The Xotic AC/RC-OZ is a limited edition Oz Noy signature overdrive and booster pedal from Xotic. It bundles two classic Xotic Effects pedals, the AC Booster and the RC Booster, in one housing, a configuration guitarist Oz Noy likes to use1. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as providing "silky smooth amp-like tone with plenty of boost that delivers a magically huge sound"2.
The pedal is built around stackable gain channels: the RC channel feeds the AC channel, so the RC can work as either a second gain stage or a boost stage3. Each channel carries its own 2-band EQ with LED activation showing that the channel is engaged4.
An AC Booster and RC Booster in one box
The AC/RC-OZ takes the two circuits Xotic players already knew separately and puts them in a single dual pedal, aimed at guitarists wanting those two pedals combined3. Delicious Audio described it as a pedal "which bundles two classic Xotic Effects pedals, the AC Booster and RC Booster, in one lovely purple box"1.
The two channels are not identical in character:
| Channel | What it does |
|---|---|
| RC Booster | Comes first in the circuit; usable as either a second gain stage or a boost stage3 |
| AC Booster | Produces classic AC Booster tones with improved circuitry, with gain ranging from minimal overdrive to gritty distortion4 |
Because the channels stack, engaging both gives you the RC pushing into the AC, which is the basis of the two-stage drive setup the pedal is built around3.
Controls and the EQ lights
Each channel has its own 2-band EQ, bass and treble, with LED activation to indicate that the channel is engaged4. The two EQ controls are designed as small LED controls that light up either blue for the RC channel or red for the AC channel when the effect is turned on3. That color coding means you can see from across a stage which of the two channels is active.
Power and headroom
The pedal runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug and draws 15mA2. It can also be operated with 18V instead of 9V, which gearnews noted gives more headroom3.
The 18V option is a deliberate alternative to the standard 9V supply. If you want the extra headroom, you need an 18V-capable supply rather than a standard 9V output.
Oz Noy signature limited edition
The AC/RC-OZ was developed together with Oz Noy and is custom tailored to his preferences23. It was sold as a signature model in a limited edition, packed in a purple lacquered housing3, and limited to 1,500 units3.
At launch, Guitar World listed it at $245 MSRP with a $196 street price4, and gearnews reported an RRP of USD 196 plus shipping and taxes3. The gearnews reviewer called it "reasonably priced in the US"3.
What reviewers said
Coverage at launch was largely descriptive, and one reviewer was candid about where the pedal sits. gearnews' Jef wrote:
"I cannot say personally that it holds any interest to me, as I have no idea if it offers anything I couldn't already get"3
That reservation was about whether the combined box offered anything beyond owning the two pedals separately, not about its build or function3.
Where it sits among Xotic boosters
The AC/RC-OZ is one of several boost pedals in the Xotic range. Players comparing it today can also look at the current RC Booster-V2, the EP Booster, the larger EP-Pro, and the two-in-one BB Plus, which similarly bundles two channels in one box. As a limited edition, the AC/RC-OZ itself is not part of the ongoing range.
Videos
Mike Hermans
The Official Xotic Guitars and Effects Channel
The Official Xotic Guitars and Effects Channel
Questions
Which channel comes first in the Xotic AC/RC-OZ?
The RC Booster channel comes before the AC Booster channel in the circuit. That ordering means the RC can serve as either a second gain stage or a boost stage feeding into the AC channel.
Can the AC/RC-OZ run at 18V?
Yes. The pedal runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug as standard, but it can also be operated at 18V instead of 9V, which players often use for more headroom.
Is the Xotic AC/RC-OZ analog?
Yes. Xotic lists the AC/RC-OZ as an analog circuit. It combines the analog AC Booster and RC Booster designs in a single housing.
What do the lights on the AC/RC-OZ EQ knobs mean?
The bass and treble EQ controls are small LED controls that light up when the effect is turned on. They glow blue for the RC channel and red for the AC channel, so you can see at a glance which channel is engaged.
Sources (4)
- Xotic Effects AC/RC-OZ (Boost + Overdrive), Delicious Audio, 2017-09-12
- AC/RC-OZ (Oz Noy limited model) by Xotic, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Xotic meld two pedals into one for AC/RC-OZ boost and drive, gearnews.com, 2017-08-25
- Xotic Effects Unveils Limited Edition Oz Noy Boost/Overdrive Pedal, Guitar World, 2017-08-23
