Catalinbread’s Epoch Boost needs little introduction: it is their version of the Echoplex EP-3 preamp, featuring crystal-clear tonal enhancement with all the funky output filtering and supply voltage that gave the original tape unit its distinct flavour. An added boost gives players a kick when needed, but keeping that control at zero provides pure Echoplex tone. It is Catalinbread’s preeminent always-on device, running at the original 22V operating voltage to deliver a high-headroom punch that sounds great anywhere it is placed. The rumours are true: some of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest tones were achieved without pedals. Not so fast! While that is technically true, some of the most venerable guitar gods relied on an old tape echo unit to help achieve their legendary tones. This unit was the Maestro Echoplex EP-3. While some guitarists made great use of its echo effect, others brought one to every gig just for its magical preamp. This preamp circuit was wired always-on, and so even those using it as an echo effect received significant tonal enhancements from the preamp circuit as well. Everyone from Eddie Van Halen to East Bay Ray of the Dead Kennedys relied on the EP-3 preamp to take their sound to previously unreachable heights. And now guitarists can also, with Catalinbread’s Epoch Boost. Key Features: Reproduction of the “early” Maestro Echoplex EP-3 preamp circuit Up to 20 dB of clean, crystal-clear boost available Internal voltage raised to 22 V for increased headroom and clarity NOS Sprague Orange Drop capacitors used, matching components in the original EP-3 Switchable hi-Z input buffer to preserve treble in long cable runs or complex setups Output mixer stage that functions as a basic frequency selector True bypass switching
