11 best booster pedals
Booster pedals are a type of electric guitar effect pedal commonly used by guitarists to increase the volume and sometimes add a slight coloration to their guitar signal. These pedals are a staple in many pedalboards, as they offer a simple yet powerful way to boost the overall output of your guitar signal and drive your amplifier or other effects pedals into saturation or overdrive. Here's what you need to know about booster pedals:
Signal Boost: The primary function of a booster pedal is to boost the level of your guitar signal. This can be useful for soloing, increasing sustain, or driving the front end of an amplifier into natural overdrive.
Transparent vs. Colored: Booster pedals come in two main types - transparent and colored. Transparent boosters aim to provide a clean and unaltered signal boost, while colored boosters may add some tonal characteristics or coloration to the sound.
Placement in the Signal Chain: Booster pedals can be placed anywhere in your pedalboard's signal chain, but they are often located toward the front, before other effects like overdrive or distortion pedals.Placing it at the front allows you to push your other pedals with a boosted signal.
Volume and Gain Control: Most booster pedals feature at least two controls - a volume control to set the desired level of boost and a gain control (sometimes labeled as "level" or "drive") to adjust the amount of saturation or coloration added to the signal.
Clean Boost vs. Treble Boost: Some booster pedals are designed to provide a clean volume boost, while others, like treble boosters, emphasize certain frequencies (typically higher frequencies) to help cut through the mix and add a brighter tone.
Stacking with Other Effects: Booster pedals are often used in combination with other effects pedals to achieve different tones and levels of saturation. For example, they can be used to push an overdrive pedal for more gain and sustain.
True Bypass vs. Buffered: Booster pedals may have true bypass or buffered bypass circuits. True bypass maintains the purity of your guitar's signal when the pedal is turned off, while buffered bypass can help preserve your tone when the booster is active and also drive long cable runs.
Power Source: Booster pedals can be powered by a 9-volt battery or an external power supply, depending on the model. Using a power supply is often more convenient for gigging musicians to ensure a consistent power source.
Popular Brands: There are many manufacturers of booster pedals, including well-known brands like MXR, Xotic Effects, TC Electronic, and more. Each brand may offer different features and tonal characteristics.
In conclusion, booster pedals are a valuable tool for guitarists looking to boost their signal level, add sustain, or shape their tone. Whether you prefer a transparent or colored boost, there are many options available to suit your specific needs and musical style. These pedals can be an essential part of a guitarist's setup, helping them achieve the desired volume and tonal characteristics for their performance.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best booster pedals on the marketProduct description
Specifications:
Input Impedance:1m Ohms
Output Impedance:10k Ohms
Power Supply: DC 9V (Plug polarity is Positive on the barrel and negative in the center)
Working Current: 7mA
Dimensions: 95mm (D)*44mm (W)*48mm (H)
Weight: 240g (with box)
Precautions:
·Environment:
1.Do not use the pedal in high temperature, high humidity, or subzero environments.
2.Do not use the pedal in the direct sunlight.
·Please do not dissemble the pedal by yourself.
·Please keep the manual for future reference.
Package included:
1 x Booster pedal
1 x User's Manual
- True gain booster, double +/- 15db equalization to make the purest sound with lowest losing
- Create the rich distortion sound,make it more powerful
- Gain Knob:Adjust the degree of distortion, clockwise turning increase the degree of distortion with maintaining the guitar notes
- Treble Knob:Adjust the intermediate the high frequency to make sound more penetrating, increase the booster. Bass Knob:Adjust the bass
- Solid build with whole metal case, mini size suit perfectly for your pedal board
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this work on a mosky looper |
Answer: | It all depends on the polarity of your unit. + - |
Question: | Can you use a battery |
Answer: | This pedal requires a 9 volt power supply that delivers a minimum of 129mA current. |
Question: | Does the pedal come with its own cord |
Answer: | No. It does not. 9V battery will NOT work. I bought the power adapter from Amazon as well. |
Question: | Does this go pre or post dirt in the signal chain |
Answer: | I would use it at the end of your chain . . .the only thing that I use after the noise gate is a delay pedal . . . . so basically all your pedal should be set up first with the noise gate at the end . . except for a delay . . . . . if you find that your delay is noisy then put the noise get the very last pedal |
Product description
Specifications:
Brand: KOKKO
Model: FBS2
Main Material: Aluminum alloy
Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
Output Impedance: 10K Ohms
Power Supply: External AC adapter delivering 9V DC regulated minimum 300mA
Item Size: 9.4 * 5.1 * 5.3cm / 3.7 * 2 * 2.1in
Item Size: 179g / 6.3oz
Package Size: 10 * 7.5 * 6.2cm / 3.9 * 3 * 2.4in
Package Weight: 218g / 7.7oz
Package List:
1 * Guitar Effect Pedal
1 * User Manual(English)
- Increase the volume without colored sound.
