In this article, we’re going to be talking about what the best guitar boost pedals are, which are available to purchase in 2020.
However, before we jump into exactly which boost processors have been featured within the list, we’re going to briefly touch on what exactly a guitar boost pedal is, how it works and when you may need to use one, as we think that this will be extremely useful for more novice/beginner guitarists to learn about exactly what the role of a guitar boost unit is.
What is a Guitar Boost Pedal?
A booster pedal is quite simply pedals that increase the volume of your guitar signal, with minimal manipulation or discoloration of the original signal.
Therefore, a high-quality clean boost pedal will only provide an increase in volume, which is an accurate, louder representation of the input signal.
Digital vs Analog Booster Pedals – Which is the best Boost pedal?
Almost all types of guitar boost pedals on the market are analog boosters, and therefore they have 100% analog circuitry.
The reason for this is because whilst most guitarists desire a clean boost of their signal, some want to have the option to get a more overdriven & fattened guitar tone, and therefore the analog circuitry is effective in providing both sounds.
Whereas, a digital pedal is not so easily overdriven, with digital overdrive pedals not having the same warmth as an overdriven analog preamp.
However, with the advancement in digital technology, and with brands such as Boss pioneering this, you may see more pop up in the future.
Where to place a boost pedal?
As we previously touched upon, a boost pedal simply increases the volume of the input signal, by a variable amount (based on the interface settings) as soon as the pedal is turned on and engaged.
Therefore, this type of pedal is predominantly used alongside other guitar effects pedals, so where would it be ideal to place it within the signal chain?
Generally speaking, there are no set answers for this, although we’ve seen guitarists achieve a great sound by placing the boost pedal towards the end of the signal chain, post-tonal colorization, and processing.
By doing this, the signal is sonically ideal and just requires boosting.
When to Use a Booster Pedal?
Since booster pedals increase the dB volume of the input signal, they are more commonly used in a scenario that requires such boosting, i.e if you’re a lead guitarist and require a little extra volume for a guitar solo…
Additionally, you may want to use a booster pedal to provide emphasis and a more anthemic-sounding last chorus, to really get the audience ‘feeling the music’…
It’s a shame that your bassist will claim it was all his doing, but let him think that, we know the truth!
In summary, it’s generally up to you where the pedal goes, although our advice is to place is later on in the signal chain.
So, that’s it for talking about the details surrounding booster pedals, let’s actually get to discussing the particular pedals that we’ve featured.
Without further ado, what are the best guitar boost pedals in 2020?
Best Boost Pedals For Guitar
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Guitar Pedal
TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Guitar Pedal
Features
- Mini-sized booster pedal by TC Electronic
- An incredibly reputable brand, known for high-quality equipment
- All-metal chassis
- ‘PrimeTime’ footswitch technology
- Extremely simple to use
- Additional 3-band EQ controls
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners manual
- Warranty information
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Up to 20dB of boost
- Power: 9V battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The has received an average rating of 4.5* out of 5 stars from 192 Amazon customer reviews. This product has been reviewed highly countless times on Amazon, and overall seems to be the best boost pedal based on the thoughts of musicians around the world.
Summary
The Spark Booster pedal by TC Electronics is a compact, highly portable guitar boost processor, ideal for almost every guitarist’s pedalboard.
These boost pedals themselves are built using a durable metal chassis so that it’s able to be taken on the road and withstand the occasional hit.
The Spark Booster unit features all-analog circuitry, so you’ll hear a warmer output sound with a clean boost.
Additionally, when disengaged, these boost pedals provides ‘true bypass’ which means that they won’t interfere with the input signal, and immediately relays it to the output within this range.
A nice feature of the TC Electronics Spark pedal is it’s in-built ‘PrimeTime foot pedal technology’, which allows for the user to apply momentary boost, which will engage once the user presses on the foot-switch, and stay engaged until the foot-switch is released.
This feature is particularly good to apply momentary boost dynamics to your guitar riffs and solos. Overall this boost dynamics really adds something special, and makes it the best boost pedal for that added sound.
Because of this ‘PrimeTime’ function, TC Electronics boost pedals have built the footswitch in a way so that engagement/disengagement is almost silent when it comes to the physical switch and springs…
As you’ll hear Steve Morse demonstrate, from the demonstration video of the pedal in action further below, these pedals are incredibly quiet, so he doesn’t even need a noise-gate.
