If you are a professional musician familiar with the industry-standard Headway EDB-2 H.E., you already know it as a formidable tool for acoustic shaping. But what happens when you take that proven Class-A architecture, expand the chassis, and inject the warm, glowing heart of analog technology into the signal path?
You get the Headway EDB-2 VAP (Valve Alchemy Professional).
Headway Music Audio (UK) has released the VAP as the “sophisticated big brother” to the H.E. series. While the H.E. is a master of solid-state precision, the new VAP introduces the one element that digital processors strive to emulate but rarely capture: a genuine 12AX7 Valve (Tube).
Solving the “Piezo Quack” Problem
For the acoustic musician—whether you play double bass, cello, violin, or acoustic guitar—the enemy is often sterile amplification. Piezo pickups are notorious for their “quack”—a harsh, brittle transient response that sounds artificial.
The EDB-2 VAP solves this through “Valve Alchemy.” By blending the internal tube circuit into your signal path, you introduce natural compression and rich harmonic saturation. This rounds off those sharp electronic edges, giving your instrument a three-dimensional, studio-quality analog voice on a live stage.
The Ultimate Dual Channel Acoustic Blender
This unit is more than just a preamp; it is a total acoustic command center. The VAP is designed for the complex reality of modern gigging.
Running a Mic and Pickup? The VAP handles both with ease, offering refined blending capabilities and 48V phantom power.
Using Stereo Pickups? The dedicated inputs allow for stereo splitting and independent processing.
With two independent channels, a new 5-band interactive EQ for each channel, and the ability to act as a DI box, blender, and harmonic enhancer, the VAP bridges the gap between the raw acoustic sound you love and the amplified volume you need.
Technical Deep Dive: Specs & Features
For sound engineers and audiophiles, the EDB-2 VAP represents the new gold standard in acoustic preamplification.
Tube Technology & Harmonic Enhancement
12AX7 Valve Stage: Features a blendable valve circuit to add warmth and eliminate sterility.
Dual Harmonic Enhancers: Utilizes Headway’s H.E.A.T (Harmonic Enhanced Analogue Technology) to blend Valve-based “Rich Harmonics” with Analog “High Harmonics.”
Class “A” Inputs: Ultra-low noise gain structure designed to separate string definition audibly.
Professional Connectivity (I/O)
Dual Channel Mixing: seamlessly blend Mic/Pickup, Pickup/Pickup, or Stereo Pickups.
Variable Impedance: Switchable impedance on both channels (up to >20 MOhm) ensures a perfect match for any active or passive pickup system.
Universal Phantom Power: Supports 48v, 11v, and 5v, making it compatible with high-end condenser mics (like the DPA 4099) and specialty instrument mics.
Pro Audio Outputs: Dual Balanced XLR D.I. Outs with Earth Lift and Pre/Post EQ switching.
FX Loops: Includes a Send/Return loop (Ch 1) and a TRS Insert Point (Ch 2) for integrating reverb or modulation pedals.
Surgical Tone Sculpting
Independent 5-Band EQ: A massive upgrade from previous models, now offering specific bands (Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, Presence, Treble) for each channel.
Advanced Anti-Feedback: Features a tunable Notch Filter with adjustable “Q” to surgically remove feedback loops and wolf tones without killing your tone.
High-Pass Filter (Range): A continuous rotary control allows you to dial in the precise sub-sonic cut to remove stage rumble from basses or guitars.
Build & Power
Chassis: Road-ready aluminium alloy housing, designed in the UK.
Power: Includes Low Noise PSU (required for Valve operation). Supports 2x 9V Lithium battery backup for solid-state functions.
Mounting: Integrated threaded bush for direct attachment to microphone stands.
Bonus: Built-in USB Charger for powering tablets or phones during performance.