- Built-in two-band EQ control high and low frequency separately.
- Mini and portable, enclosure is aluminum alloy shell.
- DEPTH knob controls the intensity of the vibrato effect.
- Rubber pads on the backside is anti-skid, which enhances the stability and avoids friction between the effect pedal and the ground.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does the pedal use 9v battery or will an adapter be needed |
Answer: | The pedal I received refuses to work with a fully-charged 9V battery plugged into the adapter port, but it works just fine when plugged into the mains. I can't figure out why. |
Question: | Can use this on my pc |
Answer: | Hello friend. This product is an electric guitar effect and cannot be used on a PC. Or do you mean, transfer the recording of the guitar effect to the PC? This "recording transmission" function is only available for the latest SOS-LOOPER effect FLP-2D. It is not currently available in the store. For specific information, you can send an email to customer service for consultation. |
Question: | Will this pedal work with the One Spot power 9V power supply |
Answer: | Yes! |
Question: | Can this pedal be used as just a volume booster without coloring the sound |
Answer: | I have the ts-808 based overdrive in green and i dont have this particular pedal your talking about but based off my pedal the pots are wired to where they naturaly boost the signal (in my case enhanced mids) but in your case id guess enhanced treble so no it cant be used as a booster without coloring the sound |
Product description
TC Electronic spark mini booster ultra-compact booster pedal with Primetime switching and fully analog design.
- Ultra-compact booster pedal wittc electronic spark mini booster ultra-compact booster pedal with Primetime switching and fully analog design Primetime switching and all-analog design kick's your playing into high gear
- Impressive 20 dB of completely clean boost makes your core tone shine through
- Revolutionary Primetime footswitch seamlessly toggles between classic on/off or a momentary boost based on how long you hold it down
- High-quality discrete analog circuit purely amplifies your signal without any degrading or alteration
- Level control knob gives you versatility to go for a pristine boost or drive your amps to peak performance
User questions & answers
Question: | What exactly does this pedal do |
Answer: | Simple explanation. - it’s a volume boost. If you want to cut through the mix for a solo or to add a little something, turning this pedal on increases your volume to do that. Depending on where you place it in your signal chain, it can also add more gain for your overdrive/distortion pedals. |
Question: | Does the spark mini tighten up the sound for fast rythm playing or simply adds a boost |
Answer: | Yes, it does both! It kinda fattens up the sound while boosting the signal, adds a great feel. It takes my tele and my strat's clean tone to a whole new level. |
Question: | Is the switch quiet |
Answer: | Yes. Super-quiet. I've opened one. The switch is pressing a small spring that depresses a mini, surface-mount button on the circuit board. It has a soft touch with no mechanical click noise, at all. |
Question: | Which 9v power supply should i buy to power the spark mini boost |
Answer: | Hi there Michael,This guy works with any 9V DC adapter with a minimum of 250mA and a correct fitting adapter. A one-spot adapter for example would work great, such as this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/visual-sound-1-spot--space-saving-9v-dc-adapter#productDetailIf you have any other questions, I am happy to help. Emile MDM |
Product features
Spark Mini Booster
Kick your playing into high gear with Spark Mini Booster, a stompbox-wonder for the initiated that features a completely clean boost with some serious tone enhancement under the hood once you really start cranking things.
- A whopping 20 dB of boost
- Revolutionary PrimeTime switching
- Discrete Analog Circuit
Tone to the Bone
With a full 20 dB of boost, Spark Mini Booster is a great clean booster. But that’s not all it does – keep turning that knob and it’ll start working its magic driving gear into peak performance! No matter what your style or set-up, this musical miracle will maximize your potential – but let your core tone shine through completely unaltered.
Ready for PrimeTime
PrimeTime is a radical new feature that is exciting guitarists around the globe. Put simply, Spark Mini Booster instantly understands whether you want the pedal to be on permanently when you hit the footswitch, or just when you hold the footswitch down. Which totally rocks for both ‘always-on’ and ‘emphasizing passages’ situations.
