The Catalinbread Epoch Boost is a discrete preamp and buffer pedal designed to replicate the legendary, sought-after preamp circuit of the early 1970s Maestro Echoplex EP-3 tape echo unit. Guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and East Bay Ray famously plugged into the original EP-3 tape echo purely for its magical tonal coloration, even with the delay effect turned off. The Epoch Boost captures that exact "secret sauce," working as an always-on tone enhancer and a clean lead boost.

• Internal 22V Rail: Though powered by a standard 9V DC power supply, an internal charge pump multiplies the voltage to 22V to perfectly mimic the original EP-3 circuit architecture. This creates immense headroom, exceptional clarity, and organic, subtle compression. [1, 2, 3]
• Premium Analog Componentry: Built using NOS Sprague Orange Drop capacitors and a JFET design that accurately maps the input and output mixer behavior of the original vintage gear. [1]
• Pristine Hi-Z Buffer: Features a switchable internal input buffer. Activating it acts as a line driver to keep your guitar tone crisp and lively over long cable runs or dense pedalboards. [1, 2]

Simple Two-Knob Control Layout

1. Preamp: Functions as a straightforward volume control up until 12 o'clock. When dialed past noon, it operates as a unique frequency enhancer and loading simulator, pushing the low-mids and treble response to sculpt a bigger, warmer tone (peaking in loudness around 2 to 3 o'clock). [1, 2]
2. Boost: Acts as a crystal-clear master clean gain stage. Rolled all the way off, you get unity gain featuring purely the EP-3's distinct EQ profile; turned up, it delivers up to 20dB of sparkling dynamic boost to push the front-end of your amplifier. [1, 2]