The ZEQD‑Pre Tube Preamp is a collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification, delivering authentic analog tube preamp tone in a compact stompbox. Built around the EF86 pentode tube—the same tube that gives many Dr. Z amps their signature high‑fidelity character—ZEQD‑Pre brings rich harmonic warmth, dynamic touch sensitivity, and full‑range clarity to your signal chain without any digital processing.
Designed to live at the end of your signal chain, this all‑analog solution enhances amplifiers, modeling rigs, and direct‑to‑board setups with organic tube response and versatile tone shaping.
The ZEQD‑Pre is a pure analog preamp with no menus, firmware, or digital artifacts:
No IR loading
No firmware updates
**No digital conversion or processing
This keeps your tone true, natural, and dynamic, preserving the nuance of your instrument while adding tube warmth and presence.
Shape your sound with a classic passive three‑band EQ:
Bass: 20 Hz–400 Hz — control low‑end warmth and weight
Middle: 400 Hz–2 kHz — sculpt body and punch
Treble: (implicit in EQ) for clarity and sparkle
The EQ lets you fine‑tune your amp’s voice, add harmonic overdrive, or breathe fresh life into a modeling setup. It’s simple yet powerful tone control that reacts musically to your playing dynamics.
ZEQD‑Pre includes a realistic analog cab simulation for quiet practice or direct recording:
Cab Bypass Switch: Disengage cabinet emulation for pure preamp output — ideal for IR loaders, direct recording, or hybrid rigs
Provides a natural amp‑and‑speaker feel even at low volume
This makes ZEQD‑Pre perfect for practice, studio sessions, and backline‑free live gigs.
Two footswitches give you immediate tonal flexibility:
Activate Footswitch: Turns the preamp on/off
Boost Footswitch: Bypasses the passive 3‑band EQ for a wide‑open full‑range boost with its own level control
This gives you two distinct voices at your feet: sculpted, EQ‑shaped tone or full‑spectrum tube boost — immediate, musical, and responsive.
By harnessing the EF86 tube’s strengths, ZEQD‑Pre delivers:
High‑fidelity tone and clarity
Expressive dynamic response
Harmonic richness and presence
EQ that feels natural and responsive
And while it’s designed with guitarists in mind, the ZEQD‑Pre’s broad tonal palette and tube warmth make it equally effective for:
Bass
Synths and keyboards
Drums
Vocals and microphones
Direct‑to‑board recording
Each ZEQD‑Pre is hand‑assembled by skilled craftsmen in Akron, Ohio, reflecting EarthQuaker Devices’ commitment to quality, performance, and analog excellence.
| Weight | 2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8 × 6 × 4 in |
| Product Condition | USED, NEW |
Typically ships within 24-48 hours


The ZEQD‑Pre Tube Preamp is a collaboration between EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification, delivering authentic analog tube preamp tone in a compact stompbox. Built around the EF86 pentode tube—the same tube that gives many Dr. Z amps their signature high‑fidelity character—ZEQD‑Pre brings rich harmonic warmth, dynamic touch sensitivity, and full‑range clarity to your signal chain without any digital processing.
Designed to live at the end of your signal chain, this all‑analog solution enhances amplifiers, modeling rigs, and direct‑to‑board setups with organic tube response and versatile tone shaping.
The ZEQD‑Pre is a pure analog preamp with no menus, firmware, or digital artifacts:
No IR loading
No firmware updates
**No digital conversion or processing
This keeps your tone true, natural, and dynamic, preserving the nuance of your instrument while adding tube warmth and presence.
Shape your sound with a classic passive three‑band EQ:
Bass: 20 Hz–400 Hz — control low‑end warmth and weight
Middle: 400 Hz–2 kHz — sculpt body and punch
Treble: (implicit in EQ) for clarity and sparkle
The EQ lets you fine‑tune your amp’s voice, add harmonic overdrive, or breathe fresh life into a modeling setup. It’s simple yet powerful tone control that reacts musically to your playing dynamics.
ZEQD‑Pre includes a realistic analog cab simulation for quiet practice or direct recording:
Cab Bypass Switch: Disengage cabinet emulation for pure preamp output — ideal for IR loaders, direct recording, or hybrid rigs
Provides a natural amp‑and‑speaker feel even at low volume
This makes ZEQD‑Pre perfect for practice, studio sessions, and backline‑free live gigs.
Two footswitches give you immediate tonal flexibility:
Activate Footswitch: Turns the preamp on/off
Boost Footswitch: Bypasses the passive 3‑band EQ for a wide‑open full‑range boost with its own level control
This gives you two distinct voices at your feet: sculpted, EQ‑shaped tone or full‑spectrum tube boost — immediate, musical, and responsive.
By harnessing the EF86 tube’s strengths, ZEQD‑Pre delivers:
High‑fidelity tone and clarity
Expressive dynamic response
Harmonic richness and presence
EQ that feels natural and responsive
And while it’s designed with guitarists in mind, the ZEQD‑Pre’s broad tonal palette and tube warmth make it equally effective for:
Bass
Synths and keyboards
Drums
Vocals and microphones
Direct‑to‑board recording
Each ZEQD‑Pre is hand‑assembled by skilled craftsmen in Akron, Ohio, reflecting EarthQuaker Devices’ commitment to quality, performance, and analog excellence.
| Weight | 2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8 × 6 × 4 in |
| Product Condition | USED, NEW |
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