Need a new clean boost

[Coma]

I fried my TC Electronic Spark trying to replace the switch. Before I spring for a replacement Spark (the switch still sucks but the pedal works great with my amp), any other pedals I should consider?

Requirements:
1: Has to be a clean boost, I don't need an overdrive.
2: Doesn't color the signal too much.
3: Has to work in the FX loop, unlikely it will ever be parked in front of the amp.
4: Preferably some sort of EQ or tone control.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Need a new clean boost

It fits the first three very nicely, Keeley Katana.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Katana is a great choice

I’m always a fan of the MXR Micro Amp

Nose Mean Green Clean is my current personal fave for ultra clean

But...May I suggest the Mooer Pure Clean.

 

[Coma]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Katana is a great choice

I’m always a fan of the MXR Micro Amp

Nose Mean Green Clean is my current personal fave for ultra clean

But...May I suggest the Mooer Pure Clean.

Had my eyes on it too. That's their clone of the Xotic RC, right?

 

[dystrust]

Re: Need a new clean boost

An MXR 10-band EQ would tick all of those boxes.

 

[Coma]

Re: Need a new clean boost

An MXR 10-band EQ would tick all of those boxes.

I actually own one and it's currently on my board as a replacement for the TC. I just liked the Spark better in that role, for whatever reason.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Need a new clean boost

I'd go with an Xotic RC. It can't be beat IMO

 

[Looselectron]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Orange makes a para-EQ pedal called the Two-Stroke. https://orangeamps.com/products/fx-pedals/two-stroke/
I just got one for the loop of my VHT Special because it is supposed to have higher headroom than most but haven't tried that yet (neighbors... :argue
So last night I tried it in front of with my Korg SDD-3000 direct into an audio interface with headphones, so I can say that at this point that it definitely does not add any color to the tone.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Had my eyes on it too. That's their clone of the Xotic RC, right?

Yep. Bass, Treble, Gain, Level. Small, nice and transparent, unless you want to tone tweek. I usually add just a hair of treble. Available cheap with a little patience. I suspect people buy it thinking it is an Overdrive.

My main "gripe" is that the level knob is a tiny one in the middle and there big knob is gain. It doesn't add that much gain IMO, and I honestly don't really know - usually don't run the gain knob past 10/11, depending on the guitar. Sounds pretty damn clean to me. I usually hit it at practice when using the acoustic into say a Marshall clean channel, or for a volume boost after a Mooer Solo. The gain & level knobs do seem to interact though regarding the amount of boost.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Check out the Pickup Booster, a clean boost with a very cool Resonance switch.

 

[Studioplayer]

Re: Need a new clean boost

I have an Orange Dark Terror and I tried the Orange Two Stroke, but it provided much more than I need and really needed to be in front of my amp; not in the loop. Are there any clean boosts that work equally as well in the effects loop as well as up front? I really prefer not using foot operated pedals on a board or floor. Doe the MXR Micro work well in the amp loop? I just need something to slightly boost my Burstbucker II bridge pickup.

Studioplayer

 

[Jacew]

Re: Need a new clean boost

I fried my TC Electronic Spark trying to replace the switch. Before I spring for a replacement Spark (the switch still sucks but the pedal works great with my amp), any other pedals I should consider?

Requirements:
1: Has to be a clean boost, I don't need an overdrive.
2: Doesn't color the signal too much.
3: Has to work in the FX loop, unlikely it will ever be parked in front of the amp.
4: Preferably some sort of EQ or tone control.

I think clean boosts are great for kicking up the preamp gain, but if it's going to be always in the loop I would go for EQ pedal for versatility.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Need a new clean boost

I think clean boosts are great for kicking up the preamp gain, but if it's going to be always in the loop I would go for EQ pedal for versatility.

It's a great point. I think A clean boost or EQ as the last device on the pedal board to hit the pre-amp hard is my preference.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Comp = Boost + attack/sustain manipulation
EQ = Boost + Frequency Manipulation
Boost = Boost + NO tone change

I'm generally a fan of the last, but have used the others. Comp for gain and Sustain on single coils is always great. EQ is cool when your amazeballs rhythm tone does not have enough cut.

 

[Coma]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Comp = Boost + attack/sustain manipulation
EQ = Boost + Frequency Manipulation
Boost = Boost + NO tone change

I'm generally a fan of the last, but have used the others. Comp for gain and Sustain on single coils is always great. EQ is cool when your amazeballs rhythm tone does not have enough cut.

Heh, I bought a Keeley Comp Plus last spring for use with single coils during clean sections. Ended up keeping it always on, but in humbucker mode. For whatever reason it seems to work better that way, even when I swap to singles.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Need a new clean boost

You can set an eq flat and turn up the volume. So what is the benefit to just a boost?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Heh, I bought a Keeley Comp Plus last spring for use with single coils during clean sections. Ended up keeping it always on, but in humbucker mode. For whatever reason it seems to work better that way, even when I swap to singles.

Humbucker just gives you more headroom.

 

[Coma]

Re: Need a new clean boost

You can set an eq flat and turn up the volume. So what is the benefit to just a boost?

Same as any pedal: it sounds good.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Need a new clean boost

Hands down the best boost I’ve ever used is the Friedman Buxom Boost.

 

[allstarrme]

Re: Need a new clean boost

I have a spark and still use it sometimes. It really depends on where in the chain you are putting it. Before the amp pushes the gain up, where in the loop it’s more of a volume/solo boost.

I too have been using an Friedman buxom boost all the time. It has a good amount of eq adjustment and has a ton of headroom. Can be run at 18v for even more boost.