The 15 Best EQ Pedals You Can Get In 2024


If you are looking for the best EQ pedals for your guitar, you’ve come to the right place. EQ pedals are great tools to finetune your guitar’s tone as they adjust the levels of certain frequencies or sculpt the sound of your guitar overall. With the right EQ pedal, you can adjust your sound as you like and take your guitar tone to the next level. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top EQ pedals on the market today to help you find the best one for your needs.

When choosing an EQ pedal, there are a few key things to consider before purchasing. The first and maybe the most important aspect is the type of the EQ. There are graphic EQs, parametric EQs, and shelving EQs. Each type of EQ has its own advantages, so it’s important to consider how you plan to use the pedal and what type of sound you want to achieve. Additionally, the size and weight of the pedal are also important. Plus, any additional features like a boost or a noise gate, or other effects are also important advantages.

Finally, you’ll want to consider your budget. EQ pedals come in a wide range of prices, so you’ll want to decide how much you’re willing to spend. You can get a great tone without breaking the bank if you know what to look for. In the following sections, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best EQ pedals on the market and discussing their features, so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to buy.

Boss EQ-200

Boss EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer Pedal
  • Expression Pedal/Footswitch Input
  • 10-b Graphic Equalizer Pedal
  • with Stereo I/O
  • MIDI I/O
  • 10-band Graphic Equalizer Pedal
  • Channel and Memory buttons
  • 2 channels
  • 4 memory slots
  • 10-band EQ and Level faders
  • 15dB of cut/boost for each band
  • Graphic display
  • Buffered Bypass and Memory footswitches
  • 2 x 1/4″ inputs, 2 x 1/4″ outputs
  • 1 x 1/4″ control 1/2 or expression pedal port
  • 2 x 1/8″ MIDI In-Out
  • 1 x USB Type Micro-B port
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included) or 3 x AA Batteries

The BOSS EQ-200 is renowned for its versatility and superior sound quality. It features three frequency range settings, dual EQs for stereo operation, parallel or series operation, and an extra port for external pedal connection. The EQ-200 also has four memory slots that allow users to save their favorite settings. Whether you’re creating a specific sound or just trying to fine-tune your current tone, the EQ-200 has the tools you need. The pedal has impressive sound quality and a pretty wide range of features, making it a great tool for most guitarists.

The BOSS EQ-200 graphic EQ pedal features 10-band graphic EQ for guitar, bass, and keyboards, stereo I/O, three selectable frequency ranges, 15dB of cut/boost for each band, insert function, graphic display, external footswitches, expression pedal, MIDI I/O, four memory slots, panel lock function, high-quality 32-bit digital conversion with 96kHz resolution, and a micro USB jack for future functionality expansion. It is one of the highest quality and most versatile graphic EQs you can find in the market today.

Mesa Boogie Five-Band Graphic EQ

  • 5-band Graphic Equalizer Pedal
  • Output Level and Input Level control knobs
  • Up to +6dB or -40dB of gain staging
  • 80Hz, 240Hz, 750Hz, 2.2kHz, and 6.6kHz sliders with up to +/- 12 db of gain
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • LED indicator
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included) or 9V battery

The hand-built version of the legendary Mesa Boogie Mark series 5-band graphic equalizer is The Boogie Five-Band, Graphic EQ pedal, which offers amazing power to guitarists to finetune their tones. It features true-bypass switching, input and output gain controls, and sliders at 80Hz, 240Hz, 750Hz, 2.2kHz, and 6.6kHz with up to +/- 12 dB of gain. Plus, it features input and output level controls, allowing you to adjust your tone in the range of +6dB or -40dB of gain staging.

Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, USA, the pedal has a high-quality construction and the design is pretty compact. It comes with a True Bypass footswitch and a LED indicator, too. The power adapter is not included in the price, but it can work with a 9V battery. If you are looking for a reliable and classic graphic EQ, Mesa Boogie Five-Band Graphic EQ is a great pedal that won’t let you down.

