XOTIC RC BOOSTER
The second entry from Xotic is the RC,
or “Real Clean” Booster. True to its
name, the RC is one of the cleanest
boosts on the list, and also the most
feature-laden. Unlike most boosts, it
features separate Gain and Volume
controls, much like a master volume
arrangement on an amplifier. If that’s not
enough, there’s also a two-band
equalizer onboard for dialing in the right
amount of tone coloration. It’s not the
cleanest boost I’ve ever played but it
sure is close, and the EQ is certainly a
welcome addition.
KEELEY KATANA
Keeley has been making the Katana for
over a decade, and the formula remains
unchanged. He uses a charge pump
within the circuit to bump the operating
voltage up to 18 volts (from the standard
nine) for unparalleled headroom. The
boost is extremely clean, and second
only to one on this list. The Katana uses
two JFET transistors and trimpots for
each, ensuring precision matching for
the best sounding boost available.
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TONE TALK //
There’s some extra boost available by
pulling the side-mounted knob outward.
The Katana is an absolute classic and
worth every penny if you seek an ultratransparent boost with a small footprint.
There is now a mini version available,
though it doesn’t have the pull-out
boost feature.
STRYMON OB1
The OB1 is actually a compressor with a
built-in boost, but it bears mentioning
because it’s the bar-none cleanest boost
on the market. Have you ever wanted a
boost that sounds like turning up an
invisible volume knob? Strymon delivers.
This pedal is best suited to players that
don’t use a whole lot of pedals, as
players typically run compressors close
to the beginning of the chain, and the
ultra-cleanness of the boost is lost on
other pedals that follow it. Still, if you are
a no-nonsense chicken-pickin’ type, this
might very well be your Holy Grail.
JACK ORMAN MOSFET BOOSTER
This popular DIY project is the basis for
many, many boost pedals on the market
today, and tweaking the values leads to
The Ultimate Clean Boost Buyer’s Guide