Headway EDB 2 VAP
Audio December 8, 2025
If you’re a performer or studio musician with acoustic or semi‑acoustic instruments, the Headway EDB‑2 VAP is designed to solve the kinds of problems you face when plugging into a PA, mixer or amplifier. It offers twin channels, each with its own gain control, two sets of 5‑band interactive EQ, silent mute switches and a huge range of gain plus low‑noise Class A inputs. Its flexibility allows you to power a True Condenser, Ribbon Mic’s, Electret Condenser Mic’s,Dynamic Mic’s, Active and Passive Piezo and Magnetic pickups.
It features a built‑in valve (tube) stage combined with what Headway call their H.E.A.T. (“Harmonic Enhanced Analogue Technology”) system. This lets you blend in rich harmonics for warmth and high harmonics for sparkle, helping tame piezo “quack” while preserving clarity in string instruments.
Add to that a tuneable notch filter on each channel (great for defeating feedback or nasty resonances), a rotary “range” high‑pass filter, phase reverse switches, earth‑lift, stereo/blend outputs, send/return FX loops, and phantom power options across jack and XLR inputs (48 V, 10 V, 5 V depending on input type).
In practical use the sound is noticeably better than many simpler pre‑amps. Bowed strings, guitars, basses and folk instruments sound fuller, more natural and easier to place in a mix. The ability to blend two sources, control tone per channel and direct to DI or amp makes this pre‑amp very versatile.
The build is rock solid, portable thanks to its aluminium enclosure, and mindful of live use thanks to mute switches and a neat layout, the fact the base screws into a microphone stand if required is another major plus point.
That said there are a few caveats. The sheer number of controls and features means there is a learning curve, if you just want “plug in and go” you’ll need a little time to get familiar with all the functions. Although the tube stage adds character, in battery mode the tube is disabled, so the full benefit is only available when mains powered.
Overall, the Headway EDB‑2 VAP offers pro‑level flexibility, tone shaping and signal control for acoustic and semi‑acoustic instruments in live or studio settings. If you demand excellent sound and routing options, it is a highly capable unit. RRP £599.95
- Dual-channel design with full independent controls
- Built-in valve (tube) stage plus the H.E.A.T. harmonic enhancer
- Extensive routing and control options
- High-gain, low-noise Class-A inputs
- Professional build quality
- The feature-set is very broad, which means there is a steeper learning curve
- In battery mode the valve stage may be disabled (for some setups)
