Xotic launches AC Booster V2 overdrive pedal

March 18, 2025 · 3 sources

Xotic has released the AC Booster V2, the next generation of its AC Booster overdrive, which the maker says delivers an amp-like, touch-sensitive overdrive experience¹. The original dates from 2002¹². MusicRadar reported the launch on March 18, 2025, and Guitar World and Guitar Pedal X published on March 19¹²³.

The V2 keeps the Gain, Treble, Volume and Bass controls of the original and adds a Boost mini knob that works as a second gain control¹. A second footswitch engages that secondary gain stage alongside the regular bypass switch¹. MusicRadar describes the second footswitch as adding a clean boost, with its output set by a mini-dial that lights when the stage is active³.

A side-mounted panel holds four dip switches¹. Their functions as listed by Guitar Pedal X²:

Guitar World describes the first switch as activating a compression function, the second as toggling between the original AC tone and a "Modern" alternative, and the third and fourth as Lo Mid and Hi Mid boosts¹. MusicRadar says the compression switch applies an extra 6dB to the signal and boosts sustain, and that the Modern mode offers more gain and more articulation³. The pedal runs on 9V or 18V DC from a pedalboard power supply³.

The AC Booster V2 is available now for $180¹. MusicRadar gives the price as $180 street³, and Guitar Pedal X describes it as an introductory offer available through the Xotic webstore and at leading dealers². Guitar Pedal X also reports that Xotic discontinued the original AC Booster about a year before the V2².