EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp

EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp

All-Analog Tube Warmth on Your Pedalboard

The ZEQD-Pre is a true all-analog tube preamp born from a collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification. Built around the highly musical EF86 tube, this pedal-format preamp injects organic tube tone, dynamic touch response, and rich harmonic complexity into any rig—without digital processing, IRs, or menus.

Placed at the end of your signal chain, the ZEQD-Pre enhances everything before it: clean tones become more dimensional, drives feel more amp-like, and modeling rigs gain real tube character. Its passive three-band EQ lets you sculpt low, mid, and high frequencies with smooth, musical control.

Want punch and presence? Hit the Boost footswitch and the EQ drops out for a full-range tube boost with its dedicated level knob—perfect for solos or pushing another amp.

The built-in analog cabinet simulation brings authentic amp feel to headphone play and direct recording. Prefer your own IRs or modelers? Flip the Cab Bypass switch to send a pure tube preamp signal through the balanced XLR output.

Though made with electric guitar in mind, the ZEQD-Pre’s broad EQ range and tube texture make it great on bass, synths, keys, vocals, and more.

Key Features

• All-analog tube preamp designed to sit at the end of your pedalboard
• EF86 tube delivers dynamic touch, clarity, and lush harmonic content
• Passive 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) for natural tonal shaping
• Boost footswitch bypasses EQ for a wide-range tube boost
• Analog cabinet simulation for realistic practice/recording feel
• Cab Bypass for pure XLR direct out (no cab sim)
• Balanced XLR Direct Out with Ground Lift
• Headphone output (¼″ TRS)
• Dedicated Level and Boost controls
• Works with guitar, bass, synths, drums, vocals, and more
• Handmade in Akron, Ohio, USA