The EarthQuaker Devices Buffer/Preamp is a buffer/preamp utility pedal: a small box that fights tone loss in long cable runs and in signal chains running lots of true bypass pedals, while its built-in preamp adds a little character of its own1. It measures 3.6875 x 1.8125 x 1.8125 in. (94 x 46 x 46 mm), carries a list price of $7912, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty: if it breaks, EarthQuaker Devices will fix it1.
What it does
EarthQuaker Devices describes a buffer as an important tool to combat tone loss with long cable runs or in signal chains running lots of true bypass pedals1. The Buffer/Preamp pairs that with a preamp stage. In the company's own blog article, Dan Epstein wrote that "this device contains a nifty little preamp that lends a subtle-but-noticeable depth, warmth and presence to your tone," whether you use single coils, humbuckers or both3.
The impedance numbers are what do the work. With its high 1 Mohm input impedance and low 100 ohm output impedance, the pedal straightens out the capacitance that builds up between guitar and amp in a long or crowded chain3. For more on how this kind of circuit works, see the site's buffer pedals page.
Controls and placement
There is nothing to adjust. As EarthQuaker Devices puts it, "there are no knobs to turn, no footswitches to step on, no internal trimmers to tweak"3. You place it, and it stays set.
EarthQuaker Devices recommends the Buffer/Preamp for the end of the signal chain, and suggests putting it after any germanium fuzzes on your board for best results3.
The enclosure is a small rectangle that takes up little pedalboard real estate, finished in trippy black and white op-art graphics3.
Power and specifications
The pedal takes a standard 9 volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel connector1. All EarthQuaker Devices units carry a limited lifetime warranty: if it breaks, the company will fix it1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1 Mohm1 |
| Output impedance | 100 ohm1 |
| Power | 9 volt DC, 2.1mm negative center barrel connector1 |
| Dimensions | 3.6875 x 1.8125 x 1.8125 in. (94 x 46 x 46 mm)1 |
| Warranty | limited lifetime warranty1 |
The Utility Pedals line
The Buffer/Preamp carries a list price of $79 in the US2, with the maker's own listing at $89.00 USD (also £80.00 / 95.00€)4. It is built to the same compact footprint as the rest of the line, at 3.6875 x 1.8125 x 1.8125 in. (94 x 46 x 46 mm), and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty1.
- Buffer/Preamp, buffering with a touch of preamp character1
- Buffer/Splitter, built around splitting the signal2
- A/B Box2
- ABY Box2
- Flexi Loops, a dual effects loop2
Price and availability
The Buffer/Preamp was new when EarthQuaker Devices introduced the Utility Pedals line in late 20243. Published launch reports disagree on the list price: Guitar World reported $79 on October 25, 20242, while gearnews.com reported $89.00 USD (also listed at £80.00 / 95.00€) on October 24, 20244.
Questions
Does the EarthQuaker Devices Buffer/Preamp have any knobs?
No. EarthQuaker Devices describes it as a set-and-forget pedal: there are no knobs to turn, no footswitches to step on and no internal trimmers to tweak. You plug it in and it does its job, which makes it one of the simplest pedals the company makes and leaves nothing to adjust on a pedalboard.
Where should the Buffer/Preamp go on a pedalboard?
EarthQuaker Devices suggests it works best at the end of the signal chain, and that for best results you should put it after any germanium fuzzes on your board. Its small enclosure takes up little pedalboard real estate, so it slots in easily.
What does a buffer do for a long cable run?
A buffer combats tone loss that builds up with long cable runs or in signal chains running lots of true bypass pedals. The Buffer/Preamp's high 1 Mohm input impedance and low 100 ohm output impedance straighten out the capacitance that dulls your tone in those setups.
What power does the EarthQuaker Buffer/Preamp use?
It takes a standard 9 volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel connector. EarthQuaker Devices does not list a battery option or a current draw figure for this pedal, so plan your power supply accordingly.
How does the Buffer/Preamp differ from the Buffer/Splitter?
Both are knob-free utility pedals EarthQuaker Devices introduced together in its Utility Pedals line, aimed at fixing tone suck. The Buffer/Preamp combines buffering with a small preamp that adds depth, warmth and presence, while the Buffer/Splitter is built around splitting the signal rather than adding preamp character.
Sources (4)
- Buffer/Preamp Utility Pedal, EarthQuaker Devices
- “Durability, quick action, and a lifetime of switching enjoyment”: EarthQuaker Devices' new utility pedals are built to last a lifetime, Guitar World, 2024-10-25
- Using Utility Pedals to Fix Tone Suck, EarthQuaker Devices, 2024-11-19
- EQD Utility Pedals: Route, Expand & Enhance your Tone, gearnews.com, 2024-10-24
