EARTHQUAKER DEVICES / ZEQD-Pre

This is a vacuum tube preamp pedal created in collaboration with Dr. Z, a tube amp expert and longtime friend of EQD. Featuring a passive 3-band EQ, a professional-level headphone output, a must-have XLR output for line signals, and a speaker cabinet simulator tuned with analog circuitry, the ZEQD-Pre delivers the warmth and dynamics of vacuum tubes in a fully analog preamp station that can be built into your board.

■As a Headphone Amp
Equipped with an analog amp simulator output tuned to deliver the feel of a genuine amp. Enjoy the vacuum tube sound passed through the EF86 using headphones without disturbing those around you.

■Send a Pure Signal with the XLR Output
The balanced XLR output allows for direct connection to a live venue console or recording interface. If you prefer to use an IR or other speaker cabinet simulator, the analog amp simulator function can be disabled. This makes it an excellent companion for players who prefer direct or hybrid signal handling during live performances or recording.

■As a Signal Path Hub
All outputs of the ZEQD-Pre can be used simultaneously, which is the key to its use. For example, you can send a signal to an amp and a direct signal to a console at the same time, and use headphones as your own monitor. The signal path possibilities are vast, allowing for a variety of creative possibilities.

■Why the EF86 Tube?
〇Technical Aspects
Unlike the commonly used 12AX7 (triode), the EF86 (pentode) offers superior performance characteristics. - 185% gain - A higher gain range than triode tubes

- 4V high voltage - The wide voltage range effectively affects dynamics

- Wide frequency range - Covers the full range from deep bass to precise highs

The above points are advantages of using the ZEQD-Pre.

- Touch-sensitive - The EF86 tube responds to the nuances of dynamic playing. A light touch creates a clean sound, while strumming chords with a pick adds depth, fully responding to the player's expressiveness.

- Clear all frequencies - Utilizing its wide frequency range, it adds rich harmonics to the original sound, tight bass, and clear, sparkling highs.

- Responsive EQ - The signal enhanced by the EF86 tube is effectively compensated for by the passive EQ with the minimum possible loss of sound quality. This EQ is easy to use and has a very musical response, similar to an amplifier's tone stack.

The hi-fi performance of the EF86 tubes provides excellent response and a musical tone.

■Controls
・Boost: Sets the output of the boost function. When the boost function is activated, the EQ section is bypassed. Boost mode has a very high output, so please be especially careful when using headphones and the XLR jack.
・Boost Footswitch: When Boost is activated, the EQ section is bypassed and the pedal functions as a full-range booster. This boost function is only available when Active is activated.
・Headphone Output: 1/4-inch (6.35mm) stereo (TRS)
Headphone output. When using headphones, use the Level knob to set the volume. Even when the pedal is off, the input signal volume remains unchanged, allowing you to monitor the sound passing through the cabinet simulator.
・Direct Output: XLR balanced output.
・Ground Lift Switch: Turns off the ground for the XLR output.

-Cab Sim Bypass Switch: Turns the cabinet simulator on/off for the XLR output.

-Level: Sets the normal output without the boost function.

-Bass: Sets the frequency from 20Hz to 400Hz.

-Middle: Sets the frequency from 400Hz to 2kHz.

-Treble: Sets the frequency from 2kHz to 20kHz.

-Active Footswitch: Turns the pedal on/off.

■SPECS

-Dimensions: 14.92 x 10.00 x 6.99 (cm)

-Current Consumption: 500 mA

-Input Impedance: 10 MOhm

-Output Impedance: Varies depending on the equipment used

-Headphone Output Impedance: 39 Ohm

-DI Output Impedance: 100 Ohm

-Switches
The ZEQD-Pre uses true bypass.

This product can be used with a 9V, 500mA or higher, 2.1mm center-negative AC adapter. We do not recommend using daisy chains or power adapters that do not use a transformer, as this may result in noise. Do not use a power supply higher than 9V, as this may cause malfunction.