Additionally, these boost pedals also have in-built 3-band EQ controls, so you have the option of whether or not you wish to change the tonality of the signal during the booting process.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, these boost pedals sounds extremely good and can provide both a clean or somewhat overdriven boost range depending on your preference.
Additionally, the 3-band EQ also helps refine the output sound.
What would we improve?
We don’t like to say what we’d improve with boost pedals that are incredibly cheap, because any improvement would directly affect this USP.
However, we simply can’t fault these pedals!
Who is this pedal for?
The Spark Booster pedal is for the guitarist who has a smaller budget but wants a pedal that even some of the greats use (with the video demonstration below showing Steve Morse from Deep Purple using it in his rig). Overall it gives you a great amount of performance for a very reasonable price. So if you’re looking for quality vs. price then these could be the best boost pedals for your needs!
PROS AND CONS
Pros
- Highly compact unit
- Incredibly affordable
- Sounds fantastic
- ‘PrimeTime footpedal technology’
- Optional 3-band EQ settings
Cons
- Nothing
MXR M-133 Micro Amp Booster Pedal
Features
- Miniature-sized guitar boost pedal by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
- A reputable brand is known for delivering quality products
- All-metal chassis
- 1-Gain knob and 1 on/off foot-switch
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners manual
- Includes 1-year manufacturers warranty
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- Hardwire bypass
- Up to 26dB of boost
- Power: 9V battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The MXR M-133 Micro Amp has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 8 Amazon customer reviews. Although it doesn’t have very many reviews, these boost pedals are a great compact pedal with a high quality clean boost.
Summary
The MXR M-133 Micro Amp is a highly compact analog booster pedal, provided by the expert engineers of MXR & Jim Dunlop.
These boost pedals themselves are very simple in its operation and functionality, providing the user with 1 gain control, to adjust the level of gain boost applied to the signal during the pedal engagement.
These boost pedals are capable of up to 26dBs of boost, which is 6dBs higher than the similarly priced TC Electronics Spark Booster unit…
Although the M-133 does not use true-bypass and utilizes a hardwire bypass circuit… so expect a little, added warmth and compression to the signal, even when the pedals are disengaged. Overall it provides a pretty clean boost which sounds great.
As with the majority of MXR boost pedals, these pedals are solidly built and will be able to last for years on end.
However, in case you get a unit which malfunctions, there’s no need to worry as MXR provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty on their products!
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration that we’ve featured below, the pedal provides a nice level of boost to the signal with a solid range.
These boost pedals not only boost the signal but also helps thicken the overall sound, which we really like!
However, since the video demonstration shows the pedal in a controlled environment (with minimal background noise, you can hear some slight frequency noise, so be aware of this if you’re going to be pushing the gain to 12…
It will produce an overdriven sound with a little noise, but that’s completely normal.
What would we improve?
As per usual, we don’t like to say what we’d improve with pedals that are incredibly cheap, because any improvement would directly affect this USP.
These pedals are a great buy for someone on a budget, who wants a simple unit.
Who is this pedal for?
The MXR M-133 is ideal for the guitarist on a budget, who wants a large amount of boost potential (up to 26dBs), without requiring the True Bypass that other similarly priced pedals have.
Instead, this unit helps boost and thicken up your overall sound… And is incredibly simple to use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly Compact
- Incredibly affordable
- Boosts & thickens overall sound
- Simple to use
Cons
- Might produce a slight amount of noise when gain is turned to 12
Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Nano Preamp Pedal
Features
- Guitar boost pedal by Electro-Harmonix
- Built-in the USA
- Die-Cast metal chassis
- Easy to use with 1 boost control
- Based on the 1968 EHX LPB-1
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
- EH 1-year manufacturers warranty
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Power: 9V battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions: 2.75 (w) x 4.5 (l) x 2.1
Customer Review Rating
The Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Nano pedal has received an average rating of 4.1* out of 5 stars from 88 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
Electro-Harmonix is a company that has been in the guitar effects industry for over 50 years, they provide hand-built, high-end music equipment which is capable of transforming your guitar sound…
And their LPB-1 Linear Power Boost Nano unit is no different, providing a true-bypass, all-analog circuit which will boost your guitar on request.
These boost pedals were based on the 1968 LPB-1 which EHXs released all those years back.
The pedal itself is small in size and built from EHX’s standard die-cast metal chassis design.
