Whether you’re an established professional guitarist or an enthusiastic amateur, the right clean boost pedal can take your tone to new heights. With numerous products on the market, it can be challenging to determine the best fit for your needs. In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into some of the best clean boost pedals of 2023. You’ll learn:
- The key features of each pedal, including their unique selling points.
- A detailed review of each product, giving you an insider’s perspective on what makes each pedal stand out.
- The types of guitarists each pedal is suited for, helping you to choose the perfect pedal for your playing style and musical preferences.
The Best Clean Boost Pedals
- Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel
- Electro-Harmonix LPB-1
- MXR M233 Micro Amp
- TC Electronic Spark Mini
- Xotic EP Booster
- Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal
- Keeley Katana
- Fender Engager
- Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini
- Friedman Buxom
Whether you’re looking for a simple boost to kick your solos up a notch or a versatile pedal to shape your overall tone, there’s a pedal on this list that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive into the details.
1.Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel
And with brilliant artwork by Adam Forster, this booster pedal will look fantastic on any pedal board.
Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel
The Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal is a high-quality, efficient device for musicians seeking clean, precise amplification. Its die-cast enclosure ensures durability, while its “Silk Satin Black” finish offers an aesthetic appeal. The pedal offers two independent boost circuits running in parallel, allowing for more tonal versatility.
Why someone should buy: Buy this if you want a durable pedal with a clean, high-headroom JFET boost.
- Sleek aesthetic design
- Independent boost circuits for tonal versatility
- High headroom JFET boost for clean sound
Technical Features:
- 2-in-1 boost to help make leads stand out
- Two boost circuits running in parallel
- 9VDC power requirements
- Clean tone
- A top knob control for the “bright” boost circuit
- A bottom knob controls for the “mid” boost circuit
- Bypass switch
- Power supply not included
Review:
The Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal is a truly unique boost pedal with a highly versatile range of clean to overdriven sounds. The two independent boost circuits provide flexibility, letting you shape your tone to suit any genre or playing style. Moreover, its high headroom JFET boost delivers a clean sound that maintains the purity of your tone.
Verdict:
The Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal is an excellent choice for guitarists who value tonal versatility and clean, accurate amplification. Its sturdy build and beautiful design make it a worthwhile addition to any pedalboard.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
This pedal is perfect for guitarists looking for a versatile, powerful boost pedal that delivers clean, clear tones without sacrificing the guitar’s original sound.
2. Electro-Harmonix LPB-1
This boost pedal is reliable, easy to use, and built to withstand the rigors of the road.
Electro-Harmonix LPB-1
The Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Boost Pedal is a timeless piece of gear that stays true to its roots. As an exact recreation of the original LPB-1 circuit, it delivers an authentic, vintage-sounding boost that maintains the integrity of your tone.
Consider buying this if you are searching for an analog pedal that provides a classic, time-tested boost.
- Authentic recreation of the original LPB-1
- Analog circuitry for warm, rich tones
- Compact and robust build
Technical Features:
- Circuit: Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Audio: Mono
- Power Supply: 9V battery included
- Gain control
- True bypass
- Tough and compact die-cast chassis
- 9V battery included
Review:
The Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Boost Pedal offers guitarists a faithful recreation of a classic, sought-after boost effect. Its analog circuitry provides a warm, rich tone, and the true bypass ensures that your signal remains pure when the pedal is not engaged.
Verdict:
The LPB-1 is a simple, effective, and classic boost pedal that enhances your guitar tone without introducing unnecessary coloration. Its minimalistic design and true bypass make it a must-have for purists who want a straightforward, authentic boost effect.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
This pedal is great for the classic rock enthusiast who values authentic, vintage tones and a simple, user-friendly design.
3. MXR M233 Micro Amp
The true bypass design ensures your tone stays pristine and clean when the pedal isn’t in use.
