Review and Tutorial of Electro-Harmonix Linear Power Booster (LPB-1)

Electro-Harmonix is the name behind numerous classic effects pedals (such as the Big Muff and Small Stone pedals) that have been used on numerous rock albums over the past 4 decades. EH is also the name behind the Linear Power Booster (or LPB-1) which is able to boost a guitar signal for lead work, or to restore lost signal due to a long effects chain. There are numerous ways this pedal can be employed just by adjusting its settings or changing its location in the effects pedal chain. Here is a full review and some tips and tricks for using the Electro-Harmonix Linear Power Booster.

Review

I came by the LPB-1 in my search for a pedal that will give me a clean signal boost and extra volume for solos but that would not change my beloved tone. I play a Gibson Les Paul Standard through a 50W Marshall JCM 900. The JCM 900 comes with two channels, one of which is a lead channel. Switching to the JCM's lead channel via the Marshall footswitch can give me the added volume I need for lead work but greatly alters the tone that comes through.

I began seeking out pedals that could give me what I needed for soloing. I checked into the MXR Micro Amp and the Behringer Volume Booster in addition to the LPB-1. The Behringer Volume Booster was made almost completely of plastic--not very durable. The MXR Micro Amp was a well-made item, completely constructed of die-cast metal. However it added too much overdrive and colored the tone and cost twice as much as the LPB-1.

When I place the LPB-1 last in my effects pedal chain and set the Boost knob between the 9:00 and 11:00 positions, I get a definite volume boost that cuts through the mix, even when playing with an ambitious drummer and a loud rhythm guitarist. A slight amount of overdrive is added (which is expected for the way this type of technology works) but it is perfect acceptable. The "heart" of my tone is still there. But what was most pleasing is how much body the boosted tone maintains. One of the issues with using my amps lead channel is that the tone became sharp, way overdriven and THIN. But the LPB-1 maintains the round body of the tone that I have love. It sounds much meatier. Very satisfying.

At $40, the LPB-1 was just the right price and only added overdrive when cranked really high. As with any pedal of this time, a tube amp will distort more when the signal coming in is stronger, so it is impossible to have a 100% clean boost. However the LPB-1 is able to pull off the required volume boost while keeping tone coloration at a minimum.

How It Works

The LPB-1 is a typical stompbox design...only simpler. There is one button to activate and deactivate the effect and one knob to adjust the amount of Boost. To provide power to the pedal insert a 9-volt battery by removing the bottom cover (screws) and attaching the battery to the battery connector. Or you can use a 9-volt AC adapter plugged into the jack in the top of the pedal.

If you want to use the LPB-1 as an overdrive pedal, place it at the beginning of the chain of effects closest to your guitar (in the signal path). If you want just a clean boost (like me) then place it at the end. Plug the incoming signal into the right side of the pedal and plug the cable carrying the outgoing signal (that goes to the amp) to the Amp side of the pedal. Click the footswitch to engage the effect.

A good place to start in finding the level of Boost that works for you is to begin with the Boost knob set at the 12:00 position (straight up). From here you can listen to the difference it makes in your sound by clicking it on and off while playing. Do this a few times and listen to the difference and then adjust up or down for more or less boost to the signal. Keep in mind that the more Boost you give to the signal the more the amp will be overdriven and will therefore add more distortion as you move into the 3:00 to 4:00 positions on the knob. But if this is what you want, then go for it!

Do not be afraid to experiment with placing the LPB-1 at different points in your effects chain (or even through your amp's effects loop, if available). There is no wrong way to use this pedal. Just do what you have to do to get the tone you need!

I could not be happier with my choice to pick up the LPB-1. It is perfect for giving me the meaty, full-bodied volume boost I needed for soloing. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you. Good luck!