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10 Best Acoustic Preamp Pedal 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,153
Built-in Effects

Most important from
1009 reviews

Built-in Effects
The reverb is effective as long as it's not overdone; the delay offers a vintage sound with individual level controls for dry and delayed signals.

The SONICAKE Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal is a compact and versatile tool for acoustic guitar players looking to enhance their sound. One of its standout features is the combination of an analog preamp and digital reverb, offering rich and customizable tones. The built-in notch filter and MUTE function are particularly useful for quickly eliminating feedback, a common issue with acoustic setups.

Additionally, the pedal includes high impedance input and XLR balanced output, making it compatible with a variety of equipment and setups. The specially designed buffer bypass circuit further ensures that your sound remains clear and pristine. However, it's worth noting that the pedal requires a 9V center-negative power supply, which is not included in the package, so you'll need to purchase that separately.

Weighing just 0.39 kilograms and with dimensions of 4.72 x 1.42 x 3.43 inches, it is highly portable, fitting easily into most gig bags or pedalboards. Some users might find the absence of a power supply and the compact size limiting, especially if they prefer larger pedals with more physical knobs to tweak. Nonetheless, for musicians seeking a reliable and effective acoustic preamp pedal that can handle live performances and studio work, the SONICAKE Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal is a solid choice.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,153
Built-in Effects

Most important from
1009 reviews

Built-in Effects
The reverb is effective as long as it's not overdone; the delay offers a vintage sound with individual level controls for dry and delayed signals.
#2

Fishman Platinum Pro EQ DI Analog Preamp Pedal

Rating
9.8
EQ Controls
Built-in Effects
Feedback Control

Most important from
312 reviews

EQ Controls
Intuitive and responsive EQ controls allow effortless fine-tuning to adapt perfectly to different venues and acoustic settings.
Built-in Effects
A built-in tuner simplifies on-the-fly adjustments, eliminating the need for additional tuning devices during performances.
Feedback Control
The onboard compression and notch filter effectively reduce feedback and unwanted hum, resulting in a cleaner, more polished tone.
Power Supply
Powered by a standard 9V battery, it offers convenient portability, though some users recommend using the official power supply to avoid polarity issues.
Size and Portability
The preamp’s sturdy and sleek metal build offers reliable durability without adding bulk, making it ideal for both stage and studio environments.

The Fishman Platinum Pro EQ DI is a solid choice for acoustic guitar players looking for a reliable preamp pedal. It offers a high-quality metal build that feels durable without being bulky, measuring just under 5 inches and weighing less than 2 pounds, making it fairly portable for stage or studio use. Key features include a balanced XLR output with a switch to choose whether EQ adjustments affect the output, which is great for fine-tuning your sound in different settings.

The pedal also has a footswitchable boost with adjustable level, allowing quick volume increases during performances. One standout is the onboard compression and phase control, which help reduce feedback and smooth out your tone—important for live acoustic playing. Power-wise, it runs on a standard 9V alkaline battery, so you won't need special adapters, though it might not be ideal if you want to avoid changing batteries often.

This pedal is best suited for acoustic guitarists who want a compact, versatile preamp with useful features for live and recording setups. If you need extensive built-in effects beyond compression, or advanced EQ customization, you might want to look elsewhere. Positive customer ratings suggest it performs reliably and meets the expectations of many users in its category.

Rating
9.8
EQ Controls
Built-in Effects
Feedback Control

Most important from
312 reviews

EQ Controls
Intuitive and responsive EQ controls allow effortless fine-tuning to adapt perfectly to different venues and acoustic settings.
Built-in Effects
A built-in tuner simplifies on-the-fly adjustments, eliminating the need for additional tuning devices during performances.
Feedback Control
The onboard compression and notch filter effectively reduce feedback and unwanted hum, resulting in a cleaner, more polished tone.
Power Supply
Powered by a standard 9V battery, it offers convenient portability, though some users recommend using the official power supply to avoid polarity issues.
Size and Portability
The preamp’s sturdy and sleek metal build offers reliable durability without adding bulk, making it ideal for both stage and studio environments.
#3

Boss BP-1W Boost, Overdrive and Preamp Effects Pedal

The Boss BP-1W is a compact and sturdy acoustic preamp pedal designed to give your guitar signal a clean boost or a bit of overdrive with three selectable voices: standard and vintage input buffers plus a boost. It’s simple to use, with a classic design that fits well on any pedalboard, and it runs on a 9V battery or power supply, which is handy if you want to use it on the go or in different setups. While it doesn’t have EQ controls built into the pedal, the three voices help shape your tone in a basic but effective way, ideal for those who want straightforward boost or overdrive options without complex adjustments. The pedal’s analog signal path ensures your guitar’s natural tone stays clear and warm, which is important for acoustic players aiming to preserve their instrument’s character. Input and output use standard 1/4-inch jacks, making it easy to connect with most setups.

If you’re looking for built-in EQ or advanced feedback control features often found in dedicated acoustic preamps, this pedal might feel a bit limited. It is best suited for players who want a reliable boost or mild overdrive effect with a simple, no-fuss interface rather than a full acoustic preamp with extensive tone shaping. Its lightweight and portable size make it easy to carry along for gigs or practice sessions.

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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