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10 Best Acoustic Preamp Pedal 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I.

EQ Controls: 5-band EQ, tuneable notch, midrange bands
Feedback Control: phase inversion
Input and Output Options: XLR and 1/4" outputs
Power Supply: 9V battery or 48V phantom power
Size and Portability: 0.67 kg, durable steel

Chosen by 1174 this week

Radial PZ-Pro 2-Channel Acoustic Preamp

EQ Controls: Functional
Built-in Effects: FX loop
Input and Output Options: XLR, 3.5mm Jack
Power Supply: Corded Electric
Size and Portability: 9 x 5 x 1 inches

L.R. Baggs Session DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp and DI

EQ Controls: compression and EQ
Built-in Effects: analog saturation
Feedback Control: Garret Null notch filter
Input and Output Options: ¼-inch inputs and outputs
Power Supply: Battery Powered
Size and Portability: 9 x 9 x 3 inches

Fishman ToneDEQ Acoustic Instrument Preamp with Effects

EQ Controls: 3-band EQ
Built-in Effects: compression, low cut
Input and Output Options: 1/4-inch, XLR
Power Supply: 9V battery, adapter
Size and Portability: 9.45 x 5.51 x 1.97 in

Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Imaging Pedal with D.I.

EQ Controls: Yes
Built-in Effects: Yes
Input and Output Options: DI, USB
Power Supply: Battery, Corded Electric
Size and Portability: 2.16 lbs, 6.6"L x 6.1"W x 2.75"H

L.R. Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp and DI

EQ Controls: 5-band EQ with tunable bands
Built-in Effects: Garret Null notch filter
Feedback Control: Garret Null notch filter
Input and Output Options: 1/4-inch Audio
Power Supply: 9V battery
Size and Portability: 9 x 9 x 2 inches, 1.2 kg

Fishman Prefix Plus-T Onboard Preamp, Narrow Format

EQ Controls: volume, bass, treble, brilliance, semi-parametric
Built-in Effects: notch filter, phase switch, tuner
Feedback Control: notch filter, phase switch
Input and Output Options: undersaddle pickup, stereo endpin jack
Power Supply: 9V battery
Size and Portability: 8.75 x 5.5 x 3.25 inches, 12.3 oz

SONICAKE Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal with Analog Preamp and Digital Reverb Acoustic Instruments with XLR Output - A Factory

Built-in Effects: analog preamp, digital reverb
Feedback Control: notch filter, MUTE function
Input and Output Options: high impedance input, XLR output
Power Supply: 9V center-negative power supply
Size and Portability: 4.72 x 1.42 x 3.43 inches

Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre Acoustic Preamp

EQ Controls: parametric EQ
Built-in Effects: notch filter
Feedback Control: notch filter
Input and Output Options: two inputs, four outputs
Power Supply: included power supply
Size and Portability: 13.2 x 5.5 x 3.4 inches

Orange Acoustic Preamp EQ Pedal

EQ Controls: bass, treble, middle, notch, Q factor
Built-in Effects: buffered FX loop
Input and Output Options: balanced XLR output, phase reverse switch
Power Supply: 18 Volts
Size and Portability: 4.13 x 2.36 x 5.12 inches
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,174
EQ Controls
Feedback Control
Input and Output Options

Most important from
236 reviews

EQ Controls
Great sound and control with unusual but effective EQ and a phase switch that really helps defeat feedback.
Feedback Control
Great sound and control with unusual but effective EQ and a phase switch that really helps defeat feedback.
Input and Output Options
Pairs especially well with active pickup systems and runs on phantom power, saving battery life.
Power Supply
Pairs especially well with active pickup systems and runs on phantom power, saving battery life.
Size and Portability
Heavy and solid build, perfect for preserving settings and protecting the unit during transport.

The LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. pedal is a strong choice for acoustic guitarists looking to enhance their sound with flexibility and quality. One of its standout features is the adjustable gain, which accommodates both passive and active pickups, allowing for a versatile setup. The 5-band EQ is particularly useful, as it includes tuneable notch and midrange bands, giving users the ability to finely customize their tone to suit different performance environments. Additionally, the phase inversion feature helps to combat feedback, making it ideal for live settings where sound clarity is crucial.

The pedal also offers excellent input and output options, with both XLR and 1/4" outputs available, providing a straightforward connection to various sound systems. It's designed to operate on a 9V battery or 48V phantom power, so it’s adaptable for different situations, whether you're playing in a small venue or recording in a studio.

On the portability front, it weighs just 0.67 kilograms and is made of durable steel, making it easy to transport without compromising on build quality. For some users, the relatively compact design might feel a bit cramped, especially when adjusting multiple settings during a live performance. Furthermore, while the built-in effects are useful, they might not offer the same depth or variety as dedicated effect pedals, which could be a limitation for those seeking extensive sound manipulation.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,174
EQ Controls
Feedback Control
Input and Output Options

Most important from
236 reviews

EQ Controls
Great sound and control with unusual but effective EQ and a phase switch that really helps defeat feedback.
Feedback Control
Great sound and control with unusual but effective EQ and a phase switch that really helps defeat feedback.
Input and Output Options
Pairs especially well with active pickup systems and runs on phantom power, saving battery life.
Power Supply
Pairs especially well with active pickup systems and runs on phantom power, saving battery life.
Size and Portability
Heavy and solid build, perfect for preserving settings and protecting the unit during transport.
#2

Radial PZ-Pro 2-Channel Acoustic Preamp

Rating
10.0
EQ Controls
Input and Output Options
Size and Portability

Most important from
8 reviews

EQ Controls
The sweepable mids are musical but not surgical enough for precise sound shaping, which might not satisfy those needing advanced EQ capabilities.
Input and Output Options
Built like a tank, with solid inputs and knobs that resist movement, ensuring they won't shift randomly.
Size and Portability
The case is extremely solid, and all features like knobs, switches, and jacks are really robust, handling stage use without damage.

The Radial PZ-Pro 2-Channel Acoustic Preamp is an excellent choice for musicians looking to enhance their acoustic instrument's sound, especially those using piezo pickups. It boasts a solid set of features, including phantom power for condenser microphones, switchable filters for tone shaping, and a wet/dry blend function, allowing users to customize their sound to a significant degree. The FX loop adds versatility for integrating effects, making it suitable for live performances or studio recording sessions.

One of the standout strengths of the PZ-Pro is its portable design, weighing just 16 ounces and measuring 9 x 5 x 1 inches, making it easy to transport to gigs or rehearsals. Additionally, the range of input and output options, including XLR and 3.5mm jacks, ensures compatibility with a variety of acoustic instruments such as guitars, violins, and cellos.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the EQ controls are functional, they may not satisfy more advanced users looking for extensive tone shaping capabilities. Furthermore, being corded electric means it requires access to a power source, which could limit its use in certain situations.

Rating
10.0
EQ Controls
Input and Output Options
Size and Portability

Most important from
8 reviews

EQ Controls
The sweepable mids are musical but not surgical enough for precise sound shaping, which might not satisfy those needing advanced EQ capabilities.
Input and Output Options
Built like a tank, with solid inputs and knobs that resist movement, ensuring they won't shift randomly.
Size and Portability
The case is extremely solid, and all features like knobs, switches, and jacks are really robust, handling stage use without damage.
#3

L.R. Baggs Session DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp and DI

Rating
9.9
EQ Controls
Built-in Effects
Feedback Control

Most important from
77 reviews

EQ Controls
The Compression EQ is fantastic for managing frequencies, reining in rogue lows and boosting mids or highs that drop out, providing a balanced sound.
Built-in Effects
The Saturation feature adds warmth and a fuller tone, effectively removing the 'quackiness' of under-saddle transducers, making it sound almost like there's a touch of reverb.
Feedback Control
The notch filter is excellent at reducing feedback, and the DI is quiet with plenty of gain to spare.

