The Lichtlaerm Audio Amber Spyglass is an EQ and boost pedal that the maker calls a "Studio Grade Hybrid-EQ". It combines four EQ bands with a volume control that gives up to 16 dB of full range boost, so it can work as a straight boost, as a tone-shaping EQ, or as both at once. Lichtlaerm describes it as "a super flexible solution for people who are looking for both a boost or an EQ-pedal"1. It sits alongside the maker's gain pedals such as the Lichtlaerm Audio Aesahaettr, and it belongs to the wider family of Equalization Pedals and Boost Pedals.
The controls: four bands and up to 16 dB of boost
The pedal has five controls: four EQ bands and a volume control that carries the boost. The maker gives the frequency range each band covers1.
| Control | Frequency | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 40 to 100 Hz | Cuts or boosts the low end |
| Low mid | 400 Hz | Cuts or boosts the low midrange |
| High mid | 1000 Hz | Cuts or boosts the high midrange |
| Treble | 4000 to 10000 Hz | Cuts or boosts the top end |
| Volume | Full range | Up to 16 dB of full range boost1 |
Because the bands are fixed rather than sweepable, the player's choice is how much of each to add or remove, with the volume control setting the overall level.
Before or after gain
Lichtlaerm Audio gives worked examples for both placements, and the pedal is meant to serve either role1.
- Pre gain (in front of the amp or drive pedal): cut the bass to tighten the sound, push the high mids for cutting leads, or push the low mids for what the maker calls syrupy sludge sounds1.
- Post gain (after the drive or in the amp's effects loop): add bass for a fat and warm tone, cut low mid muddiness for tight modern sounds, or tame harsh highs1.
That flexibility is the core of the design: the same four bands do different jobs depending on where the pedal sits in the signal chain, which is why Lichtlaerm markets it to players who want a boost and an EQ in one box1.
Smart Relay technology and ordering
The Amber Spyglass includes what Lichtlaerm Audio calls Smart Relay technology, listed as a feature of the pedal1.
Lichtlaerm Audio states that all of its pedals are made to order and may take 14 to 20 days for production. When the Amber Spyglass is out of stock, the maker runs a waitlist rather than keeping it on the shelf1.
The maker lists the pedal at €179.00 including EU VAT, plus shipping, as of 26 October 20261.
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Questions
What frequencies does the Lichtlaerm Audio Amber Spyglass control?
The Amber Spyglass has four EQ bands. The bass control covers 40 to 100 Hz, the low mid control is centered at 400 Hz, the high mid control is centered at 1000 Hz, and the treble control covers 4000 to 10000 Hz. Together with the volume control, which gives up to 16 dB of full range boost, that covers the range most players need for tightening, shaping or pushing a signal.
How much boost does the Amber Spyglass give?
The volume control provides up to 16 dB of full range boost, according to Lichtlaerm Audio. That is on top of the four EQ bands, so the pedal can act as a straight clean boost, as an EQ, or as both at once.
What is Lichtlaerm Audio Smart Relay technology?
The Amber Spyglass includes what Lichtlaerm Audio calls Smart Relay technology. The maker lists it as a feature of the pedal but does not describe on the product page how it works or what it does for the player.
Is the Amber Spyglass made to order?
Yes. Lichtlaerm Audio states that all of its pedals are made to order and may take 14 to 20 days for production. When the Amber Spyglass is out of stock, the maker runs a waitlist rather than keeping it permanently available.
Should an EQ pedal go before or after gain?
Both placements work, and Lichtlaerm Audio describes the Amber Spyglass as being useful in either position. Before a gain stage, cutting bass tightens the sound and pushing high mids gives cutting leads, while pushing low mids suits sludge-style sounds. After gain, adding bass makes the tone fat and warm, cutting low mids removes muddiness for tight modern sounds, and cutting highs tames harshness.
Sources (1)
- Lichtlaerm Audio Amber Spyglass, Lichtlaerm Audio