MXR M233 Micro Amp
The MXR Micro Amp is a compact yet powerful pedal with superb sound-boosting capabilities. It features a specially-tuned 2-band EQ, enabling you to shape your signature sound, and low-noise op-amps that ensure a clean signal, even when the boost is cranked.
Why someone should buy: Buy this if you’re seeking a pedal that offers great volume control and a unique tonal shaping capability.
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly size
- Specially-tuned 2-band EQ
- Low-noise op-amps for a clean signal
Technical Features:
- Analog pedal
- Inputs: 1 x 1/4″
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4″
- Good volume for solos and rhythm parts
- Specially-tuned 2-band EQ
- Low-noise op-amps
- True-bypass switching
Review:
The MXR M233 Micro Amp delivers significant volume and gain increase without altering the inherent tone of your instrument. It allows you to switch between rhythm and solo volumes easily, and its EQ allows for precise tonal shaping.
Verdict:
The MXR Micro Amp is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a straightforward, no-nonsense booster pedal that doesn’t sacrifice tone or versatility. Its compact size and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any setup.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The MXR Micro Amp is perfect for guitarists who need a simple, reliable, and effective boost solution that won’t take up much space on their pedalboard.
4. TC Electronic Spark Mini
The PrimeTime footswitch is a particularly notable feature, providing seamless control between classic on/off and momentary boost.
TC Electronic Spark Mini
The TC Electronic Spark Mini is an ultra-compact boost pedal that packs a massive punch. It provides up to 20 dB of clean boost, coupled with innovative PrimeTime switching and a discrete analog circuit for pristine sound quality.
Why someone should buy: Consider buying this if you want a mini pedal that provides a significant, clean boost without altering your tone.
- Compact size fits easily onto any pedalboard
- Impressive 20 dB of completely clean boost
- PrimeTime footswitch for versatile control
Technical Features:
- Revolutionary PrimeTime switching
- Discrete Analog Circuit
- Level control knob for volume adjustments
- True bypass for optimum clarity
- Ultra-compact design
Review:
The TC Electronic Spark Mini is a powerful, versatile, and compact boost pedal. It offers a substantial volume boost while maintaining the integrity of your original tone.
Verdict:
With its impressive clean boost, versatile controls, and ultra-compact size, this mini pedal is a valuable addition to any pedalboard. If you’re in the market for something that delivers a powerful boost without taking up much space, this could be one of the best boost pedals for you.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The Spark Mini is perfect for guitarists who need a significant volume boost in a compact size or those who want to add some extra punch to their solos without sacrificing their original tone.
5. Xotic EP Booster Mini
This pedal proves that good things often come in small packages.
Xotic EP Booster Mini
The Xotic EP Booster Mini is a compact pedal based on the preamp stage of the classic EP-3 echo effects processor. With up to 20dB of boost, it’s capable of adding volume or sending your amp into overdrive, all while maintaining a compact footprint on your pedalboard.
Why someone should buy: Consider buying this if you’re after a petite pedal that packs a serious punch and adds versatility to your tone.
- Compact design for easy pedalboard integration
- High-quality boost based on classic preamp stage
- Offers the ability to add volume or drive your amp
Technical Features:
- Based on the classic EP-3 preamp
- Up to 20dB of boost for volume or overdrive
- Internal Dip switches for adjusting boost frequencies and EQ
- True bypass switching
- Powered via a 9-volt battery or optional AC adapter (sold separately)
Review:
The Xotic EP Booster Mini does more than just increase volume—it allows for significant tonal shaping based on a beloved vintage preamp. Its internal Dip switches allow for further customization, enabling a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Verdict:
The Xotic EP Booster Mini is a fantastic option for guitarists seeking a compact, highly customizable boost pedal with a vintage pedigree. Its versatility, combined with the quality of its boost, makes it a standout choice.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
This pedal is perfect for guitarists looking for a compact boost pedal with vintage roots and who value tonal customization.
6. Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal
Convert a noisy passive effects loop into a high-quality, quiet active loop.
Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal
The Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal is an ultra-transparent level over unity gain booster with up to +16dB. It is known for driving your amp into saturation or giving your solos a clean level bump.
Why someone should buy: Consider this pedal if you’re looking for an extremely transparent boost that can handle both line- and instrument-level signals.
- Provides +16dB of ultra-transparent level over unity gain
- Can accommodate both line and instrument-level signals
- Extremely compact and pedalboard-friendly
Technical Features:
- Great saturation
- Achieve a clean level bump
- 1-megohm input buffer
- 100-ohm output buffer
- Volume adjustment via an external volume or expression pedal
Review:
The Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal stands out with its ability to handle both line and instrument-level signals, offering a versatile and transparent boost to your sound. The pedal can either drive your amp into saturation for a gritty tone or give your solos a clean-level bump. The compact size also makes it a perfect fit for any pedalboard.
Verdict:
With a considerable, ultra-transparent boost and the ability to handle various signal levels, the Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal is an excellent option for any guitarist needing a versatile and clean boost.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The Vertex Effects Boost MKII Pedal is perfect for guitarists looking for a versatile, transparent boost pedal capable of handling different signal levels.
7. Keeley Katana
The Katana ensures low noise performance thanks to its metal film resistors and capacitors.
Keeley Katana
The Keeley Katana offers smooth, tube-like overdrive when it starts to clip while delivering clean tones at lower volumes. Its unique pull-out speed knob gives instant access to saturated, higher-gain tones.
Why someone should buy: Consider this if you want a clean boost with an easy transition to overdriven tones.
- Delivers clean tones and tube-like overdrive
- Speed knob allows for easy access to higher-gain tones
- High-quality components ensure ultra-low-noise performance
Technical Features:
- JFET design for clean tones and tube-like overdrive
- Pull-out speed knob
- Metal film resistors and capacitors
- True bypass switching
- Powered by 9-volt battery or DC adapter
Review:
The Keeley Katana offers versatility with its clean boosts and tube-like overdrive capabilities. Its pull-out speed knob lets you switch quickly from clean tones to higher-gain sounds, adding depth to your performance.
Verdict:
The Keeley Katana is an excellent choice for those seeking versatility in a boost pedal, offering both clean boosts and tube-like overdrive. Its high-quality components ensure a noise-free performance.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
If you’re looking for higher gain tones, this is one of the best boost pedals for you.
8. Fender Engager
The LED-backlit knobs are a convenient addition, especially for dark stages, making this one of the best boost pedals if you spend a lot of your time gigging.
Fender Engager
The Fender Engager Boost Pedal stands out with its onboard 3-band EQ and frequency switch for midrange, allowing for extensive tone shaping. The pedal offers a clean boost to make sure your sound comes through clearly.
Why someone should buy: Consider this pedal if you’re seeking broad tonal flexibility and a solid clean boost.
- Onboard 3-band EQ for extensive tonal shaping
- Frequency switch allows precise control over the midrange
- LED-backlit knobs for easy visibility
Technical Features:
- 3-band EQ
- Selectable true/buffered bypass
- Frequency switch
- LED-backlit knobs
- Rugged construction
- Lightweight, anodized aluminum chassis
Review:
The Fender Engager Boost Pedal provides a substantial clean boost and extensive tonal control. The 3-band EQ, coupled with a frequency switch for midrange control, lets you shape your tone to perfection.
Verdict:
With an excellent clean boost and extensive tonal shaping capabilities, the Fender Engager Boost Pedal is an excellent addition to any pedalboard. It is especially suitable for guitarists seeking precise control over their tone.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The Fender Engager Boost Pedal is ideal for guitarists who desire broad tonal flexibility and a solid clean boost. Its precise control over the midrange makes it suitable for various genres.
9. Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini
The true bypass design is an excellent feature, ensuring your tone remains pure when the pedal is not engaged.
Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini
The Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal is a reissue of the classic Tube Screamer overdrive pedal in a more compact, pedalboard-friendly design. Despite its smaller size, it delivers the same growling overdrive and excellent touch sensitivity that the original is known for.
Why someone should buy: If you’re seeking a compact pedal that provides a clean boost while preserving the character of your instrument’s tone, this is a great option.
- Delivers the classic Tube Screamer overdrive tone
- Excellent touch sensitivity for a dynamic playing experience
- True Bypass ensures your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is off
Technical Features:
- Compact design
- Overdrive, Tone, and Level controls
- 18mA@9V current
Review:
The Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal delivers the much-loved tone of the original Tube Screamer in a significantly smaller package. It provides a growling overdrive that responds well to your playing dynamics.
Verdict:
The Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal is an excellent choice for those seeking the classic Tube Screamer tone in a compact, pedalboard-friendly design. Its dynamic response and true bypass design make it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s rig.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal is ideal for guitarists who want the signature Tube Screamer tone but have limited pedalboard space. It’s also perfect for those who value dynamic response in their playing.
10. Friedman Buxom
Musicians will appreciate the option to bypass the EQ for a purely transparent boost.
Friedman Buxom
The Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal is designed to deliver a powerful, clean signal boost with ample headroom. It features an active 3-band EQ and EQ Bypass switch, allowing you to shape your tone or achieve a truly transparent boost.
Why someone should buy: This pedal is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a boost pedal that offers a high degree of tonal flexibility and control.
- Provides plenty of headroom for getting above a mix
- Active 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping
- EQ Bypass switch allows for a truly transparent tone
Technical Features:
- High headroom performance accepts 9 V or 18V power
- Boost bass
- Mid controls
- Boost/cut treble control
- EQ Bypass switch for a transparent tone
- Tight control for managing the low end
Review:
The Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal delivers a thick, clean signal perfect for cutting through the mix or driving the amplifier’s front end. With plenty of headroom and an active 3-band EQ, you have extensive control over your tone.
Verdict:
For those seeking a boost pedal that offers both power and precision, the Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal is an excellent choice. With its high headroom and active 3-band EQ, this pedal is a valuable tool for shaping your tone to perfection.
This Pedal is Perfect For:
The Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal is ideal for guitarists who want a high degree of control over their tone. Whether you’re seeking a transparent boost or a powerful, tone-enhanced signal, this pedal will deliver.
Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Boost Pedal For You
When you’re looking to find the best boost pedal for your needs, there are a few critical aspects to consider. From internal boost frequency to pedal features, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Understanding Boost Pedals
With so many guitar pedals on the market, it’s vital to understand what a booster pedal does and why it might be a useful addition to your guitar rig.
A boost pedal essentially amplifies your guitar’s signal, making it louder without significantly changing its tonal character. This straightforward boost can be crucial for ensuring your solos cut through the mix or for driving your amp harder to achieve a more robust overdrive tone.
Understanding this function will help you identify which boost pedal is right for your specific needs. Different booster pedals will offer varying boost levels, with some providing just a subtle lift in volume and others capable of significantly increasing your signal’s loudness.
When trying to find the best boost pedal for your electric guitar, it’s essential to consider its versatility and features. These aspects can vastly change the range of sounds and tones you can achieve, the control you have over your sound, and, ultimately, how the pedal fits into your overall setup.
Know Your Frequencies
Some boost pedals, known as full-range boosters, amplify all the frequencies in your guitar’s signal equally. This kind of boost is generally the most transparent, adding volume without significantly altering your tone.
However, others may have an internal boost frequency that is more selective. For example, they may primarily boost the midrange, which can help solos cut through the mix. Other pedals might focus more on the low or high end, which can be useful for shaping your overall tone.
Understanding the frequency response of different boost pedals can help you choose the one that best complements your guitar and amplifier setup.
