The Fishman Platinum Pro EQ is an all-analog universal instrument preamp in a floor-pedal format, aimed mainly at acoustic guitar and bass players who need to plug into a PA or amp and shape their sound on the way. It combines a 5-band EQ, a one-knob compressor, a sweepable notch filter and phase switch for feedback control, a boost, a balanced XLR DI output and a built-in tuner, all in one road-ready box with durable foot switches12.
Fishman builds it around a 17-volt discrete Class A preamp, which the maker says lets the full dynamics of your technique come through with studio-quality results1. RockBoard's listing describes the same circuit as a discrete, high-headroom Class A design using precision, high-speed circuitry for high fidelity and low distortion2.
What it does and how it is controlled
The core of the unit is a 5-band EQ with a sweepable mid control and an adjustable low-cut filter, and it offers two selectable EQ modes, one voiced for full-range instruments and one for bass1. RockBoard's listing calls this a switchable guitar/bass EQ mode combined with classic Fishman tone centers with a sweepable mid2.
Compression is handled by a single transparent one-knob compressor1, which RockBoard describes as a simple and effective analog soft-knee compressor2. For feedback control on stage there is a sweepable notch filter and a phase invert switch1. The notch filter cuts a narrow band of frequencies where an amplified acoustic tends to ring, and the phase switch flips the signal polarity, another common way to tame feedback.
| Control or feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| 5-band EQ | Tone shaping, with sweepable mid and adjustable low-cut filter1 |
| EQ mode switch | Selects full-range or bass EQ voicing1 |
| Compressor knob | Transparent one-knob, analog soft-knee compression12 |
| Notch filter | Sweepable narrow cut for feedback control1 |
| Phase invert switch | Flips polarity as a second feedback control1 |
| Pre/post EQ switch | Chooses whether EQ settings apply to the XLR output signal1 |
| Tuner | Preset modes for guitar, bass, ukulele and mandolin1 |
| FX loop | Connects external acoustic effects such as reverb, chorus and delay1 |
The pre/post EQ switch on the DI output determines whether your EQ settings are applied to the signal sent out of the XLR jack, which matters when you want a flat feed to the front-of-house engineer while shaping your own stage sound1.
Outputs and connections
The Platinum Pro EQ is designed to connect to an acoustic instrument amp, a PA system, a powered monitor or another full-range audio system1. The balanced XLR DI output is housed in what RockBoard calls a beautiful, road-ready design2. An integrated FX loop lets you place external acoustic effects pedals, such as reverb, chorus and delay, into the signal path1.
Although it is aimed at acoustic players, Fishman confirms it works with instruments other than guitar, including mandolin, banjo and fiddle1, and the tuner's preset modes cover guitar, bass, ukulele and mandolin1.
Power
The pedal runs on one 9V battery, sold separately, with a listed battery life of 30 hours, or on the optional Fishman 910R power adapter1. On a pedalboard it takes 9V DC at 200mA with a center negative plug2.
At 200mA the current draw is higher than many compact effects pedals. If you power it from a pedalboard supply rather than the Fishman 910R adapter, make sure the output can deliver that much current.
What reviewers said
Writing in MusicRadar, Dave Burrluck reviewed the Platinum Pro range alongside competing acoustic preamps and noted that Fishman's Platinum Pro is configured to work with guitar or bass, has compression and a highly visible tuner3.
"Fishman's Platinum Pro is configured to work with guitar or bass, has compression and a highly visible tuner"
Where to learn more
Fishman publishes a user guide for the Platinum Pro EQ covering its controls and setup in detail2. Players comparing preamp and EQ pedals can also read the site's pages on preamp pedals, equalization pedals, compressor pedals and acoustic pedals.
Videos
Fishman Music
Peghead Nation
Guitar Bonedo
Questions
Does the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ run on a battery?
Yes. It runs on one 9V battery, sold separately, and Fishman lists the battery life at 30 hours. It can also be powered by the optional Fishman 910R power adapter. On a pedalboard it takes 9V DC center negative at 200mA, so a standard isolated output works.
What polarity does the Platinum Pro EQ power supply use?
The DC input is 9V DC with a center negative plug, the same convention as most guitar effects pedals. Current draw is listed at 200mA, which is higher than many compact pedals, so check that your power supply output can deliver it.
Does the Platinum Pro EQ have an XLR output?
Yes. It has a balanced XLR DI output for running straight into a PA system or mixing desk, alongside connections for an acoustic instrument amp, powered monitor or other full-range audio system. A pre/post EQ switch determines whether your EQ settings apply to the XLR signal.
What tuner modes does the Platinum Pro EQ offer?
The built-in tuner has preset tuning modes for guitar, bass, ukulele and mandolin. MusicRadar's Dave Burrluck described it as a highly visible tuner in his review of the Platinum Pro range.
Is the Platinum Pro EQ analog or digital?
It is fully analog. Fishman describes it as an analog preamplification and DI unit, built around a 17-volt discrete Class A preamp with high-headroom, precision, high-speed circuitry for low distortion.
What does the notch filter do?
The sweepable notch filter cuts a narrow band of frequencies to fight feedback, which is a common problem when amplifying acoustic instruments on a loud stage. It works alongside a phase invert switch, another standard feedback control, and both are aimed at acoustic players.
Sources (3)
- Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Analog Preamp Pedal, Fishman
- Platinum Pro EQ by Fishman, RockBoard (rockboard.de), 2026
- Radial Tonebone PZ-Deluxe review, MusicRadar, 2016-03-11
