Empress Paraeq - 1 footswitch vs 2?

[SeanKangataran]

Hi there,

I'm pretty interested in the Empress Paraeq but have noticed that there seems to be two models in circulation. The older (?) one with a single "bypass" footswitch, and another with both "boost" and "bypass" footswitches.

I'm interested in the opinions of anyone that has used these. Is it really as simple as that they have separated the bypass and boost functions? I like the idea of one switch doing both but I like the idea of hitting a lead eq but then having a boost in reserve for the biggest parts.

Thoughts and experiences very much appreciated,

Sean

 

[nrandall85]

I'm interested in this too- I do know that there were a few updates to the board even before Empress switched to the two switch design. Certain one switch versions can be updated to two switch, but you need to send Empress a photo of the board to be sure.

I think the changes were mainly practical and cosmetic, like moving the switches to the face of the pedal, etc.

I just picked up an older version on eBay for a pretty good price, I can't wait for it to get here.

 

[SeanKangataran]

How much did you pay for an older model? Empress stuff doesn't appear on eBay much (used).

 

[nrandall85]

It was $125, which I thought was ridiculously good. But now I can no longer flip it for profit in the emporium if I don't like it, which was the plan lol.

 

[SeanKangataran]

That is ridiculously good. Just delete your comment and no one will be any the wiser!

 

[nrandall85]

That is ridiculously good. Just delete your comment and no one will be any the wiser!

Yeah, that one was supposed to be a two.... I mean three. Remember, they don't make 'em like this anymore!

Seriously though, I had the Fromel shape and really regret selling it (though it was the amp candy version, and in retrospect the pedal version would have worked better in my rig.) From what I've read, the Empress seems to do what that does, with a little more "laser focus."

I've been keeping my eyes peeled for one at a fair price for a while- I'm not really too concerned about the separate boost switch, since I have about five other pedals and a volume knob to take care of that. It looks like it will be perfect for assisting in fine tuning between guitar/room changes, and as a studio tool for layering parts (empress did a great vid demonstrating this on YouTube.) I'm just hoping to cut my tweaking time in half... crouched down at a gig for 15 minutes running from board to amp to front of house speakers over and over again loses its charm quickly.

 

[cacibi]

I have the 2-switch version. I made sure I purchased direct from Empress to get this newer version.

For me it's just a matter of boosting before or after your drives. With the boost built into the EQ - you can drive your dirt boxes harder on the front end, thereby increasing the dirt/overdrive as well as the level. Obviously - if you just want the sound of your overdrives, only louder, without any added gain - then boosting later in the signal chain is preferred and you would probably be fine with the non-boost version.

 

[zul]

I did not know that Empress was able to convert the older model to the newer format.

I have an older model that I use for subtle tone shaping for my rig and to cook my tubes. Individual freq knobs are never pushed more than a couple dbs each, and then a couple of db's on the master level too. Very different response from bumping the freqs up and then keeping the master at unity gain.

At the same time I was a little envious when I saw the newer version. Besides the added footswitch I also appreciate that those tiny switches were moved to the face; protection plus visual confimation that they have not been inadvertently bumped.

Will try to contact Empress to find out if my model is eligible for rehouse. Even if I don't utilize the footswitch I like the idea of moving those q switches. Excellent pedal, or rather, most excellent pedal, regardless.

 

[rhoydotp]

there are certain older models that can be modded to have a separate switch. afaik, the circuits are the same.

* edit - i own the original and I asked Empress if possible to have the separate footswitch. they asked me to send them a gut shot ... just don't have the time nor money to do it right now

 

[SeanKangataran]

Can they move the Q switches to the top of the pedal? How much does the re-housing cost?

 

[jazzguitar]

How much did you pay for an older model? Empress stuff doesn't appear on eBay much (used).

I just picked one up for $99 at GC. I thought it was a typo!

 

[AXXA]

I just picked one up for $99 at GC. I thought it was a typo!

I'm soooo jealous! Thats an amazing deal! I really want the new version, but that for that price, I couldn't refuse it. Was that in store or online?

 

[nrandall85]

I just picked one up for $99 at GC. I thought it was a typo!

Way to top my good deal! Uh, wait, I mean I paid $98 for mine.

 

[jazzguitar]

Haha, didn't mean to one up you there! $98 huh? You definitely got the better deal!

It was in store. I had actually seen it earlier in the month but it was on 30 day hold and wasn't available to take home. Fast forward a few weeks and it was still there so I pulled the trigger, and I'm glad I did because it sounds great!

 

[Heady Jam Fan]

I use my parametric EQ (fromel shape) as a lead boost - doesn't have a tone of boost on tap, but enough to add a little volume and midrange. I have a separate boost that I sometimes use in conjunction and sometimes separately - can the boost be used without the eq on the empress? If not, I would prefer the older one for the price and using a $40 Micro Amp along with it. Especially because I can adjust the amount of boost on the Micro Amp with my foot.

 

[Clifford-D]

Hi there,

I'm pretty interested in the Empress Paraeq but have noticed that there seems to be two models in circulation. The older (?) one with a single "bypass" footswitch, and another with both "boost" and "bypass" footswitches.

I'm interested in the opinions of anyone that has used these. Is it really as simple as that they have separated the bypass and boost functions? I like the idea of one switch doing both but I like the idea of hitting a lead eq but then having a boost in reserve for the biggest parts.

Thoughts and experiences very much appreciated,

Sean

Imo, the eq works best in the fx loop.
However a lot of people use it to slam the preamp into od. I don't need that since I
have the Fender SuperSonic 60 amp that has "cascading" gain structure, like a
Boogie Mk1 except 100% Fender tone.
In the loop my Empress ParaEq w/Boost really sparkles, nicer than in the front.
and I still have the potential boost from my pro send/return levels in the loop.

To my ears using the Empress to slam the POWER AMP sounds better than slamming the PRE AMP.
And I don't really slam, I find unity or a tinge towards 1 on the loop for a very mild boost and
use the Empress for the 2nd boost and tone shaping, wonderful tone shaping, just a little like a spice.
That gives me 3 levels of amp volume without hitting an od box.
My Zendrive2 just may be out of a job.

 

[Clifford-D]

And if you work the pedal correctly you don't need the boost only switch.
I wouldn't be using it, fortunately I have the older one so no problem.

The switch could be real handy in other applications though