Tonal Magic
By adding a discrete, fully analog circuit, Spark Mini Booster adds a purely magical sense of life and excitement to your gear and tone. Each part of the circuit is carefully selected, from transistor to capacitor and from resistor to diode. What does that mean? Sweet, pure tone in all of its glory in an unparalleled clarity with zero coloration. Whether you want to make things sing or roar, this circuit ensures to maximize your tone.
Product description
The RC Booster V2, inspired by the Scott Henderson RCB-SH model, now comes with an added gain channel for even fatter tones with a super transparent 20dB+ clean boost. The adjustable +-15dB two band active EQ allows players to dial in their sound with pinpoint accuracy and adds a HUGE range of harmonic content to the players overall sound. Because this pedal is so transparent, many players find that they'll leave it on at all times! True Bypass for eliminating any signal interference when switched off. Run it at 18v for even more headroom.
- Adjustable +-15dB Two Band Active EQ
- Run it at 18v for even more headroom!
- Super Transparent 20dB+ Clean Boost
- Input/Output: Mono
- Effect Type: Boost
Product description
Specifications:
- Brand: KOKKO
- Model: FBS2 BOOSTER(Mini)
- Main Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
- Output Impedance: 10K Ohms
- Power Supply: External AC adapter delivering 9V DC regulated minimum 300mA
- Item Size: 9.4cm * 5.1cm * 5.3cm
- Item Weight: 180g
- Package Size: 11cm * 7.1cm * 6.7cm
- Package Weight: 214g / 7.5oz
Package List:
- 1 * Guitar Effect Pedal
- 1 * User Manual(English)
Note:
- Please do not use the pedal in high temperature, high humidity or subzero environments.
- Please do not use the pedal in the direct sunlight.
- Please do not dissemble the pedal by yourself.
- Please keep the manual for future reference.
- EFFECTS - Increase the volume without colored sound. True bypass hardware swifting.
- FUCTIONS - Built-in two-band EQ control high and low frequency separately.
- LED INDICATOR - LED indicator shows the status of effect. No battery, Powered by AC adapter(not included).
- ANTI SKID - Rubber pads on the backside is anti-skid, which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
- RELIABLE QUALITY - High quality by aluminum alloy which is durable and have a classic mini size brings you a musical feast.
User questions & answers
Question: | Is this optical, vca, or fet compression |
Answer: | It's said to be a Dynacomp clone which would be a CA3080, which would be a pretty generic op amp circuit, probably jfets on a chip. |
Question: | What exactly does a compressor pedal do |
Answer: | It makes soft sounds louder to get to the same volume as louder ones, evening out your playing. Consider how you can hit a low note on a bass that can rattle your teeth but hitting a note on a higher string seems to have little impact. Turn the compressor on and it all is very even. It will also make your tone have more of an expressive attack. |
Question: | Works great on bass |
Answer: | I purchased this for my bass-and it totally rocks-super tone and quality for the price-have other pedals that have cost three times the price, and this little boss is worth it!💯👌 |
Question: | Whats the difference between compressor and distortion |
Answer: | They are totally different effects. Compression evens out your signal. It raises any weak part of your guitars output and squashes the top end to give you a more even balanced sound. This can also give you a bit more sustain. You may not even notice it's on but it does give you nice control of your overall signal to the amp. Distortion gives you a raged raw grunge sound that blurs your notes in chords and adds a hard attack to singular notes. There are also Overdrive pedals that allow you to get the sound of an amp cranked way up but at a lower volume. All are different. Use YouTube to search examples of all three types of pedals. |
Product description
Pedatrain’s custom Pedal-Booster raises each pedal by full one inch, allowing easy access and is accommodating to virtually any custom configuration.