Chase Bliss Audio Automatone Preamp Mk II

  • Preamp/Overdrive/Fuzz effect pedal
  • 3-band equalizer with selectable mid-frequency, Q-switch, and switchable mid band
  • Volume, Treble, Mids, Mids Freq., Bass, and Gain faders
  • Jump, Mid, Q, Diode, and Fuzz buttons
  • Preset and True Bypass footswitches
  • 30 presets and 30 expression settings
  • Diode switch for silicon, germanium, or diode clipping
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output, 1 x 1/4″ expression pedal port
  • MIDI in and out ports
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

The Chase Bliss Audio Automatone Preamp MKII offers a wide array of features and capabilities. It has motorized faders, a 3-band equalizer, a Q-switch, and a fuzz switch. It contains 30 preset slots and a 5-pin connector for MIDI control. The device is also equipped with a Mesa Boogie Mark series 5-band graphic equalizer, input/output gain controls, and frequency-specific sliders. Additionally, it provides true-bypass switching and an expression pedal connector. With its modern circuitry and sleek retro design, the Automatone Preamp MKII is an ideal choice for musicians looking for versatility and control.

The pedal allows you to create unique effects, save and recall them, and adjust your tone with the EQ as you like. With many controls and features, it is not a straightforward pedal to use but is perfect for guitarists looking for a feature-packed preamp pedal instead of a simple EQ. It is a high-end and high-quality preamp pedal that can fulfill your needs with its versatility.

Hamstead Soundworks Zenith Amplitude

  • Analog EQ / Boost / Compressor pedal
  • Active 3-band EQ 
  • Level, Blend, Comp, Treble, Middle, and Bass control knobs
  • Mid Q and Mid Frequency switches
  • EQ On and Comp On LED indicators
  • True bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output, 1 x 1/4″ expression pedal port
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

A pedal by Hamstead called the Zenith Amplitude Controller combines EQ, boost, and compression in one unit. Although the signal path is analog, there are several ways to use the EQ and compression separately or together, thanks to three routing options and digital switching technology. The output Level knob may add up to 20dB of boost, while the three EQ knobs each give 15dB of cut or boost. The compressor has a rapid attack and a medium/long release and is controlled by a single knob. The signal is divided in the parallel mode so that each receives it equally, allowing for the mixing of two distinct renditions of the original tone.

The Zenith pedal has “secret switching” by Hamstead, which enables the footswitch to cycle through all settings. While EQ Always On and Comp Always On modes use the footswitch to activate the other effect, Flip/Flop mode uses it to switch between EQ and comp. Cycle mode alternates between bypass, comp on, and both on. The Mesa Boogie Five-Band Graphic EQ Pedal is a flexible guitar pedal with sliders at 80Hz, 240Hz, 750Hz, 2.2kHz, and 6.6kHz, true-bypass switching, and gain staging of up to +6dB or -40dB. It is handmade in California, USA, where it was designed. It is, in essence, a very competent and adaptable pedal that serves as an all-in-one remedy with its EQ, booster, and compression features.

Source Audio EQ2

Source Audio SA 270 - One Series EQ2 Programmable Equalizer
  • 10-b EQ Effects Pedal with Stereo I/O
  • Octave Extend Function
  • 8 Onboard Presets
  • +12dB Clean Boost
  • 10-band EQ Effects Pedal
  • Switch between parametric and graphics EQ
  • Capability to choose different EQ curves/types on each channel
  • +/- 18 dB range
  • +12dB clean boost
  • Neuro software editor for extra customizations
  • 8 user presets to save and recall your settings
  • Analog Buffered Bypass and Relay-based True Bypass
  • 2 x 1/4″ input, 2 x 1/4″ output, 1 x 1/8″ control port
  • MIDI In/Thru/USB
  • USB type Mini-B
  • 9V DC power adapter (included)

The Source Audio EQ2 Programmable Equalizer is a cutting-edge programmable EQ pedal that gives your guitar setup 10 customizable bands for sonic sculpting. It can push the front end of your amp up to 12dB cleanly and has a genuine stereo signal path. Additionally, a MIDI input is provided for controlling parameters, activating/deactivating the effect, and switching between up to 128 presets. 

The free Neuro software editor for mobile and desktop, allows you to access the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer. With the app you can adjust all the settings as well as activate an optional dynamic limiter and a helpful noise gate. For fine-tuning the tone of your guitar setup, use the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer.

It has a built-in chromatic tuner and 10 frequency bands with an 18dB boost/cut/clean boost per band. Additionally, it has a noise gate and limiter, a parametric and graphics EQ editor, 8 user presets that can be recalled, and a MIDI input for preset switching, parameter control, and effect engagement/bypass. This equalizer pedal is a useful tool for adjusting the guitar setup’s tone.

