Don't Trust The Numbers

[Ron G]

This maybe for new bassist.

This is something I just discovered all this time I was thinking I had my EQ setting on my amp set flat and it never sounded the way I wanted. Heres the discovery, after looking closer at my manual my Low is 40dB @50Hz, Mid 30dB @500Hz, HI 40dB@10k Hz. I was thinking that flat was 5 for (Low/Mid/HI), but now my setting are Low 5(20 dB), Mid 6.7(20 dB), HI 5(20dB). Now I know how to better adjust my EQ, it's like having a new amp.

[Gab124]

First start with any piece of equipment using your ears. If that does not work, read the owners manual. If that does not work sell it. Ears first always, and never assume anything.

[Mr. Foxen]

Eventually, you can learn to understand the numbers. then internet forums will become very frustrating places indeed. Until then, ignore the numbers in favour of your ears, unless you are trying to relate the numbers to what your ears are telling you. Too many people get that the wrong way round.

[Pilgrim]

First thing to do is READ the owner's manual.

If you didn't get one with it (normal) then look it up online.

You'll have plenty of time to fool with it, but if you don't read the manual you're not going to fully understand how it works.

[JimmyM]

Very few amps are flat with all knobs at noon. And no cab on the market has dead flat response unless they use DSP to achieve it.

[seamonkey]

Try every knob one at a time and see what the do.
Yeah, use your ears, but see what the knobs and manual say so when you adjust them you can relate the knob back to the actual numbers, not what you think the numbers are.

[MaHei]

40 dB? Holy Batman eq-boost.

Originally Posted by Ron G

This maybe for new bassist.

This is something I just discovered all this time I was thinking I had my EQ setting on my amp set flat and it never sounded the way I wanted. Heres the discovery, after looking closer at my manual my Low is 40dB @50Hz, Mid 30dB @500Hz, HI 40dB@10k Hz. I was thinking that flat was 5 for (Low/Mid/HI), but now my setting are Low 5(20 dB), Mid 6.7(20 dB), HI 5(20dB). Now I know how to better adjust my EQ, it's like having a new amp.

[dincz]

Originally Posted by MaHei

40 dB? Holy Batman eq-boost.

My thought too. Don't remember ever seeing an EQ with 40dB of boost/cut available!

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by Ron G

This maybe for new bassist.

This is something I just discovered all this time I was thinking I had my EQ setting on my amp set flat and it never sounded the way I wanted. Heres the discovery, after looking closer at my manual my Low is 40dB @50Hz, Mid 30dB @500Hz, HI 40dB@10k Hz. I was thinking that flat was 5 for (Low/Mid/HI), but now my setting are Low 5(20 dB), Mid 6.7(20 dB), HI 5(20dB). Now I know how to better adjust my EQ, it's like having a new amp.

As posted, learn what the numbers mean. 40dB by itself, means nothing because dB is relative to something. +/-40dB, frequency response of 20-20KHz, +0dB/-40dB or stating output level of -40dBm all mean something.

The only real conclusion I would come to using the numbers you posted is that the mid is 10dB higher than the Bass and Hi, according to the manual's 40dB/30dB/40dB.

If it sounds good, don't worry about the numbers on the controls- those are really on there so the settings are repeatable, not to indicate any actual levels or changes.

[Jazz Ad]

Rule #1 of gear addiction : RTFM.