EarthQuaker Devices + Dr. Z ZEQD-Pre All-analog EF86 tube preamp with cab sim, XLR and headphones

EQD x Dr. Z collaboration · EF86 tube · Onboard analog cab simulation · Balanced XLR out + ground lift · TRS headphone out · Passive 3-band EQ · Simultaneous routing · Mechanical true bypass · 9V 500mA

The ZEQD-Pre™ is an all-analog amp solution created by EarthQuaker Devices and Dr. Z Amplification: an EF86 tube preamp that fits on your pedalboard, with onboard analog cabinet simulation, a balanced XLR direct out, and a headphone output designed for realistic quiet practice.

The core voice comes from the EF86 pentode, a tube known for the hi-fi clarity and responsive feel found in many Dr. Z amplifiers. In practice, that translates to touch sensitivity and dynamic response—play lighter and it cleans up, dig in and it blooms—while staying clear and articulate across the frequency range.

ZEQD-Pre is built for real-world workflows. Run the XLR straight to FOH or an interface, monitor through headphones, and send a 1/4" feed to an amp or pedal chain—all at the same time. The analog cab sim is available when you want it, or you can hit Cab Sim Bypass to send a pure signal to your preferred IR loader or modeling software. Ground Lift on the XLR helps eliminate hum in complex setups. Boost mode bypasses the tone controls and delivers a very loud full-range boost, so levels should be set carefully—especially on headphones or XLR.

Key features

• EarthQuaker Devices x Dr. Z collaboration
• All-analog EF86 tube preamp
• Onboard analog cabinet simulation
• Balanced XLR direct out with ground lift
• Cab Sim Bypass on XLR for external IR loaders/modelers
• TRS headphone out with cab sim for realistic practice
• Passive 3-band EQ with amp-like interaction
• Simultaneous routing: outputs work at the same time (even when bypassed)
• Boost mode: defeats tone controls and provides full-range boost (very loud)
• Mechanical true bypass switching

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (with knobs): 149 × 100 × 70 mm (5.88 × 3.94 × 2.75 in.)
• Current draw: 500 mA
• Power: 9V DC center-negative, 2.1mm (500 mA or higher)
  
• • Do not run at higher voltages
  • Isolated, clean pedal power recommended (avoid daisy chains/noisy supplies)
• Input impedance: 10 MΩ
• Output impedance: variable
• Headphone out impedance: 39 Ω
• Direct out impedance (XLR): 100 Ω
• Switching: mechanical true bypass
• I/O: 1/4" input, 1/4" output, 1/4" TRS headphone out, balanced XLR out, ground lift + cab sim bypass switches

Find the ZEQD-Pre and a carefully curated selection of boutique pedals at onemorepedal.com, your specialist store for stage, studio, and ampless-ready tools.

EF86 tube feel on your board—XLR to FOH, headphones at home, no compromises.