Dynamic EQ

do you mean something like this: How and When to Use Dynamic EQ | Waves

Multiband Compressors vs. Dynamic EQs: Differences and Uses

My initial thought is that using a compressor with a side-chain eq feature would do the trick, at least for one frequency range of dynamic EQ...or use Multiband compression, which is a kissing cousin of DEQ.

What exactly is it that you're trying to solve with DEQ that isn't handled by existing gear?
I think of Dynamic EQ in terms of doing surgical compression to very specific/narrow range of EQ frequencies, while a multiband compressor is applied more broadly to low, mid, and hi frequency spectrum bands.

 

An envelope filter is dynamic eq, with the input gain as the variable.

 

The old exh steel leather did this, but the eq band was fixed. It would up the mids around 800hz or so (I think 800hz is right, but my memory is hardly flawless) when it got over the threshold to get the bass to cut through the mix. Ehx called it a 'bass expander.'

Edit: I thought the steel leather was discontinued, but I appear to be mistaken

 

I'm honestly curious about how dynamic EQ would perform as an effect rather than a studio tool, kind of like an envelope filter, but instead of low or high pass, it would be low or high shelving. Or a mid band, but rather than having a narrow Q to surgically remove or boost frequencies, it would have a wider Q to have a broader effect.

 

Hello. You easily could do this and much more in the modular domain (that is, modular synthesis).

In the eurorack standard there are a number of modules designed to convert external audio and/or control voltage to modular levels and back.

Not a pedal, but a small eurorack case would be like a large pedal with its own power supply.

Also, don't forget notch filters (aka band reject, etc.) and fixed filter banks that feature bands under CV (control voltage). An elegant, powerful example of the latter is the FUMANA by Frap Tools. In its extremes, that gets into vocodor territory.

 

I don’t know how well it’d do in a mix, but I could see doing a Boss LS-2 with an LPF into a somewhat squished comp and just a touch of clean blend for messing about at home or 1-on-1 with a drummer.

 

This sounds like you're describing a low-pass envelope filter, with no resonance, set in a particular way with respect to frequency (800hz or so, and rising as you hit harder) and threshold (depends on how hard you hit the strings).

There are other ways this can be done on more sophisticated multi-fx that have control modifiers, like the HX Stomp and Fractal Audio stuff. I doubt you'd want to go there.

 

Much higher. My guess is somewhere in the 1.5K-3K region. Upper mids, where the clank lives. 800hz is like the quackier/nasal frequency. (Think of Jaco's bridge growl)

 

Foot switchable 2 channel amp or foot switchable defeatable eq on amp?

 

Aphex has their several varieties of Aural Exciter, Bass Xciter, etc., many of which come in pedal formats.

I use the aforementioned EHX Steel Leather and enjoy it thoroughly.

 

This is a very interesting idea! A pedal that you set two eq curves that you morph between based on your dynamics. Because it would have the touch sensitive aspect and not just be two channels, I would imagine it would add sort of a vocal quality to your tone.

 

Always wanted to try that pedal.

 

I've never owned it, but soloed in a shop it sounds like garbage. I expect it works pretty well to find an edge in a full mix, though.

 

The new Source Audio EQ2 can do just about anything.

 

Darn.