Do you EQ (pedal)?

[pejsaboy]

I'm sure there is probably at least ten threads about EQs, but the search ignores EQ, being only two letters...

So, I've been thinking about my next pedal (among other things) and don't really know how useful an EQ pedal can be. I generally don't do too much fiddling with the EQ on my amp. Minor cut on the lows, a little boost to the three mids, and flat on the treble, basically the upside-down smiley.

What do you use your EQ pedal for? Beginning of your effect chain to prep the signal for specific pedals, at the end to prep the effected signal for your amp, somewhere in the middle? I've always thought it might be a good idea to have one, but I don't really know what use I would get out of one. I only currently use an SD-1 and a DS-1 with really mild settings, and aside from upgrading from those someday, I'll probably only expand with a chorus at some point. I'm just not into fuzz or heavily modulated bass tones for my own purposes. I've been playing with my buddy's PH-3 a little this last week, but I don't foresee anything like that taking a permanent place on a pedal board.

Would an EQ pedal do me any good?

[KarateKid25]

Hint: When you click 'search' on the blue bar above, use the google feature. It searches TB for anything you type in no matter how many characters

[slurpy]

i wouldnt think so. although i dont use an EQ pedal (or see the point [or my music at least]). so long as you like the sound coming out of your amp your probably better off jumping on the chorus pedal

[pejsaboy]

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

Hint: When you click 'search' on the blue bar above, use the google feature. It searches TB for anything you type in no matter how many characters

Thanks a ton... I'm gonna try that right now!

[JimmyM]

there are only two things i've ever used an eq for...to balance the tones and volumes between different basses, and to control frequencies that i couldn't control with my amp's eq. if you're getting what you want out of your rig as is, it's completely pointless to add an eq.

[Muaguana]

I have a 10 band graphic EQ that I use to use to, like Jimmy said, control frequencies that I couldn't control with my amp. I haven't used it in a long time, though; having two basses that sound completely different as main players sort of limited the practicality of fiddling with the sliders.

[Ubersheist]

The only times I've ever used an EQ pedal are the following:

• Boost the low end and/or cut the high end for a dub reggae sound in the middle of a song or things like that
• Boost the signal overall for a bass solo part

I haven't used one in at least ten years because your tone knobs can do 90% of the work without any of the hassle (potential hassle or otherwise) you get from having another pedal on your board, having another cord on there, making sure it's working and not the source for when you have something go wrong, and having to make sure it's always powered. I never need to boost for a solo anymore because I can adapt better through my playing, and I also play with good enough musicians that know how to play with me, and when it's my turn in the spotlight, they know how to play under me instead of on top of me.

I just don't have any need for one at all, and can't see a need coming up.

I think the only real reason to have an EQ pedal is to change between tones mid-song. Otherwise, it's unnecessary.

Also, if you need to tailor your tone in some way different then what your amp can do, then you probably need need a different amp. (If you're broke and can afford a pedal, but not a new amp, well.... that's a different story.)

I'm a firm believer in keeping things as simple as possible by using as little as possible on stage and in the studio. More often then I care to admit, I plug everything in, and something in the chain isn't right and I have to figure out what's wrong. Having that pedal on there is just one more variable to investigate. No thanks!

To me, an EQ pedal is just one more thing that can go wrong and mess up your day without nearly enough benefit for me to ever want one.

[TheMutt]

I've used EQ pedals in the past (which I differentiate from preamps that are voiced to something specific such as the VT Bass) but lately I've found that I can get all the versatility that I need out of the EQ curves on my amp (Shuttle 6.0) and the preamp on my main bass (Glockenklang Preamp). Although I do find myself from time to time wanting to get another VT Bass because of how awesome the low gain settings sounded. Going to need to play around with the SFT that I recently acquired and see if it will do the trick, or if I should just get another VT.

[sonic assassin]

if theres only a 3 band on the amp, i need some kind of graphic. too much of a control freak.

or use it as an effect. i use a lo-fi setting with guitar. lots of fun there.