The L.R. Baggs Session DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp and DI is a solid choice for acoustic guitar players looking for enhanced sound quality and reliable performance. One of its standout features is the analog saturation, which adds warmth and harmonic richness to your tone, making your guitar sound more natural and appealing.

The built-in compression and EQ help in smoothing out problematic frequencies, ensuring a balanced sound across all strings and notes, which can be particularly beneficial during live performances or recordings. The Garret Null notch filter is great for controlling resonant feedback, a common issue with acoustic guitars when amplified, and the variable high-pass filter effectively eliminates unwanted low frequencies, keeping your sound clean and clear.

The mute footswitch for both ¼-inch inputs and outputs provides convenience, allowing you to easily silence your guitar when necessary.

Rating
9.9
EQ Controls
Built-in Effects
Feedback Control

Most important from
77 reviews

EQ Controls
The Compression EQ is fantastic for managing frequencies, reining in rogue lows and boosting mids or highs that drop out, providing a balanced sound.
Built-in Effects
The Saturation feature adds warmth and a fuller tone, effectively removing the 'quackiness' of under-saddle transducers, making it sound almost like there's a touch of reverb.
Feedback Control
The notch filter is excellent at reducing feedback, and the DI is quiet with plenty of gain to spare.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Preamp Pedal

Choosing the right acoustic preamp pedal can significantly enhance the sound of your acoustic guitar, providing you with better control over your tone and volume. A preamp pedal can help you shape your sound, reduce feedback, and add effects to your performance. When selecting an acoustic preamp pedal, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a pedal that complements your playing style and performance requirements.
EQ ControlsEQ (equalization) controls allow you to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies of your guitar's sound. This is important because it helps you shape your tone to suit different playing environments and musical styles. Basic EQ controls might include just bass and treble, while more advanced models offer midrange control and even parametric EQ, which allows for more precise adjustments. If you play in various settings or with different ensembles, having more detailed EQ controls can be beneficial. For simpler setups or if you prefer a more straightforward approach, basic EQ controls might suffice.
Built-in EffectsSome acoustic preamp pedals come with built-in effects such as reverb, chorus, or delay. These effects can add depth and texture to your sound, making your performance more dynamic and interesting. If you enjoy experimenting with different sounds or want to add a professional touch to your playing, a preamp pedal with built-in effects might be a good choice. However, if you prefer a clean, unaltered acoustic sound, you might opt for a pedal without these additional features.
Feedback ControlFeedback control is a crucial feature for acoustic guitarists, especially when playing at higher volumes or in live settings. This spec helps to reduce or eliminate the unwanted feedback that can occur when your guitar's sound is picked up by the microphone or pickup and re-amplified. Look for preamp pedals with features like notch filters or phase switches, which are designed to combat feedback. If you frequently perform live or in loud environments, having effective feedback control is essential to maintain a clear and pleasant sound.
Input and Output OptionsThe input and output options on a preamp pedal determine how you can connect your guitar and other equipment. Common options include standard 1/4-inch jacks, XLR outputs for direct connection to a PA system, and effects loops for integrating other pedals. Consider your typical setup and how you plan to use the preamp pedal. If you need versatility and flexibility in your connections, look for a pedal with multiple input and output options. For simpler setups, basic input and output options may be sufficient.
Power SupplyAcoustic preamp pedals can be powered by batteries, AC adapters, or both. The power supply is important because it affects the pedal's portability and convenience. Battery-powered pedals are great for on-the-go use and outdoor performances, while AC adapters provide a reliable power source for longer sessions. If you travel frequently or play in various locations, a pedal with both power options might be ideal. For stationary use, an AC adapter might be more convenient.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of a preamp pedal can impact how easily you can transport and integrate it into your setup. Smaller, more compact pedals are easier to carry and fit into pedalboards, making them ideal for musicians who travel or perform frequently. Larger pedals might offer more features and controls but can be bulkier to transport. Consider your typical performance and practice environments to determine the right balance between size and functionality for your needs.

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