It can be operated very easily, as the interface is made up of the boost control knob in conjunction with the on/off foot-switch.
Additionally, it can be powered from battery power and from a power adapter, and its internal 9v battery can easily be changed by removing the 4 screws located at the bottom of the unit and opening the battery compartment.
These booster pedals act as a preamp, and as the boost knob is turned (clockwise) more, it saturates the output sound more and more.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, the pedal adds a good amount of boost to the sound range, but equally adds more treble frequencies to the mix as the boost knob is turned up.
What would we improve?
This is a very unique sounding pedal and has been created to commemorate the original LPB-1 unit.
Because of this, it can’t really be compared to the other pedals which are priced around the same price-point.
Who is this pedal for?
These boost pedals are definitely for fans of the original LPB-1 booster pedal’s sound, and for anyone who simply wants a high-quality booster pedal, that also emphasizes the top-end frequencies when the gain is pushed higher.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique sounding Pedal to emulate the original LPB-1
- Hand-built and high-quality
- Affordable price
- 1-year manufacturers warranty
Cons
- Not much
- May not be suitable for anyone looking to avoid added high-end frequencies when boost is engaged
MXR M293 Booster Mini Guitar Effects Pedal
Features
- Miniature-sized guitar boost pedal by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
- A reputable brand is known for delivering quality products
- All-metal chassis
- Easy to use with just 2 controls (volume & tone)
- The tonality of Echoplex Preamp & Boost of the MXR Micro Amp
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
- MXR 1-year manufacturers warranty
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Up to 26 dB boost
- Bright LED when engaged
- Power: 9V Power adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions: 2.75 (w) x 4.5 (l) x 2.1
Customer Review Rating
The MXR M293 booster pedal has received an average rating of 4.6* out of 5 stars from 3 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The MXR M293 is a highly compact booster pedal, which combines the analog preamp circuitry of the famous EP3 Echoplex which was a famous delay processor, not necessarily used for the purpose it was meant to, with it being common for guitarists to disengage the delay effect, and just run their signal through the preamp section, with it having nice-sounding vacuum tubes.
Additionally, this unit also features the boost section of the MXR Micro Amp unit, which is a widely successful pedal.
Therefore, you’re getting a lot of ‘bang for your buck’, in one small unit.
As always with MXR products, they’re built to last, with a strong metal chassis and you have a 1-year manufacturer warranty for reassurance.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, the pedal really does add the tube-like warmth that the EchoPlex was known for providing…
And because of this, you’re really getting that edgy-sounding top-end.
Despite the saturation of tone, you can still hear a lot of clarity over the entire frequency spectrum… And therefore, we love it!
What would we improve?
Yeah, we simply wouldn’t want to improve anything.
Who is this pedal for?
The MXR M293 booster pedal is for any guitarist looking for a highly compact boost pedal, which can provide the tonality of the EP3 Echoplex, combined with a large boost dB range (25dBs)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Echoplex tonality
- MXR Micro Amp boosting capability
- Large boost range
- Affordable price
- Highly compact
- Sound Awesome!
- 1-year manufacturers warranty
Cons
- Not much
EarthQuaker Devices Arrows V2 Preamp Booster Guitar Effects Pedal
Features
- Bespoke Boutique-looking pedal
- Version 2, therefore improvements/modifications have been made
- Easy to function with 1 knob control
- Metal chassis for internal protection
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Power: 9V battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight
- Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.50″ x 2.25″ with a knob
Customer Review Rating
The Arrow V2 by EarthQuaker Devices has received an average rating of 4.7* out of 5 stars from 46 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The EarthQuaker Devices Arrow V2 is the second adaption of the Arrow series, taking influence from the original versions positive aspects, adding some more and getting rid of the flaws.
With that being said it features all-analog circuitry so that you can get that nice warm sounding boost, and silent relay-based switching, which means that engaging your pedal won’t wake up your bassist.
These booster pedals also provide true-bypass, so it won’t interfere with your guitar signal when disengaged.
Additionally, as you can see from the interface, it’s incredibly simple to operate, having 1 ‘Level’ gain knob, which boosts or cuts the signal and gives you a bit of a range to work with.
As for the physicality of these booster pedals, they’re built with a metal chassis, and resembles a 60’s-looking unit, which we really like!
So how exactly does it sound?