Broad Range of Tones
The best boost pedals offer a broad range of tones, from subtle boosts for cleaner passages to a full, rich overdrive for those heavy moments. For example, the Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal is renowned for its ability to provide plenty of headroom that gets above a mix or drives the front end of an amp. This adaptability to different tones and styles makes it a powerful tool for various musical contexts.
Adjustable Parameters
Boost pedals with adjustable parameters (like EQ control, tone shaping, and gain control) give you a higher level of sound customization. By tweaking these settings, you can dial in the perfect tone for any situation. For instance, the Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal includes overdrive, tone, and level controls, offering a broad spectrum of tonal possibilities.
True Bypass
Another crucial feature to consider is true bypass. This feature allows the guitar signal to pass straight through the pedal when switched off, ensuring no alteration or degradation of your original tone. Both the Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal and the Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal feature true bypass, making them excellent choices for purists who want to preserve the integrity of their guitar signal.
Compact Design
If you’re running a packed pedalboard, a compact design could be a huge advantage. A smaller footprint means more space for other boost pedals or effects – such as looper pedals or even compressor pedals. With its small size, the Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal is easier than ever to fit on your pedalboard, making it a great choice for musicians with extensive effects setups.
The versatility and feature set of your boost pedal play a crucial role in its effectiveness and suitability to your music. Consider these aspects in detail when choosing your next pedal, balancing the breadth and flexibility of tones with the necessary controls to shape your sound to your liking. A well-chosen boost pedal can enhance your existing setup and open up new realms of sonic possibilities, inspiring you to new heights of musical creativity.
Consider Your Budget
As with any gear purchase, your budget will be a factor in choosing the best boost pedal for your needs.
More expensive boost pedals often offer more features and better build quality. However, there are also many affordable boost pedals that provide excellent sound and functionality.
By considering all these factors and comparing different options, you can find the best boost pedal that offers the right balance of price, performance, and features for your needs.
Remember, the best boost pedal for you isn’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-rich. It’s the one that best fits your specific needs and enhances your guitar-playing experience.
Best Boost Pedals: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cleanest boost pedal?
The cleanest boost pedal in our review is the Walrus Audio Emissary Parallel Boost Pedal. This pedal stands out for its clean, high-headroom JFET boost circuit, making it the go-to choice for guitarists seeking pure and transparent signal amplification. Its two independent circuits running in parallel allow the most immaculate signal boosting.
What do you use a clean boost pedal for?
A clean boost pedal is used primarily to increase the volume of the guitar signal without significantly altering the tone. This makes it perfect for situations where you need your guitar to cut through the mix for solos or certain parts of a song.
A clean boost pedal can also be used to drive an already overdriven amplifier or another pedal further into distortion territory, thereby providing more sustain and harmonic richness.
Can I use an overdrive pedal as a clean boost?
Yes, you can use most boost pedals, including overdrive pedals, as a clean boost. To do this, you would typically set the gain or distortion control to its lowest setting and the level or volume control to a higher setting. This allows the pedal to increase the volume of your guitar signal without adding much overdrive or distortion.
The Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal reviewed here is a great example of an overdrive pedal that can also be used as a clean boost, giving you the best of both worlds. You can also purchase overdrive pedals separately.
Wrapping Up
As we have journeyed through some of the best clean boost pedals in the market, it’s clear that the perfect pedal is a personal choice. There is a broad spectrum of options available to you, each with its unique attributes and technical features.
Whether you prefer the compact power of the Ibanez Tubescreamer Mini Boost Pedal or the pure, powerful, and thick clean signal of the Friedman Buxom Boost Pedal, it ultimately comes down to your specific playing style and tonal preferences.
Remember, the best boost pedal for you isn’t necessarily the one that’s most popular or has the most features. It’s about finding that pedal that integrates seamlessly into your setup, enhances your playing, and inspires your musical creativity.
With this review and buyer’s guide, you are now equipped with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. So take your time, consider your options, and choose wisely. After all, the right boost pedal can make a world of difference to your sound, ensuring you always strike the right chord!