Two-band parametric EQ for pedals with low end loss?

[OrionManMatt]

Many people have resorted to blenders, either external or internal to the pedal in questions, in order to capture the low end they desire. And while I am not opposed to that, it is merely one method.

That said, it seems likely that in recording environments the method would include just, you know, turning the bass up.

So, what about a "small" two-band parametric EQ focused on bringing back specific range of low(er) frequencies? (Would also be useful for those jazz bassists who solo their neck pup.)

[bongomania]

The thing is, EQ cannot "turn up" frequencies that have been cut off completely. Now, if you have a pedal where the low end is just turned down a little bit, then certainly you can use an EQ to bring those levels back up. But even then, the more you boost, the more you get noise and phase issues. So even though theoretically you could fix a 12 dB drop at 40 Hz with a 12 dB boost at 40 Hz, the results often don't sound very good.

If you want a para EQ pedal though, the Empress is the top dog currently. The Carl Martin is second in command. If you don't really need fully parametric, but just want some useful EQ shaping including a boost to the lows, then look into the Fromel Shape, Barber Linden, and pretty much every "preamp" pedal ever made.

[OrionManMatt]

So, the more likely scenario is the one currently used: blenders.

Cuisinart!

[bongomania]

Each approach is valid though, it really depends on the specific pedal you're trying to "fix". Some of them will have phase problems with a blender (unless your blender has a phase control), and some dirts just don't sound good blended.

Best scenario is just to use only pedals that don't need fixing with either EQ or a blender, but for the cases where that's not an option, you try both and see if either one helps in that specific case.

[Zooberwerx]

Why two bands? My Demeter HBP-1 has two bands and, quite honestly, I rarely if ever use the upper band. For that fact, two of my other pre's (SansAmp RPM and Ashly) have nicely-voiced single band semipara EQ's which are more than adequate for the task(s) at hand. The RPM comes in a pedal package which might be an attractive option:

http://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sa...adriverdi.html

Riis

[OrionManMatt]

I guess I just had in mind a fairly specific, fairly small pedal in mind for those scenarios where it would be beneficial. Most likely, the tone stack on the pedal would take care of the rest of it, leaving just those lower frequencies in need of assistance.

So it's niche but possible.

I just had in mind those random "hey, this d00d used this guitard pedal in teh studio an gets dis omgfawesum sound so how do i do it?" scenarios.

[bongomania]

Studio recordings are very often done on two tracks, one clean and one dirty, and those two are mixed to sound like one solid tone. IOW, they use a blender. Plus EQ, often enough.