The unit is very versatile, in providing a relatively clean boost when at lower levels, and a more saturated boost at higher levels.
The only issue we find is, you may want an extremely level of clean boost… If you’re looking strictly for a clean boost I would look at the LPB-1.
This wouldn’t necessarily be natural for these pedals to provide, as it will simply saturate your sound as you crank up the boost knob.
However, overall it has a very nice tone.
What would we improve?
Ideally, you’d want to have a tone knob and a boost knob, to have a little more isolated control of the tone and volume, without them being so correlated by having a single knob to control both.
Who is this pedal for?
These boost pedals would be ideal for fans of the original EarthQuaker Devices Arrow boost pedal, alongside guitarists who are looking for a 1-knob, boutique-looking unit for their guitar rig.
If you like how the video demonstration sounds, this unit may be for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Nice Boutique-looking aesthetic
- Highly affordable
- Version 2 of series
- Sounds very nice
- High Amazon review ratings
Cons
- 1-knob to control tone and boost
Xotic EP Booster Mini Effects Pedal
Features
- Electric guitar booster unit by Xotic
- Based on the Echoplex preamp circuit
- Compact in size
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Up to 20dB of boost gain
- Power: 9V AC adapter
- Weight: 0.26kg
- Dimensions: (W/D/H): 3.5″ x 1.5″ x 1.5″
Customer Review Rating
The Xotic EP booster unit has received an average rating of 4.5* out of 5 stars from 111 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Xotic EP is a small, well-built booster pedal for electric guitar, that combines analog circuitry which is based on the iconic EP3 Echoplex delay unit, alongside the portability and durability of a pedal that can fit on any guitarist’s pedalboard.
The Xotic EP Booster pedals provides true-bypass and even has two internal DIP switches, which lets you pick between the boost level and EQ settings.
One switch provides a bass boost, and the other provides a brightness boost.
The Xotic EP Booster pedals can provide up to 20dBs of boost, and has a 9v internal battery which can be accessed via the plate located at the underside of the unit.
It can also be powered by a 9V power supply, or even an 18V power supply if you’re looking for additional headroom. Not many pedals give you this option, so definitely a plus for the EP Booster.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, the Xotic EP pedal is highly versatile, providing a nice clean boost with plenty of high-end clarity when the knob is around 12 and the brightness boost DIP switch is engaged.
Through all the way to a dirty, saturated, overdriven guitar signal, when the knob on the EP Booster is cranked up, and the bass boost DIP switch is engaged.
What would we improve?
These EP booster pedals not only provide versatility but all in one small-sized physical case. There’s not much that we can suggest improvements, and the Amazon review ratings suggest this too!
Who is this pedal for?
The Xotic EP booster pedal is simply for the guitarist who wants to have a versatile unit that can provide both clean, resonant boosts through to dirty, overdriven guitar sounds.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Very affordable
- High Amazon review ratings
- Internal DIP switch to control tone & EQ
Cons
- Not much
Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster Pedal
Features
- Electric guitar boost pedal by Seymour Duncan
- Designed & assembled in Santa Barbara, California
- Relatively compact in size
- Compact in size
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Up to 25dB of boost gain
- Power: 9V Battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster pedal has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 10 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster unit is a true-bypass booster unit, with low-noise circuit design, so that you can get a nice clean boost, whilst adding some thickness to the signal!
The unit itself is designed to integrate well with your guitar’s pickups, with its resonance switch providing 3 settings different parameter settings, which include unaltered, humbucker and high-output humbucker….
Although these settings will not be as evident with guitars which feature humbuckers, as opposed to the fender squire with its single-coil pickups.
However, the unit will provide some great-sounding saturation tones as you crank up the gain.
This pedal provides up to 25dBs of clean boost, and can really provide a lot of sonic personalization, in conjunction with the resonance settings.
Additionally, a nice feature of the unit is the fact that it provides true bypass, and has an easy access battery door, located at the bottom of the unit.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, the unit sounds great on both the Gibson Les Paul ‘Humbucker’ and the Fender Squire ‘Single-Coil’ setups, and with the resonance settings, it really is versatile.
We think that the pedal really provides a vintage, bluesy overdrive, which sounds fantastic.
Additionally, the high-output resonance setting is perfect for the soloing guitarist who requires that 80’s rock, piercing overdrive.
What would we improve?
It’s quite a unique sounding pedal, and provides more of a bluesy-sounding boost/overdrive, through to piercing solo sounds.