- Triple pedal-booster, 10x5.5x1 inches
- Folded steel construction and durable powder coat finish
- Available in three widths to accommodate virtually any custom configuration
- Country of Origin: CHINA
User questions & answers
Question: | I want to get a Metro 24, & have the pedals tilt upwards, so they're angled on the front row (instead of raised flat). Would this work |
Answer: | The pedal boosters would work for this application. You could set it up so that the pedal is tilted toward, or away, from you. Please remember that the booster would cover the first and second rails, the space in between them, and part of the second space. |
Question: | what are the dimensions |
Answer: | 10" x 5.5" x 1" The dimensions for all three boosters can be found on Pedaltrain's website. pedaltrain.com/products/accessories/booster.php |
Question: | Do the risers fit the Novo board spacing or only the Classic |
Answer: | The Novo spacing in the back row is the same as the Classic, so no issues there. On the front rows, there may be some overhang, but nothing that would impede that placement or use. |
Question: | After installation, will my pedalboard still fit into the case with the pedals attached |
Answer: | This depends on the size of the pedal and the placement of the booster. If the pedal fits in the case without the booster, it will fit with the booster. The booster doesn’t really raise the overall height of a pedal; it tilts the front of the pedal up. |
Product features
About Booster
For example; on the front row you have an unusually tall pedal, and a short one right above it. Reaching that foot switch can be a precarious toe tap balancing act. Enter the Pedatrain Pedal-Booster. These handy little wedges will get the business end of your short pedal up a full one inch allowing easy access. Available in three widths to accommodate virtually any custom configuration. They can be fastened with the included hook-and-loop with adhesive backing, or for a more permanent application use the provided screws. Folded steel construction, durable powder coat finish.PT-PB1:
- Single pedal-booster
- 3.5 in x 5.5 in x 1 in (8.8 cm x 14 cm x 2.5 cm)
Product description
Specifications:
Input Impedance:1m Ohms
Output Impedance:10k Ohms
Power Supply: DC 9V (Plug polarity is Positive on the barrel and negative in the center)
Working Current: 7mA
Dimensions: 95mm (D)*44mm (W)*48mm (H)
Weight: 240g (with box)
Precautions:
Environment:
1.Do not use the pedal in high temperature, high humidity, or subzero environments.
2.Do not use the pedal in the direct sunlight.
3.Please do not dissemble the pedal by yourself.
4.Please keep the manual for future reference.
Package included:
1 x Booster pedal
1 x User's Manual
- Create the rich distortion sound,make it more powerful. 20db+ clean boost with ±15db 2 band EQ, nice embellishing of original tone
- Durable metal case, mini size suit perfectly for your pedal board
- Treble Knob:Adjust the intermediate the high frequency to make sound more penetrating, increase the booster. Bass Knob:Adjust the bass
- Gain Knob:Adjust the degree of distortion, clockwise turning increase the degree of distortion with maintaining the guitar notes
- Solid construction: It is make of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy, mini size suit perfectly for your pedal board.Please notice the Power supply is not included.
User questions & answers
Question: | I get a pop sound when i hit the on/off switch, while using my stax guitar booster pedal. any way around that ? thanks |
Answer: | If you place the life in front of the plug on the frame you should be fine. It lifts my Fatboy with no problem and still have access to the plug |
Product description
Pedatrain’s custom Pedal-Booster raises each pedal by full one inch, allowing easy access and is accommodating to virtually any custom configuration.
- Combo pack of PB1, PB2, PB3 (1 each)
- Folded steel construction and durable powder coat finish
- Available in three widths to accommodate virtually any custom configuration
- Country of Origin: CHINA
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it come with velcro |
Answer: | Yes, boosters have Velcro included in the package. |
Product features
About Booster
For example; on the front row you have an unusually tall pedal, and a short one right above it. Reaching that foot switch can be a precarious toe tap balancing act. Enter the Pedatrain Pedal-Booster. These handy little wedges will get the business end of your short pedal up a full one inch allowing easy access. Available in three widths to accommodate virtually any custom configuration. They can be fastened with the included hook-and-loop with adhesive backing, or for a more permanent application use the provided screws. Folded steel construction, durable powder coat finish.PT-PB1:
- Single pedal-booster
- 3.5 in x 5.5 in x 1 in (8.8 cm x 14 cm x 2.5 cm)
Product description
The Xotic EP Booster is a discrete FET preamp pedal with a low impedance output. The EP Booster was based around the classic preamp side of an Echoplex and produces a shimmering boost tone that adds some high end sparkle and definition. The Xotic EP Booster features up to 20db of gain on tap and two internal DIP switches to customize the boost. One is a Bass Boost and the other is a Bright switch. The default setting is Bright on/Bass Boost off. This provides extra sparkle for the darker sounding instruments and is great for that extra edge or shimmer. The Bass Boost adds just the right amount of low end for single coils to keep up. By turning off the Bright Switch you can get a full frequency boost that is transparent and gives you back what you put into it. The Xotic EP Booster is a versatile boost pedal with more options than it appears. For that classic tone you’ve been searching for, check out the Xotic EP Booster.
