The Mosky BP Booster is a compact clean boost pedal, and Mosky's product page states plainly that it is "Based on Xotic EP booster Pedal"1. A clean boost raises your guitar's signal level without adding distortion of its own, so players use one to push an amp harder, lift solos out of a mix, or drive another pedal's input. Mosky describes the BP Booster's sound as "multi-dimensional, shimmering highs and lows, and no ear fatigue"1.
What it does and how it is controlled
The BP Booster gives up to +20dB of "unadulterated boost," the same maximum figure Mosky quotes for it and the same figure Xotic gives for the EP Booster it is based on12. There is no external EQ to set: the pedal's controls live inside. On the face of it, the pedal is as simple as a boost gets:
- One footswitch to engage the boost
- One control to set the boost level, up to +20dB1
- Internal DIP switches to shape the boost frequencies and EQ1
Mosky says "The internal DIP switches let you choose the boost frequencies, and EQ settings"1, so you open the pedal up to shape whether the boost leans on bass, mids or treble, then set it and forget it. The DIP switch options have a history: Aion FX's tracing journal of the EP Booster circuit notes that in a later version, Xotic "swapped out the 'Bass' DIP switch setting for a '+3dB' setting"3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the amount of boost, up to +20dB1 |
| Internal DIP switches | Choose the boost frequencies and EQ settings1 |
Mosky describes the circuit as using "the highest quality parts available with a discrete FET design and low impedance output"1. The low impedance output pairs with the listed 1k ohm output impedance, which helps the pedal drive what comes after it on the board1.
Power and practical details
The BP Booster runs on either 9VDC or 18V DC from a negative-tip, regulated AC adapter, which Mosky lists as optional1. Running at 18V gives the internal circuitry more headroom, if your supply offers it. No current draw figure is given on the product page.
The pedal takes 9VDC or 18V DC with negative tips, and Mosky recommends a regulated adapter1. Check what your pedalboard power supply provides before plugging in.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Max boost | Up to +20dB1 |
| Input impedance | 1M ohm1 |
| Output impedance | 1k ohm1 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Power | 9VDC or 18V DC, negative tip, regulated adapter1 |
| Dimensions | 92mm x 38mm x 36mm (L/W/H)1 |
| Weight | 125g1 |
Its small footprint, 92mm x 38mm x 36mm and 125g, makes it easy to fit into a crowded board1.
Where it came from
The pedal it is based on, the Xotic EP Booster, is a boost pedal from California maker Xotic, described on Xotic's own page as "the Xotic Effects pedalboard staple, EP Booster" and sold as "A simple pure boost" with model number EPB24. Xotic lists the EP Booster as providing "up to +20dB of unadulterated boost"2.
"the Xotic Effects pedalboard staple, EP Booster"
The circuit has been examined in detail by independent builders: Aion FX's tracing journal notes that in a later version of the EP Booster, Xotic "swapped out the 'Bass' DIP switch setting for a '+3dB' setting"3, which gives a sense of how the internal DIP switch options work on this family of circuits.
Mosky builds a range of compact pedals alongside the BP Booster, including the Mosky XP Booster, the Mosky SHO BOOSTER and the Mosky DEC Buffer Booster. For how boost pedals like this sit alongside gain-staging alternatives, see Boost Pedals, Overdrive Pedals and Preamp Pedals1.
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Questions
Is the Mosky BP Booster true bypass?
Yes. Mosky's product page lists the BP Booster with true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight through to the output without going through the boost circuit. That matters if you run long cable runs or many pedals, since a buffered pedal left on can affect your tone even when not boosting.
How much boost does the Mosky BP Booster give?
Mosky states the BP Booster provides up to +20dB of unadulterated boost, the same maximum boost figure Xotic gives for the EP Booster it is based on. That is enough headroom to push an amp into breakup, lift a solo above a mix, or drive the front end of another pedal harder.
What is the Mosky BP Booster based on?
Mosky's product page says the BP Booster is based on the Xotic EP Booster pedal, a compact clean boost from California maker Xotic. The BP Booster follows that circuit's approach, including internal DIP switches that let you choose boost frequencies and EQ settings.
What are the input and output impedances of the Mosky BP Booster?
Mosky lists the input impedance at 1M ohm and the output impedance at 1k ohm. A 1M ohm input is high enough that the pedal will not load down your guitar's pickups, and the low 1k ohm output helps drive the rest of your chain or a long cable run without losing highs.
Sources (4)
- BP Booster_Mini Guitar Pedals_Effect Pedals_Products_mosky pedal, moskyaudio.com
- EP Booster, Xotic
- Tracing Journal: Xotic EP Booster V2, Aion FX, 2023-11-24
- EP Booster, Xotic California (xotic.us)
