Empress ParaEq

[dharmashawn]

Well I am getting ready to make this huge purchase, but would like to hear some thoughts, as this is a decent chunk of money on something that doesn't "quack".

Background: I play in the house daily and with the band once/twice a week and play out when we get itchy. The playing out or lack thereof doesn’t really get to me, as this is MY Therapy and release.
Now, at the Band house the room just plain vibrates.
I have been told on several occasions that I am a little loud.
I have found there is a fine line between these things:
Too Loud, Not being able to hear myself, Vibration Nation.

The signal is a MB LMIII > Avatar Neo 1x12, thus not offering a ton of tonal options. This purchase will obviously help and it’s being funded through Pedal Sales so the Wifey won’t kill me.

Discuss and Guide please

[etoncrow]

you may find these two threads informative.

EQ bassics thread
A Great Article For Those Who Have A Hard Time Dialing In EQ

[mowburger]

I'm looking at the Empress myself, lots of knobs and switches! looks tasty. Would be useful as I run my pedalboard right into a poweramp.

[bassboysam]

I own one and it's great. Zero noise, smooth sounding and great quality.

[alec]

I have the old version without the separate boost switch. I was using it as a preamp into a poweramp while my main amp was in hospital and it was great for that. As Sam said, a really high quality bit of kit.
It doesn't sound as dramatic as my GEB-7, as in small adjustments from flat don't have as much effect as the Boss, but maybe that's by design. It's capable of some extensive tone shaping though. Particularly with a broad spectrum signal like the Oxide.

[newbold]

If you want great gear that's made in North America then go for it. Amazing product. Can't say that you necessarily need it if you're trying to dial in your tone to 'hear' yourself.

until you bite the bullet here's a suggestion. Next time when you dial in your tone start with the bass on your amp rolled all the way off and set your midrange up and turn the volume of your amp up. Don't be scared (but don't bust your cab)...then turn up your bass to fill in the bottom. You'll be able to hear yourself AND won't shake the hell out of the house.

Your MB LMIII itself offers a TONNE of tonal options. Those filters are awesome.

If you can't dial in a decent tone with your rig itself then I would suggest a new amp before an EQ pedal...or a second 1x12 cab.

[ga_edwards]

Originally Posted by newbold

Your MB LMIII itself offers a TONNE of tonal options. Those filters are awesome.

If you can't dial in a decent tone with your rig itself then I would suggest a new amp before an EQ pedal...or a second 1x12 cab.

True, but the LMII/LMIII has a rather large gap between the low and low-mid frequencies. (40hz and 380hz IIRC). This area between can sometimes prove difficult to tame. Sometimes you want to a punchy low frequency that actually sits between these frequencies, so you turn them both up but with the result of creating mud.

Another thread on these boards suggested turning the low and low-mid down to 9 o'clock and raising the overall volume. This in turns creates and hump between the frequencies and reigns in the mud. Then just adjust the top end to taste.

Also to the OP. If you can't hear yourself, is the cab on the floor? Try tilting it back to point at your head. I found it makes the world of difference with a single cab setup. It'll still carry the sound around the room, but you'll hear it more clearly.

[dharmashawn]

Thanks for the Links and Suggestions. I know a little about what needs to be done re: Frequencies and cutting, but it is a lot of trial and error. The Empress does seem like overkill, but not in a bad way once I figure it out. I will try cutting the lows drastically and see what happens. I have recently been playing with the cab on an old drum seat, may have to invest a quick $50 in an amp stand. Gonna also try the floor, but tilted technique this week.


BOOM I am already plus $200!!!

Thanks again