The Xotic EP Booster is a compact analogue boost pedal designed to add level, warmth, clarity and harmonic character without overwhelming the natural sound of your guitar and amplifier.

Inspired by the preamp section of the classic EP-3 echo unit, the EP Booster uses a discrete FET circuit with low-impedance output and provides up to +20dB of boost.

Despite its simple single-knob layout, internal DIP switches allow the pedal’s gain structure and EQ character to be adjusted, making it useful as anything from an always-on tonal sweetener to a stronger solo boost.

This Pre-Owned example is in Good condition, showing noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use while remaining suitable for continued operation.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Xotic
Model	EP Booster
Type	Boost / Preamp Pedal
Maximum Boost	Up to +20dB
Bypass	True Bypass
Power	9V–18V DC / 9V Battery
Condition	Good / Pre-Owned

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Xotic EP Booster in Good condition.

The Good condition grade reflects noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with regular previous use, while the pedal remains suitable for continued playing.

KEY FEATURES

• Xotic EP Booster

• EP-3-inspired preamp character

• Discrete FET circuit

• Up to +20dB boost

• Single external Gain control

• Internal DIP-switch voicing options

• Default, Unity Gain and Vintage-style settings

• True bypass switching

• 1MΩ input impedance

• Low-impedance output

• 9V battery compatible

• 9V–18V DC operation

• Compact pedalboard-friendly enclosure

• Good Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The EP Booster is popular because it can do more than simply make the signal louder.

At restrained settings, it can be used as an always-on preamp-style effect to add warmth, presence and a more polished feel to the signal.

Turned up further, it can push an amplifier or another drive pedal harder, making it useful for solos, gain stacking and more saturated valve-amp sounds.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Up to +20dB Boost

The EP Booster provides up to +20dB of signal boost, giving it enough range for subtle enhancement or significantly stronger level increases.

EP-3-Inspired Character

The circuit is inspired by the preamp stage associated with classic EP-3 echo units.

Rather than functioning as an entirely neutral utility boost, it is designed to add a subtle tonal character of its own.

Discrete FET Circuit

The discrete FET design contributes to the pedal’s responsive and amp-like feel.

It works particularly well when used to push valve amplifiers and overdrive pedals.

Single External Control

One large knob controls the boost level, keeping operation extremely straightforward.

This makes the EP Booster especially useful for players who want quick adjustment without complex EQ controls.

Internal DIP Switches

Internal DIP switches provide additional control over the pedal’s gain and EQ behaviour.

They can be accessed by removing the bottom plate.

Default Setting

In the default internal configuration, the pedal retains approximately +3dB of minimum gain even when the external control is fully down.

Unity Gain Option

An internal switch allows the minimum level to be changed to approximately unity gain for players who want a subtler starting point.

Vintage Voicing

The internal EQ switch can also be used to select a darker, more vintage-oriented tonal response.

9V–18V Operation

The pedal can run from 9V up to 18V DC.

Higher voltage operation provides additional headroom and a more open dynamic response.

True Bypass

When switched off, the pedal uses true bypass, removing the active circuit from the signal path.

Compact Format

At approximately 89 x 38 x 38mm, the EP Booster takes up very little pedalboard space.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Xotic EP Booster is particularly well suited to blues, rock, country, pop and session players who want a simple boost with extra tonal character.

It is also an excellent option for musicians looking for an always-on preamp-style pedal to enhance the feel of an existing rig.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The EP Booster can be used for:

• Clean level boosting

• Solo boosts

• Driving valve amplifiers

• Gain stacking

• Always-on tone enhancement

• Adding warmth and sparkle

• Pushing overdrive pedals

• Compensating for level differences between guitars

HOW IT COMPARES

EP Booster vs Transparent Clean Boost

A completely transparent clean boost is designed to increase level with minimal tonal alteration.

The EP Booster intentionally adds some of the colour and character associated with an EP-style preamp.

EP Booster vs Overdrive

An overdrive pedal deliberately adds clipping and distortion.

The EP Booster remains fundamentally a boost/preamp and can instead be used to push an amplifier or overdrive into greater saturation.

9V vs 18V Operation

Running at 9V provides the standard response.

Higher-voltage operation can provide additional headroom and a less compressed feel.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Boost / Preamp Pedal
Brand	Xotic
Model	EP Booster
Circuit	Discrete FET
Maximum Boost	Up to +20dB
Controls	Gain
Internal Controls	Gain / EQ DIP Switches
Bypass	True Bypass
Input Impedance	1MΩ
Output Impedance	Approx. 1kΩ
Power Supply	9V–18V DC
Polarity	Centre Negative
Battery	9V
Current Draw	Approx. 5mA at 9V
Dimensions	Approx. 89 x 38 x 38mm
Approx. Weight	260g
Condition	Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Xotic EP Booster can be powered by a 9V battery or a compatible regulated 9V–18V DC centre-negative power supply.

Running the pedal at a higher voltage can provide additional headroom.

No power supply has been specified as included with this Pre-Owned example.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players wanting a compact boost that adds subtle preamp-style character rather than functioning as a completely neutral level control.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic clean boosts and simple utility pedals.

Most commonly paired with: Valve amplifiers, overdrive pedals, fuzz, compression and compact pedalboards.

Our tip: Try the EP Booster both before and after your main overdrive. Before the drive it will usually increase saturation; later in the chain it can provide a more obvious overall level lift.

Showroom feedback: The EP Booster is one of those pedals that can be difficult to remove once you get used to it. Even at modest settings it can add extra body and polish to a guitar rig.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Xotic EP Booster can provide excellent value for players looking for a compact, high-quality boost and preamp pedal.

This example is in Good condition, showing noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with previous use.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging effects pedals, amplifiers, guitars and other musical equipment.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Pre-Owned effects

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current pedals, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of your next purchase.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges effects, guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own pedals or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Xotic EP Booster used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Xotic EP Booster in Good condition.

What does Good condition mean?

It shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use while remaining suitable for continued operation.

What does the EP Booster do?

It boosts the guitar signal while adding subtle preamp-style warmth and harmonic character.

How much boost does it provide?

Up to approximately +20dB.

Is it a clean boost?

It is fundamentally a boost/preamp pedal, although it intentionally adds some tonal character rather than being completely neutral.

What does the main knob control?

The single external knob controls the amount of boost.

Does it have internal controls?

Yes. Internal DIP switches adjust minimum gain and EQ behaviour.

Does it have a unity gain setting?

Yes. An internal switch allows the minimum setting to operate around unity gain.

Does it have a vintage voicing?

Yes. The internal EQ switch can provide a darker vintage-style response.

Is it true bypass?

Yes.

Can it push a valve amp?

Yes. It works very well for driving an amplifier input harder.

Can it boost an overdrive pedal?

Yes. Placing it before an overdrive can increase saturation and sustain.

Can it be used as a solo boost?

Yes.

Can it be left on all the time?

Yes. Many players use it as an always-on tonal enhancement.

Does it run on 9V?

Yes.

Can it run at 18V?

Yes. It accepts compatible regulated power supplies up to 18V DC.

Does it use a battery?

Yes. It can operate from a standard 9V battery.

Is a power supply included?

No power supply has been specified as included.

Can I part-exchange other pedals against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers pedals and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.