EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp Pedal

Description

From Earthquaker Devices:

ZEQD-Pre™ The All-Analog Simulation Solution

A collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification

This all-analog tube preamplifier brings together EarthQuaker Devices’ innovative pedal design and Dr. Z Amplification’s decades of tube amp expertise. With a passive three-band EQ, professional headphone output, balanced XLR output, and onboard analog cabinet simulation, the ZEQD-Pre delivers authentic tube warmth and dynamic response in a complete analog amplifier system that fits right on your pedalboard.

Practice Amp with Headphones

The headphone output features built-in analog cabinet simulation for a realistic amp feel during quiet practice sessions. Enjoy the full EF86 tube character without disturbing your housemates.

Direct Amplifier via XLR

Run the balanced XLR output straight into any console or interface and use the ZEQD-Pre as your main amp. The analog cabinet simulation is there when you need it, or flip the Cab Bypass switch to send a pure signal to your preferred IR loader or modeling software. Perfect for direct recording, backline-free gigs, or hybrid rigs with multiple signal paths.

Flexible Routing

All outputs work simultaneously, even when the pedal is bypassed. Send your signal to an amp, route a direct feed to front-of-house, and monitor through headphones—all at once. This routing flexibility makes the ZEQD-Pre an invaluable studio tool.

Why The EF86 Tube?

The ZEQD-Pre uses the EF86 pentode—the same tube that gives many Dr. Z amplifiers their pristine hi-fi tone and makes them such responsive pedal platforms.

The Technical Side

Unlike the common 12AX7 triode (two elements plus cathode), the EF86 pentode has four internal elements plus cathode. This structure yields measurably superior performance:

Gain Factor of 185: Significantly higher than comparable triodes
44V RMS Output: Substantial voltage swing for enhanced dynamics
Extended Frequency Response: Full-spectrum clarity from deep lows to detailed highs

What This Means for You

These specifications translate directly to playing experience:

Touch Sensitivity: The EF86 responds to every dynamic nuance in your playing. Play lighter and it cleans up; dig in and it blooms. Natural expression that follows your hands.
Full-Frequency Clarity: Extended response means harmonic richness without sacrificing definition. Bass notes stay tight, highs remain bell-like and clear.
Responsive EQ: Higher voltage and broader bandwidth let the passive Three-Band EQ shape your tone effectively with minimal signal loss. The interactive controls behave like classic tube amp tone stacks—predictable and musical across their entire sweep.

The EF86 brings hi-fi performance to tube preamplification while staying responsive and musical.

Controls

Boost: Use the Boost rotary knob for volume control when the Boost is active and the tone controls are bypassed. Boost mode is very loud! Be careful when setting the Boost level, especially when using headphones or XLR out.
Boost Footswitch: This footswitch defeats the tone controls and delivers a full-range boost without altering the frequency response. This switch is only active when the Activate footswitch is on.
Headphone Output: A TRS (Stereo) ¼” headphone jack is located on the left side. Use the Level control to adjust headphone level when the pedal is active. The headphone output works as a unity gain amplifier with cabinet simulation even when the pedal is bypassed.
Direct Output: A balanced XLR output is located on the left side of the pedal.
Ground Lift Switch: Press this switch on the left side of the pedal for ground lift on the XLR output.
Cab Sim Bypass Switch: Press this switch on the left side of the pedal to remove the analog cabinet simulation on the XLR output.
Level: Use the Level rotary knob to adjust the output volume when the tone controls are active.
Bass: Use the Bass rotary knob to adjust the frequency range from 20 Hz to 400 Hz.
Middle: Use the Middle rotary knob to adjust the frequency range from 400 Hz to 2 kHz.
Treble: Use the Treble rotary knob to adjust the frequency range from 2 kHz to 20 kHz.
Activate Footswitch: Use this footswitch to activate or bypass the ZEQD-Pre.

TECH SPECS

Dimensions: 5.88 x 3.94 x 2.75 in. (149 x 100 x 70 mm) with knobs
Current Draw: 500 mA
Input Impedance: 10 MΩ
Output Impedance: Variable
Headphone Out Impedance: 39 Ω
Direct Out Impedance: 100 Ω
Switching: ZEQD-Pre uses mechanical true bypass switching.
Power: This device takes a standard 500 mA (or higher) 9-volt DC power supply with a 2.1 mm negative-center barrel. We always recommend pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wall-wart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies. Pedals will make extra noise if there is ripple or unclean power. Switching-type power supplies, daisy chains, and non-pedal specific power supplies do not filter dirty power as well and let through unwanted noise. DO NOT RUN AT HIGHER VOLTAGES!

Shipping & Returns

Free Shipping

Most orders over $99.00 ship for free inside the lower 48 states. Certain items that are large and heavy do not qualify for free shipping.

We Ship Worldwide!

For information on International Shipping, please call, email or use live chat for rates. Orders shipping outside the Lower 48 States to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and international orders do not qualify for free shipping. Orders shipping to U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses, PO Boxes, and US territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.) can only ship USPS. NOTE: Boxes over 70 lbs each cannot be shipped to these locations.

As a security precaution, orders over $200.00 will only ship to the address your credit card company has on file for you.

*Korg and Mesa/Boogie products are only available for shipment within the USA.

Returns

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase, so we offer a 48 hour approval period on most purchases (see exclusions below). The 48 hour approval period begins when your purchased item is delivered to your door. If after 48 hours you’re not happy with the item, just contact us via phone, email or live chat on our website to arrange for a return authorization (RA#) and return shipping instructions. Any package sent back without prior authorization will be refused.

Returns must be shipped back to us within two days of the RA being issued. Items must come back to us undamaged and in the same condition they were shipped out. All manuals, paperwork, cables, tremolo arms, wrenches, etc… must be included or full credit will not be issued. Any items not conforming to this policy will be subject (at our discretion) to a restocking fee of 20% of the purchase price.

Refunds will be issued minus all related shipping expenses, if free shipping was initially given, the cost we incurred to get the item to you will be deducted from your refund. A 10% restock fee will also be deducted from your refund. Restock fees will be waived for full value exchanges.

Here are exceptions to our return policy.

Custom orders of any kind are non returnable and non refundable. We often charge a deposit before we will place a custom or special order. All special order deposits are NON REFUNDABLE, no exceptions.
Microphones, Harmonicas, In-Ear Systems and any other items that come into contact with your mouth or ears.
Items labeled as BLOWOUT, are non-returnable. These are often being sold below cost and are considered “all sales final”.
Software (this may also include hardware that includes software), unless still in shrink wrap with barcode affixed.
Guitar strings, blank media, and other disposable merchandise.
Guitar or bass pickups that have been installed or used in any way.
Any item advertised as “USED” is non returnable.

*Payments for music lessons are non refundable, no exceptions.

View our detailed Return Policy here.

Early Order Cancellation

All deposits are non refundable. Lots of our products are special orders and in many cases your order has to be built for you at the factory. This is what makes a lot of our products special. Once your order is started, it's being put together just for you. For this reason we ask that you don't cancel your order after you place it with us. If for some reason you absolutely have to cancel your order with us, we will assess you a 25% cancellation charge. This amount is equal to 25% of your total order amount. Ask us before you place your order to see if what you're purchasing is considered a special order.

Damaged Merchandise

Do not accept your shipment if the package shows any signs of external damage. After the item is returned to us we will ship you a replacement. If you receive incorrect or defective merchandise, please call 781-335-0700 within 5 days for a return authorization number.