Who is this pedal for?
This unit is definitely for the guitarist who wants to either play blues or 80’s rock… The resonance settings really make it versatile for these kinds of playing styles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Resonance settings to change tone
- Option to keep the same tone as input
- Ideal for Blues/Rock/Soloing
- Small and durable
- High Amazon review ratings
Cons
- Not much
JHS Prestige Boost Guitar Effects Pedal
Features
- Electric guitar boost pedal by JHS Prestige
- Follow-up on the discontinued JHS Mr. Magic pedal
- Extremely compact and durable
- Simple to use with 1 knob control
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- Power: 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions: 3.6″x1.5″x1″
Customer Review Rating
The JHS Prestige pedal has received an average rating of 4.5* out of 5 stars from 12 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The JHS Prestige booster pedal is a very small, cool-looking, versatile little unit.
Although the pedal only has one knob control, it can be used as a preamp, buffer and natural overdrive.
The initial 25% provides a natural buffer/enhancer, capable of boosting a signal for long cable runs, and to add some brightness to the signal.
At 25 – 75%, these boost pedals provide a dB volume boost, which allows for a nice enhancement during guitar solos, creating more dynamics and saturation on the signal.
Post 75% and the pedal provides an overdriven boost, simulating an overdriven tube amplifier.
Putting it simply, this unit is very basic, and JHS wants it to be this way, as the sound is all that matters right?
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, these boost pedals sound great on both the Gibson Les Paul ‘Humbucker’ and the Fender Squire ‘Single-Coil’ setups, and with the resonance settings, it really is versatile.
We think that the pedal really provides a vintage, bluesy overdrive, which sounds fantastic.
Additionally, the high-output resonance setting is perfect for the soloing guitarist who requires that 80’s rock, piercing overdrive.
What would we improve?
At lower boost settings, the pedal does a great job of increasing the dB signal without interfering with the tonality too much, which is exactly what you want from a boost unit.
Although, when you start pushing the gain, up it does dirty the sound…
However, we think that some of the notes played (particularly on the bottom E string, when you move down to the neck G, F# and F note) sound a little buzzy.
Who is this pedal for?
For the guitarist who wants a simple pedal to operate, ideally for clean boosts, as we aren’t too keen on the higher gain sounds that it creates these are good boost pedals for you.
Therefore, we can’t say that we’d particularly recommend this, over the similarly priced Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster & the MXR M293.
However, it’s all about personal preference, and if you like the sound of the unit, then it’s ideal for you!
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Beautiful clean boost
- Simple to use
- Doesn’t manipulate the tone at lower volume settings
- Small and durable
- High Amazon review ratings
Cons
- We’re not keen on the sound at higher gain settings
TC Electronic Spark Booster Guitar Pedal
Features
- Regular-Sized boost pedal by TC Electronic
- An incredibly reputable brand, known for high-quality equipment
- All-metal chassis
- Provides 6dB more boost than a younger brother (Spark Mini)
- ‘PrimeTime’ footswitch technology
- Extremely simple to use
- Additional 3-band EQ controls
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- Power: 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions: 3.6″x1.5″x1″
Customer Review Rating
The JHS Prestige pedal has received an average rating of 4.5* out of 5 stars from 12 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Spark Booster pedal by TC Electronics is a regular-sized, guitar boost processor, which is a little larger than it’s a baby brother, the Spark Mini Boost pedal.
The main difference between the regular version is that it provides even more boost capability, with a 26dB range, as opposed to the Spark Mini’s, still impressive 20dB range.
The Spark Booster unit features all-analog circuitry, so you’ll hear a warmer output sound.
Additionally, when disengaged, these boost pedals provide ‘true bypass’ which means that it won’t interfere with the input signal, and immediately relays it to the output.
Similarly to the mini version, the Spark Booster features in-built ‘PrimeTime foot pedal technology’, which allows for the user to apply momentary boost, which will engage once the user presses on the foot-switch, and stay engaged until the foot-switch is released.
This feature is particularly good to apply momentary boost dynamics to your guitar riffs and solos.
Because of this ‘PrimeTime’ function, TC Electronics has built the footswitch in a way so that engagement/disengagement is almost silent when it comes to the physical switch and springs…
As you’ll hear Steve Morse demonstrate, from the demonstration video of the pedal in action further below, the unit is incredibly quiet, so he doesn’t even need a noise-gate.
