Preamp Glory

This classy tone-shaping boost and drive from Origin Effects is based on a vintage valve-powered preamp

- Trevor Curwen

Origin Effects has history with pedals that are based on classic studio equipment, with its Cali76 offering Urei 1176-style compression and the M-EQ Driver featuring Pultec-style EQ. Now we have the DCX Boost, inspired by the Universal Audio 610 recording preamp - DCX being the Roman numerals for 610. Described as a tone-shaper and drive pedal, the DCX Boost reimagines the 610 circuitry, optimising it for electric guitar and aiming to deliver the sort of sonic enhancement that the vintage circuitry would add with either a completely flat frequency response or some tonal tweaking.

The pedal has two modes: EQ and the gainer OD. EQ is the go-to mode if you'd like some clean boost, although at higher settings of the Drive knob it is capable of drive that's perfect for adding a bit of grit to clean sounds and covering 'edge of break-up' and beyond. This is one of those pedals that simply improves your tone just by being active - even at a flat setting and unity gain it brings something more.