[James Judson]

You should dick around with the controls on your amp. Once you have done that go down to GC and demo an EQ for a couple hours. You'll know pretty quickly but you have to do your amp stuff first.

[Robertron]

I was considering an Empress ParaEQ pedal for a while but I'm pretty sure now that it and other EQ pedals won't help me get the tone I want, so I've stopped considering EQ's and plan on taking time out just to play with the EQ's on my amp.

[bassbrad]

I mainly use Eq to adjust volume and tone levels when i am juggling more than 1 bass on a gig.

[Nashrakh]

I have a 3 band passive EQ in my amp, including variable midrange shift.

And it's always set flat... really, the only knobs I ever use are master and gain.
I like the sound right out of the box.

[ninepoundjammer]

I've become pretty dependent on my MXR 6-band eq pedal. Not the quietest pedal imaginable, but coming in really handy. It's the last thing in my effects chain. Two situations it really helps with:

1) An amp with limited eq capability. I currently use a EA Doubler as my main amp and it only has a three band eq. I'm really happy with the amp, but I need a bit more tone shaping than the 3 band can offer. The low eq knob usually introduces too much mud while a little bump at 200Hz on my MXR and I'm in love.

2) When I'm provided an amp on a gig. Rather than trying to figure out exactly how each new amps tone controls operate, I do a minimal amount of fiddling on the amp to get in the ballpark and then twiddle with the eq pedal. I have enough experience with the pedal to know exactly how to get the tone I want with little fuss. Also, if I'm using somebody else's amp and they don't want me to mess with their eq, I can still get my tone without messing with their settings.

About this last point, before someone says I shouldn't be using someone else's amp anyways -- we play a fair number of shows with 3 or 4 bands these days and typically the bands will try to use one backline setup to keep things moving. I prefer using my rig if I have the option. This is actually another good reason to have my eq fine tuning on my pedal board. The tone on my amp is set totally flat. If I let another guy use my rig I don't have to worry about getting back my settings after he's used it.

[Johnny Crab]

Just added the MXR 10 band to my setup AFTER a Line6BassPODXTLive and before amp/speakers. This particular one has pre and post EQ level controls and is extremely flexible. Completely quiet.
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-DUN-M108-LIST

This was done b/c in smaller places I'm into a BOSE PAS LINE-IN but was used to going in the channel and at least having bass-mid-treble to match POD to rooms. May get a 2nd one to use as a "solo boost" only.

[darkstorm]

The problem with a lot of bass eq pedals is imo lousy choices for bass and treble freq's. If it doesnt have a 6khz or very close to that for upper treble I wont like it, same for if it doesnt have a 60hz or below control for low bass. I prefer 40hz or lower and 70hz area for two bass controls instead of the more common higher then 80hz single bass control found on many. Very few have a treble control among its treble sliders set at 6khz. A must have if you want piano tone treble shimmer imo. I use multi effects by Zoom, their upper end units. I use the eq all the time as one thats a constant along with overdrive, comp, and little bit of reverb for room tone since I go direct from processor to recorder, pa, etc.

A good several band bass eq is a requirement after overdrive in allmost all cases for best sound imo. Ive tried several diff mfg overdrives that sound great with bass so long as you have an eq pedal mwith good lower bass center freqs to restore and up the low end. Ive never tried a overdrive that sounded good to me without eq after it.

[cloclo]

i use it for cutting a bit of mids/high mids when playing with a pick versus playing with my fingers ...

[pejsaboy]

Ok, it's sounding more and more like I don't really need or want an EQ pedal. The 5-band on my amp is doing a pretty good job at this point

[scotch]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

there are only two things i've ever used an eq for...to balance the tones and volumes between different basses, and to control frequencies that i couldn't control with my amp's eq. if you're getting what you want out of your rig as is, it's completely pointless to add an eq.

Well, pointless unless you get into recording. Having a good eq can be invaluable (even if you run an amp mic as well as a di line).

[BigOldHarry]

to me, EQ pedals only introduce noise. If you like your bass, and like your amp, you have no need for a pedal. But that's just my take.