Electro-Harmonix LPB-3 Linear Power Booster & EQ Effect Pedal Silver and Blue
A legendary boost pedal gets a modern makeover. 33dB of clean gain with parametric mids control and a blend knob for transparent boosting or extreme saturation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +33dB maximum gain provides serious output for driving amp saturation or pushing overdrives harder
- +Parametric mids control with switchable Q mode gives genuine tone-shaping precision
- +Blend knob preserves attack and dynamics while adding sustain—essential for expressing yourself with a booster
Cons
- −Can sound harsh at extreme EQ ranges—boost too much midrange presence and you'll pay for it
- −More complex than the original single-knob design, which might intimidate minimalists
The Verdict
The Electro-Harmonix LPB-3 proves that sometimes the simplest tool becomes legendary by being exactly what players need. This isn’t your grandpa’s one-knob boost—it’s evolved into a genuine tone-shaping device that respects the original’s ethos while adding modern versatility.
Guitar World gave it 4.5 stars, and the consensus is clear: this is the boost pedal for players who want transparency. The parametric mids control with LOW/HIGH Q switching lets you shape your boosted tone without resorting to separate EQ pedals. Set MAX to 33dB for aggressive saturation or 20dB for greater dynamics—the choice depends on your rig and goals.
The blend knob is crucial. You don’t lose your attack and dynamics when you engage boost; instead, you add sustain that lets you express yourself more fully. That’s the difference between a boost that sounds transparent and one that sounds processed. The LPB-3 lands squarely in the former category.
The learning curve is real—those parametric mids can turn harsh if you’re not careful. But once you understand how to dial in your midrange presence, you’ll appreciate the precision. At $129, this is an absolute steal for a boost with legitimate EQ capabilities. It’s Legendary-tier because it delivers transparent boosting at a price that makes sense.