Additionally, these boost pedals also has in-built 3-band EQ controls, so you have the option of whether or not you wish to change the tonality of the signal during the booting process.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, these boost pedals sounds extremely good and can provide both a clean or somewhat overdriven boost depending on your preference.
Additionally, the 3-band EQ also helps refine the output sound.
What would we improve?
Even considering that this is the more expensive product in the TC Electronic Spark series, it’s still a very small price to pay for the sheer quality you’re getting.
However, we simply can’t fault this unit!
Who is this pedal for?
The Spark Booster pedal is for the guitarist who has a mid-range budget and requires the additional dB boost capacity that this unit offers over its younger brother.
As you can hear from the video demonstration, it sounds awesome…
And the fact that the likes of Steve Morse from Deep Purple uses the Mini version, is a real testament to the Spark series.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Relatively compact unit
- Affordable
- Sounds fantastic!
- ‘PrimeTime footpedal technology’
- Optional 3-band EQ settings
Cons
- Nothing
Xotic AC Booster Pedal
Features
- Boost pedal by Xotic
- High Amazon review ratings
- All-metal chassis
- Additional 2-band EQ controls
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Boost : 20dBs of boost
- Power: 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions: 3.6″x1.5″x1″
Customer Review Rating
The Xotic AC booster pedal has received an average rating of 4.8* out of 5 stars from 12 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Xotic AC booster pedal is an extremely well-loved boost pedal, capable of not only providing up to 20dB’s of boost but an adjustable +-15dBs of two-band active EQ.
The unit has all-analog circuitry, meaning that you’ll be able to hear that nice warmth from the output…
And as you crank the gain up, you can really get a nice overdriven sound from this pedal.
Two aspects that we like about the AC booster pedal are, that firstly it provides True Bypass.
And then secondly, it has separate Gain and Volume control knobs, allowing you to more easily achieve higher boosted clean tones, which most other pedals on the list don’t allow.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, the unit provides a crisp, minutely overdriven sound when the gain is completely off.
But as soon as you crank up the gain, it really does produce quite a thick, darker sounding overdrive.
Additionally, the 2-band EQ also helps refine the output sound.
What would we improve?
Even considering that this is the more expensive product in the TC Electronic Spark series, it’s still a very small price to pay for the sheer quality you’re getting.
However, we simply can’t fault this unit!
Who is this pedal for?
The Xotic AC booster pedal caters more towards the guitarist who likes to have a minimal level of overdrive when engaging their boost pedal…
Take a listen to the video demonstration, and you’ll hear the slight amount of overdrive that comes through the mix, whilst on the clean setting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bespoke pedal
- Plenty of overdrive
- Optional 2-band EQ settings
Cons
- Not as much boost as other, less expensive pedals
Xotic RC Booster-V2 Pedal
Features
- Boost pedal by Xotic
- High Amazon review ratings
- All-metal chassis
- Based on EP-3 Echoplex preamp circuitry
- Additional 2-band EQ controls
- Internal DIP switches
- 2 gain controls
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Boost : 20dBs of boost
- Power: 9V Battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight: 0.28kgs
- Dimensions: 4.39″ x 2.38″ x 1.98″
Customer Review Rating
The Xotic AC booster pedal has received an average rating of 4.8* out of 5 stars from 12 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Xotic RC Booster V2 pedal is an extremely well-loved boost pedal, and is the second edition, leading on from the original RC booster unit.
The RC Booster V2 is capable of not only providing up to 20dB’s of bosst but an adjustable +-15dBs of two-band active EQ.
The unit has all-analog circuitry, meaning that you’ll be able to hear that nice warmth from the output…
And as you crank the gain up, you can really get a nice overdriven sound from this pedal.
Additionally, this unit has 2 separate gain settings, which can be used separately or in synergy to shape your tone.
Two aspects that we like about the AC booster pedal are, that firstly it provides True Bypass.
And then secondly, it has separate Gain and Volume control knobs, allowing you to more easily achieve higher boosted clean tones, which most other units on the list don’t allow.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration featured below, the unit really does provide some level of overdrive.
With the 2 gain controls really making a difference to the amount of distortion and saturation that you can add to the signal
Additionally, the 2-band EQ also helps refine the output sound.
What would we improve?
Not much that we can think of!
Who is this pedal for?
