ClinchFX EP-PRE

Used ClinchFX EP-PRE in very good condition, we only have the pedal for this listing.

About the EP-PRE:

What is the EP-PRE

The EP-PRE is a JFET preamplifier that is based on the preamp section of the Echoplex® EP-3® tape echo unit. It will deliver a few db of boost, but I don’t consider it as a boost.

Words such as Enhance, Fatten and Enrich all cover the effect that the EP-PRE has on your tone, but I have yet to find a word that really captures the magic of this amazing little circuit. A friend who has one of the prototypes calls it a “Tone Polisher”.

My own feeling is that it creates a “focus” in my tone and helps me to play with more confidence.

EP-PRE Features

Volume Control

The Volume control is the equivalent of Echo Volume in the tape echo unit, wired in reverse, because there is no echo in the EP-PRE. Because I insisted on keeping the circuit interaction the same as in the original tape echo unit, the Volume control works for only about half of its travel. I considered replacing it with a lower value pot and a fixed resistor, but found that, as you wind it further round, while it doesn’t change the volume, it makes a subtle difference to the tone.

Stomp Switch

We have these switches custom made to our specification, which includes gold contacts for maximum reliability when switching very low current in pedals.

PCB

For best compatibility with either Lead-Tin or Lead-Free solder, the PCB has gold plated pads. The use of SMDs for most of the components keeps the PCB small, and there is a full ground plane on one side of the PCB, to minimise induced noise.

Power Supply

The EP-PRE pedal operates from a 9V to 12V DC, Centre Negative power supply that has become the standard for most pedals.

The original EP-3® preamp operates from a zener regulated supply of about 20 Volts DC. The characteristics of the power supply are significant to the operation to the circuit. It just doesn’t work properly on 9 Volts, so the EP-PRE has a Charge-Pump power supply that converts the 9 Volts to more than 17 Volts, and 12 Volts to just over 23V . A Charge-Pump came closer to recreating the dynamics of the power supply in the EP-3® than I could achieve with an external 18 Volt supply.