ThorpyFX Team Medic

  • Buffer, Active EQ, and Boost Pedal
  • 3-band EQ
  • Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass control knobs
  • Class A buffer switchable to True Bypass
  • Bypass and Booster footswitches
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

The ThorpyFX Team Medic is a versatile and powerful pedal designed to enhance and boost your tone. It features a switchable Class A buffer and a 3-band active EQ with enough gain to push your amp into creamy overdrive. The internal power arrangement provides high headroom, allowing for use with all types of pickups, from low-gain single coils to high-gain active units. 

It features a 3-band EQ with treble, mid, and bass controls along with a booster and a bypass footswitch. You can use the pedal to boost your lead tones or finetune your overall tone with the EQ. Its class A buffer eliminates signal loss and prevents any high-end loss in long cable runs. The active EQ, boost, and stacked boost circuits help to refine and improve your sound, allowing you to get the most out of your instrument. Whether you’re looking for subtle changes to your signal or more extreme boosts, the Team Medic is the pedal for you.

MXR M109S Six Band EQ Pedal

MXR Six Band EQ Guitar Effects Pedal
  • Cut or boost six different frequencies up to ±18dB
  • LEDs provide high visibility, even in direct sunlight
  • Low noise floor
  • True bypass switching
  • 6-band EQ Pedal
  • +/- 18dB Boost/Cut Range
  • 100, 200, 400, 800, 1.6k, 3.2k frequency sliders
  •  LED indicators on the sliders
  • Low-noise circuitry
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included) or 9V battery

The MXR Six Band EQ Pedal provides guitarists and bassists with a convenient way to custom-tailor their sound. An array of six sliders, each with a +18dB/-18dB range, allow you to modify the frequency of your signal. You can shape your sound by cutting unnecessary bass for a crisper sound, adding warmth, or sculpting mid-range frequencies to get your desired tone. 

The pedal also features low-noise circuitry and a True Bypass to ensure your signal is never colored when not in use. Constructed with a rugged aluminum chassis, this pedal is the perfect addition to any pedalboard. With the MXR Six Band EQ Pedal, you’ll have the power to tweak and refine your sound to fit any situation.

J.Rockett Designs Melody

J. Rockett Audio Designs Q Series Melody Overdrive and 6-Band EQ...
  • An EQ and Overdrive pedal with a post-overdrive EQ
  • Can be used as a standalone EQ with volume and no gain, or you can feather...
  • Features frequency sliders with 18db of cut or gain each, as well as volume...
  • This Mark Lettieri signature drive gives you a smooth overdrive capable of...
  • Analog Overdrive Pedal with 6-band EQ
  • Volume, Gain control knobs
  • 6-band graphic EQ
  • 18dB cut and boost on each frequency
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

J. Rockett Audio Designs have designed an impressive pedal with the Melody Overdrive/EQ. Working together with Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri, they have produced a device that offers both overdrive and EQ control. The body is crafted from powder-coated steel that ensures the pedal is robust and durable. 

The faceplate features a straightforward design of Volume, Gain, and a 6-band EQ with a range of 100, 200, 400, 800, 1.6k, and 3.2k frequency sliders. Each of the sliders can be cut or boosted by up to 18dB, allowing players to enhance their solos or rhythm sections without having to overcomplicate their backline. This pedal is a great choice for guitarists looking for a great EQ pedal with the added convenience of boost options. 

Boss GE-7 7-band EQ

  • 7-band EQ Guitar Pedal
  • Compact design
  • 100, 200, 400, 800, 1.6k, 3.2k, 6.4k, and Level frequency sliders
  • LED indicator
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

Boss GE-7 7-band EQ is one of the most popular EQ pedals for ages, as it offers great quality at an affordable price. It is easy to use with a 7-band graphic EQ slider and comes with a check indicator for the battery to let you know if the effect is on or not. Its intuitive graphic equalizer allows you to customize your sound with just a few adjustments. You can attenuate or boost each of the seven frequencies with 15 dB, and the Level slider controls the overall output.

From subtle changes to more aggressive transformations, as well as a clean boost to push the amp to overdrive, the pedal works brilliantly. The GE-7 delivers a clear tone with every adjustment, giving a smooth result without overdoing it.

In conclusion, the Boss GE-7 is a great pedal that offers superb quality and value. Its intuitive graphic equalizer makes it easy to customize your sound, and it is built to last, just like all Boss products. If you’re looking for an affordable EQ pedal that has stood the test of time, the Boss GE-7 is a great choice.

