The Xotic AH-Booster is a compact overdrive pedal and the signature model of guitarist Allen Hinds. Xotic describes it as a versatile overdrive based on the legacy AC-Comp pedal, which the company calls Allen's favorite, with improved tonal characteristics for a "tight" yet "smooth" overdriven sound1. It was built as a limited run of only 1,000 pieces1.
Where it came from
The AH-Booster is the Allen Hinds signature version of the booster, and Xotic states the circuit is based on the legacy AC-Comp pedal, which was Allen's favorite1. Players who know the Xotic AC-COMP will recognize the lineage. Xotic lists the pedal's feature set as "Three Different Compression Settings with Full Tonal Controls"1, and says the treble and bass knobs "easily and accurately dial in your ideal tone"1.
Power and connections: 9V to 18V
The AH-Booster can be powered by 9 volts up to 18 volts "for desired headroom," according to Xotic1. Running higher voltage gives the internal circuitry more headroom, which players often use to keep a boost or drive pedal cleaner at hotter input levels.
| Power item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 9VDC (006P) x 11 |
| AC adapter (optional) | 9VDC-18VDC, negative tip, regulated only, 5.1mm x 2.1mm barrel type1 |
| Power consumption | 9VDC/4mA or 18V/5mA1 |
Xotic specifies a regulated adapter only, with a negative tip and a 5.1mm x 2.1mm barrel. The current draw is low, 4mA at 9V or 5mA at 18V, but the supply must be regulated and within the 9V to 18V range the maker states1.
Connections and switching
The pedal uses True Bypass Switching, so the signal path is uncolored when the effect is off1. Xotic lists the input impedance at 500k ohm and the output impedance at 2k ohm1, figures in line with a pedal intended to sit naturally between guitar and amp without loading down passive pickups.
Size and availability
The AH-Booster measures 4.39" x 2.38" x 1.98" (110mm x 60mm x 50mm) and weighs 0.6 lbs. (275g)1. Xotic's online shop lists the model number as AHB2, with an end-user listing date of 10-1-252. Because it was a limited run of 1,000 pieces1, availability depends on remaining stock.
Videos
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Questions
Is the AH-Booster true bypass?
Yes. Xotic specifies True Bypass Switching for the AH-Booster, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight through without loading the front of your amp or coloring the tone. That matters on a pedalboard where the booster may sit in front of other drives or fuzzes that are sensitive to what feeds them.
Does the AH-Booster take a battery?
Yes. Xotic lists a single 9VDC (006P) battery as the battery type, and an optional regulated AC adapter is also supported. The adapter must be a negative-tip, regulated supply from 9VDC to 18VDC with a 5.1mm x 2.1mm barrel connector.
How many AH-Boosters were made?
The AH-Booster was produced as a limited run of only 1,000 pieces, according to Xotic. It is the Allen Hinds signature version of the booster, so once that run sold through, no further units were made.
What are the input and output impedances of the AH-Booster?
Xotic lists the input impedance at 500k ohm and the output impedance at 2k ohm. The high input impedance keeps a passive guitar pickup from being loaded down, and the low output impedance helps the pedal drive longer cable runs and downstream effects cleanly.
How big is the Xotic AH-Booster?
Xotic gives the dimensions as 4.39 x 2.38 x 1.98 inches (110mm x 60mm x 50mm) and the weight as 0.6 lbs (275g). It is a compact enclosure that fits a standard pedalboard footprint.
Sources (2)
- AH-Booster, Xotic California
- AH Booster Allen Hinds, Prosound Communications, Inc.
