Xotic FX AC Booster

Manufacturer: Xotic FX www.xotic.us

Model: AC Booster

Version: 2007 (Led at the top of pedal)

MRSP: $210

Street Price: $186

Similar Products: Ibanez TS-808, TS-9; Cusack Screamer, and alike.

Ease of Use: 8

User Manual: N/A

Company Specs:

Dimensions : 4.39" x 2.38" x 1.98" (112mm X 60mm X 50mm)

Weight: 0.6 lbs. (280g)

True Bypass Switching
Power Consumption: 9VDC/6mA

Battery Type: 9VDC (006P) x 1

AC Adapter (Optional): 9VDC, Negative Tips (Regulated is Best)

Input Impedance: 500k ohm (min)

Output Impedance: 10k ohm

Control knobs: Volume, Gain, Bass, Treble

Routing (Chain Placement):Overdrive Distortion.

Bypass: True Hardwire

Famous users: Scott Henderson, Allen Hinds, Michael Thompson, among many.

Grades

Tone: 9 Dynamics: 9

Adaptability: 8 Bypass Tone: 9

Build: 9 Aesthetics: 9

User Friendliness: 9 Headroom: 9

Cache: 9 Noise Floor: 9

Total: 89/100

Sound Quality: This is one of the best overdrive boxes on the market if you have not checked it out yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. The sound of this OD is slightly compressed, with a mild midrange scoop and cuts through the mix with ease. Controls are very sensitive and will take your tone from light brake-up to saturated distortion. The response is very tube like. The sound is aggressive enough for hard rock but not enough for metal. Good for all things in between. This pedal is way more open than the TS-808, it is not as nasally, and has a greater gain range. If you get a good quality amp and good cables you will be surprised at all the shades available not only from the pedal but from your volume control as well. One of my go to pedals for solos. This is a must have for any serious guitar player.

Customer Service: N/A

Re-sale value: 80% or better.

Soundbytes: The solo on “Mi Escudo” consists of the AC Booster through a clean channel amp. (Egnater M4 TD; TC Electronic G-major Delay, Reverb, Tube Works Mosvalve MV-962; Bogner Cubes; Royer 121; API 512c; Apogee Rosetta 200; Protools.)

Is It for You? If you are a traditionalist, and think the vintage TS-808 is the only way to fly this pedal might not be exactly what you’re looking for. However, if you like more modern type tones, and you are not crazy about the very pronounced mid scoop of the TS-808 and are a little weary about Ibanez quality control, the AC Booster might be exactly what you need. Check out Xotic’s website and look for the demo videos for this particular pedal. Find a store near you and try it out! This pedal is well worth the money.