- Internal Switches for Bass Boost and Bright
- Discrete FET Preamp
- Up to +20db of Gain
- 9-18vdc Operation
User questions & answers
Question: | Will get this or either a modded ge-7. What will work better for a solo boost used through loop ? I will be using my amp distortion |
Answer: | No,this guitar effects pedal won't add noise to your signal.And it will help keep the characteristics of the tones that the guitar naturally produces. |
Question: | Can I run this pedal off of a 12v DC plug on my power supply |
Answer: | Not a clone to my ears. Not reinventing the wheel but the rims are nice lol. Think low grind ZZtop its a little greasy when puched with another drive first. Most useable as a 2nd drive! |
Question: | Is this battery only or does it have a power input |
Answer: | It is sweep |
Question: | My 12 pedal board sounds bassy n not like it does when my strat is plugged into my amp directly. Is this why ppl buy these things for a sigmal boost |
Answer: | yes, it takes the 18v power supply. Thanks Megatone Music |
Product description
Look & Feel
As usual with Iset Music. the build quality of the Booster Guitar Effects Pedal is great and the design is awesome. All knobs are weighted for ease and fine tuning effects. The body is made of a solid metal build with an awesome vintage rocket design. While it has a solid build, its mini size allows it to be lightweight, easy to travel with, and leaves plenty of room on your pedalboard. The bottom of the pedal has a thick rubber pad to keep it still on any surface.
Amazing Tone
This pedal has the capability to boost your sound to give you whatever tone you desire. This pedal plus your guitar will make a great dynamic sound for any genre.
For Advanced Players & Beginners Alike
Don’t be fooled by the size or price of the Iset Booster Effects Pedals! It provides great power and control for you advanced guitarists! This pedal is perfect for the budding guitarists in that it’s simple to use. Gain an ear for what to boost and this pedal is a big asset.
- The Iset Booster Guitar Effects Pedal brings a classic Rocket Booster look to this awesome pedal. Shoot for the moon with the broad capabilities and ease of use, controlling both the gain and the high end and low end signal.
- The Bass knob allows you to control the amount of low end in your tone. Turn it up for a deep, very full sound or turn it down to give a nice high end presence.
- The Treble knob controls the amount of high end sound you want in your guitar. Bringing it down helps for low droning effects while turning it up gives a pinging, crisp attack.
- The Volume knob at the top controls the overall output of the pedal. Whether you want to control all of your highs and lows with the pedals, or manage a small part of it, this knob is capable of great control.
- The Gain knob adjusts the initial effect that the bass and treble knobs have, boosting the sound of your guitar. Turning the gain knob up increases the effects of both the treble and bass effects, also increasing the sound. If you want the pedal to have less of an effect on the EQ, turn the gain down for a controlled effect.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this work with my bass guitar |
Answer: | Hi Friend, Yes, it will be able to work with your bass guitar. Thanks! -Anna Iset team |
Question: | I read this does not ship with adaptrer |
Answer: | Hi Friend, Yes, the adapter not included. You need to buy a 9V (center negative) adapter separately. Thanks -Anna |
Question: | Is there a 9V battery option with this pedal |
Answer: | Hi Friend, No, the 9V power adapter not with this pedal, but you can buy our iset adapter if needed. :) -Anna Iset team |
Question: | Does this pedal have true bypass |
Answer: | Yes it does sweet pedal well built |
Product description
Specification:
Color: Blue
Material: Zinc-Aluminium Alloy
Item Size: 9.2 * 3.8 * 3.6cm / 3.6 * 1.5 * 1.4in
Item Weight: 124g / 4.4oz
Input Impedance: 1M ohm
Output Impedance: 1k ohm
AC Adapter (Optional): 9VDC or 18V, Negative Tips (not included)(Due to the shell material and volume, battery power cannot be installed inside. DC power supply)
Please note:
1. Due to the lighting effect, the color of the item shown in the picture may be a little different from the real one. It is just for your reference only.
2. The measurement allowed error is +/- 1cm.
Packing List:
1* Effect Pedal
- Electric guitar effect pedal for guitar players
- Uses the highest quality parts available with a discrete FET design and low impedance output, the XP Booster provides up to +20dB of unadulterated boost with multi-dimensional, shimmering highs and lows, and no ear fatigue.
- The internal DIP switches let you choose the boost frequencies, and EQ settings.
- Single knob control to adjust the degree of booster
- True bypass switch gives you transparent tone, with a LED indicator.
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