For the guitarist who’s a fan of the EP-3 EchoPlex’s preamp, mixed with some major overdrive tones.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bespoke pedal
- Plenty of overdrive
- Optional 2-band EQ settings
Cons
- Not as much boost as other, less expensive units
Catalinbread Galileo Booster Guitar Effects Pedal
Features
- Boost pedal by Catalinbread
- More Premium-priced unit
- All-metal chassis
- Based on the preamp section of the Vox AC30
- Separate volume & gain control
- Tone control
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Power: 9V Battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The Catalinbread Galileo Booster pedal has received an average rating of 4.1* out of 5 stars from 81 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The Catalinbread Galileo is a dual function guitar effects pedal, which can be used as both an overdrive and booster unit.
The Galileo’s internal circuitry is based on the Vox AC-30’s preamp section, and therefore if you’re a fan of Brian May’s guitar sound in Queen, you’ll certainly like this unit.
As for the physical features of the pedal, it has a sleek black metal casing, with the golden decal, and has three operation knobs to control the volume, gain, and tonality.
We particularly like the fact that the gain and volume controls are kept separate, as it really gives you the versatility to gain a clean boost, unlike some cheaper pedals which don’t feature this.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, the pedal is can really provide some sweet, piercing overdrive sounds that would be ideal for any lead guitarist.
Now, you can hear a more subtle, cleaner overdriven sound at 1:20, which would be ideal for most genres.
What would we improve?
With the preamp section of the iconic Vox AC-30, there’s really not much left to improve!
Who is this pedal for?
The Catalinbread Galileo would be ideal for the guitarist who’s looking to get that Vox AC-30 sounding overdrive, without actually having to purchase the amplifier.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modelled on the preamp section of the Vox AC-30
- Ideal for Brian May sounding guitar lead
- Plenty of overdrive
- Tonality control
Cons
- No EQ settings, only Tone
ZVEX Effects Super Hard On Vexter Series Boost Guitar Pedal
Features
- Boost pedal by ZVEX Effects
- A brilliantly named unit – ‘Super Hard On’…
- Incredibly unique & fantastic visual design
- All-metal chassis
- Simple to use – 1 operation knob
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners Manual
- 1-year manufacturers warranty (or 2-years if you send your warranty card to them)
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input
- Dual Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- Power: 9V Battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The ZVEX Super Hard On Booster pedal has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 4 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The ZVEX Super Hard On booster unit for guitar is a simple-to-use, boutique looking effects pedal.
Simply put, if you purchase this other guitarists are going to be asking “what is that pedal” and will be wanting to hear how it sounds.
This analog unit with True Bypass can be operated on a 9v internal battery or a 9v power adapter, giving you the freedom to potentially not require a plug socket.
The internal circuit uses a very sensitive transistor, and hence when you turn the single ‘gain’ knob up, you’ll really get a muddy sound.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, this unit sounds muddy when you turn the gain up!
What would we improve?
There isn’t necessarily anything that we would improve, but this unit definitely satisfies a niche market.
Ideally, for a pedal at this price-point, having a separate gain and volume knob would be helpful, so that you can achieve a clean boost.
Who is this pedal for?
This unit is for the guitarist who likes that muddy-sounding boost!
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very interesting aesthetic design
- Plenty of muddy-sounding boost
- Very simple to use
Cons
- Doesn’t have separate ‘gain’ and ‘volume’ controls, so a loud clean boost may be challenging to achieve
MXR Micro Amp Plus Boost Pedal
Features
- Guitar boost pedal by MXR (Jim Dunlop)
- A reputable brand is known for delivering quality products
- All-metal chassis
- 3 operational knobs – 1 gain, bass, and treble
- 2-band EQ
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
- Owners manual
- Includes 1-year manufacturers warranty
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- Hardwire bypass
- Up to 26dB of boost
- Power: 9V battery / 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The MXR M233 Micro Amp+ has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 8 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
The MXR M233 Micro Amp Plus is a relatively compact analog booster pedal, provided by the expert engineers of MXR & Jim Dunlop.
The unit itself is very simple in its operation and functionality, providing the user with 1 gain control, to adjust the level of gain boost applied to the signal during the pedal engagement.
The unit is capable of up to 26dBs of boost, which is 6dBs higher than the similarly priced TC Electronics Spark Booster unit…
Although the M-233 does not use the true bypass and utilizes a hardwire bypass circuit… so expect a little-added warmth and compression to the signal, even when the unit is disengaged.
