The Pearl PE-10 is a two-band parametric EQ pedal, sold under the Pearl name as part of the Sound Spice series, which was designed by Korg. Aion FX dates its original release to 1981 or 1982, with discontinuation a few years later1. It is long out of production, so it survives today only on the used market.
What a two-band parametric EQ does
A parametric EQ lets you pick a frequency, cut or boost it, and set how wide or narrow a slice of the spectrum the cut or boost affects. That last control, usually labeled Q or bandwidth, is the dividing line between fully parametric and semi-parametric designs. The PE-10 has it, and Aion FX puts the distinction plainly:
"Because of this, it meets the definition of a fully parametric EQ while the others are technically only semi-parametric."
The comparison there is with pedals like the Ibanez PQ-9 and the Boss PQ-4, which are only semi-parametric, while the PE-10's "Q" or bandwidth control makes it a fully parametric EQ. On the PE-10, each of its two bands can be narrowed to target a problem frequency or widened for broader tonal shaping, which is why players reach for a design like this when a simple shelving EQ will not do. For more on the type, see Equalization Pedals1.
Where it came from: Pearl and the Sound Spice series
The PE-10 was one of Pearl's Sound Spice pedals, a series designed by Korg. Alongside the parametric EQ, the series included the OD-05 Over Drive. Aion FX describes the Sound Spice pedals as similar to classic effects such as the Tube Screamer or the CE-2, but with a twist of their own1. The Pearl PE-10 Dual Band Parametric EQ page carries the pedal's listing details.
The series did not last long. Pearl discontinued its pedals in the mid-1980s and exited the effects pedal market for good, taking the OD-05 with it3.
The PE-10 has been out of production since the mid-1980s. Any unit sold new today would be old stock or secondhand; one retailer's B-stock listing shows the pedal listed as a used or open-box item2.
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Questions
Did Korg make the Pearl PE-10?
The PE-10 was sold under Pearl's name as part of the Sound Spice series, and that series was designed by Korg. So the pedal is a Pearl product with Korg design behind it. Pearl later left the effects pedal market entirely in the mid-1980s, which is why the pedal turns up today only secondhand rather than in current production.
What else was in Pearl's Sound Spice series?
Alongside the PE-10 Parametric EQ, the Sound Spice series included the OD-05 Over Drive. According to Aion FX, each of the Sound Spice pedals was similar to classic effects such as the Tube Screamer or the Boss CE-2 chorus, but with a twist of its own. The series was discontinued in the mid-1980s when Pearl exited the effects pedal market.
When was the Pearl PE-10 discontinued?
Aion FX dates the PE-10's original release to 1981 or 1982 and says it was discontinued a few years later. Pearl as a whole discontinued its pedals in the mid-1980s and exited the effects pedal market for good, so the PE-10's run was short.
Does the Pearl PE-10 have a Q control?
Yes. The PE-10 has a Q, or bandwidth, control on each band, which is what makes it a fully parametric EQ. Aion FX notes that this sets it apart from pedals like the Ibanez PQ-9 or Boss PQ-4, which lack that control and are technically only semi-parametric.
Sources (3)
- Paradox Parametric EQ / Pearl PE-10, Aion FX, 2026-07-03
- PEARL PE-10 Dual Band Parametric EQ (B-STOCK), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- Fractal Parametric Overdrive / Pearl® OD-05, Aion FX, 2022-04-08