Electro-Harmonix Graphic Fuzz

  • Fuzz Pedal with 6-Band Graphic EQ
  • Overdrive, Dynamics, Sustain, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1k Hz, 2k Hz, 4k Hz, Volume sliders controls
  • Fuzz On-Off switch
  • Variable Envelope Response
  • Sculpt any fuzz tone 
  • Option to bypass the fuzz circuit to use it as a standalone EQ
  • Buffered Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

The Electro-Harmonix Graphic Fuzz is a well-built and highly compact with a 6-band graphic EQ that allows you to precisely finetune the dynamics of your sound. The six bands are 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. In addition to these sliders, the pedal also has a distortion level knob, a dynamics knob, a sustain knob, and an overall volume knob. 

The pedal can produce an aggressive sound with the mids scooped, a classic hard rock sound when the fuzz effect is on. Bypassing the fuzz circuit allows the pedal to be used as a standalone EQ, and it performs quite admirably. The dynamic slider was especially helpful for bringing out the nuances of the player’s performance.

The pedal is powered by a 9V DC power adapter, and the construction is of high quality, as expected from an EHX pedal. All in all, this is an excellent pedal for a variety of guitarists. If you are after a great EQ pedal with the option of fuzz effects, this one is ideal for you.

Whirlwind Perfect Ten

Whirlwind Perfect Ten 10-Band Graphic EQ Pedal
  • Guitar Instrument Equalizer Pedal with 10-b Constant Q EQ Circuit Designed...
  • 10-band Graphic Equalizer Pedal
  • 31 Hz, 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1k Hz, 2k Hz, 4k Hz, 8k Hz, 16k Hz, and Volume sliders
  • Constant Q for precise adjustments
  • True Bypass Footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 18V DC power adapter (included)

The Whirlwind Perfect Ten is an incredibly powerful and versatile graphic equalizer pedal designed by Tony Gambacurta, a legendary figure when it comes to equalizers. This pedal provides pristine sound quality and offers precise control of the standard graphic equalizer. The Perfect Ten features a constant Q equalizer, which provides accuracy and precision when it comes to tone-shaping.

The Perfect Ten is specially created to emphasize dynamic aspects and the tonal nuances of your playing and the guitar signal. It features a powerful 10-band equalizer and is powered by an 18 V power supply for a bigger headroom. While the price tag is on the higher side, this EQ pedal is perfect for guitarists who want a constant Q for ultimate consistency and sound quality. 

In short, the Whirlwind Perfect Ten is an excellent choice for guitarists who want to enjoy the benefits of a constant Q model with ten adjustable frequencies. Even though the price is high, this pedal is well worth it for tone purists.

Rockett Audio Designs Rockaway Archer

J. Rockett Audio Designs Q Series Rockaway Archer Overdrive and 6-Band...
  • An overdrive and an equalizer all in one pedal
  • Developed for legendary guitarist Steve Stevens as an all in one solution...
  • Settings include up to 18dB of cut or boost at 6 different frequencies
  • A great way to hit the front end of an amp harder than a stock Archer pedal
  • Analog Overdrive Pedal with 6-band EQ
  • 6 EQ sliders, Volume, and Gain control knobs
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included)

The J. Rockett Audio Designs Rockaway Archer is an innovative pedal crafted for renowned guitarist Steve Stevens. It features a durable aluminum chassis, six green-colored bands for adding or cutting up to 18 dB with frequencies set at 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 1.6 kHz, and 3.2 kHz, a Volume control for the output, a Gain control, and a 9-volt power supply with an internal charge pump to double its voltage to 18 volts. 

The pedal has a wide range of sounds that makes the pedal a great choice for many genres, especially for rock and blues. It can act as a clean boost for soloing and then take you to heavy distortion with a powerful punch and balance. The Rockaway Archer is a transparent overdrive that preserves the guitar’s original tone while providing a good amount of gain. 

Overall, this pedal can be a great choice for those who want to sculpt their tone with an effective EQ section and overdrive. However, some may prefer a conventional EQ pedal without the overdrive. 

