If you are a multi-effects user or a digital modeling enthusiast, you know the struggle: sometimes the "feel" just isn't there. You have all the effects in the world, but your tone lacks that tactile, organic "bloom" that only a real tube amp provides.

Enter the ZEQD-Pre™, an all-analog simulation solution born from a powerhouse collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification. This isn't just another preamp pedal; it is a complete analog amplifier system that fits on your pedalboard, designed to give your digital rig the soul of a boutique tube amp.

The ZEQD-Pre is an all-analog tube preamplifier that combines EarthQuaker’s innovative design with Dr. Z’s decades of legendary tube amp expertise. Its mission is simple: to provide authentic tube warmth, dynamic response, and professional routing for players who need a reliable, high-fidelity signal path without lugging around a heavy head and cabinet.

Key Features at a Glance:

• The EF86 Pentode Tube: The heart of the pedal, offering massive gain, huge voltage swing, and a hi-fi frequency response.

• Passive Three-Band EQ: A musical tone stack that behaves exactly like a classic tube amp.

• Onboard Analog Cabinet Simulation: Get a realistic speaker feel through headphones or direct out.

• Balanced XLR Output: Pro-grade connectivity for the stage or studio.

• Independent Boost: A dedicated footswitch for a full-range volume jump that bypasses the EQ for maximum impact.

Most preamp pedals use the common 12AX7 tube. The ZEQD-Pre breaks the mold by using the EF86 pentode. This tube is famous in the Dr. Z world for its "pristine hi-fi" tone.

What does this mean for you?

1. Touch Sensitivity: The pedal responds to your hands. If you play light, it stays clean; if you dig in, the tone "blooms" and saturates naturally.

2. Extended Frequency Response: You get deep, tight lows and bell-like highs without losing clarity in the midrange.

3. High Headroom: With a gain factor of 185 and a 44V RMS output, this pedal handles your other pedals beautifully, making it the ultimate "pedal platform."

If you use a digital modeler or a complex multi-effects board, the ZEQD-Pre acts as the perfect "analog end-cap" to your signal chain.

1. The Ultimate Practice Amp

The built-in headphone output isn't an afterthought. It features analog cabinet simulation, allowing you to enjoy full tube character at midnight without waking the neighbors. Even when the pedal is bypassed, the headphone amp remains active at unity gain.

2. Direct-to-FOH or Interface

Using the balanced XLR out, you can run your board straight into a mixing console or recording interface. If you prefer your own digital Impulse Responses (IRs), simply hit the Cab Sim Bypass switch to send a pure, uncolored tube signal to your software.

3. Flexible Routing

The ZEQD-Pre is a routing powerhouse. All outputs work simultaneously—even when the pedal is bypassed. You can send a signal to a real stage amp, a direct feed to the front-of-house (FOH), and monitor yourself through headphones all at the same time.

Control Your Sound

The layout is intuitive but powerful:

• Activate Footswitch: Engages the tube preamp.

• Boost Footswitch: Bypasses the EQ for a transparent, high-volume punch.

• Interactive EQ: The Bass, Middle, and Treble controls are interactive, just like a vintage tube amp tone stack.

• Ground Lift: Easily eliminate hum when connecting to professional PA systems.