Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
EarthQuaker Devices unleashes ZEQD-Pre EF86 Tube Preamp with 3-Band EQ and Boost
Key Points
EarthQuaker Devices' ZEQD-Pre EF86 Tube Preamp is a combined Preamp, Headphone Amp, Boost, DI and 3-band EQ. The circuit is derived from Dr. Z Amplification and uses an EF86 pentode tube.
Left-hand panel includes 1/4" Headphone Out, DIN DI Direct Out, Ground Lift and Cab Bypass buttons. It has an onboard analog cab simulator (bypassable). Controls: Boost, Level, Bass, Middle, Treble; Boost footswitch (+ EQ Bypass) and Activate footswitch.
As of 2026-07-13, the price was £399. The article states: "I've only had it for a couple of days so far — and I'm loving it already!" For electrical safety or opening/modifying the pedal, consult a qualified tech.
There has been a significant pattern of pedal builders making tube preamps recently, and this versatile variant totally fits that bill.
EQD describes it as a combined Preamp, Headphone Amp, Boost, DI and EQ. The device has a super handy left-hand control panel which includes 1/4" Headphone Out, DIN DI Direct Out, Ground Lift Button, and Cab Bypass Button.
The Cab Bypass Button is indicative that there is an analog Cab simulator onboard - for going direct out - which you can bypass if you’re using this more as one of many gain pedals.
The name indicates that this circuit is derived from Dr. Z Amplification’s signature tube amps.
The EF86 Pentode Tube onboard is the same one that gives many Dr. Z amplifiers their pristine hi-fi tone and makes for such a responsive pedal platform.
Controls - Boost, Level, Bass, Middle, Treble, Boost Footswich (+ EQ Bypass), Activate Footswitch.
The ZEQD-Pre goes for $399 / £399 and equivalent at International dealers.
You can read up more about the ZEQD-Pre on the EQD website.
I am kind of on a roll with Tube Preamp pedals at the moment, and this one is already in the references collection - I’ve only had it for a couple of days so far - and I’m loving it already!
Demos