Empress Paraeq With Boost

Empress ParaEq with Boost
  • True Bypass
  • Ultra-Quiet
  • 30dB of Boost
  • Lots of Headroom
  • 3-band Equalizer Pedal
  • Low Frequency, Mid Frequency, High Frequency, Low Gain, Mid Gain, High Gain control knobs
  • Low Q, Mid Q, High Q 3-way waveform selectors
  • 15dB of cut and boost
  • Booster to kick up your signal by 30dB
  • 107.9dB signal-to-noise ratio
  • True Bypass and Boost footswitches
  • LED indicators
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 27V DC power adapter (not included)

The Empress ParaEQ MKII is a powerhouse of an equalizer, offering studio-level sound and power in a pedalboard-friendly package. From the +/- 15dB of boost/cut on all three bands to the adjustable Q controls, this pedal is designed to give you full control over your sound — while still preserving the true character of your instrument. With the gain, Q waveform, and frequency controls for low, mid, and high frequencies, it allows you to shape your sound as you like.

The slimmed-down size of the ParaEQ MKII makes no compromises over the original unit, and its 107.9dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.03% distortion, and 27V design make it a truly remarkable stompbox equalizer. To top it off, a 30dB boost section gives you the option to push your sound to new heights, from subtle to overdriven. The Empress ParaEQ MKII is an incredible pedal, blurring the lines between studio-grade EQs and your pedalboard.

MXR KFK1 Kerry King Signature 10-Band Graphic EQ

MXR KFK1 Kerry King Signature 10-Band Graphic EQ
  • Designed in conjunction with the legendary Slayer guitarist
  • Create scooped-mid rhythm tones
  • Dual outputs
  • Power: Dunlop ECB004 18-volt AC Adapter
  • 10-Band Graphic EQ Pedal
  • 31.25 Hz, 61.5 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1k Hz, 2k Hz, 4k Hz, 8k Hz, 10k Hz, Volume and Gain sliders
  • Boost or cut up to 12dB
  • True Bypass and Boost footswitches
  • LED indicators
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 2 x 1/4″ output
  • 18V DC power adapter (not included)

The Kerry King 10-Band EQ pedal is a powerful piece of gear, ideal for metal and hard rock guitarists. It was developed in partnership with Slayer’s Kerry King and offered the same impressive specs and strong construction. This pedal boasts 10-band EQ with gain and volume adjustments and can provide up to 12 dB of cut or boost. 

Its dual outputs let you drive two amps simultaneously, giving you access to crushing sustain and feedback, as well as producing a thunderous low-end. The ECB004 18-volt AC Adapter gives it power, so you must use it wisely, as it can be dangerous.

Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips 7 Band EQ Mini Effects Pedal

Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips 7 Band EQ Mini Effects Pedal
  • Possibly the smallest EQ available.
  • Graphic EQ for stage or studio and noise free.
  • Level control for boost or cut.
  • Smooth Adjustable Sliders
  • 7-Band Mini EQ pedal
  • 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 1.6k Hz, 3.2k Hz, 6.4k Hz, and level frequency sliders
  • LED indicators on the sliders
  • Compact design
  • Up to 15 dB of cut or boost
  • Low-noise circuitry
  • True Bypass footswitch
  • 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 x 1/4″ output
  • 9V DC power adapter (not included) or 9V battery

If you are looking for a compact EQ pedal to save space on your pedalboard, Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips 7 Band EQ Mini Effects Pedal is a great choice. The 7-band EQ comes with 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 800 Hz, 1.6k Hz, 3.2k Hz, 6.4k Hz, and level frequency sliders along with a True Bypass footswitch.

The pedal is one of the tiniest stompboxes on the market and offers up to 15 db of cut or boost according to your needs. It also has LED indicators and is powered up with a 9V DC power adapter that is sold separately. In short, if you are looking for a small EQ pedal, Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips 7 Band EQ Mini Effects Pedal is hard to beat.

Conclusion

So, the best EQ pedals available today can be a great addition to any guitarist’s pedalboard. With so many different EQ pedals to choose from, a guitar player can easily find the one that best suits their needs and preferences. From flexible multi-band EQs to more specialized tone-shaping tools, the perfect EQ pedal is out there for every guitarist. 

With the right EQ pedal, a guitarist can take their tone shaping to the next level and get the sound they’ve always wanted. Ultimately, the best EQ pedals can give guitar players a huge amount of control over their sound and help them to find their own unique voice.

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Jacob

I have been playing guitar since 2004. As long as I can remember I always had a huge passion for rock music and I extremely enjoy playing it. Helping people on their rock journey is what drives me to keep on playing. Read More About Me

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