Empress Effects ParaEq MKII Deluxe

The ParaEq MKII Deluxe is a fully analog three-band parametric equalizer with an extended filter set, designed by Empress Effects as a return to one of the most sought-after pedalboard EQs of the previous decade – in a smaller enclosure with improved specifications. The signal path operates at an internal voltage of 27 V (boosted internally from 9 V DC external supply), delivering +30 dBu of headroom – a level uncommon among stompbox equalizers. SNR: 107.9 dB. THD: 0.03%. Three parametric bands with fully continuous Q control (unlike the standard MKII version where Q is selected in stepped positions) are joined by Baxandall shelving filters and 12 dB/oct HPF/LPF filters. A 30 dB boost with an independent footswitch completes the feature set.

Seven correction sections in one pedal

The Deluxe version adds four filter sections to the standard ParaEq MKII that are unavailable in the base version: a highpass filter covering 10 Hz – 330 Hz (12 dB/oct), a lowpass filter covering 1.5 kHz – 22 kHz (12 dB/oct), a low shelving filter (up to ±15 dB below 200 Hz), and a high shelving filter (up to ±15 dB above 1 kHz) – both shelves implemented in Baxandall topology. The three central parametric bands (Low, Mid, High) each cover ±15 dB with fully continuous Q, enabling precise resonance notching or broad tonal shaping depending on the Q setting. In practice this means a HPF cleaning sub-bass rumble, a high shelf adding air, and a narrow mid notch can all be set simultaneously in one pedal without additional EQ in the chain.

30 dB boost and applications across stage and studio

The boost section (+30 dB) is activated by its own footswitch – independently of the EQ section or together with it. Running together with the EQ allows the boost to serve as makeup gain after subtractive correction, restoring level after cuts without changing the tonal character. Running independently turns the pedal into a clean boost for driving the front end of a tube amplifier. Bypass is selectable between true bypass and buffered bypass via internal configuration. Input impedance 1 MΩ, output impedance 100 Ω. Frequency response (–3 dB): 22 Hz – 25 kHz. Enclosure dimensions: 114×89×38 mm (without controls), 114×89×64 mm (including controls). Power: 9 V DC, 300 mA.

KEY FEATURES

• 3-band fully analog parametric equalizer with 4 additional filters, stompbox format
• 27 V internal operating voltage – +30 dBu headroom, SNR 107.9 dB, THD 0.03%
• Three parametric bands (Low/Mid/High): ±15 dB, fully continuous Q
• HPF: 10 Hz – 330 Hz, 12 dB/oct (Deluxe only)
• LPF: 1.5 kHz – 22 kHz, 12 dB/oct (Deluxe only)
• Low shelf Baxandall: ±15 dB, below 200 Hz (Deluxe only)
• High shelf Baxandall: ±15 dB, above 1 kHz (Deluxe only)
• Boost: +30 dB, independent footswitch
• True bypass or buffered bypass – selectable
• Compatible with guitar, bass, synthesizer, vocals, any line-level source

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: fully analog 3-band parametric equalizer + filters, stompbox
• Parametric bands: 3 (Low, Mid, High), ±15 dB, continuous Q
• HPF: 10 Hz – 330 Hz, 12 dB/oct
• LPF: 1.5 kHz – 22 kHz, 12 dB/oct
• Low shelf (Baxandall): ±15 dB, f < 200 Hz
• High shelf (Baxandall): ±15 dB, f > 1 kHz
• Boost: +30 dB (independent footswitch)
• Internal operating voltage: 27 V
• Headroom: +30 dBu
• SNR: 107.9 dB
• THD: < 0.05% (typically 0.03%)
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Frequency response (–3 dB): 22 Hz – 25 kHz
• Bypass: true or buffered (selectable)
• Power: 9 V DC, centre-negative, 2.1 mm, 300 mA
• Dimensions: 114 × 89 × 38 mm (enclosure) / 114 × 89 × 64 mm (including controls)
• Weight: approx. 450 g