EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD Preamp

A collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification

The ZEQD-Pre is an all-analog tube preamplifier that brings together EarthQuaker Devices' innovative pedal design and Dr. Z Amplification’s decades of tube amp expertise. With a passive Three-Band EQ, professional headphone output, balanced XLR output, and onboard analog cabinet simulation, the ZEQD-Pre delivers authentic tube warmth and dynamic response in a complete analog amplifier system that fits right on your pedalboard.

Designed to live at the end of your signal chain, the ZEQD-Pre adds classic tube character to everything upstream. Its passive Three-Band EQ provides precise tonal control—fine-tune your amp's voice, push its preamp into rich harmonic overdrive, or breathe dimension and life into a modeling setup. 

This pedal is a simple, modern tool devised to give you all the organic sonic character and dynamic response of a tube amp in a compact and convenient form factor. There are no menus to dive through. No IR loading. No firmware updates. No 0s, 1s, or any other pesky digital artifacts to get in the way of you and your tone. The ZEQD-Pre is the no-fuss analog solution to all your digital woes.

The ZEQD-Pre features a built-in analog cabinet simulation for realistic amp feel during quiet practice sessions to give you the full EF86 tube character without disturbing your housemates. This feature is handily disengaged via the Cab Bypass switch enabling you to send a pure signal to your preferred IR loader or modeling software and making it perfect for direct recording, backline-free gigs, or hybrid rigs with multiple signal paths.

Hit the Boost footswitch and the Three-Band EQ drops out completely, delivering a full-range boost with its own dedicated level control. Two distinct tones at your feet: sculpted EQ tone or wide-open boosted voice. Simple, immediate, and musical.

The ZEQD-Pre uses the EF86 pentode—the same tube that gives many Dr. Z amplifiers their pristine hi-fi tone and makes them such responsive pedal platforms. What does that mean for you? It means dynamic and nuanced touch sensitivity, hi-fi full frequency clarity, and an EQ that is both predictable and highly responsive.

Though designed with guitarists in mind, the ZEQD-Pre’s broad range of EQ voices and tube warmth can enrich the sonic color and harmonic content of just about anything you can think of plugging into it, including, but not limited to, bass, synths, keys, drums, vocals, and microphones.

Each ZEQD-Pre is built by one sophisticated droid and many kind-hearted flesh and blood artisans in the tropical metropolis of Akron, Ohio USA.