Additionally, the main difference (other than physical size) between this M233 model and the M133, is the 2-band EQ which allows you to further control the overall sonic landscape of your guitar’s output, with the ability to scoop or boost certain desired frequency bands.
As with the majority of MXR pedals, this unit is solidly built and will be able to last for years on end.
However, in case you get a unit which malfunctions, there’s no need to worry as MXR provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty on their products!
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration that we’ve featured below, the pedal provides a nice level of boost to the signal.
This unit not only boosts the signal but also helps thicken the overall sound, which we really like!
With the added 2-band EQ settings, it really provides additional versatility to your sound, as you can hear from the video demonstration.
What would we improve?
This unit is a great buy for someone looking for a reliable unit, able to provide a substantial amount of boost.
However, we wish it included a separate volume knob, as gaining a substantial amount of clean boost from this unit will be difficult…
Because when you turn up the gain, you’ll begin to overload the preamp, and thus add overdrive alongside extra dB volume.
Who is this pedal for?
The MXR M233 is ideal for the guitarist who wants a reliable boost pedal, able to provide a considerable amount of ‘overdriven’ boost.
Since this unit does not run on True Bypass circuitry, it will provide a nice analog-sounding warmth with your sound regardless of it being engaged or disengaged.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Relatively compact
- Substantial overdriven boost (up to 26dBs)
- Boosts & thickens overall sound
- Simple to use
Cons
- Doesn’t have separate gain & volume controls
Jackson Audio Prism Preamp Boost Pedal
Features
- Guitar boost pedal by Jackson Audio
- Boutique-looking pedal
- Premium-priced
- Beautiful chassis construction
- Complete boosting & tonal control
- Mesmerizing LED
- Positive Amazon Review Ratings
Technical Specifications
- Monophonic Input/Output
- Analog Circuitry
- True Bypass
- 3 Boost Circuits
- 3 Pre-Gain Settings
- Power: 9V AC adapter
- Weight:
- Dimensions:
Customer Review Rating
The Jackson Audio Prism booster has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 3 Amazon customer reviews.
Summary
Before we say anything, we were completely blown away with the level of depth and thought that has gone into creating the Jackson Audio Prism, not only from an audio perspective but from a design/visual and usability perspective, with it really giving back the guitarist control of their sound, to quite a specific depth.
With that being said, this unit not only boosts your input signal, but there are additional features that include tonal control and signal thickening/thinning.
But that’s not it… The unit also has 3 discrete boost circuits, which affect the processing and colorization of the output signal:
- Transparent – Provides minimal tonal coloring
- Amp mode – Providing tube-like compression
- Colour Mode – Silicone transistor which really changes the overall signal
- Additionally, the unit also has a section dedicated to pre-gain, which essentially sets the level of gain added to the signal
- Low – A small amount of gain/saturation
- Medium – A medium level of gain/saturation
- High – A large amount of gain/saturation
Additionally, from an aesthetic perspective, this unit does not disappoint! It’s incredibly beautiful, sleek and has a very cool LED light.
So how exactly does it sound?
Well, we would talk to the moon and back about the unit’s versatility! However, take a listen to the video demonstration below to really hear for yourself as to how the unit sounds.
What would we improve?
Nothing.
Who is this pedal for?
The Jackson Audio Prism is for the guitarist who has a substantial budget to spend on a bespoke, ultra-high-quality boost pedal.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra high-quality boost pedal
- Incredibly versatile in the sounds you can get
- Multiple boost circuits & pre-gain settings
- Complete tonal control
- Beatifully designed with cool LED
Cons
- May be a little expensive for most guitarists
Conclusion
Well, we hope that our review on the top 15 guitar boost pedals has been informative, and helps you decide which boost pedal is right for your sound.
As we suggested towards the top of the post, here are our three top picks:
- TC Electronic Spark Booster Guitar – $$ – Buy on Amazon – Incredibly affordable, provides plenty of boost and lots of functionality whilst sounding fantastic.
- TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster Guitar Pedal – $ – Buy on Amazon – Simply for those who are on a budget, still providing a quality boost.
- Jackson Audio Prism Preamp Boost Pedal – $$$$$ – Buy on Amazon – A premium-quality, boutique boost pedal
If you have any questions, feel free to email us! Our email is on our about us page.
