
-The thickest is around 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock, and when turned up to the maximum, the low end becomes tighter
・BIAS: Pedal gain control
-At minimum setting, it operates similarly to the original ""EP-3"" at near unity gain
-By raising the BIAS knob, you can create a higher gain
-With high headroom, you can create a big sound without distorting the sound too much
・BOOST: Preset boost is also available
-The preset boost level is controlled by the BOOST knob
-The BOOST function is part of the preamp. The boost section cannot be used separately.

- Turning BOOST ON makes the sound louder and wider.

- EARLY/LATER: Switch between early and later models.

- The early voicing has a tight low end and emphasizes the upper midrange.

- This is a tone that is perfect for enhancing a heavily distorted British amp.

- The later voicing has a bigger, looser low end and a flat frequency response.

- Warm and creamy tone.

- BUFFER: Switches the buffer ON/OFF.

- Useful when running long cables.

■ Power supply: Center negative 9VDC adapter (batteries cannot be used).

■ Current consumption: 0mA.

- How to use Epoch Pre.

Epoch Pre can be used in a variety of connections, but like the original model, it was originally designed to be placed at the end of the signal chain. It can be used not only as a booster, but also as a master fader. It can widen and louden the sound of the entire pedalboard. It is also effective for creating a sound that does not get lost in the mix.

The original EP-3 was used not only as an echo, but also as an enhancer and live performance tool. Epoch Pre is especially specialized in the enhancer part.
The volume control of Epoch Pre is the mixer circuit of EP-3. The output impedance of this circuit is relatively high, which is one of the factors of the warm tone of the original model. However, if you run a cable from the board to the amp, the signal from the preamp alone may not be strong enough. That's why we equipped it with a buffer. By activating the buffer, the output impedance of the entire pedal board is lowered and it is no longer dependent on the cable.
At the time, the original EP-3 was often placed on top of the amp, and the cable to the amp was short, so it was not a problem, but we found that using the buffer can sometimes produce better results when placed on the pedal board.
The buffer of Epoch Pre is always ON regardless of BYPASS, so it is effective even when not using the preamp. However, once you turn on Epoch Pre, you may not want to turn it off. Eh? I'm serious.
Epoch Pre can be used not only as an enhancer or boost, but also to lower the volume of the entire pedal board. Since you can lower the volume without losing tone, it is useful for late-night performances or when combined with an amp that is prone to distortion.